Song 93: The Only Living Boy in New York

It's quite a stealth song, this. I first heard it 25 years or so ago, when I bought Bridge Over Troubled Water on tape. I think it was, apart from the title track, which I'd known for a few years, my favourite on the album, but not in a major, significant way.

But it's gradually crept up to being one of my all-time favourite songs. I was reminded of that in a documentary I watched recently about the making of BOTW called 'The Harmony Game' (made in 2011) where Garfunkel refused to be drawn on the lyrics and described their friendship in sacred terms.

For it is certainly about their friendship, this song. About the alliance severing. People describe it as a kiss-off, but it's also, whatever its intentions, one of the most affectionate songs I've ever heard. If you were going to be told that your band was splitting up, there'd be no better way than this.

It also feels like it's about more. About New York/Hollywood, about the 60s/70s, about youth/growing up.

It starts humbly, then every section is a highlight, a little essay in the making -

Tom, get your plane ride on time - Fly-y-y. - Da-n-da-da-n-da-n-da-da - The only living boy in New York - the layered, echoed harmonies - Half of the time we're gone but we don't know where - I know you've been eager to fly now, Hey let your honesty shine, shine, shine, Da-n-da-da-n-da-da-n-da-da Like it shines on me The only living boy in New York ...

... do you know what you mean, it's got so many little bits which are something a bit special in their own right.

It' s a funny old story, anyway, the Tom and Jerry story. These two kids who could never be cool. Doesn't seem like Garfunkel ever gave a shit, he just maybe thought that since he was the one with the spectacular voice he might sing lead on more than the odd track. And, well, when he did, it's one of the biggest songs of all time.

Simon seems like he wanted to be cool but was at his worst when trying to be. But, you know, pretty great other than that, after all, pretty great songs.

People are always saying "oh, they hate each other" but, from what I read, I really do not think that's it. Who knows. Friends for almost 70 years, one way or the other. That's no joke. And this song is the lasting testament to that friendship.