7 May 2020. Homeward BoundII.
Paul Simon, from the Swedish television broadcast, in 2018, more than half a century after he first recorded the song. And again, fascinating to re-engage with him, at this interval--I don't think I've paid much attention since Simon and Garfunkle days--if then. Dylan always seemed the more taut, the more compelling...
Which is certainly still true--but there's something in Paul Simon's presence--he once referred to this as sincerity (in relation to Dylan's irony) but I think it was more the appearance of guilelessness. When you read how much he's made on his song publishing rights, you realize that guilelessness is anything but the case. On the other hand, his edginess about his reputation ("not number two...")--his insistence at so many turns--provides a counter to the inevitable melodic sweetness of his voice. Which he can't resist.
You see this on the street here, as people sing the song. The slightly raised eyebrows, together with the touch of melodrama on home. Recognizing that meaning can't be willed, even through grace...
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But in another way, it's more interesting to draw Paul Simon than to draw Dylan. To see him be who he is--which despite all the success comes in part as an admission of failure...
The song however remains beautiful...
