I was a couple years younger than Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon when this song came out. When I heard the line how strange it is to be 70 it struck me as to what a heavy line This is for guys in their 20s. I've listened to the song so many times over the years one of my favorite but now that I'm in my 70s the line does have a personal note about it. I have lost my son and my wife 15 months apart both to cancer . So many of my friends have passed on also. The last of my in-laws, my brother-in-law passed away yesterday. Mother-in-law, father-in-law, and five brother and sister-in-laws have passed away also. The last of my wife's family which was always my family too. How strange it is to be seventy . All my tomorrow's are gone.
Your words are soo true. Youth is about the future while age is about the past. I just found a list of older celebrities online who are 85-100 and there are still some years left in all of us.
I'm a fair bit younger than yourself, but it hurts like hell to lose loved ones, doesn't it - that's why I'm here, again, revisiting this song... just found out this past weekend I lost two more friends, one real important to me, like a little brother really... after I lost so many people already, including the girl I was to marry, who passed away aged just 35, but I comfort myself with the belief that I'll see them all again one day. I'm sure your son and your wife and the rest will be patiently waiting for you. Till then we can listen to great music like this and remember the good times. Take care my friend.
I’ll be 67 in a couple of months. I used to think about my two oldest friends whenever I’d listen to this song, and could picture myself with one or the other of the two of them on that park bench, in our overcoats reminiscing about the fifty years past. They’re both gone now, and the line that still makes me weep for them remains, “Preserve your memories, they’re all that’s left you.” How could I have seen how those words would have come to fruition when we were listening to this at the tender age of 15? Kevin and Marc, I miss you both more than you could ever know, my Brothers. Rest Easy.
I was a teen when this song came out, and it was heartbreaking then. I never thought I would be one of the "old friends", sharing a park bench, lost in my overcoat. But, here I am, just as they sang. No regrets, just nostalgic. Time is a master none of us can disobey!
I mostly listen to Gospel or Christian being a Christian but I wander off into some of their songs and other songs. I believe in "Music With A Message" and I just love this song, I like the peaceful style and I'm 20 born in the 90's :D Merry Christmas!
+clydesight : many years ago an elderly friend would tell me after a certain age, the most important things become the mail, newspaper and what's for dinner. Who knew?
My father would have been 70 today. He died at 56 due to medical negligence during fairly routine surgery. He loved Simon and Garfunkel. My heart is aching today that he can not sit on a park bench with one of his own old friends. When I die no one will carry his memory on and he will finally be truly dead.
What a wonderful songsmith that Paul Simon is and their two voices are just in perfect harmony together. This song will be in the American song book for years to come ! Greatly appreciate this 🙏 post.
Did a report in English class at Villanova in 1969 on this song. Very sentimental look at my grandparents. I knew it would be me sometime in the future. And in a blink of a eye, here I am.
joanneWashingtonCros 'Nova?! I had friends who went there, St. Joe's, Drexel, and I went to Immaculata! Granted, we all graduated in the early 2000's, but hey, small world, ain't it?
Im a 12 years old guy, but this is one of the best song I ever heard. I would like to promise that I would be glad if I would be one of this kind of old friend for someone. That is the kind of me I would like to be. See you tommorow.
I'm amazed at the understanding of "old friends" that S&G had when they w rote this. They were young guys...at that age , I took so much for granted. what a gift they have, and are.
Paul and Art , the chord progressions in this song are from Heaven , and the lyrics are some of the finest and most sensitive and aware evocations of the human condition I've ever heard. May God bless and watch over you both for your musical gifts to us all. Blessed love , my old friends.
Listen to this song, think about " a time of innocence, a time of confidences"and about their friendship, two old friends are still together after all these years, exactly 43 years since Paul wrote it, it really brings tears to my eyes...
Old friends Old friends Sat on their park bench Like bookends A newspaper blown through the grass Falls on the round toes On the high shoes Of the old friends Old friends Winter companions The old men Lost in their overcoats Waiting for the sunset The sounds of the city Sifting through trees Settle like dust On the shoulders Of the old friends Can you imagine us Years from today Sharing a park bench quietly? How terribly strange To be seventy Old friends Memory brushes the same years Silently sharing the same fear Time it was And what a time it was It was . . . A time of innocence A time of confidences Long ago . . . it must be . . . I have a photograph Preserve your memories They're all that's left you
This song hits me very hard. I'm 66 and have an "old friend" who was recently diagnosed with nodules in his brain. The lines "Time it was and what a time it was--a time of innocence, a time of confidences. Long ago it must be--I have a photograph. Preserve your memories--they"re all that's left you." are so appropriate and so gut-wrenching. I've been a fan since around 1966. None of us know how much time we've got, so make the most of it.
William Gilbert .... four days ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I too am 66 . Tomorrow I meet with my Dr. to review his plan that will help me beat it hopefully. I learned 41 years ago how there aren't any guarantees when my father died of cancer. He too was 66. And he was the toughest, hardest working, youngest looking 66 I ever saw. And they say I am my father.
I much prefer this version of the song over the album version with all of that symphonic instrumentation. It's a beautifully delicate song that requires nothing more than two voices and a guitar. Melancholic beauty at its finest.
This is gorgeous. The major seventh chords are exquisite. Paul Simon really is a fine guitarist, as well as a great songsmith. And Artie's voice is unequalled in rock/pop. In their 70's - rock on, guys!
My friends from my childhood are most in our 70’s now. As bad as Covid was it brought us back together via text messaging. We talk about our memories and Simon and Garfunkel were a big part of my difficult teen years.
I've been listening to Simon and Garfunkel for some time, and just days ago I discovered this song. I love it. So much. The message it brings is strange to think about, especially for me, being only 14. I can't stop listening to it. I wish these two men could live over again. They are simply the best.
I had no idea who Simon and Garfunkel were until my ex introduced me to them and I didn't get hooked then, (I can't believe why and how). but after we parted ways I realized what I had missed all my life. I want to forget her so bad yet every time I listen to S&G, I miss her even more and its impossible for me to not to listen to them. What a predicament!
Everybody who would love Paul and Art shooting a video of this again...Simply with two of the sitting on a park bench..now that they are 70...thumbs up
This has always been one of my most favorite Simon & Garfunkel songs, every time I hear it, I can't help but tear up. How special it would be to have a special friend to just kick back with like that when you are 70 (:
“silently sharing the same FEAR...” I used to sing this song to my two boys (older dogs) when I wanted to appreciate their short time on earth, but I was silently fearing their mortality, that one fear S&G sing about. I saw them as two older men, as old friends, growing up and older together. sadly, they are now both gone and I listen to this beautiful version and remember that one fear, but mostly the good memories I had with them...I miss them terribly. “preserve your memories, there all that’s left you”
I heard this when I was in college and thought of my grandfather and then I remember crying. Now I'm an old friend to my granddaughter and my grandson. Where did the time go?
Today, at 63, my sighs are filled with feelings gathered over many years. I remember my dog Grettle, and I sigh. I remember old friends, and I sigh. That exhale is filled with sweet memories. When I was young my sighing was only for things like boredom, or impatience. You older ones know what I am talking about.
This was the song that made me break my solemnness when my grand mother passed... I listened to this version and i just lost it.. I imagined seeing her one more time from a distance in a field and waving and smiling.. and when 1:46 hit she fades away..as the leaves blew. I know it sounds funny.. but I miss her :(
One of the most beautiful songs Simon and Garfunkel wrote together, along with Overs and Bridge Over Troubled Water... It's simply peaceful and calming to listen to. The chords over the lyrics "old friends" are beautiful.
My YOUNGER brother turns 70 today. This song has been waiting on on old wooden park bench in my memories - just for today. Old Friends have been waiting - ever since it reached inside me way back, more than 40 years ago shortly after its release in 1968. He & I may have to slow down so we can find that park bench & reflect upon what a time it was. & we have a lot, A LOT of photographs to share.
Something special happens when these two sing together. Two voices, amazing lyrics & a guitar... pure, simple & just beautiful. S&G are my pick me up on a bad day. Love them ❤️❤️
Randon Jesser suggested this song for a small lunch of friends, Carolyn S., Janette McD., Kathy J., Wilma S-H, Liz W. and myself. We are about 7 years until 70 but knowing each other from elementary-Junior High School-High School allows us to enjoy our present precious & joyful fellowship time together. 💐
Their voices always melded into perfect harmony. There will likely not be another duet with the melody and harmony to soothe me. (Dobie Grey reference.)
As I age, heading into the sunset, the lyrics of this wonderful song have even more meaning to me, especially: "Time it was and what a time it was, it was A time of innocence, a time of confidences Long ago, it must be, I have a photograph Preserve your memories, they're all that's left you."
"How terribly strange to be seventy" Paul Simon's riveting and meaningful lyrics on the Bookends album is something my generation will never leave my generation. Always complimenting was Artie's pristine vocals.
My husband and I are old friends too.....we can't imagine life with each other and I can picture us sharing a park bench, quietly, when we get older (we do that now).....
I can feel the cold winter wind, smell the hot dog vendor and feel the quiet heavy heart that comes from contemplation of life and our place in it at the moment...this is what this songs gives to me. SUCH beautiful harmony!
Young People can make fun of this Music, But not the Message, We ALL get Old,it happens,no getting away from it. You may be 16 Now, But we were ALL 16 once.
One of the Pivotal albums, and songs of my Youth. From Mrs. Robinson, to now Medicare! Grateful and Humbled by the Journey, Friends, and Memories gathered along the way, and a Song that only gets Richer with time.
Honest the only true friends I ever had were all those from my school years because we had so many things in common and were innocent. I no longer have true friends most are fake, so as i have gotten older I have God he has never once backstabbed me or taken advantage, he only gives and gives.
Paul Simon was a genius. Not the greatest guitarist ever but his sense of harmony was well beyond most. These two were an anomaly even in their time. Just brilliant songwriting duo. They have a way of gently force feeding reality to people who were otherwise unwilling to consider it. This song should be mandatory listening for teenagers who think they are going to live forever.
This was a song on an old 8-track we bought at a pawn shop in Mississippi in 1969! I love this song. Today we have been married 41 years and it means so much more to me today!!! I love my husband!
I've always loved this song for all these years. It's everybody in the sunset of their life. Even as a teenager it made me cry and now as friend start passing away it even seems more prolific.
Paul Simon seems like an old friend at our house, wow, so many wonderful songs - his compositions, a great poet, love his voice.... thanks for sending us his song... luv it - Marcie & Dee xxx
we did a pantomime to this song in the theatre class. it was about old ppl in a retirement home and i wuz like this is the perfect song. it makes me laugh and cry at the same time.
This song makes me cry even more now that I am older . . . really struggling with getting older . . . I don't want to hate getting older . . . but damn it I do!
I grew up in Africa listening to Sam Cooke, Simon and Garfunkel, and the Kingston Trio...music used to be so....inspiring. I'm only 24, and I feel kind of sad about what we like to call 'great music' nowadays.
I would imagine that many of us were teenagers when we first heard this song. And now 70 beckons. Great song them. Equally so now. Preserve your memories. They're all that's left you.
The album has taped conversations with 70'ish couples and is stunning to hear...when I heard this as a college freshman I never thought i would watch them on an iPad and be typing these words...they are my favorite group...PP and Mary and the Beatles right there too...
OOOOOooooold Friends! Can't believe I've been hearing them since I was born! Preserve your memories, my friends - they're all that's left you! Many thanks to Paul and Art! Hang in there, guys! We love you!
Such a beautiful song... How terribly strange that Paul Simon will be 70 in October this year. God, how I love the album 'Bookends"! It's still amazing to me that he reserved one track on that album simply for voices of old people. Preserve your memories, they're all that's left you...
That's the best and most affecting line of the whole song "Can you imagine us years from today, sharing a park bench quietly, how terribly strange to be 70"
I have been trying to learn to perform this song for weeks. Days of listening, and working on the the chords, guitar notes on the bookends and the vocals have taught me so much about music and how perfect these two guys were. They recorded a work of art, a masterpiece that means so much to so many on so many different levels. Preserve your memories, they are all that's left you.
Never forget hearing this live in Manchester, England 1966 before it was even released. A half empty auditorium ( Simon and Garfunkel were not well known in England at that time). This one and 'Emily' were incredibly beautiful.
+Piña ColAda He's talking about what's mainstream, what people hear in general. Show me a mainstream song nowadays that is remotely comparable to this.
Queridos amigos, lejanos y desconocidos que nos convoca y reúne la música, los recuerdos, Simon y Garfunkel...Un abrazo a mi hermanito Abelardo, compañero de armonía, vida y canciones, Bendita Imternet. Gracias.
I was a couple years younger than Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon when this song came out. When I heard the line how strange it is to be 70 it struck me as to what a heavy line This is for guys in their 20s. I've listened to the song so many times over the years one of my favorite but now that I'm in my 70s the line does have a personal note about it. I have lost my son and my wife 15 months apart both to cancer . So many of my friends have passed on also. The last of my in-laws, my brother-in-law passed away yesterday. Mother-in-law, father-in-law, and five brother and sister-in-laws have passed away also. The last of my wife's family which was always my family too. How strange it is to be seventy . All my tomorrow's are gone.
Your words are soo true. Youth is about the future while age is about the past. I just found a list of older celebrities online who are 85-100 and there are still some years left in all of us.
I'm a fair bit younger than yourself, but it hurts like hell to lose loved ones, doesn't it - that's why I'm here, again, revisiting this song... just found out this past weekend I lost two more friends, one real important to me, like a little brother really... after I lost so many people already, including the girl I was to marry, who passed away aged just 35, but I comfort myself with the belief that I'll see them all again one day. I'm sure your son and your wife and the rest will be patiently waiting for you. Till then we can listen to great music like this and remember the good times. Take care my friend.
“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” - Dr Seuss
So strange and painful but somehow beautiful.
May Gratitude for those you loved, bring Bright tomorrow’s..as they would’ve wanted you to have.
"How terribly strange to be 70." I'm 67 and I think that's strange.
Many thanks to Simon and Garfunkel for creating so much priceless music.
I'm 55 and just close to this wonderful song.
70 was the old 80
I’ll be 67 in a couple of months. I used to think about my two oldest friends whenever I’d listen to this song, and could picture myself with one or the other of the two of them on that park bench, in our overcoats reminiscing about the fifty years past. They’re both gone now, and the line that still makes me weep for them remains, “Preserve your memories, they’re all that’s left you.” How could I have seen how those words would have come to fruition when we were listening to this at the tender age of 15? Kevin and Marc, I miss you both more than you could ever know, my Brothers. Rest Easy.
I was a teen when this song came out, and it was heartbreaking then. I never thought I would be one of the "old friends", sharing a park bench, lost in my overcoat. But, here I am, just as they sang. No regrets, just nostalgic. Time is a master none of us can disobey!
I mostly listen to Gospel or Christian being a Christian but I wander off into some of their songs and other songs. I believe in "Music With A Message" and I just love this song, I like the peaceful style and I'm 20 born in the 90's :D Merry Christmas!
I know I can't believe 60
+clydesight : you are not alone. I am next to you on that bench, also surprised to be "almost" 70!!
Den Norma
How terribly strange, to be 70. Yet, in my senior shoppers group, we have folks who are in their 90's! The search for food NEVER grows old!
+clydesight : many years ago an elderly friend would tell me after a certain age, the most important things become the mail, newspaper and what's for dinner. Who knew?
I'm nearing 70 and I feel the words to this song more closely.
Old Friends and loves , many now gone.
So sad.
I'm 50 and have no friends.
My father would have been 70 today. He died at 56 due to medical negligence during fairly routine surgery. He loved Simon and Garfunkel. My heart is aching today that he can not sit on a park bench with one of his own old friends. When I die no one will carry his memory on and he will finally be truly dead.
Ansley Burgess :>(
@@ansleyburgess4859 I am sorry for your loss. Your dad made a difference to you, in the time he had, and that's what matters.
@@stig I'll be your friend. We are friends now. Want to hang out on a bench?
"Silently sharing the same fears." Wow.
same
Fear is singular in the song
What a wonderful songsmith that Paul Simon is and their two voices are just in perfect harmony together. This song will be in the American song book for years to come ! Greatly appreciate this 🙏 post.
Did a report in English class at Villanova in 1969 on this song. Very sentimental look at my grandparents. I knew it would be me sometime in the future. And in a blink of a eye, here I am.
How true
joanneWashingtonCros 'Nova?! I had friends who went there, St. Joe's, Drexel, and I went to Immaculata! Granted, we all graduated in the early 2000's, but hey, small world, ain't it?
I'm only 20 but your comment really resonated with me.
yes...and all of a sudden you realize your life is 3/4 of the way over.
Paul Simon .. the genius..
I wasn't born until 1987 so i wasn't around for this but man, Paul Simon had so much swag to his songwriting. My favorite folk artist for sure.
I’m 21 and have been listening to this since I was 15. I am positive I will one day blink and be 70. Life is fleeting.
I've been listening since I was 15. And now I am 70. Sounds, years and life sift through the trees and memories settle on our shoulders.
Im a 12 years old guy, but this is one of the best song I ever heard. I would like to promise that I would be glad if I would be one of this kind of old friend for someone. That is the kind of me I would like to be. See you tommorow.
Tudor Daraban with your perception and sensitivity I am sure you will be a wonderful friend. Be kind, for kindness is the evidence of love. Peace.
Thanks. You too!
+Tudor Daraban I am a 12 year old girl and I love this song as well. S&G are incredible. This song has so much emotion
+igg squid good for you, i think, gl in your future
the best gift the those old friends is to listen and past this song trow
I'm amazed at the understanding of "old friends" that S&G had when they w rote this. They were young guys...at that age , I took so much for granted. what a gift they have, and are.
No effects needed... Two Voices and Single Acoustic Guitar ..True Talents , Simply Beautiful and Brilliant ...
Paul and Art , the chord progressions in this song are from Heaven , and the lyrics are some of the finest and most sensitive and aware evocations of the human condition I've ever heard. May God bless and watch over you both for your musical gifts to us all. Blessed love , my old friends.
C ma préféré de Simon et Garfunkel tant de souvenirs
My best old friend passed late dec 92,.jus 37,,..i b 64 soon, still listen n miss him much....... .so much music
Listen to this song, think about " a time of innocence, a time of confidences"and about their friendship, two old friends are still together after all these years, exactly 43 years since Paul wrote it, it really brings tears to my eyes...
As I approach 65, I can't listen to this song without weeping my heart out
why? out of pity for yourself?
@@tedkier3264 God lord you are ignorant.
I just lost my Best Friend of 14 years. He was the best dog i ever had. I think of him when I hear this song.
Sweet... Awh
+Vapor Alley I KNOW that pain- I am so sorry that you are going through it....
Sorry for your loss.
This song also makes me think of my golden, Honey Bear. Will forever miss him.
Ohhhhh, that hurts.....I hope you have a young friend by now.....my dogs are my life. Your Old Friend would want you to be happy!
"preserve your memories, they are all that's left you" Damn
Old friends
Old friends
Sat on their park bench
Like bookends
A newspaper blown through the grass
Falls on the round toes
On the high shoes
Of the old friends
Old friends
Winter companions
The old men
Lost in their overcoats
Waiting for the sunset
The sounds of the city
Sifting through trees
Settle like dust
On the shoulders
Of the old friends
Can you imagine us
Years from today
Sharing a park bench quietly?
How terribly strange
To be seventy
Old friends
Memory brushes the same years
Silently sharing the same fear
Time it was
And what a time it was
It was . . .
A time of innocence
A time of confidences
Long ago . . . it must be . . .
I have a photograph
Preserve your memories
They're all that's left you
Thanks for sharing.
This song hits me very hard. I'm 66 and have an "old friend" who was recently diagnosed with nodules in his brain. The lines "Time it was and what a time it was--a time of innocence, a time of confidences. Long ago it must be--I have a photograph. Preserve your memories--they"re all that's left you." are so appropriate and so gut-wrenching. I've been a fan since around 1966. None of us know how much time we've got, so make the most of it.
William Gilbert .... four days ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I too am 66 . Tomorrow I meet with my Dr. to review his plan that will help me beat it hopefully. I learned 41 years ago how there aren't any guarantees when my father died of cancer. He too was 66. And he was the toughest, hardest working, youngest looking 66 I ever saw. And they say I am my father.
Such a classic song.... There will never be another S&G !!
No one writes songs this openly pure. heart breaking and sentimental. This era is sadly gone RIP
I much prefer this version of the song over the album version with all of that symphonic instrumentation. It's a beautifully delicate song that requires nothing more than two voices and a guitar. Melancholic beauty at its finest.
This is gorgeous. The major seventh chords are exquisite. Paul Simon really is a fine guitarist, as well as a great songsmith. And Artie's voice is unequalled in rock/pop. In their 70's - rock on, guys!
Beautiful yet sad.
In my older years I remember old friends, some now dead and some lost with time and distance. Old Friends. How I do miss them.
Chef d'oeuvre de mélancolie . Masterpiece .Capolavoro .
My friends from my childhood are most in our 70’s now. As bad as Covid was it brought us back together via text messaging. We talk about our memories and Simon and Garfunkel were a big part of my difficult teen years.
I've been listening to Simon and Garfunkel for some time, and just days ago I discovered this song. I love it. So much. The message it brings is strange to think about, especially for me, being only 14. I can't stop listening to it. I wish these two men could live over again. They are simply the best.
I had no idea who Simon and Garfunkel were until my ex introduced me to them and I didn't get hooked then, (I can't believe why and how). but after we parted ways I realized what I had missed all my life. I want to forget her so bad yet every time I listen to S&G, I miss her even more and its impossible for me to not to listen to them. What a predicament!
Everybody who would love Paul and Art shooting a video of this again...Simply with two of the sitting on a park bench..now that they are 70...thumbs up
This has always been one of my most favorite Simon & Garfunkel songs, every time I hear it, I can't help but tear up. How special it would be to have a special friend to just kick back with like that when you are 70 (:
I hope they are friendly enough to do this, now that they are both past 70
“silently sharing the same FEAR...”
I used to sing this song to my two boys (older dogs) when I wanted to appreciate their short time on earth, but I was silently fearing their mortality, that one fear S&G sing about. I saw them as two older men, as old friends, growing up and older together. sadly, they are now both gone and I listen to this beautiful version and remember that one fear, but mostly the good memories I had with them...I miss them terribly. “preserve your memories, there all that’s left you”
so beautiful..touches the heart
This song always gets me choked up
I heard this when I was in college and thought of my grandfather and then I remember crying. Now I'm an old friend to my granddaughter and my grandson. Where did the time go?
I'm 58's now. I miss SAG still.
Today, at 63, my sighs are filled with feelings gathered over many years. I remember my dog Grettle, and I sigh. I remember old friends, and I sigh. That exhale is filled with sweet memories. When I was young my sighing was only for things like boredom, or impatience. You older ones know what I am talking about.
This was the song that made me break my solemnness when my grand mother passed... I listened to this version and i just lost it.. I imagined seeing her one more time from a distance in a field and waving and smiling.. and when 1:46 hit she fades away..as the leaves blew. I know it sounds funny.. but I miss her :(
2 voices and 1 guitar... that's all. Just amazing.
This always makes me tear up. Beautiful song.
One of the most beautiful songs Simon and Garfunkel wrote together, along with Overs and Bridge Over Troubled Water... It's simply peaceful and calming to listen to. The chords over the lyrics "old friends" are beautiful.
Major seventh chords are my favorites too :)
My YOUNGER brother turns 70 today. This song has been waiting on on old wooden park bench in my memories - just for today. Old Friends have been waiting - ever since it reached inside me way back, more than 40 years ago shortly after its release in 1968. He & I may have to slow down so we can find that park bench & reflect upon what a time it was. & we have a lot, A LOT of photographs to share.
Something special happens when these two sing together.
Two voices, amazing lyrics & a guitar... pure, simple & just beautiful. S&G are my pick me up on a bad day. Love them ❤️❤️
I look forward to being with dear old friends sitting on a bench in decades to come.
How terribly strange to be 70...... damnnn... that gets every single time.... 😭😭😭
They were so mad over things, then this again. Too beautiful....
For many reasons, my favorite song by Simon and Garfunkel. Fantastic.
Have always enjoyed the songs of this couple, now I too am in my September years and facing being one of the "old Friends".
Hi Paula hope you’re okay?
Randon Jesser suggested this song for a small lunch of friends, Carolyn S., Janette McD., Kathy J., Wilma S-H, Liz W. and myself. We are about 7 years until 70 but knowing each other from elementary-Junior High School-High School allows us to enjoy our present precious & joyful fellowship time together. 💐
I like the way they always sing close together, it's charming and I like their discreet look to each other at 1.30, 1.43, 2.02, 2.15
it's funny, you know, cuz they practicely hated each other
Their voices always melded into perfect harmony.
There will likely not be another duet with the melody and harmony to soothe me. (Dobie Grey reference.)
Great piece........after all these years!
As I age, heading into the sunset, the lyrics of this wonderful song have even more meaning to me, especially:
"Time it was and what a time it was, it was
A time of innocence, a time of confidences
Long ago, it must be, I have a photograph
Preserve your memories, they're all that's left you."
"How terribly strange to be seventy" Paul Simon's riveting and meaningful lyrics on the Bookends album is something my generation will never leave my generation. Always complimenting was Artie's pristine vocals.
My husband and I are old friends too.....we can't imagine life with each other and I can picture us sharing a park bench, quietly, when we get older (we do that now).....
Hi Susan hope you’re okay?
two musical greats long may they live seen them in there only irish show bout three years back best concert iv ever been to !!!
I can feel the cold winter wind, smell the hot dog vendor and feel the quiet heavy heart that comes from contemplation of life and our place in it at the moment...this is what this songs gives to me. SUCH beautiful harmony!
Their music is like magic!
me・too!
Young People can make fun of this Music, But not the Message, We ALL get Old,it happens,no getting away from it. You may be 16 Now, But we were ALL 16 once.
Terry Allan unless you died before then
This is my favorite version of "old friends". Let's hope these two friends can grow old gracefully and sit on a park bench...
How terribly strange to 70...name a better duo than these two...they have had their differences over the years but what amazing artists...
One of the Pivotal albums, and songs of my Youth. From Mrs. Robinson, to now Medicare! Grateful and Humbled by the Journey, Friends, and Memories gathered along the way, and a Song that only gets Richer with time.
Probably My favorite simon and garfunkel song
Honest the only true friends I ever had were all those from my school years
because we had so many things in common and were innocent. I no longer
have true friends most are fake, so as i have gotten older I have God he has
never once backstabbed me or taken advantage, he only gives and gives.
Paul Simon was a genius. Not the greatest guitarist ever but his sense of harmony was well beyond most. These two were an anomaly even in their time. Just brilliant songwriting duo. They have a way of gently force feeding reality to people who were otherwise unwilling to consider it. This song should be mandatory listening for teenagers who think they are going to live forever.
This was a song on an old 8-track we bought at a pawn shop in Mississippi in 1969! I love this song. Today we have been married 41 years and it means so much more to me today!!! I love my husband!
They were magic together - that's all I have to say about that!
I've always loved this song for all these years. It's everybody in the sunset of their life. Even as a teenager it made me cry and now as friend start passing away it even seems more prolific.
Soon to be "terribly strange to be 70"; Ppast the time of innocence and confidences. Hauntingly lovely.
Happy birthday Paul. How terribly strange to be 70........
so beautiful. The line "how terribly strange to be 70" always hits me. It must feel so strange to become old.
Paul Simon seems like an old friend at
our house, wow, so many wonderful songs - his compositions, a great poet,
love his voice.... thanks for sending us his
song... luv it - Marcie & Dee xxx
Both of them are turning 80 this year. How terribly strange.
we did a pantomime to this song in the theatre class.
it was about old ppl in a retirement home and i wuz like this is the perfect song.
it makes me laugh and cry at the same time.
I'm not so old, but my auntie introduced me to Simon and garfunkle when I was 12. Many years later, I still adore them xx
Love it, remember when we walked every morning
Hi Anne hope you’re okay?
Their greatest song imo. Beautiful...miss you Dad.
This song makes me cry even more now that I am older . . . really struggling with getting older . . . I don't want to hate getting older . . . but damn it I do!
I grew up in Africa listening to Sam Cooke, Simon and Garfunkel, and the Kingston Trio...music used to be so....inspiring. I'm only 24, and I feel kind of sad about what we like to call 'great music' nowadays.
I would imagine that many of us were teenagers when we first heard this song. And now 70 beckons. Great song them. Equally so now. Preserve your memories. They're all that's left you.
The album has taped conversations with 70'ish couples and is stunning to hear...when I heard this as a college freshman I never thought i would watch them on an iPad and be typing these words...they are my favorite group...PP and Mary and the Beatles right there too...
Now at 72, still sharing their music with us.
Artists they continue to be.
The melody alone makes you cry
OOOOOooooold Friends! Can't believe I've been hearing them since I was born! Preserve your memories, my friends - they're all that's left you! Many thanks to Paul and Art! Hang in there, guys! We love you!
Hi Rose hope you’re okay?
I think a lot of people don't want to admit they can relate to this song , because we're all getting closer to what they're singing about
!
Such a beautiful song...
How terribly strange that Paul Simon will be 70 in October this year.
God, how I love the album 'Bookends"!
It's still amazing to me that he reserved one track on that album simply for voices of old people.
Preserve your memories, they're all that's left you...
How terribly strange to be 70...and now 40 short years later...they are.
That's the best and most affecting line of the whole song "Can you imagine us years from today, sharing a park bench quietly, how terribly strange to be 70"
I have been trying to learn to perform this song for weeks. Days of listening, and working on the the chords, guitar notes on the bookends and the vocals have taught me so much about music and how perfect these two guys were. They recorded a work of art, a masterpiece that means so much to so many on so many different levels. Preserve your memories, they are all that's left you.
70 today.Long ago, it must be...
Beautiful song
So melancholy ... so beautiful.
If they could just cut this video off at 2:41. I feel like the blissfulness of the song is shattered the second i hear "BOYS..."
lol!
Johnandhannah Allen I think that's Grodin at the end?...Somewhat appropriate given he would later be in the movie Seems Like Old Times:)
+Johnandhannah Allen I know what you're saying he retired early as an actor
That’s why on the album the song before it is “Sounds Of Old People”.
I would listen to this over and over, I also was 16. Now I think if it every time I am at a park with an old friend. I can't believe it.
Exceedingly beautiful.
Never forget hearing this live in Manchester, England 1966 before it was even released. A half empty auditorium ( Simon and Garfunkel were not well known in England at that time). This one and 'Emily' were incredibly beautiful.
I'm 31 and I love this song. They don't make music like this anymore. It's all about nudity and tweaking now a day!
+Piña ColAda He's talking about what's mainstream, what people hear in general. Show me a mainstream song nowadays that is remotely comparable to this.
Queridos amigos, lejanos y desconocidos que nos convoca y reúne la música, los recuerdos, Simon y Garfunkel...Un abrazo a mi hermanito Abelardo, compañero de armonía, vida y canciones, Bendita Imternet. Gracias.