‘Stranger to Stranger’: Paul Simon’s study of love in modern times
Paul Simon never shied away from the fact that he had a huge influence on music and writing as a whole. When discussing the fame of Simon and Garfunkel, he said, “I never compare myself with The Rolling Stones. I always was well aware of the fact that S&G was a much bigger phenomenon in general, to the general public than The Rolling Stones.”
This doesn’t just apply to Simon and Garfunkel as a double act but trickles into Paul Simon as a solo performer. With albums such as Bridge Over Troubled Water and the sometimes considered controversial Graceland, there is no denying that his ability as a songwriter is always on display. He ponders over some of life’s greatest mysteries and universal problems; however, his dissection of love, in general, doesn’t come until 2016, as the titular track for his album Stranger to Stranger ponders over love in modern times and whether, if actions were repeated, the same outcome would be achieved.
The track is a shimmering number, almost seductive in its tempo and how Paul Simon sings its lyrics. “Could you imagine us falling in love again?” He ponders as he sings, which forms the foundation of the entire track. It is a question of the permanence of love and whether, if circumstances were repeated in the modern age, love would persist in the way he hopes it would.
The track is essentially an ode to his longtime wife, Edie Brickell, as he asks if they were strangers that met for the first time once again, would they fall in love in the same way. When listening back to the album, Simon said that the questions come off the back of the uncertainty over different strands of happiness. He confirmed, “It’s about the nerves which comes with happiness,” which is evident in lines such as, “I’m just jittery, it’s just the way I’m dealing with my joy.”
Given that the song is about long-term commitment, it seems fitting that he had long-time producer and co-worker Roy Halee work on the track with him. The two had an excellent working relationship that spanned all of Paul Simon’s professional career, both as a duo act and as a solo artist.
“Roy was the engineer when we did the Simon and Garfunkel audition tape for Columbia Records,” he said, recalling the first time they worked together, “That’s how long I go back with Roy. He did Bridge Over Troubled Water and Graceland, too. He is absolutely still at the top of his game, and knows more about using echo than anyone else on Earth. I’m totally comfortable collaborating with him, and I trust his taste and opinions—it’s a partnership.”
The song is a testament to Paul Simon’s ability as a writer. In it, he questions the validity of love and whether it is undeniable. In exploring this idea of commitment, he also practices what he preaches, working with people who have been a major part of his life for decades. It makes for an indirectly layered listen—one that’s all the more charming.
