The 20 best Paul Simon songs of all time (2023)

Paul Simon is one of the most influential singer-songwriters in popular music history. With a career spanning six decades, Simon has released multiple albums and produced numerous hits that continue to be loved by fans around the world. His signature sound, which blends elements of folk, rock and world music, has garnered him critical acclaim and a loyal following. Simon's introspective lyrics and intricate melodies have resonated with listeners for generations, making him a cultural icon and inspiration for countless musicians. In this article, we examine thebest Paul Simon songs of all time, delve into their origins, their meaning and why they remain timeless classics. From his early days as one half of the folk duo Simon & Garfunkel to his later success as a solo artist, Simon has produced a diverse and impressive catalog of hits that showcase his incredible talent and creativity. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to his music, this list is sure to remind you of Paul Simon's incredible legacy and why his songs continue to be among the most popular and enduring in music history. So sit back, turn up the volume and let's take a journey through some of the greatest Paul Simon songs ever recorded.

1. "Bridge Over Troubled Water" - Bridge Over Troubled Water, 1970

"Bridge Over Troubled Water" is a powerful ballad that showcases Simon & Garfunkel's musical and vocal prowess. The lyrics speak of the comfort and support we can offer one another in difficult times. The song's soaring chorus and gentle piano melody make it a timeless classic that still resonates with listeners today.

2. "The Boxer" - Bridge over Troubled Water, 1970

"The Boxer" tells the story of a struggling musician trying to find a foothold in New York City. The song is driven by Paul Simon's acoustic guitar and features intricate harmonies and percussion. The lyrics are poignant and introspective, exploring themes of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.

3. "The Sound of Silence" - Wednesday morning, 3am, 1964

"The Sound of Silence" is a hauntingly beautiful song that captures the feelings of loneliness and isolation that many people experience. The song's soft guitar melody and whispered vocals create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that makes it a timeless classic.

4. "America" ​​- Bookends, 1968

"America" ​​is a folk-rock masterpiece that deals with the themes of wanderlust and the search for identity. The song's vibrant imagery and driving guitar rhythm make it a fan favorite and a staple of Simon & Garfunkel's live performances.

5. "Mrs. Robinson" - Bookends, 1968

"Mrs. Robinson" is a catchy and playful tune that demonstrates Simon & Garfunkel's ability to write a great pop song. The lyrics reference the classic film "The Graduate" and the chorus has become a cultural touchstone.

6. "Homeward Bound" - Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme, 1966

"Homeward Bound" is a bittersweet tune that captures feelings of homesickness and longing for connection. The song's simple guitar melody and emotional vocals make it a standout track on Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme.

7. "Theme Bookends - Reprise" - Bookends, 1968

Bookends Theme - Reprise is a short but haunting instrumental that serves as a bookend for the album of the same name. The song's gentle piano melody and atmospheric sound effects create a sense of nostalgia and reflection.

8. "Old Friends" - Bookends, 1968

"Old Friends" is a tender ballad that explores the complexities of friendship and the passage of time. The song's poignant lyrics and lush harmonies make it a standout track on Bookends.

9. "Scarborough Fair/Canticle" - Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme, 1966

Scarborough Fair/Canticle is a haunting folk song that blends traditional English ballads with contemporary lyrics. The song's intricate vocal harmonies and haunting melody make it one of Simon & Garfunkel's most iconic tracks.

10. "The Only Boy Alive in New York" - Bridge Over Troubled Water, 1970

"The Only Living Boy in New York" is a poignant tune that explores feelings of isolation and longing for connection. The song's smooth guitar melody and emotional vocals make it a standout track on Bridge Over Troubled Water.

11. „April Come She Will“ – Sounds of Silence, 1965

April Come She Will is a gentle ballad that captures the fleeting nature of time and the seasons. The song's gentle guitar melody and poetic lyrics make it a standout track on Sounds of Silence.

12. "El Condor Pasa (If I Could)" - Bridge Over Troubled Water, 1970

"El Condor Pasa (If I Could)" is a beautiful instrumental that showcases Simon & Garfunkel's ability to blend traditional Andean music with contemporary rock. The song's intricate flute melody and driving guitar rhythm make it a fan favorite.

13. "I Am a Stone" - Sounds of Silence, 1965

"I Am a Rock" is a poignant and introspective song that explores the themes of isolation and emotional distancing. The song's driving guitar rhythm and emotional vocals make it a standout track on Sounds of Silence.

14. "Cecilia" - Bridge over Troubled Water, 1970

"Cecilia" is a playful and upbeat tune that showcases Simon & Garfunkel's ability to write a great pop song. The song's catchy chorus and infectious rhythm make it a fan favorite and a staple of their live performances.

15. „My Little Town“ – Still Crazy After All These Years (Simon) und Breakaway (Garfunkel), beide 1975

"My Little Town" is a bittersweet tune that explores themes of longing and nostalgia. The song's melancholy melody and haunting lyrics make it a standout track on Simon and Garfunkel's solo albums.

16. "A Hazy Shade of Winter" - Bookends, 1968

"A Hazy Shade of Winter" - Bookends, 1968: This song reflects the fast pace of life and how it can make you feel lost. The lyrics describe the chaos and confusion of modern times and the need to adapt in order to survive. The use of rock instruments and harmonies creates a sense of urgency and fear that perfectly captures the mood of the song.

17. "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)" - Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme, 1966

"The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)" - Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme, 1966: This song has a happy, upbeat melody and lyrics that celebrate life's little pleasures. The use of simple acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies creates a peaceful, upbeat vibe that encourages the listener to slow down and enjoy the moment.

18. "Kathy's Song" - Sounds of Silence, 1965

"Kathy's Song" - Sounds of Silence, 1965: A tender love ballad, this song showcases Simon's poetic lyrics and Garfunkel's beautiful voice. The use of fingerpicked guitar and subtle percussion creates a peaceful, dreamy vibe that suits the introspective lyrics perfectly.

19. "For Emily, Whenever I Find Her" - Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme, 1966

"For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her" - Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme, 1966 This song is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that showcases Garfunkel's angelic voice. The lyrics describe the search for a lost love and the longing for reunion. The use of acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that draws the listener in.

20. "Bleecker Street" - Wednesday morning, 3 a.m., 1964

"Bleecker Street" - Wednesday morning, 3am, 1964: This song is a nostalgic reflection on the bohemian lifestyle of New York's Greenwich Village in the 1960s. The use of fingerpicking guitar and Simon's poetic lyrics create a romantic, dreamy mood that perfectly captures the zeitgeist. The harmonies of Simon and Garfunkel add a layer of sweetness and longing to the song.