The Genesis of ‘Mrs. Robinson’ and its Unconventional Creation
During an interview on The Dick Cavett Show, Paul Simon, the legendary singer-songwriter, provided a glimpse into the intricate process of creating his timeless hit, ‘Mrs. Robinson.’ Simon revealed his meticulous nature as a musician and his unwavering pursuit of perfection. Despite finding it challenging to achieve his desired level of perfection, he admitted that there comes a point where he accepts that a song is close enough.
Simon recounted his decision to compose ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ on the piano instead of the guitar. He confessed that he never bothered to work out the guitar part for the song, as he envisioned it specifically for Art Garfunkel to sing. This insight into his songwriting process demonstrates Simon’s commitment to translating his artistic vision into a finished recording.
The Unexpected Journey of ‘Mrs. Robinson’ and its Inclusion in ‘The Graduate’
Simon also shared the surprising story behind how ‘Mrs. Robinson’ found its way into the iconic film ‘The Graduate.’ After running into Mel Brooks, Simon discovered that the song had caused a great deal of trouble for Brooks, as people constantly associated him with it. The Graduate’s director, Mike Nichols, approached Simon and Garfunkel, asking them to contribute original music to the film.
While most of the music was intended to be original, Simon revealed that they experimented with incorporating existing songs into certain scenes. One such instance was the inclusion of ‘Scarborough Fair,’ which proved to be highly effective. The creation of ‘Mrs. Robinson’ itself was serendipitous, as it was improvised on the spot during a scene that initially called for guitar music. Simon’s spontaneous riffing on the guitar led to the birth of this iconic track.
The Enigmatic Lyrics of ‘Mrs. Robinson’ and the Inclusion of Joe DiMaggio
One of the most intriguing aspects of ‘Mrs. Robinson’ is its enigmatic lyrics, particularly the inclusion of the line, “Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?” Simon explained that he enjoys writing in a stream-of-consciousness style, allowing his thoughts to flow freely. Although the inclusion of Joe DiMaggio may seem unrelated at first, Simon believed that it held meaning, even if he couldn’t immediately explain it.
Simon’s inspiration for Joe DiMaggio’s inclusion stemmed from the pleasure of writing in a stream-of-consciousness manner. As he reflected on the line, he realized its significance and trusted that it would eventually resonate with listeners. This element of spontaneity and trust in the creative process further solidified the enduring impact of ‘Mrs. Robinson.’
In conclusion, Paul Simon’s candid interview on The Dick Cavett Show unveiled the intricate process behind the creation of ‘Mrs. Robinson.’ From Simon’s dedication to perfection to the unexpected inclusion of the song in ‘The Graduate,’ every aspect of the track’s journey came together to create a timeless classic. The enigmatic lyrics, including the reference to Joe DiMaggio, added an extra layer of intrigue and meaning. Through this insightful interview, fans gained a deeper appreciation for the artistry and creativity that brought ‘Mrs. Robinson’ to life.
