This week for Song Lyric Sunday, our host Jim Adams challenges us to choose a song from an artist who was born in October. I was thrilled to discover that Paul Simon was born October 13, 1941.
If Paul Simon wrote the song when he was twenty-one years old, that would be in 1962. which is about right. He recorded it solo for his Paul Simon Song Book in 1965. The following year he recorded it with Art Garfunkel and it went on their album, Sounds of Silence. It was the B-side for Homeward Bound when that was released as a single.
I love this song.
I was twenty-one years when I wrote this song
I’m twenty-two now, but I won’t be for long
Time hurries on
And the leaves that are green turn to brown
And they wither with the wind
And they crumble in your hand
Once my heart was filled with the love of a girl
I held her close, but she faded in the night
Like a poem I meant to write
And the leaves that are green turn to brown
And they wither with the wind
And they crumble in your hand
I threw a pebble in a brook
And watched the ripples run away
And they never made a sound
And the leaves that are green turn to brown
And they wither with the wind
And they crumble in your hand
Hello, hello, hello, hello
Good-bye, good-bye, good-bye, good-bye
That’s all there is
And the leaves that are green turn to brown
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Paul Simon
Leaves That Are Green lyrics © Sony/atv Songs Llc
Growing up, growing old, changing seasons — Paul Simon captured it so well as a young man. The fact that he is still performing at the age of 84 is quite a testament.
Nice choice, Sally as it has been years since I last listened to this song.
It’s a great song, isn’t it?
Yes, it is a bit before my era, but my cousin started singing it as soon as she a me listening to it.
A wonderful choice, this is such a poignant beautiful song .💜💫
Yes, I love this song.
💜
Isn’t this just a wonderful song? I haven’t heard it in ages! The sentiment is simply beautiful and Paul’s voice sound so pure. Excellent choice, Sally.
Thanks, Nancy! Paul Simon is an amazing singer-songwriter.
Paul Simon has written some real winners over his career.
Yes, he has. I think this song sometimes gets overlooked with all his bigger hits
Such a true song. I turned 19 in 1965. Now I’m 80. So fast.
I know. You turn around and 60 years have disappeared. So fast.
Sally, Paul Simon is one of my favorite singer/songwriters! I remember hearing the Sounds of Silence for the 1st time – at a church youth group meeting…maybe around 1970… My father didn’t like much contemporary music so it wasn’t until I graduated HS and went to college that I “discovered” the Beatles! They had broken up!!