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Paul Simon — Slip Slidin' Away
Album: Still Crazy After All These Years
Avg rating:
7.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1920









Released: 1975
Length: 4:41
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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 Dolores
I live in fear
My love for you's 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 no rain
She said a bad day's when I lie in bed
And 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 fa-ther
Who had a son
He longed to tell him all the reasons
For the things he'd done
He came a long way
Just to explain
He kissed his boy as he lay sleeping
Then he turned around and 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 work 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
You know the nearer your destination
The more you're slip slidin' away
Comments (79)add comment
Paul is a musical genius.
This song is timeless and beautiful. LOVE it!
Easily one of the greatest lyricists of all time! 
Again  hear it over and over  PS has a LOT of great stuff 
i love this part:



God only knows
God makes his plan
The information's unavailable
To the mortal man

AM radio gold. Reminds me of grade school.
I love the electric piano on this (played by the late great Richard Tee).
 yesnojoe wrote:
Hey RP, Slip Sliding Away was released as a single in 1977 and later on Greatest Hits, Etc. It was not released in 1975 or on the Still Crazy After All These Years album. mmmm

INTENDED to be included on "Still Crazy ..." 
Hey RP, Slip Sliding Away was released as a single in 1977 and later on Greatest Hits, Etc. It was not released in 1975 or on the Still Crazy After All These Years album. mmmm
 ojibwe wrote:

Paul Simon is an American treasure. And no Canada, you can't have him. 




It is okay.... we have Celine <chortle> <snicker>
perfect segue. Slack Key ended on the same note as the first note of this. 

Yikes.  Some of the most chilling lyrics ever written:

"We work our jobs
Collect our pay
Believe we're gliding down the highway
When in fact we're slip slidin' away"


 ai63 wrote:

She said a good day
Ain't got no rain 
She said a bad day's when I lie in bed
And think of things that might have been
Love it :)



I always thought he sang "Ain't got no meaning"....  
I remember like yesterday all the times my family, friends and I used to sing along to this on the radio when it was on almost daily. Like so many hits by this SongMaster, it's quite a catchy song! I remember an elder telling me, Hey, but it's a lot sadder than you might think... Since I was only 13, 14 years old at the time, I didn't realize how bitterly poignant it was, but damn, it sure cuts to the bone.
Paul Simon is a national treasure. 
The backing vocals--probably Paul Simon--in this, especially at the end, are so beautiful. Hey the whole thing is amazing.
YIKES!!!!


"We work our jobs
Collect our pay
Believe we're gliding down the highway
When in fact we're slip slidin' away"
Good Tune!
Same segue again today, after a melancholy Tom Petty song and Buckley's Hallelujah. I may need someone to come pick me up off the floor.
 Dave_Mack wrote:
Oh Bill. What a beautiful segue out of Sonny Chillingworth. I'd love to see your database that must show song keys, tempos, themes. Or maybe it's all in your head? You make magic happen! Maybe give a master class 
 
I heartily concur...and the last lineup was outstanding (for me)...turned on the radio and got: In the Waiting Line to I Only Have Eyes for You to Hallelujah to (one of my personal favorites, Sonny Chillingworth) Moe 'Uhane to Slip Sliding Away...very nice way to start my day and great segues all around.  Thank You!
8 -> 9 for that slick moustache-tophat combo
Oh Bill. What a beautiful segue out of Sonny Chillingworth. I'd love to see your database that must show song keys, tempos, themes. Or maybe it's all in your head? You make magic happen! Maybe give a master class 
 Matt_Maurer wrote:
I thought I could dance, but hells bells Bill! Phew! Go right ahead mate! My ears are all yours! ❤️❤️
 
OK, I'm having a hard time trying to figure out what you're saying here, especially when the song in question is Slip Slidin' Away.  Rephrase, please?
I thought I could dance, but hells bells Bill! Phew! Go right ahead mate! My ears are all yours! ❤️❤️
I was pretty young when this was played heavily on the radio, and it was one of the first songs for which I really understood the lyrics.  It gave me comfort to know that others felt like life was a struggle too.  I will forever be grateful for this tune. 
test
Paul Simon is an American treasure. And no Canada, you can't have him. 
 1wolfy wrote:
JJ Cale  Crazy Moma   quite similar to me

 
It may sound similar, but "Crazy Mama" is essentially a blues progression: one chord throughout all the verses with a transition between them that sounds vaguely similar to the chorus of this song.  This song has many more chords than does Mr. Cale's.
Blow-away lyrics expressed without a second thought, a melody that sounds so simple like an 8 year old could write it in an afternoon ... that man is good.
She said a good day
Ain't got no rain 
She said a bad day's when I lie in bed
And think of things that might have been
Love it :)
JJ Cale  Crazy Moma   quite similar to me
I like this.
 Zarba wrote:
Paul must cringe every time he sees this picture...
 
actually it looks like he is the first "hipster"
on an inner city fire escape with tight jeans, bad facial hair and a hat that he (or anyone else) doesn't wear in real life 
I never really listened to this when it came out. My loss. Paul Simon's ability to distill complex concepts into succinct phrases is remarkable when paired with music.
 aekl wrote:

Yes! Anyone who says all of an artist's songs sound the same doesn't really know the artist, and certainly has never owned an album of theirs. Their comments should be stricken from the record!
 
There are plenty of recording artists who have songs which songs sound similar or alike - I don't think Paul Simon fits into that category so much, though.
Arguably, the most emotionally wrenching song ever written; one of the few that can bring tears to my eyes.
jadewahoo wrote:
I could not count how many times I have sung this song to my childrens over the last 31 years. A father wished to tell his son the reason for all the things he'd done. He came a long way Just to explain, Kissed his child while he lay sleeping then turned around and headed for home again....
Just how many do you have in 31 years? I thought I was doing okay to have four in six. Now I have five grandies. You must have about 546.
I could not count how many times I have sung this song to my childrens over the last 31 years. A father wished to tell his son the reason for all the things he'd done, Kissed his child while he lay sleeping then turned around and headed for home again....
She said a good day Ain't got no rain She said a bad day's when I lie in bed And think of things that might have been I've always loved that line.
Daniel_Pittenger wrote:
How could you rate any of Paul Simon's stuff less than godlike?
Well since you asked -- Quite easily, thank you.
Wow
This is one of those songs that makes me shiver.
How could you rate any of Paul Simon's stuff less than godlike? Well maybe that new album...
aekl wrote:
Yes! Anyone who says all of an artist's songs sound the same doesn't really know the artist, and certainly has never owned an album of theirs. Their comments should be stricken from the record!
Excellent point, aekl. Especially the part where you agreed with ME!
RobK wrote:
That's what everyone thinks when they simply don't like someone, which makes your comment totally unoriginal.
Yes! Anyone who says all of an artist's songs sound the same doesn't really know the artist, and certainly has never owned an album of theirs. Their comments should be stricken from the record!
It's rainin' outside, it ain't supposed to stop for days - and I forgot my lunch at home. But this song just hit the sweet spot, man. TJ
capandjudy wrote:
"Slip Sliding Away" is not from "Still Crazy After All Of These Years" as referenced above. It is a fantastic song none the less.
Funny, it's on my vinyl copy. And you're right, it's a fantastic song. Sad and uplifting at the same time, very human.
How can I both like and hate this song at the same time?!?
toddschmutz wrote:
All Paul Simon songs sound the same! But they sound best when they are over.
That's what everyone thinks when they simply don't like someone, which makes your comment totally unoriginal.
toddschmutz wrote:
All Paul Simon songs sound the same! But they sound best when they are over.
All Paul Simon songs sound the same! But they sound best when they are over.
Shesdifferent wrote:
Play ANY Paul Simon or Simon & Garfunkel ANYTIME on RP!
Sign me up!
What a songwriter. These lyrics are amazing... "He wore his passion for his woman like a thorny crown."
Not a huge fan of the man, but this is nice. I like the lyrics in particular. "We work our jobs, collect our pay, but we're slip slidin' away." Not sure if those are the exact words, but that line stands out for me.
Lyrics, arrangement, rhythm...speaks volumes...
Just saw Paul in concert last week. absolutely amazing!!! and his opening act rocked some killer slide guitar
I've heard this song so many times, almost everytime I tear up.
Daveinbawlmer wrote:
I like this song and I can't stand myself for it.
Yeah, it's depressing as hell but still melodic (vs melancholic).
I like this song and I can't stand myself for it.
Man... some things never change. Love is old, love is new.
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
This song is so melancholy...it underlines Paul Simon's ability to remind us of some universal truths; 1 Love + doubt = despair 2 Hat + moustache = balding man 3 Sandals + socks = beard
Bump it!
Zarba wrote:
Paul must cringe every time he sees this picture...
I know I do. -mt- (Great song, though.)
Zarba wrote:
Paul must cringe every time he sees this picture...
Ohh, I think that picture was the one that started my Paul Simon crush! Guilty pleasure indeed!
Paul must cringe every time he sees this picture...
"The sound you make is muzac to my ears" - John Lennon
capandjudy wrote:
"Slip Sliding Away" is not from "Still Crazy After All Of These Years" as referenced above. It is a fantastic song none the less.
Well, it was written with this bunch (Still Crazy.. - 1975), just not released until his next album Greatest Hits, Etc. Also, released as a single with Something So Right (b side) in 1977 (2 years after it's release on the Still Crazy... album)
capandjudy wrote:
"Slip Sliding Away" is not from "Still Crazy After All Of These Years" as referenced above. It is a fantastic song none the less.
Well, it was written with this bunch, just not release until his next album Greatest Hits, Etc.
Paul_in_Australia wrote:
This song is so melancholy...it underlines Paul Simon's ability to remind us of some universal truths; 1 Love + doubt = despair 2 Hat + moustache = balding man 3 Sandals + socks = beard
I like this one. Lez bring it to the top. :)
"Slip Sliding Away" is not from "Still Crazy After All Of These Years" as referenced above. It is a fantastic song none the less.
Death_to_Clear_Channel wrote:
Someone actually possesses "good memories" from the 70's? Well hat's off to you, brother. That was one of the darkest decades of the century.
Yes. The other dark decades of the century were the 10's, 20's, 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, 80's and 90's. Memories are as good as you can make them, I suppose.
There's a sound in this song that truly had me thinking my pop-up blocker was going crazy. The song's pretty good, but I could do without that little sound.
Perfection.
One of the few individuals I would label as a musical genius. He did borrow a lot from other cultures and musicians, but in the process he definetly added his own flavor, and not only elevated his music, but the popularity of the original musicians. Paul Simon is probably the greatest all around musician in the last 50 years. and this is an excellent example of one of his best songs. Dealing with human emotion and making even pain beautiful.
Yes, play more solo Simon, or more Simon & Garfunkel, more often here on RP! Mark my words: 50 or 100 years from now, Paul Simon will be universally acknowledged as one of THE greatest songwriting talents of our era. The thing is, he's so easy to listen to, it's easy to severely underrate his work. He is just phenomenal. And by the way, this particular song also brings back good 70s memories for me too!
Death_to_Clear_Channel wrote:
Someone actually possesses "good memories" from the 70's? Well hat's off to you, brother. That was one of the darkest decades of the century.
Aw Man, we had so much FUN! Very fond memories were made in the 70's for me anyway...
dolfan wrote:
Takes me back to the '70's and some of the good memories from that time. Good choice for a return to 30 years ago. Paul Simon was/is a rare talent.
Someone actually possesses "good memories" from the 70's? Well hat's off to you, brother. That was one of the darkest decades of the century.
Shesdifferent wrote:
Play ANY Paul Simon or Simon & Garfunkel ANYTIME on RP!
I couldn't agree more. One of the best songwriters ever, with a wistful singing voice on top of it all.
Play ANY Paul Simon or Simon & Garfunkel ANYTIME on RP!
This song is so melancholy...it underlines Paul Simon's ability to remind us of some universal truths; 1 Love + doubt = despair 2 Hat + moustache = balding man 3 Sandals + socks = beard
Takes me back to the '70's and some of the good memories from that time. Good choice for a return to 30 years ago. Paul Simon was/is a rare talent.