The song also contains elements of the Zulu choral music called mbube. Together, mbube and kwela create a musical sound that was prominent in South Africa in the s called mbaqanga, or township jive.
These distinct South African musical styles combine with Paul Simon's vocals, delivered in English, to create a distinctive, worldly sound. According to Alec Wilkinson of the New Yorker , "among Simon's contemporaries in popular music, perhaps only Paul McCartney is his peer as a writer of melodies, just as Bob Dylan and, maybe, James Taylor are his only peers as lyricists. When it comes to songwriting, Simon is patient, meticulous, and attentive.
He is rarely afraid to discard large chunks of his draft lyrics, because he sees songwriting as "trial and error repeated almost endlessly.
Some of the lyrics seem like gibberish that Simon included simply because he liked the combination of the words: "some roly-poly bat faced girl. But to Simon, it doesn't matter if such a thing exists. What is interesting in Simon's songwriting in this particular song is that none of the lines rhyme with one another, yet they flow together so easily. Simon has a knack for understanding what sounds good, formal rhyme scheme be damned. Writing lyrics and music, he explains, is all about "getting the right mixture of sounds and words.
It was just a fun thing that I was hoping that would brighten some people's days. And I had a really good time doing it, honestly. What they've been able to build is really special. I'm still amazed when I hear what my songs mean to others and it motivates me to keep up my writing. Helping people put words to how they feel is a special gift. Being involved with Musicians On Call has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.
I consider it a great gift to be able to share music and bring smiles to these brave children and their loved ones. It is healing for us all and I can't wait to do it again! I think all musicians should do this. I think everyone could do it no matter what music genre you play from.
You see people in the hospital all the time, you're a visitor. To me, to be a part of their day for a minute is a great experience. This is a day I will never forget. You can actually see and feel a change when it happens and it is one of my favorite things in the world to be a part of. It's an amazing experience to go into a room to play music for people who are in a situation where they can use music as medicine.
What made me decide to come here today was the invitation from Musicians On Call. I can't even begin to tell you how much I admire and respect the work they do and what an honor it is to be a part of it. I thank Musicians On Call and the whole fabric of what its about - Me being a musician and being able to participate and knowing this is going on in so many hospital rooms across the country and knowing this is spreading so much love and joy.
Even though Bob Geldof beat him to the honour by nine years, in , Cliff Richard was technically the first rock man to be knighted. As time goes by it just gets better. This is the best thing I have had. Rod Stewart received the CBE honour in for his services to music.
Martin was made a Knight Bachelor in for his services to the music industry and popular culture. His bandmates Bruce Welch and Brian Bennett had previously accepted the honour, though. As a kid I would not have been able to accept this.
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