2009/03/18

An American Treasure




Okay we all know that America has produced more than it's share of conniving dirtbags but in her defense she has also given birth to Paul Simon. True Genius, recognized by The Library of Congress to be it's first recipient of the "Gershwin Award"...and no surprise either, just do a search on his song catalog and you'll know it to be justified. I also have an affinity for him since he's a kid from "Queens", growing up in Kew Gardens only a short distance from the beloved "Flushing" of my youth.

I was listening to "There Goes Rhymin' Simon" a few nights ago and American Tune, the sixth track on the CD came on. I thought how relevant this song is still today and it's clearly still one of my all time favorites!

Many's the time I've been mistaken
And many times confused
Yes, and I've often felt forsaken
And certainly misused
Oh, but I'm all right, I'm all right
I'm just weary to my bones
Still, you don't expect to be
Bright and bon vivant
So far away from home, so far away from home

And I don't know a soul who's not been battered
I don't have a friend who feels at ease
I don't know a dream that's not been shattered
or driven to its knees
but it's all right, it's all right
for we lived so well so long
Still, when I think of the
road we're traveling on
I wonder what's gone wrong
I can't help it, I wonder what's gone wrong

And I dreamed I was dying
I dreamed that my soul rose unexpectedly
And looking back down at me
Smiled reassuringly
And I dreamed I was flying
And high up above my eyes could clearly see
The Statue of Liberty
Sailing away to sea
And I dreamed I was flying

We come on the ship they call the Mayflower
We come on the ship that sailed the moon
We come in the age's most uncertain hours
and sing an American tune
Oh, and it's alright, it's all right, it's all right
You can't be forever blessed
Still, tomorrow's going to be another working day
And I'm trying to get some rest
That's all I'm trying to get some rest

15 comments:

Scribbler said...

Aww Vince this is absolutely outstanding! Great clip choice too! Fantastic work, you nailed him!

Vincenzo said...

Thanks Tom...Happy belated St. Patrick's Day :)

Emily said...

Beautiful piece, Vin! I remember watching him as a young teenager staying up past my bedtime when he hosted SNL with George Harrison--remember that?

Nico Di Mattia said...

Beautiful work Vince!!

Vincenzo said...

Em
C'mon, you're not old enough to remember that...and if you are, you've got some great genes :)

Nico
Thank you much!!

Jorge Restrepo H. said...

Your work is amazing!!!!!

Nelson Santos said...

Superb work Vin.

Vincenzo said...

Jorge
Thank you my friend...the feeling is mutual!!!

Nelson
Thanks Buddy :)

hanzz said...

great likeness vincenzo. Always a pleasure visiting this blog.

BOD said...

I like very much your work and I often visit to admire your beautiful pieces. Simon is a great one again.

Vincenzo said...

Hanzz
I'm always appreciative of a visit and comment from my very talented colleague :)

Christophe
Thanks so much...love your stuff as well, terrific work!!

All the best

J.BOSCO said...

Beautiful work Vincenzo!
great caricature!

congratulations

Vincenzo said...

Thank you J!!

John T Quinn III said...

it is a beautiful drawing vince. it comes across as more than the desire to make a nice drawing or get a good likeness. I was immediately struck by the sense that this comes from somewhere. maybe i'm wrong but, that's what i see. a sensitive and thoughtful drawing.

Vincenzo said...

Hey John

Yeah, I guess you might be right about that. Definitely the song speaks volumes to me but I think the reference photo had an effect as well...especially his eyes, they have that world weariness to them.
You know, as you get older you get tired of the battle...worn down by the disappointments and the loss of loved ones. There was a line of dialogue in the last Indiana Jones film that just hit me in the gut. Harrison Ford is talking about aging and says "We've reached a point where life now takes more than it gives"...and of course some get beat up more than others but we all pretty much get our share of crap.
But, if you're lucky you get a grandchild or a great nephew or niece that allows you to experience the all the joyful stuff that you forgot about and take for granted!

Thanks again for taking the time to comment, I always appreciate a visit by you...all the best my friend!!!