Paul Simon — Duncan
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Total ratings: 1853
Length: 4:25
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Couple in the next room bound to win a prize
They've been going at it all night long
Well, I'm tryin' to get some sleep
But these motel walls are cheap
Lincoln Duncan is my name
And here's my song, here's my song
My father was a fisherman
My mama was a fisherman's friend
And I was born in the boredom and the chowder
So when I reached my prime
I left my home in the Maritimes
Headed down the turnpike for New England, sweet New England
Holes in my confidence
Holes in the knees of my jeans
I was left without a penny in my pocket
Ooh-oowee, I was about as destituted as a kid could be
And I wished I wore a ring so I could hock it
I'd like to hock it
A young girl in a parkin' lot
Was preaching to a crowd
Singing sacred songs and reading from the Bible
Well, I told her I was lost
And she told all about the Pentecost
And I seen that girl as the road to my survival
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know
Just later on the very same night
When I crept to her tent with a flashlight
And my long years of innocence ended
Well, she took me to the woods
Sayin' "Here comes something, and it feels so good!"
And just like a dog I was befriended, I was befriended
Oh, oh, what a night
Oh, what a garden of delight
Even now that sweet memory lingers
I was playing my guitar
Lyin' underneath the stars
Just thankin' the Lord
For my fingers
For my fingers
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know
They've been going at it all night long
Well, I'm tryin' to get some sleep
But these motel walls are cheap
Lincoln Duncan is my name
And here's my song, here's my song
My father was a fisherman
My mama was a fisherman's friend
And I was born in the boredom and the chowder
So when I reached my prime
I left my home in the Maritimes
Headed down the turnpike for New England, sweet New England
Holes in my confidence
Holes in the knees of my jeans
I was left without a penny in my pocket
Ooh-oowee, I was about as destituted as a kid could be
And I wished I wore a ring so I could hock it
I'd like to hock it
A young girl in a parkin' lot
Was preaching to a crowd
Singing sacred songs and reading from the Bible
Well, I told her I was lost
And she told all about the Pentecost
And I seen that girl as the road to my survival
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know
Just later on the very same night
When I crept to her tent with a flashlight
And my long years of innocence ended
Well, she took me to the woods
Sayin' "Here comes something, and it feels so good!"
And just like a dog I was befriended, I was befriended
Oh, oh, what a night
Oh, what a garden of delight
Even now that sweet memory lingers
I was playing my guitar
Lyin' underneath the stars
Just thankin' the Lord
For my fingers
For my fingers
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know
Comments (58)add comment
What a brilliant piece of writing and song.
NICE TUNE! But, not one of his best. Thanx RP! 
I left my home in the Maritimes
Headed down the turnpike for New England
Nice try, but nobody escapes Sunnyvale Trailer Park.
sfoster66 wrote:
Yeah, stuff it.
Paul was so much better before he decided that blah blah blah blah
Yeah, stuff it.
frazettaart wrote:
The little death
I don't get it, she dragged him into the forest, did she kill him there? Unfinished song, or did she bang him?
The little death
MountainMike37 wrote:
Which wife are you referring to?
Number two (daughter of Debby Reynolds and Eddie Fisher) is the very unstable "looker". Married less than 1 year.
Yet he loved her deeply. Graceland is a lament about the unraveling of Simon's relationship with Carrie Fischer. He never stopped loving her. Just couldn't figure out a way to live with her.
Which wife are you referring to?
Number two (daughter of Debby Reynolds and Eddie Fisher) is the very unstable "looker". Married less than 1 year.
Yet he loved her deeply. Graceland is a lament about the unraveling of Simon's relationship with Carrie Fischer. He never stopped loving her. Just couldn't figure out a way to live with her.
thewiseking wrote:
So??
of course there is more cultural appropriation here. not of South African or Chicano music, that would come later. Here the lil Fella rips off the music of The Andes
So??
frazettaart wrote:
befriended, not beheaded. "bang him" - that is one old phrase...
I don't get it, she dragged him into the forest, did she kill him there? Unfinished song, or did she bang him?
Foam earplugs are your saviours from shagging noisy neighbours.
thewiseking wrote:
Cultural appropriation? There's no such thing, unless you can explain where the diatonic scale came from.
of course there is more cultural appropriation here. not of South African or Chicano music, that would come later. Here the lil Fella rips off the music of The Andes
Cultural appropriation? There's no such thing, unless you can explain where the diatonic scale came from.
Rockit9 wrote:
Flute Player: Here... hold my 1/4 Oz
Flute Player: Paul smoke this.
Flute player: How do you feel?
Paul: I feel great
Flute Player: Can you turn up my part in the mix?
Paul: How much weed do you have left?
(someone please add on to the story as I have too many directions...& then others can add on)
Flute Player: Here... hold my 1/4 Oz
sfoster66 wrote:
Really?! Well, just shows how differing tastes in music roll out. For me, the willingness of PS to explore different genres and styles of music and in particular African took his music to a new and different level. No question his early stuff is beautifully written and memorable. Then when he released Graceland and better yet Rhythm of the Saints I was hooked. The meld of western and African musical styles created some of the most unique, creative and catchy music ever. Songs like Proof and She Moves On always catch my attention and take me on a captivating musical journey.
Paul was so much better before he decided that co-opting African rhythms was a good sound for a middle aged white New Yorker.
Really?! Well, just shows how differing tastes in music roll out. For me, the willingness of PS to explore different genres and styles of music and in particular African took his music to a new and different level. No question his early stuff is beautifully written and memorable. Then when he released Graceland and better yet Rhythm of the Saints I was hooked. The meld of western and African musical styles created some of the most unique, creative and catchy music ever. Songs like Proof and She Moves On always catch my attention and take me on a captivating musical journey.
thewiseking wrote:
"Rips off" is a little strong. He uses instruments that are used in music from the Andes, but i doubt this sounds exactly like any specific traditional song from that region.
of course there is more cultural appropriation here. not of South African or Chicano music, that would come later. Here the lil Fella rips off the music of The Andes
"Rips off" is a little strong. He uses instruments that are used in music from the Andes, but i doubt this sounds exactly like any specific traditional song from that region.
of course there is more cultural appropriation here. not of South African or Chicano music, that would come later. Here the lil Fella rips off the music of The Andes
Folks talking about the flute. Sounds more like a recorder & a flute playing together. Not that it matters..
What matters is the super cool song & the super cool lyrics.
The first lines never cease to make me chuckle. And for some dumb ass reason I always wonder who the couple in the next room are...
What matters is the super cool song & the super cool lyrics.
The first lines never cease to make me chuckle. And for some dumb ass reason I always wonder who the couple in the next room are...
Paul was so much better before he decided that co-opting African rhythms was a good sound for a middle aged white New Yorker.
Holden Caulfield?
So beautiful song 
I don't get it, she dragged him into the forest, did she kill him there? Unfinished song, or did she bang him?
What a lovely song. It is hard to believe that this was "popular music". These days, you really need to dig to find such gems in today's music - RP helps in this regard. Long live RP!
Paul Simon is a national treasure!
LPCity wrote:
What?? No way.
Where's my stash?
lose the flute though.
What?? No way.
Where's my stash?
Oh, oh, what a night
Oh, what a garden of delight
Even now that sweet memory lingers
I was playing my guitar
Lyin' underneath the stars
Just thankin' the Lord
For my fingers
For my fingers
Take out the line "I was playing my guitar" and that verse suddenly has a whole new meaning! 🤣
haresfur wrote:
Oddly enough, however, quite a few other people think otherwise. Your opinion will be added to the cumulative total, worldwide, and you will be notified when a decision has been made.
Paul Simon had written some crap lyrics but these are so bad that I thought it was someone trying to imitate him. Even he seems to know it is a mess that wasn't going anywhere so he just faded it out, apparently hoping people think that there must be some mysterious meaning.
Oddly enough, however, quite a few other people think otherwise. Your opinion will be added to the cumulative total, worldwide, and you will be notified when a decision has been made.
Phoenix68 wrote:
Look after the king of R n R please
Brilliant segue from Los Incas. The pan flutes add soooo much to the classically fabulous Paul Simon lyrics... Again the strong memories of the late 60s and early 70s. (Even though my Paul Simon sheetmusic books got stolen!) Thanks!!
Look after the king of R n R please
jacopo777 wrote:
Which wife are you referring to?
Number two (daughter of Debby Reynolds and Eddie Fisher) is the very unstable "looker". Married less than 1 year.
Brilliant song writer. Not a bad looking wife neither.
Which wife are you referring to?
Number two (daughter of Debby Reynolds and Eddie Fisher) is the very unstable "looker". Married less than 1 year.
J'adore cette chanson ! Lovely
I discovered this album at some 15 y. o., fell under its spell, know it in and out. I'm positive that this is the album version.
Which doesn't mean that you didn't hear a remix or re-release that sounds very different.
r.itajohnson wrote:
Which doesn't mean that you didn't hear a remix or re-release that sounds very different.
r.itajohnson wrote:
This isn't quite the version I recall, even thought it's the same artist and arrangement. Something different about his delivery, and the pace seems slower. Anyone else notice this?
jsd52756 wrote:
I avoid it - nothin' but trouble.
c.
Rockit9 wrote:
I always thought it was a recorder and not a flute. That's what I get for thinkin'.
I avoid it - nothin' but trouble.
c.
Paul Simon had written some crap lyrics but these are so bad that I thought it was someone trying to imitate him. Even he seems to know it is a mess that wasn't going anywhere so he just faded it out, apparently hoping people think that there must be some mysterious meaning.
Brilliant segue from Los Incas. The pan flutes add soooo much to the classically fabulous Paul Simon lyrics... Again the strong memories of the late 60s and early 70s. (Even though my Paul Simon sheetmusic books got stolen!) Thanks!!
Paul Simon is a great songwriter and this is one of the many songs that exemplify that.
Weird how this happens.. I haven't listened to this song in ages, but just today at work it came to mind for some unaccountable reason, and I was trying to remember all the words. Then Bill plays it this evening (UK time)! Don't you just love RP?
haretic wrote:
Well?
...My new friend said "No," and shared with me his interpretation of Simon's lyrics....
Well?
I love the "emotional transition" from WJ "Arlington" to this beautiful Paul Simon song. Thank you Bill!
In my late teens I was talking to a guy I had just met, who was a "born again" Jew.
This song was playing on his stereo, and he asked me if I knew what Simon was referring to toward the end of this song, when he sings "my long years of innocence ended;" and in the chorus, "I know, I know, I know..."
I said that I thought Simon was referring to the loss of sexual innocence.
My new friend said "No," and shared with me his interpretation of Simon's lyrics. And I had to admit that his interpretation clarified the lyrics much more fully than did mine.
While that conversation did not convince me to revise my religious views, it certainly did deepen my appreciation for Paul Simon's genius as a songwriter.
And, hey: a little trick I discovered just now: if I focus on the bass line while listening to this song, I don't even really notice the flutes!
In my late teens I was talking to a guy I had just met, who was a "born again" Jew.
This song was playing on his stereo, and he asked me if I knew what Simon was referring to toward the end of this song, when he sings "my long years of innocence ended;" and in the chorus, "I know, I know, I know..."
I said that I thought Simon was referring to the loss of sexual innocence.
My new friend said "No," and shared with me his interpretation of Simon's lyrics. And I had to admit that his interpretation clarified the lyrics much more fully than did mine.
While that conversation did not convince me to revise my religious views, it certainly did deepen my appreciation for Paul Simon's genius as a songwriter.
And, hey: a little trick I discovered just now: if I focus on the bass line while listening to this song, I don't even really notice the flutes!
ritajohnson wrote:
From the Wiki page:
Maybe it's the demo you're familiar with?
This isn't quite the version I recall, even thought it's the same artist and arrangement. Something different about his delivery, and the pace seems slower. Anyone else notice this?
From the Wiki page:
Maybe it's the demo you're familiar with?
A concert rendition featuring Urubamba performing the interludes was included on the 1974 album Paul Simon in Concert: Live Rhymin'. It gained radio airplay itself, and has gone on to become a semi-regular on satellite radio's Deep Tracks station.[5] Simon has included the song in his set lists for some subsequent tours as well.
A demo version of the song appears as a bonus on the 2004 CD rerelease of the album. This version is shorter and faster, and has very different lyrics, yet displays the same melancholy tone as the released version.
What a terrific old song to hear again.
ritajohnson wrote:
No.
This isn't quite the version I recall, even thought it's the same artist and arrangement. Something different about his delivery, and the pace seems slower. Anyone else notice this?
No.
This song has some fantastic imagery.
jacopo777 wrote:
Brilliant song writer. Not a bad looking wife neither.
"neither"? Princess Leia?
jacopo777 wrote:
jacopo777 wrote:
Brilliant song writer. Not a bad looking wife neither.
Cringing bigtime - gonna PSD
Brilliant song writer. Not a bad looking wife neither.
A ten for sure.
Was it more than an hour ago since I heard this vinyl?
Rockit9 wrote:
Flute Player: Paul smoke this.
Flute player: How do you feel?
Paul: I feel great
Flute Player: Can you turn up my part in the mix?
Paul: How much weed do you have left?
Flute Player: Not much with me, I left my main stash in my recorder case, sorry!
Paul: Well then go get your recorder and I'll write some more lyrics while I wait.
......a long pause
Flute Player: Here's the rest of my stash, will you turn up my part in the mix now?
Paul: *coughing* what part?
Flute Player: My part!!
Paul: No, go get your recorder and we'll re-record it
Flute Player: ARRGGG.....you're the boss, I guess....be back in a bit....
Flute player: How do you feel?
Paul: I feel great
Flute Player: Can you turn up my part in the mix?
Paul: How much weed do you have left?
Flute Player: Not much with me, I left my main stash in my recorder case, sorry!
Paul: Well then go get your recorder and I'll write some more lyrics while I wait.
......a long pause
Flute Player: Here's the rest of my stash, will you turn up my part in the mix now?
Paul: *coughing* what part?
Flute Player: My part!!
Paul: No, go get your recorder and we'll re-record it
Flute Player: ARRGGG.....you're the boss, I guess....be back in a bit....
If I had to pick my favorite Paul Simon song, this would be it.
There is such genius in what he writes; but even more genius in what he does not say!
"... and just like a dog, I was befriended...
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know...
... playing my guitar,
Lying underneath the stars,
There is such genius in what he writes; but even more genius in what he does not say!
"... and just like a dog, I was befriended...
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know...
... playing my guitar,
Lying underneath the stars,
Just thanking the Lord for my fingers,
For my fingers."
Rockit9 wrote:
Flute Player: Paul smoke this.
Flute player: How do you feel?
Paul: I feel great
Flute Player: Can you turn up my part in the mix?
Paul: How much weed do you have left?
(someone please add on to the story as I have too many directions...& then others can add on)
I always thought it was a recorder and not a flute. That's what I get for thinkin'.Flute player: How do you feel?
Paul: I feel great
Flute Player: Can you turn up my part in the mix?
Paul: How much weed do you have left?
(someone please add on to the story as I have too many directions...& then others can add on)
Beautiful segue from El Condor Pasa to Duncan. The more I learn of Paul Simon's amazing history,I realize he was on the cutting edge of of bringing traditional music to the pop music scene.
This isn't quite the version I recall, even thought it's the same artist and arrangement. Something different about his delivery, and the pace seems slower. Anyone else notice this?
Beautiful
My favorite Paul Simon song. Although The Boxer is hot on its heels. Anyone see that YouTube shot up in Canada where PS calls an audience member up on stage because she requested the song and said she learned to play guitar with that song? Really nice feels.
Flute Player: Paul smoke this.
Flute player: How do you feel?
Paul: I feel great
Flute Player: Can you turn up my part in the mix?
Paul: How much weed do you have left?
(someone please add on to the story as I have too many directions...& then others can add on)
Flute player: How do you feel?
Paul: I feel great
Flute Player: Can you turn up my part in the mix?
Paul: How much weed do you have left?
(someone please add on to the story as I have too many directions...& then others can add on)
Just saw him last night for his farewell tour at the Hollywood Bowl. More surprising than a 58-year-old guy seeing Paul Simon is that these were tickets given to my daughter for her 18th birthday because of her love of Simon & Garfunkel songs. And when she didn't find any classmates interested in Simon, she asked me to go. Good show.
Simon is a far more talented songwriter than vocalist, but the band he had to play the Graceland and Rhythm songs as well as everything else from his 50+ year repertoire was simply amazing.
Simon is a far more talented songwriter than vocalist, but the band he had to play the Graceland and Rhythm songs as well as everything else from his 50+ year repertoire was simply amazing.
I'm not always in the mood to hear Paul Simon. Some days his songs and his voice make me hit the PSD button fast.
Today is a good day with a good mood and this song sounds very much to my liking.
lose the flute though.
Today is a good day with a good mood and this song sounds very much to my liking.
lose the flute though.
I think Paul Simon is Phenomenal : ) love this
Odd, I don't remember ever listening to this as a single track, only on the entire LP, and so I don't think I've ever really listened to it closely. I hear shades of Scarborough Fair as well as similarities to Bob Dylan's songwriting (and I know, wouldn't it be nice if BD could sing like PS?) - so overall I've rated it an 8. Long Live RP!!
One of my favorite Paul songs.