"Voices of Old People" is a song by the American folk pop duo Simon & Garfunkel.

"Voices of Old People"
Song by Simon & Garfunkel
from the album Bookends
ReleasedApril 3, 1968 (1968-04-03)
GenreFolk rock
Length2:07
LabelColumbia
Songwriter(s)Art Garfunkel[1]

Recording

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According to the liner notes, Garfunkel had recorded old people all across New Rochelle and Los Angeles[2][3] in various places such as nursing homes.[4]

Reception

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Reviewing the song for AllMusic, Matthew Greenwald said that the song was "More of a spoken word audio collage than a 'song,' this piece, which was taped at convalescent homes in Southern California, helps to underline the feeling of aging and the passage of time, themes that are indeed paramount. Sometimes sad, as well as comical, the voices on the record are touching, especially when you consider the fact that they probably died a few years from the date of recording."[5] Mojo Magazine called it a seamless sweep.[6]

References

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  1. ^ Pachter, Josh (2022-10-31). Paranoia Blues: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of Paul Simon. Down & Out Books.
  2. ^ Leigh, Spencer (2016-09-22). Simon & Garfunkel: Together Alone. McNidder & Grace. ISBN 978-0-85716-151-2.
  3. ^ Friedlander, Matt (2024-05-25). "On This Day in 1968: Simon & Garfunkel's 'Bookends' Become the Duo's First Studio Album to Top the 'Billboard' 200". American Songwriter. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  4. ^ Foster, Phyllis M. (1983). Activities and the "well Elderly". Psychology Press. ISBN 978-0-86656-230-0.
  5. ^ Voices of Old People - Simon & Garfunkel | AllMusic, retrieved 2024-06-18
  6. ^ Magazine, Various Mojo (2007-11-01). The Mojo Collection: 4th Edition. Canongate Books. ISBN 978-1-84767-643-6.