I am almost sure that the Joseph Paul Simon is referring to is the late Joseph Shabalala, of Lady Smith Black Mambazo, whom Paul Simon helped bring to America. I think he was touched by Joseph's soulful music. I think this song may refer to Joseph's idea of gifts that we choose when we are still in the womb and God breathes into us, but that's my own interpretation. I may be wrong.
I am almost sure that the Joseph Paul Simon is referring to is the late Joseph Shabalala, of Lady Smith Black Mambazo, whom Paul Simon helped bring to America. I think he was touched by Joseph's soulful music. I think this song may refer to Joseph's idea of gifts that we choose when we are still in the womb and God breathes into us, but that's my own interpretation. I may be wrong.