"America", a Paul Simon song, was made popular by 1960s folk duo Simon and Garfunkel. It was included in their album Bookends, released on 3 April 1968.

The song was released as a single in 1972, to coincide with the album Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits, and eventually hit #97 on the Billboard Hot 100. The flip side of the single, "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her," actually did slightly better, reaching #53.

In poetic terms the song describes in first-hand terms the physical and metaphorical journey of two companions in search of the true meaning of America. Their initial hopefulness, indicated by such lyrics as "Let us be lovers," turns to a sense of frustration and sadness, accompanied by the inevitable breakdown of their relationship - "'Kathy, I'm lost,' I said - though I know she was sleeping" - is a reference to Kathy Chitty, with whom Simon previously had a relationship while living in England in 1965.

Finally the realization dawns on the singer that, like El Dorado, the fabled America for which he is searching is an illusion, and all the travelers (and by extension all Americans) are seeking this mythical land in vain.

The song makes references to the cities of Saginaw, Michigan and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and to the New Jersey Turnpike.

The song was completely rearranged by the progressive rock band Yes in 1971; this version was released on the compilation album Yesterdays in 1975 and also appeared on the 2003 re-issue of their album Fragile. A memorably minimalist performance of it was given by David Bowie to open The Concert for New York City, held in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks. The baritone Josh Groban also did a rendition of it on his live album.

In 2000, "America" was featured in the soundtrack to the film Almost Famous. The main character's sister, Anita, uses the song as her reason for leaving home to become a stewardess.

External link

• Lyrics

Simon and Garfunkel songs