Today I’m writing about a Simon and Garfunkel song, but it’s not Sound of Silence. As much as I love it, that song has been reviewed to death, and deservedly so as one of the best songs ever written. Of course, for most people today it seems all about the opening line ‘hello, darkness, my old friend’ becoming a meme, which kinda pisses me off. That song deserves to be more than a stupid meme.

Instead, the song I’m writing about is one that probably is more relevant now than ever, The Only Living Boy in New York. Particularly standout to me from this song is the line, “I get all the news I need from the weather report.” I’ll explain why shortly. Also, there’s a lot more to this song than that, so let’s take a deep dive into the song’s background with a particular emphasis on the lyrics. 

Background of The Only Living Boy in New York

Written by Paul Simon in 1970, the song’s background is equally fascinating as its lyrics. It’s said to be a response to Art Garfunkel’s absence when he went to Mexico to act in the film, “Catch-22.” This context sheds light on the sense of separation and longing we see infused in the lyrics of this song, adding layers of both personal and artistic complexity. Notably, the song was a B-side to their hit single, Cecilia.

Interestingly, “The Only Living Boy in New York” is also a title that has been used for a film, as well. The film was directed by Marc Webb and released in 2017, and is at least in part based on the Simon and Garfunkel tune. It starred Callum Turner, Kate Beckinsale, Pierce Brosnan, Cynthia Nixon, and Jeff Bridges. It was a drama about a young man who has an affair with his father’s mistress. The film received generally negative reviews from critics. But it’s relevant to mention here because the film also explores similar themes in the context of New York City.

What is the Meaning of The Only Living Boy in New York?

The beauty of the song lies not only in its melodic harmony but also in its lyrical profundity. The lyrics of “The Only Living Boy in New York” are a poignant reflection of Paul Simon’s feelings during a turbulent time in his relationship with Art Garfunkel. In the song, Paul is addressing a friend named ”Tom.” This personal address adds a layer of intimacy and directness to the song, emphasizing its emotional depth.

Chuck Miller of the Chuck the Writer blog did tell me when this first posted that “Tom” is in fact a direct reference to Art Garfunkel. In the 50’s, Simon and Garfunkel performed as “Tom and Jerry.” Chuck also mentions that on their first minor hit “Hey! Schoolgirl” the 45 record listed the songwriters as Tom Graph (Art) and Jerry Landis (Paul Simon), the 78 credits them as P. Simon and A. Garfunkel. So, yes, this song is directly addressing Art.

Delving deeper into the lyrics, the song seems to reflect a sense of loneliness and isolation, yet also a profound inner strength and independence. The title itself, “The Only Living Boy in New York,” suggests a narrative of singular existence amidst the multitude, a theme that many can relate to in the 21st century age of urban anonymity and digital disconnection.

At first, it seems that the narrator is urging their friend to go on this journey. The opening lines ”Tom, get your plane right on time / I know your part’ll go fine / Fly down to Mexico”set the stage, acknowledging Garfunkel’s departure to Mexico to film “Catch-22.” While Simon’s words are supportive, they yet carry an underlying sense of solitude and resignation. The specific mention of “Mexico” contextualizes the moment in their history, highlighting the physical and emotional distance between them.

The refrain “And here I am / The only living boy in New York” is a powerful expression of loneliness and isolation. Being the “only living boy” suggests a feeling of being left behind and alone in a vast, bustling city. It’s a metaphor for Simon’s emotional state, feeling alone amidst the absence of his friend and musical partner.

Here’s my favorite line from the entire song: ”I get the news I need on the weather report” It speaks volumes about the desire to disconnect from the overwhelming flood of information and find solace in the simple, relatively predictable patterns of nature. This sentiment echoes the feelings of many who feel besieged by the relentless pace of news and the often disheartening content it brings. This line introduces the idea of seeking solace through disconnection from the wider world and its complexities. 

This desire to focus on the immediate and manageable aspects of life could be perhaps seen as a coping mechanism during a time of personal upheaval. But, in the context of the information overload of the twenty first century, unplugging in such a way may actually be healthy. As Simon sings, “Hey, I’ve got nothing to do today but smile.” Weighing yourself down with the problems in the world, especially when you’re already feeling down, is only going to make things worse. 

But, then, despite this declaration of choosing to be happy, Simon sings again about being the “only living boy in New York.” It reaffirms the idea of Simon feeling alone in a place so crowded as New York City. But, in this case, it’s clearly a conscious choice.

The lines ”Half of the time we’re gone / But we don’t know where / And we don’t know where” speaks to the uncertain nature of Simon & Garfunkel’s lives and careers at that point. Repeating the phrase “we don’t know where” emphasizes a sense of aimlessness and disconnection, not just physically but in their understanding of each other and their shared journey. I’d add that most people, even in the 70’s, were sharing this sense of uncertainty.

There’s then a plea for openness and truthfulness: ”Hey, let your honesty shine, shine, shine now / Like it shines on me” It’s a recognition of the bond the two musicians and friends share and a call for mutual understanding and sincerity. It could be a call for the need for clarity and honesty to address the strains in their relationship.

Overall, this song is a beautifully crafted, deeply personal message from Simon to Garfunkel, as the address to “Tom” is a direct correlation to Art’s former stage name. This direct connection turns the lyrics into a direct conversation between friends at a crossroads, filled with love, nostalgia, and a yearning for understanding. It’s a narrative of companionship, change, and the complex emotions that come with growth and separation.

For me, ”The Only Living Boy in New York” is a song that’s a highly relevant reflection on life, loneliness, and the quest for personal peace. Its continued relevance today is a testament to Simon and Garfunkel’s genius in capturing the essence of the human spirit in their music. As we continue to navigate the challenges and changes of our world, this song remains a poignant reminder to seek simplicity and solace in an ever-complicated world.

~ Amelia <3