About the song
“Slip Slidin’ Away” is a poignant and reflective song by the legendary folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. Although originally released as a solo single by Paul Simon in 1977, the song took on new life during the iconic Concert in Central Park, where Simon & Garfunkel reunited for a memorable performance in 1981. This concert, held in New York City’s Central Park, was a significant event, drawing over 500,000 fans and becoming one of the most famous live performances in music history.
The song “Slip Slidin’ Away” speaks to the themes of life’s fleeting nature and the often-elusive pursuit of happiness. Paul Simon’s lyrics are masterful in their simplicity, capturing the universal human experience of striving for dreams that sometimes seem just out of reach. The chorus, “Slip slidin’ away, you know the nearer your destination, the more you’re slip slidin’ away,” resonates deeply, evoking the bittersweet reality of life’s impermanence.
During the Concert in Central Park, the performance of “Slip Slidin’ Away” carried a special significance. The reunion of Simon & Garfunkel after years of separation brought a sense of nostalgia and poignancy to the evening. Their harmonies, which had always been the hallmark of their collaboration, were as tight and emotionally charged as ever. The song’s reflective tone fit perfectly with the atmosphere of the concert, where the duo’s past successes and the passage of time were palpable.
The Concert in Central Park was not just a reunion; it was a celebration of Simon & Garfunkel’s musical legacy. “Slip Slidin’ Away” served as a reminder of Paul Simon’s songwriting brilliance and the duo’s ability to convey complex emotions through simple, yet powerful, melodies. The live performance added a layer of immediacy to the song, as the audience could feel the energy and emotion that Simon & Garfunkel brought to the stage.
For older audiences, “Slip Slidin’ Away” may evoke memories of a time when the song first touched their hearts. The themes of the song—loss, regret, and the passage of time—are universal and timeless. The Concert in Central Park, with its mix of nostalgia and celebration, offered a chance to reflect on life’s journey, making the performance of “Slip Slidin’ Away” a highlight of the evening.
In conclusion, “Slip Slidin’ Away” is more than just a song; it’s a reflection on life’s journey and the inevitable passing of time. Simon & Garfunkel’s performance of this song at the Concert in Central Park remains a poignant moment in their storied career, resonating with audiences both young and old. It’s a testament to the enduring power of their music and the universal themes that continue to touch listeners’ hearts.
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Lyrics
Slip slidin’ away
Slip slidin’ away
You know the nearer your destination
The more you’re slip slidin’ away
I know a man, he came from my home town
He wore his passion for his woman like a thorny crown
He said “Delores, I live in fear
My love for you is so overpowering
I’m afraid that I will disappear”
Slip slidin’ away
Slip slidin’ away
You know the nearer your destination
The more you’re slip slidin’ away
I know a woman, became a wife
These are the very words she uses to describe her life
She said “A good day ain’t got not rain”
She said “A bad day’s when I lie in bed
And I think of things that might have been”
Slip slidin’ away
Slip slidin’ away
You know the nearer your destination
The more you’re slip slidin’ away
And I know a father who had a son
He longed to tell him all the reasons for the things he had done
He came a long way just to explain
He kissed his boy as he lay sleeping
Then he turned around and he headed home again
Slip slidin’ away
Slip slidin’ away
You know the nearer your destination
The more you’re slip slidin’ away
God only knows, God makes his plan
The information’s unavailable to the mortal man
We’re working our jobs, collect our pay
Believe we’re gliding down the highway
When in fact we’re slip slidin’ away
Slip slidin’ away
Slip slidin’ away
You know the nearer your destination
The more you’re slip slidin’ away
Slip slidin’ away
Slip slidin’ away
You know the nearer your destination
The more you’re slip slidin’ away