Paul Simon — Proof
Album: The Rhythm of the SaintsAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1558
Length: 4:34
Plays (last 30 days): 4
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Soon our fortunes will be made, my darling
And we will leave this loathsome little town
Silver bells jingling from your black lizard boots, my baby
Silver foil to trim your wedding gown
It's true the tools of love wear down
Time passes
A mind wanders
It seems mindless, but it does
Sometimes I see your face
As if through reading glasses
And your smile seems softer than it was
Some people gonna call you up
Tell you something that you already know
Sane people go crazy on you
Say, "No man, that's not
The deal we made
I got to go, I got to go"
Faith
Faith is an island in the setting sun
But proof, yes
Proof is the bottom line for everyone
My face, my race
Don't matter anymore
My sex, my cheques
Accepted at the door
Some people gonna call you up
Tell you something that you already know
Sane people go crazy on you
Say, "No man, that's not
The deal we made
I got to, I got to go"
Faith
Faith is an island in the setting sun
But proof, yes
Proof is the bottom line for everyone
Half moon hiding in the clouds, my darling
And the sky is flecked with signs of hope
Raise your weary wings against the rain, my baby
Wash your tangled curls with gambler's soap
Some people gonna call you up
Tell you something that you already know
Sane people go crazy on you
Say, "No man, that's not
The deal we made
I got to, I got to, I got to"
Faith
Faith is an island in the setting sun
But proof, yes
Proof is the bottom line for everyone
And we will leave this loathsome little town
Silver bells jingling from your black lizard boots, my baby
Silver foil to trim your wedding gown
It's true the tools of love wear down
Time passes
A mind wanders
It seems mindless, but it does
Sometimes I see your face
As if through reading glasses
And your smile seems softer than it was
Some people gonna call you up
Tell you something that you already know
Sane people go crazy on you
Say, "No man, that's not
The deal we made
I got to go, I got to go"
Faith
Faith is an island in the setting sun
But proof, yes
Proof is the bottom line for everyone
My face, my race
Don't matter anymore
My sex, my cheques
Accepted at the door
Some people gonna call you up
Tell you something that you already know
Sane people go crazy on you
Say, "No man, that's not
The deal we made
I got to, I got to go"
Faith
Faith is an island in the setting sun
But proof, yes
Proof is the bottom line for everyone
Half moon hiding in the clouds, my darling
And the sky is flecked with signs of hope
Raise your weary wings against the rain, my baby
Wash your tangled curls with gambler's soap
Some people gonna call you up
Tell you something that you already know
Sane people go crazy on you
Say, "No man, that's not
The deal we made
I got to, I got to, I got to"
Faith
Faith is an island in the setting sun
But proof, yes
Proof is the bottom line for everyone
Comments (100)add comment
Poetic. Original. Love to Paul Simon. but not on my play list.
Who is this guy? So talented!!
JK
JK
dwhayslett wrote:
I've told you a million times, don't exaggerate.
It's a well-known fact that 98.2% of all statistics are made up on the spot!
I've told you a million times, don't exaggerate.
It's a well-known fact that 98.2% of all statistics are made up on the spot!
nutrod42 wrote:
A string of early successes can establish industry momentum that propels a musician through decades of mediocrity (or worse).
It continually boggles my mind that the Paul Simon that wrote some of my all time favorite songs in the Simon and Garfunkel days could churn out this...I'm not even sure what to call it. Obviously artists evolve, and I know a lot of people like his later stuff, but to me this is just awful.
A string of early successes can establish industry momentum that propels a musician through decades of mediocrity (or worse).
It continually boggles my mind that the Paul Simon that wrote some of my all time favorite songs in the Simon and Garfunkel days could churn out this...I'm not even sure what to call it. Obviously artists evolve, and I know a lot of people like his later stuff, but to me this is just awful.
TRC wrote:
NO I say the worst song ever would be Macarthur Park.
oh c'mon! I loved Donna Summer's version!
NO I say the worst song ever would be Macarthur Park.
oh c'mon! I loved Donna Summer's version!
KaiT wrote:
Who engineered this?
They couldn't hear their way out of a wet paper bag.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Perhaps you should upgrade your Fisher-Price sound system.
Spot on!
Perhaps you should upgrade your Fisher-Price sound system.
Spot on!
aspicer wrote:
I second your perplex-ed-ness. It's a cheery, upbeat tempo tune with some atypical instrumentation for anyone other than Paul Simon.
6.4 on this wonderful track - from RP listeners..? 
I second your perplex-ed-ness. It's a cheery, upbeat tempo tune with some atypical instrumentation for anyone other than Paul Simon.
6.4 on this wonderful track - from RP listeners..?
stangalbraith wrote:
What does this mean? Invariably people use cultural appropriation like it's a bad thing. some form of inappropriate plagiarism and should not be allowed. If that is the case then we should eliminate pretty much all rock and roll. After all, most rock music can be traced back to African American blues music which can ultimately be traced back to African music. My favorite quote is from The Last Waltz movie. Robbie Robertson described the music they play as a mix of country, bluegrass and blues. Martin Scorsese asks what it is called and the reply is: rock and roll.
I Agree!! Very well stated!! Great Tune!!!
What does this mean? Invariably people use cultural appropriation like it's a bad thing. some form of inappropriate plagiarism and should not be allowed. If that is the case then we should eliminate pretty much all rock and roll. After all, most rock music can be traced back to African American blues music which can ultimately be traced back to African music. My favorite quote is from The Last Waltz movie. Robbie Robertson described the music they play as a mix of country, bluegrass and blues. Martin Scorsese asks what it is called and the reply is: rock and roll.
I Agree!! Very well stated!! Great Tune!!!
thewiseking wrote:
What does this mean? Invariably people use cultural appropriation like it's a bad thing. some form of inappropriate plagiarism and should not be allowed. If that is the case then we should eliminate pretty much all rock and roll. After all, most rock music can be traced back to African American blues music which can ultimately be traced back to African music. My favorite quote is from The Last Waltz movie. Robbie Robertson described the music they play as a mix of country, bluegrass and blues. Martin Scorsese asks what it is called and the reply is: rock and roll.
now THIS is cultural appropriation
What does this mean? Invariably people use cultural appropriation like it's a bad thing. some form of inappropriate plagiarism and should not be allowed. If that is the case then we should eliminate pretty much all rock and roll. After all, most rock music can be traced back to African American blues music which can ultimately be traced back to African music. My favorite quote is from The Last Waltz movie. Robbie Robertson described the music they play as a mix of country, bluegrass and blues. Martin Scorsese asks what it is called and the reply is: rock and roll.
xray38 wrote:
You've obviously never heard Paul Anka's "Having my Baby".
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir version! :D
You've obviously never heard Paul Anka's "Having my Baby".
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir version! :D
jp33442 wrote:
I am sure he feels the same about you
I am sure he feels the same about you
longliverp wrote:
I like a lot of African music, thanks to RP world mix!! But, I strongly disagree with you about Paul Simon's African music!! There are a lot of bands on RP, with a fusion of African music with rock, jazz & latin that are great! ...Everybody has their own tastes!!!
African music is amazing... especially when P. S. is not involved
I like a lot of African music, thanks to RP world mix!! But, I strongly disagree with you about Paul Simon's African music!! There are a lot of bands on RP, with a fusion of African music with rock, jazz & latin that are great! ...Everybody has their own tastes!!!
African music is amazing... especially when P. S. is not involved
dwhayslett wrote:
I've told you a million times, don't exaggerate.
You guys know that 74% of statistics are just made up on the spot don't you?
I've told you a million times, don't exaggerate.
You guys know that 74% of statistics are just made up on the spot don't you?
dwlangham wrote:
fuck off
Cultural appropriation isn't a thing.
fuck off
Cultural appropriation isn't a thing.
KaiT wrote:
Perhaps you should upgrade your Fisher-Price sound system.
Who engineered this?
They couldn't hear their way out of a wet paper bag.
They couldn't hear their way out of a wet paper bag.
Perhaps you should upgrade your Fisher-Price sound system.
baylees wrote:
Boo. You do know we are all Africans originally, yeah?
PS like many others did the "africa" thing. Because they had no original thoughts on their own.
Kill this mediocre excuse for music kill it with fire
Kill this mediocre excuse for music kill it with fire
Boo. You do know we are all Africans originally, yeah?
I have never seen Paul in concert but I did see Ladysmith Black Mambazo who played most of the Graceland album. Good band.
PS like many others did the "africa" thing. Because they had no original thoughts on their own.
Kill this mediocre excuse for music kill it with fire
Kill this mediocre excuse for music kill it with fire
aspicer wrote:
Brilliant! only 6.8....really?!
6.4 now. Evidence of further decline of civilization. Not that one needs further evidence.Who engineered this?
They couldn't hear their way out of a wet paper bag.
They couldn't hear their way out of a wet paper bag.
No sir I don't like em
maboleth wrote:
Boat shoes?
Can't get worse than this. Paul Simon needs pair of b...s.
Boat shoes?
Jelani wrote:
After the 70's, Paul Simon took a dive, IMO, and never resurfaced. Can't stand him.
I am sure he feels the same about youAfter the 70's, Paul Simon took a dive, IMO, and never resurfaced. Can't stand him.
keller1 wrote:
Yep. Arguably the worst song ever.
NO I say the worst song ever would be Macarthur Park.
Yep. Arguably the worst song ever.
NO I say the worst song ever would be Macarthur Park.
xray38 wrote:
You've obviously never heard Paul Anka's "Having my Baby".
Was Paul Anka EVER good? I really HATE him for HMBB.
You've obviously never heard Paul Anka's "Having my Baby".
Was Paul Anka EVER good? I really HATE him for HMBB.
xray38 wrote:
You've obviously never heard Paul Anka's "Having my Baby".
Yep. Arguably the worst song ever.
You've obviously never heard Paul Anka's "Having my Baby".
Yep. Arguably the worst song ever.
Going to see him tonight!! At a very small venue (for him), the Fox Theatre in downtown Oakland. Very excited!
Steely_D wrote:
If you like kineticism.
I like the kineticism.
If you like kineticism.
One man's treasure is another man's .... omg I must shake that back thang. I gotta go ...
dwlangham wrote:
fuck off
Comfortably Dumb?
fuck off
Comfortably Dumb?
thewiseking wrote:
fuck off
now THIS is cultural appropriation
fuck off
now THIS is cultural appropriation
maboleth wrote:
You've obviously never heard Paul Anka's "Having my Baby".
Can't get worse than this. Paul Simon needs pair of b...s.
You've obviously never heard Paul Anka's "Having my Baby".
maboleth wrote:
You need some musical taste.
Can't get worse than this. Paul Simon needs pair of b...s.
You need some musical taste.
Can't get worse than this. Paul Simon needs pair of b...s.
Kaisersosay wrote:
You're unable to distinguish this from, say, Homeless?
The song sounds the same,,,,,,,,just like any other song of his,,,,,hack
You're unable to distinguish this from, say, Homeless?
The song sounds the same,,,,,,,,just like any other song of his,,,,,hack
Good song.
Why is every song that is not 3-chord rock now "cultural appropriation" (this year's already tired buzz words)?
Hey, sounds like he might have been influenced by music from another country; what a horrible person!!
Why is every song that is not 3-chord rock now "cultural appropriation" (this year's already tired buzz words)?
Hey, sounds like he might have been influenced by music from another country; what a horrible person!!
it's only rock and roll, dude. anyway, music evolves, incorporates, cultural appropriation is soon to become an anachronism
I like the kineticism.
The horns make this song. 
Ugh. Not good. Where have you gone, Paul Simon?
This is Paul's disjointed attempt at, I'm not sure what? Maybe 'World Music'.
Poorly executed cultural appropriation
Poorly executed cultural appropriation
coloradojohn wrote:
Senator, I knew Lyrical Genius - You're no Lyrical Genius.
The lyrical genius, combined with the sheer symphonic tonal sensibilities and layers of rhythmicity of this man just blows me away...
Senator, I knew Lyrical Genius - You're no Lyrical Genius.
Proclivities wrote:
If 2016 has revealed anything, it's that facts are no longer very relevant. Use of hyperbole has increased by 3,000,000%.
I've told you a million times, don't exaggerate.
If 2016 has revealed anything, it's that facts are no longer very relevant. Use of hyperbole has increased by 3,000,000%.
I've told you a million times, don't exaggerate.
VH1 wrote:
On_The_Beach wrote:
Plays in last 30 days: 1
If 2016 has revealed anything, it's that facts are no longer very relevant. Use of hyperbole has increased by 3,000,000%.
This song playes today now for the 4th time! 4 times in 1 day! I do like Pauli, but this is a bit much! Sorry!
On_The_Beach wrote:
Plays in last 30 days: 1
If 2016 has revealed anything, it's that facts are no longer very relevant. Use of hyperbole has increased by 3,000,000%.
VH1 wrote:
Plays in last 30 days: 1
This song plays today now for the 4th time! 4 times in 1 day! I do like Pauli, but this is a bit much! Sorry!
Plays in last 30 days: 1
This song playes today now for the 4th time! 4 times in 1 day! I do like Pauli, but this is a bit much! Sorry!
jehahn wrote:
Maybe a dentist then?
Where do I put in the repair call? I can't stand most of Paul Simon's catalog. Sets my teeth on edge.
Maybe a dentist then?
coloradojohn wrote:
The lyrical genius, combined with the sheer symphonic tonal sensibilities and layers of rhythmicity of this man just blows me away...
Brilliant! only 6.8....really?!
A clipped version is on T.V sonic one is on AM and FM stations.
Lazarus wrote:
Laz,
Nice tribute to your fallen comrade with the headstone shots changing with the seasons.
I see the Buckshot beer from last fall has been replaced this winter with Coors' products. Is that what he drank during the "frosty months"?
P.S.-Is that "Lazarus Effect" movie coming out tomorrow some sort of biopic on you?
Laz,
Nice tribute to your fallen comrade with the headstone shots changing with the seasons.
I see the Buckshot beer from last fall has been replaced this winter with Coors' products. Is that what he drank during the "frosty months"?
P.S.-Is that "Lazarus Effect" movie coming out tomorrow some sort of biopic on you?
The lyrical genius, combined with the sheer symphonic tonal sensibilities and layers of rhythmicity of this man just blows me away...
tazochai wrote:
Ok seriously, enough with the Beatles and the post-Beatles please.
Yeah, any music that came out during or after the Beatles is pretty much garbage. I'm with Tzatziki here.
Thank you Paul for turning me on to "World Music" - yes this is very pop, but in the days before Radio Paradise I wouldn't have ever been exposed to something like this unless it was on the radio.
drH wrote:
When Paul finds a formula, he sure sticks with it.
Damn straight
tazochai wrote:
Ok seriously, enough with the Beatles and the post-Beatles please. I've got a big time beatle overload going on here. The Beatles, and then John Lennon, and George Harrison, and Paul Simon, are getting way too much air time here lately.
I for one would like to hear some new stuff from that Beatle drummer, whatsisname, Art Garfunkel. Or was he the one that got himself shot? By Keith Richards?
rulebritannia wrote:
If it ain't broken, don't fix it!
Where do I put in the repair call? I can't stand most of Paul Simon's catalog. Sets my teeth on edge.
tazochai wrote:
Ok seriously, enough with the Beatles and the post-Beatles please. I've got a big time beatle overload going on here. The Beatles, and then John Lennon, and George Harrison, and Paul Simon, are getting way too much air time here lately.
You're going to be ok, man. The parameds are going to be here any time with the adrenaline. Just keep walking and whatever you do, don't fall asleep.
Hang in there, dude. We're all here for you.
Any song on this album automatically gets a 10 from me.
mig7 wrote:
One of the top 10 albums of all time.
Second only to Graceland.
mig7 wrote:
One of the top 10 albums of all time.
Amen!
On the other hand--I loved this song--and album--the first time I heard it!
phineas wrote:
Nicely said. This can be over any time now.
Well, it is a bit heavy on the You Can Call Me Al scale....
Nicely said. This can be over any time now.
dmax wrote:
I adore his Hearts and Bones record, even though "Allergies" isn't a very good tune. It's made up for by the extraordinary "Rene and Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After the War."
Ha! "Allergies" is a bit embarrasing, isn't it? Don't know what he was thinking on that one. Love everything else, though.
Nicely arranged ditty with great lyrics from a creative genius. "Proof is the bottleneck for everyone..."
One of the top 10 albums of all time.
drH wrote:
When Paul finds a formula, he sure sticks with it.
rulebritannia wrote:
If it ain't broken, don't fix it!
Well, it is a bit heavy on the You Can Call Me Al scale (and I'm a fan).
drH wrote:
When Paul finds a formula, he sure sticks with it.
If it ain't broken, don't fix it!
When Paul finds a formula, he sure sticks with it.
ludwig7 wrote:
Wait--wasn't he the one in KISS with the really long tongue?
Nah, that was Richard Simmons, the famous exercise guru. I loved it when Kiss did that exercise video "Sweating to the Oldies".
This is one of my favorites on the Saints CD. I love Paul Simon, and that CD contains some of his best stuff. Thanks for playing it! :)
Originally Posted by FerretRob:
Wow... One can only HOPE that person screwed up the posting!
Besides everybody knows Paul Simon was the front man for Iron Maiden for years...
:D ;) 
Wait--wasn't he the one in KISS with the really long tongue?
Good thing RP doesn\'t play those other Beatles like George Michael and John Tesh and Ringo, ah, um , oh nevermind
Wow... One can only HOPE that person screwed up the posting!
Besides everybody knows Paul Simon was the front man for Iron Maiden for years...
:D ;)
Originally Posted by tazochai:
Ok seriously, enough with the Beatles and the post-Beatles please. I've got a big time beatle overload going on here. The Beatles, and then John Lennon, and George Harrison, and Paul Simon, are getting way too much air time here lately. I know some people like them, but they are getting played a LOT. Please please, a little less of this. This thought has been running through my head each time one of them gets played, and now on the hundreth time, I have to voice my opinion.
Um... Paul Simon wasn't a Beatle.
By the way, doesn't it get too cold in Minnesota to live in a cave?
I\'m looking silly dancing around the office but I don\'t care
gimme more, gimme more, gimme more
Ok seriously, enough with the Beatles and the post-Beatles please. I\'ve got a big time beatle overload going on here. The Beatles, and then John Lennon, and George Harrison, and Paul Simon, are getting way too much air time here lately. I know some people like them, but they are getting played a LOT. Please please, a little less of this. This thought has been running through my head each time one of them gets played, and now on the hundreth time, I have to voice my opinion.
Originally Posted by rmurray248:
Not bad, but it sounds like a cut that wasn't quite good enough to make it onto Graceland.
Exactly.
Originally Posted by Roto:
Gotta love that bass!
True
Gotta love that bass!
Listen to that big heavy south-african(?) fretless bass stompin\' in the chorus!
Listen to those high pitched picking (is that the correct verb?) strings, those coppers, the background singers!
This is from The Rhythm of the Saints that was recorded in South America, where Graceland was recorded in Africa.
He worked on Graceland for a long time before its release, and it shows. Its an excellent album. He got some great bands to back him up on that one.
The Rhythm of the Saints doesn\'t have the \"kick\" that Graceland has, but its still very good.
Offhand, I can\'t think of anything Paul Simon did that was bad, and his later work is as good (some of it better) as the earlier stuff.
Not bad, but it sounds like a cut that wasn\'t quite good enough to make it onto Graceland.
Originally Posted by andrewgd:
I am so glad I had the chance to see Paul Simon perform in concert. You wouldn't think it, but it was the MOST ENERGETIC concert I'd ever seen! Seeing him perform Proof live revitalised the song for me too. Wonderful music.
I have seen him also (twice) and both were GREAT shows! Ladysmith Balck Mambazo gtes much of the credit for the quality of the performances back then though... they are one of the best live shows I have ever seen.
Love this song, by the way. :)I am so glad I had the chance to see Paul Simon perform in concert. You wouldn\'t think it, but it was the MOST ENERGETIC concert I\'d ever seen! Seeing him perform Proof live revitalised the song for me too. Wonderful music.
And the sky is flecked with signs of hope
Raise your weary wings against the rain, my baby
Wash your tangled curls with gambler's soap