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In 1986, Paul Simon wrote a lyric he could never change. Now, he admits it makes no sense
Paul Simon says the lyric “I’m going to Graceland” initially seemed to make little sense in a song about travelling and finding new places. He repeatedly thought he would replace it, but the phrase stayed with him and became central to the song, capturing the idea of a personal journey.
The article places the song in the making of Simon’s 1986 album *Graceland*, which was shaped by collaboration with South African musicians, including Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Simon built songs around their rhythms and performances, blending musical styles; he later came to hear the title lyric as a symbol of journeys and destinations that can mean different things to different people.
In short
- Simon thought “I’m going to Graceland” made little sense.
- He could not get the lyric out of his head.
- The phrase came to represent a personal journey.
Explained simply
Paul Simon is an American singer-songwriter who first became famous as half of the duo Simon & Garfunkel. In 1986, he released Graceland, an album shaped by his work with South African musicians, including the vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
The album brought together different musical styles, with Simon building songs around rhythms and performances by the musicians he worked with. Its title refers to Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley in Memphis, but a journey there can also suggest a destination with personal meaning.