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Paul Simon — Born at the Right Time
Album: The Rhythm of the Saints
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1763









Released: 1990
Length: 3:48
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Down among the reeds and rushes
A baby boy was found
His eyes as clear as centuries
His silky hair was brown

Never been lonely
Never been lied to
Never had to scuffle in fear
Nothing denied to
Born at the instant
The church bells chime
And the whole world whispering
Born at the right time

Me and my buddies we are traveling people
We like to go down to restaurant row
Spend those Euro-dollars
All the way from Washington to Tokyo
I see them in the airport lounge
Upon their mother's breast
They follow me with open eyes
Their uninvited guest

Never been lonely
Never been lied to
Never had to scuffle in fear
Nothing denied to
Born at the instant
The church bells chime
And the whole world whispering
Born at the right time

Too many people on the bus from the airport
Too many holes in the crust of the earth
The planet groans
Every time it registers another birth

But down among the reeds and rushes
A baby girl was found
Her eyes as clear as centuries
Her silky hair was brown

Never been lonely
Never been lied to
Never had to scuffle in fear
Nothing denied to
Born at the instant
The church bells chime
And the whole world whispering
Born at the right time
Comments (80)add comment
My very favourite album. a masterpiece 
Posted 2 days ago by jay_nathanson    [ Reply ]
This 1990 album is a sibling of 1986's Graceland except here Simon explores the variety of Brazilian music traditions instead of South African. While Graceland is the landmark album (deservedly so in my opinion) I find myself pulling Rhythm of the Saints out of the archives more often. Its charms are more subtle and not always obvious on a first listen. The layers reveal themselves over time then sink deep.  The lyrics, allusive and cryptic, make the listener expend some effort to find meaning.  One in particular (from Cool Cool River) gets me every time: "Sometimes even music cannot substitute for tears". The despair is so complete that even the universal balm of music cannot heal. Yikes!
Posted 7 months ago by siqbal    [ Reply ]
 jmsmy wrote:

It was a awesome world in 1990 - yeah being born then would be the right time you would think - until everything fell apart 10 years later



So really, being born in the early 70's was being "born at the right time". A young, not yet jaded. independent adult in the 90's - WAS a Magical Time... Sigh. And the MUSIC!! Agh. "Calgon, Take me back!"  ;) 
Posted 10 months ago by pyrateparadox988    [ Reply ]
This whole album is a masterpiece.
Posted 11 months ago by jwynn80    [ Reply ]
 spinmeister wrote:


It sure sounds like you have never heard the entire album, or even paid attention to it's name.  That's like saying that you like Frank Sinatra but don't like his singing.

Actually I haven't heard the whole album for a long time - but I think your analogy is wrong - more like saying that I like Sinatra but I don't like Nelson Riddle's arrangements.  In any case, the song isn't the percussion, which would exist perfectly well without it.
Posted 1 year ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
I love the percussion.I don't care what anybody else has to say about i!  Thanx RP   
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
happy (and false) homesickness
Posted 2 years ago by rogyus    [ Reply ]
 Edweirdo wrote:

I quite like this, but the percussion ruins it for me.



It sure sounds like you have never heard the entire album, or even paid attention to it's name.  That's like saying that you like Frank Sinatra but don't like his singing.
Posted 2 years ago by spinmeister    [ Reply ]
I quite like this, but the percussion ruins it for me.
Posted 3 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:


Bowie, for one.


Violent Femmes too!
Posted 3 years ago by pigtail    [ Reply ]
timeless stuff
Posted 3 years ago by jkforde    [ Reply ]
It was a awesome world in 1990 - yeah being born then would be the right time you would think - until everything fell apart 10 years later
Posted 3 years ago by jmsmy    [ Reply ]
There's a joyful hope to this 
Posted 4 years ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
Powerful, Gutsy, statement! Peace be to Simeon!
Posted 4 years ago by Matt_Maurer    [ Reply ]
 dublanica wrote:
Who else besides Paul Simon and Neil Young experimented and perfected so many different styles, techniques and rhythms over such long careers?
 

Bowie, for one.
Posted 4 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 dublanica wrote:
Who else besides Paul Simon and Neil Young experimented and perfected so many different styles, techniques and rhythms over such long careers?
 
I would add David Byrne to that list.
Posted 4 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
Like this album. Yes, I have the album.
Posted 4 years ago by LawDude    [ Reply ]
 nutrod42 wrote:
Maybe I'm being unfair judging this Paul Simon by the standards of the Paul Simon from the Simon and Garfunkel days. I mean, this is OK, but not even close to his former greatness. Maybe I should consider this Paul Simon a different person than the other one.
 
We are all different from our past selves, even our selves from the recent past. Our memories, and the props that surround us, provide the illusion of personal identity.
Posted 5 years ago by Otomi    [ Reply ]
Who else besides Paul Simon and Neil Young experimented and perfected so many different styles, techniques and rhythms over such long careers?
Posted 5 years ago by dublanica    [ Reply ]
ahhhhhhhhhhhh; one of the Kings!
Posted 5 years ago by dublanica    [ Reply ]
 nutrod42 wrote:
Maybe I'm being unfair judging this Paul Simon by the standards of the Paul Simon from the Simon and Garfunkel days. I mean, this is OK, but not even close to his former greatness. Maybe I should consider this Paul Simon a different person than the other one.
 
Or maybe you just like that song less than the others. I do, but I wouldn't try to explain that away by making him another person. Some of his songs are just worse than others, at least for me. I think that's not asking too much, is it?
Posted 5 years ago by user4176    [ Reply ]
Pretty song, but I'm hung up on a lyric. How clear is a century? What is that supposed to mean... Exactly what is he talking about? :P
Posted 6 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
 scrubbrush wrote:


I had the same feeling when this came out... It just wasn't quite "Graceland II"... however, i now see that it's a 9.5 (Graceland being a 10)

 
Agree very much
Posted 6 years ago by wtango    [ Reply ]
Maybe I'm being unfair judging this Paul Simon by the standards of the Paul Simon from the Simon and Garfunkel days. I mean, this is OK, but not even close to his former greatness. Maybe I should consider this Paul Simon a different person than the other one.
Posted 6 years ago by nutrod42    [ Reply ]
SOUNDS, VISIONS OF GREAT VOICES GREAT SPIRITS
Posted 7 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 Cynaera wrote:
Lay off, okay? Romeotuma is who he is, he loves music like you and I do, and he expresses it the way he does. If that's a problem for you, walk away for awhile, breathe, and maybe get a hobby. Fly a kite. Go fishing. Crochet a quilt.

Wow. I think I should go fishing, because I know that other stuff. We all love music, so let's just accept it and move on.

And I love Paul Simon's music. So there.
 
We miss you so very much, Cynaera...  everybody in my hotel room loves this song, and this marvelous album...  time flies when we're having fun...

Ann Lucas passed away February 6, 2012, at University of Utah Medical Center, at age 55 due to a subdural hematoma, which required surgery. She was put on life support, but after three days without signs of improvement, her family made the difficult decision to discontinue life support and donate her organs on the 6th.

Ann was born on Oct. 12, 1956, in Twin Falls, Idaho, to Buss and Dorothy Stepp, who encouraged her to follow her dreams. One dream was to become a published author, which she achieved in 2010 with her novel "Life-Dance". She also wrote fan fiction for the television show "La Femme Nikita".

Ann was also a freelance correspondent for the "Elko Independent" newspaper and had a recurring column called "Shaking the Tree", as well as writing articles for "Elko Daily Free Press".


Posted 7 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
ahhh...my favorite PS album! {#Drummer}
Posted 8 years ago by dalebryan    [ Reply ]
sounds like talking heads byrne lyrics
Posted 10 years ago by KaraokeVox    [ Reply ]
Simon is an amazing musician and songwriter, for decades now his work continues to impress and inspire
Posted 10 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 GuiltyFeat wrote:
I think I was disappointed with this album when it came out, but now I listen to it more than Graceland which I kinda overplayed. This may be the best song on the album.

 

I had the same feeling when this came out... It just wasn't quite "Graceland II"... however, i now see that it's a 9.5 (Graceland being a 10)
Posted 11 years ago by scrubbrush    [ Reply ]
I think I was disappointed with this album when it came out, but now I listen to it more than Graceland which I kinda overplayed. This may be the best song on the album.
Posted 13 years ago by GuiltyFeat    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:


This song is soooo gooood for the ears...


 

Yep. I love him!
Posted 13 years ago by emeraldrose63    [ Reply ]
I used to listen to this album as a teenager.
Just can't stop admiring it, excellent beat and flowing music.  

Paul Simon in general is one of my most favorite musicians and I truly love this song
Posted 13 years ago by shokkas    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:

Could you please post a different comment? I'm getting fed up with reading about your lug holes :(

 
Lay off, okay? Romeotuma is who he is, he loves music like you and I do, and he expresses it the way he does. If that's a problem for you, walk away for awhile, breathe, and maybe get a hobby. Fly a kite. Go fishing. Crochet a quilt.

Wow. I think I should go fishing, because I know that other stuff. We all love music, so let's just accept it and move on.

And I love Paul Simon's music. So there.

Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
8 >> 9
Posted 14 years ago by tapatia1072    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:
This song is soooo gooood for the ears...

 
Could you please post a different comment? I'm getting fed up with reading about your lug holes :(

Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
 cattgirl813 wrote:


I kind of like this. I have this album on cassette and never make it past "The Obvious Child." I guess I should expand my horizons, eh?


 

I always thought the 'The Obvious Child' was a bad opener. I often used to skip it as it didn't create the right mood for the album.

One of my favourites has got to be 'Can't run but'.

Posted 15 years ago by planet_lizard    [ Reply ]
 Papernapkin wrote:
This is the second worst song I've ever heard.
 
Hah, that's funny.
But Paul Simon does not write bad songs, so I'm afraid to hear what your favorites are.

Posted 15 years ago by joshfm    [ Reply ]
cattgirl813 wrote:
I kind of like this. I have this album on cassette and never make it past "The Obvious Child." I guess I should expand my horizons, eh?

Was the same with me for a long time. Now I like every single piece on it. A real grower.

Posted 16 years ago by TanteJensen    [ Reply ]
This is one of my all-time favorite records. One of those albums that got me through a very tough time. I still don't understand what Simon's trying to say most of time in Rhythm of the Saints, but I don't understand a lot of things. Paul Simon takes the ambiguity to sublime heights, for me. also- nice segue, those two songs came together beautifully...Diallo's West African groove and then Simon's S. American beat; the percussion section of this cd was most definitely from Brazil...
Posted 16 years ago by bicycle4peace    [ Reply ]
This is the second worst song I've ever heard.
Posted 16 years ago by Papernapkin    [ Reply ]
a definite classic!
Posted 16 years ago by myrabrrz    [ Reply ]
coding_to_music wrote:
This is a great song, a 9 or so But I would like to not hear it for a very long time Sick of it...
Thinking the same thing, actually. The same thing.
Posted 16 years ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
bcorcoran wrote:
Gee, stop playing with fire all of you :P Some people like it, some people don't. Simple! Rate it accordingly and move on!
Here on RP, we can do as we wish. Thank you for your guidance though.
Posted 17 years ago by sqqqrly    [ Reply ]
swelements wrote:
Nearly sounds like "You can call me all"
And/or "Al"
Posted 17 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
birdland wrote:
Poetry, actually.
Poetic pablum, I'll grant you. :)
Posted 17 years ago by sqqqrly    [ Reply ]
Gee, stop playing with fire all of you :P Some people like it, some people don't. Simple! Rate it accordingly and move on!
Posted 17 years ago by bcorcoran    [ Reply ]
sqqqrly wrote:
I hit the same button. The lyrics are can only be described as pablum....
Poetry, actually.
Posted 17 years ago by birdland    [ Reply ]
fredriley wrote:
I don't know what it is about this guy - pretentiousness? Ripping off (sorry, 'paying homage to') African musical styles? Insipid voice? - but he really, really gets on my nerves. I had to hit the pause button after a minute of this one :(
I hit the same button. The lyrics are can only be described as pablum....
Posted 17 years ago by sqqqrly    [ Reply ]
fredriley wrote:
I don't know what it is about this guy - pretentiousness? Ripping off (sorry, 'paying homage to') African musical styles? Insipid voice? - but he really, really gets on my nerves. I had to hit the pause button after a minute of this one :(
yep . . . all that you said . . . he's annoying
Posted 18 years ago by grant    [ Reply ]
I don't know what it is about this guy - pretentiousness? Ripping off (sorry, 'paying homage to') African musical styles? Insipid voice? - but he really, really gets on my nerves. I had to hit the pause button after a minute of this one :(
Posted 18 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
...always makes me feel better.
Posted 18 years ago by iamnotabronte    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by R_P    [ Reply ]
LittleMike wrote:
Funny, I have this album, and I don't remember ever hearing this one. Ho-hum, I guess.
I kind of like this. I have this album on cassette and never make it past "The Obvious Child." I guess I should expand my horizons, eh?
Posted 18 years ago by cattgirl813    [ Reply ]
"...the planet groans every time it registers another birth..." Just watch the fungus grow. Too much of a good thing.
Posted 18 years ago by passsion8    [ Reply ]
you can identify any Paul Simon song by the first 2 bangs on the bongos.
Posted 18 years ago by meghan89    [ Reply ]
This is a great song, a 9 or so But I would like to not hear it for a very long time Sick of it...
Posted 18 years ago by coding_to_music    [ Reply ]
rockon paul...
Posted 18 years ago by godspeed    [ Reply ]
This is the cheese!
Posted 18 years ago by brokemusician    [ Reply ]
I've heard Paul Simon interviewed. Musical genius.
Posted 18 years ago by rosedraws    [ Reply ]
I didn't really like this album when it first came out. However, for some reason or another I was always drawn to put it back in the tape deck from time to time. After quite a few listens it REALLY grew on me. Now a days, this is an album that I know I'll always enjoy listening to as I drive down the road. Excellent CD, start to finish!
Posted 18 years ago by byrd    [ Reply ]
Pretty happy song, not too distinguished or unique. Good elevator music.
Posted 18 years ago by plutodazed    [ Reply ]
Funny, I have this album, and I don't remember ever hearing this one. Ho-hum, I guess.
Posted 19 years ago by LittleMike    [ Reply ]
Nearly sounds like "You can call me all"
Posted 19 years ago by swelements    [ Reply ]
indypaul wrote:
This was also the name of the tour in 1991. Saw him outdoors in Indy in September. My wife (8 months pregnant) and I went and thoroughly enjoyed it. She asked to sit down towards the end of the show because she wasn't feeling too good. The next day she gave birth to our first child. Born at the Right Time? I'll say!!!
Great story! :D
Posted 19 years ago by phineas    [ Reply ]
This was also the name of the tour in 1991. Saw him outdoors in Indy in September. My wife (8 months pregnant) and I went and thoroughly enjoyed it. She asked to sit down towards the end of the show because she wasn't feeling too good. The next day she gave birth to our first child. Born at the Right Time? I'll say!!!
Posted 19 years ago by indypaul    [ Reply ]
NeilBlanchard wrote:
Hello: I own this on LP -- I may just have to buy the digital version! I really like "Further To Fly", and this whole album is even a bit better than "Graceland", IMO.
I agree! And the new Remaster is worth picking up - the sound is so much better....it's not subtle! The bonus tracks are OK - the original of this song is particularly interetsting in it's "just acoustic guitar" version.
Posted 19 years ago by slawjam    [ Reply ]
NeilBlanchard wrote:
...this whole album is even a bit better than "Graceland", IMO.
I'd have to agree, though I might prefer it because I played Graceland to death prior to this coming out. Both are wonderful.
Posted 19 years ago by timandjuliet    [ Reply ]
Hello: I own this on LP -- I may just have to buy the digital version! I really like "Further To Fly", and this whole album is even a bit better than "Graceland", IMO.
Posted 19 years ago by NeilBlanchard    [ Reply ]
Lyrics, sound, ah... what a great mood! Thanks!
Posted 19 years ago by hyperfish    [ Reply ]
Typesbad wrote:
My thoughts exactly. I like it but, well, Graceland was one hell of act to follow.
I would recommend "You're the one" from 2001... that ranks a close third for me
Posted 19 years ago by Chunnamark    [ Reply ]
Schmackdown wrote:
Great flow, great rhythm. Saints may not be Graceland, but it's still a standout CD.
Well said. Saw Paul in New Orleans on his "Rhythm of the Saints" tour. How perfect.
Posted 20 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
namesbenny wrote:
The first few bars reminded me of "Mystery Train"-- a good song and even better movie. I'd also like to hear "Walk Much Faster" from this album.
It's called "Can't Run But," and it's absolutely wonderful. It really takes you somewhere else.
Posted 20 years ago by Angloray    [ Reply ]
The first few bars reminded me of "Mystery Train"-- a good song and even better movie. I'd also like to hear "Walk Much Faster" from this album.
Posted 20 years ago by namesbenny    [ Reply ]
Schmackdown wrote:
Great flow, great rhythm. Saints may not be Graceland, but it's still a standout CD.
My thoughts exactly. I like it but, well, Graceland was one hell of act to follow.
Posted 20 years ago by Typesbad    [ Reply ]
Great flow, great rhythm. Saints may not be Graceland, but it's still a standout CD.
Posted 20 years ago by Schmackdown    [ Reply ]
Good Album...but there are better songs than this.
Posted 20 years ago by Foldslewis    [ Reply ]