Once I realized that the lyrics are fragmented over different times in the perspective of the singer, a picture emerged. The mood is very introspective; Simon (or his lyrical self) lets his mind wonder over situations in the past (general regrets and a feeling of humility about things gone wrong; a flashback to happier times with a new lover) and then in wintertime considers his future and the time after death which feels to be coming closer. The metaphysical lines of re-emerging in the sounds of wires or as a bird to connect to a loved one who then has to live on without him have always touched me most. I feel that it is here that the song transcends to the beyond and connects to „that what cannot be spoken about“. The song needs that state of mind to access the feeling of unity with the universe to state that actually all in life is and should be about love. Even after death.
The song is a masterpiece from a songwriter whose insight and craft have increased over the decades. Like other 21st century songs of his such as „Love and Hard Times“ or „The Riverbank“, this song uses these snapshots of memory and ties them to universal, larger issues of life and the human condition. I remain in awe of Paul Simon.
Once I realized that the lyrics are fragmented over different times in the perspective of the singer, a picture emerged. The mood is very introspective; Simon (or his lyrical self) lets his mind wonder over situations in the past (general regrets and a feeling of humility about things gone wrong; a flashback to happier times with a new lover) and then in wintertime considers his future and the time after death which feels to be coming closer. The metaphysical lines of re-emerging in the sounds of wires or as a bird to connect to a loved one who then has to live on without him have always touched me most. I feel that it is here that the song transcends to the beyond and connects to „that what cannot be spoken about“. The song needs that state of mind to access the feeling of unity with the universe to state that actually all in life is and should be about love. Even after death.
The song is a masterpiece from a songwriter whose insight and craft have increased over the decades. Like other 21st century songs of his such as „Love and Hard Times“ or „The Riverbank“, this song uses these snapshots of memory and ties them to universal, larger issues of life and the human condition. I remain in awe of Paul Simon.