Sarcastic? I wouldn't say that. Nor does the music feel cheery and upbeat as others say. I'd say it sounds more defiant than anything, at least the chorus. I just love how sure of himself he sounds in the chorus, such a strong declaration of his isolation...and then at the end sounds so the opposite, weak, as if he realizes these thoughts are damaging but maybe now it's too late to change the tune...Wonderful song.
Great post, kickstart. This song is far from sarcastic. Defiant is the perfect word to describe it. Defiant up until the end, then there is a palpable sadness and loneliness.
Great post, kickstart. This song is far from sarcastic. Defiant is the perfect word to describe it. Defiant up until the end, then there is a palpable sadness and loneliness.
Probably Paul Simon's most beautifully composed song, combination of music and lyrics. Beautiful alliteration in the first few lines (a dark and deep December... a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow), beautiful allegories throughout (winter, snow, fortress, armor, rock/island... all point to isolation).
Probably Paul Simon's most beautifully composed song, combination of music and lyrics. Beautiful alliteration in the first few lines (a dark and deep December... a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow), beautiful allegories throughout (winter, snow, fortress, armor, rock/island... all point to isolation).
The John Donne influence is clear, but the song stands on its own as a brilliant piece of poetry in its own right.
The John Donne influence is clear, but the song stands on its own as a brilliant piece of poetry in its own right.
Sarcastic? I wouldn't say that. Nor does the music feel cheery and upbeat as others say. I'd say it sounds more defiant than anything, at least the chorus. I just love how sure of himself he sounds in the chorus, such a strong declaration of his isolation...and then at the end sounds so the opposite, weak, as if he realizes these thoughts are damaging but maybe now it's too late to change the tune...Wonderful song.
Great post, kickstart. This song is far from sarcastic. Defiant is the perfect word to describe it. Defiant up until the end, then there is a palpable sadness and loneliness.
Great post, kickstart. This song is far from sarcastic. Defiant is the perfect word to describe it. Defiant up until the end, then there is a palpable sadness and loneliness.
Probably Paul Simon's most beautifully composed song, combination of music and lyrics. Beautiful alliteration in the first few lines (a dark and deep December... a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow), beautiful allegories throughout (winter, snow, fortress, armor, rock/island... all point to isolation).
Probably Paul Simon's most beautifully composed song, combination of music and lyrics. Beautiful alliteration in the first few lines (a dark and deep December... a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow), beautiful allegories throughout (winter, snow, fortress, armor, rock/island... all point to isolation).
The John Donne influence is clear, but the song stands on its own as a brilliant piece of poetry in its own right.
The John Donne influence is clear, but the song stands on its own as a brilliant piece of poetry in its own right.