About the song
“America” by Simon & Garfunkel is a timeless folk-rock anthem that captures the essence of the American spirit and the restless wanderlust of youth. Released in 1968 as part of their iconic album “Bookends,” the song remains a quintessential piece of the duo’s repertoire.
Written by Paul Simon, “America” recounts the journey of two young lovers as they embark on a cross-country road trip in search of adventure and meaning. The song’s evocative lyrics and haunting melody evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia, resonating with listeners of all ages.
Upon its release, “America” received widespread acclaim and commercial success, reaching number 97 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. Its inclusion in the acclaimed “Bookends” album further solidified its status as one of Simon & Garfunkel’s most beloved and enduring songs.
For fans of Simon & Garfunkel, “America” remains a standout track, emblematic of the duo’s ability to capture the zeitgeist of their time and distill it into timeless music. Its enduring popularity and universal themes ensure that it will continue to be cherished by listeners for generations to come.
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Lyrics
“Let us be lovers, we’ll marry our fortunes together
I’ve got some real estate here in my bag”
So we bought a pack of cigarettes and Mrs. Wagner pies
And walked off to look for America
“Kathy”, I said as we boarded a Greyhound in Pittsburgh
“Michigan seems like a dream to me now”
It took me four days to hitchhike from Saginaw
I’ve gone to look for America
Laughing on the bus
Playing games with the faces
She said the man in the gabardine suit was a spy
I said “Be careful, his bowtie is really a camera”
“Toss me a cigarette, I think there’s one in my raincoat”
“We smoked the last one an hour ago”
So I looked at the scenery, she read her magazine
And the moon rose over an open field
“Kathy, I’m lost”, I said, though I knew she was sleeping
I’m empty and aching and I don’t know why
Counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike
They’ve all come to look for America
All come to look for America
All come to look for America