Paul Simon Reflects on Partnership, Pressure, and the Price of Legacy
In a candid and often humorous interview, Paul Simon opened up about his decades-long musical journey, his complex relationship with Art Garfunkel, and the challenges of living up to his own legendary legacy.
Simon described his partnership with Garfunkel—dating back to age 10—as the longest of his life. Despite their deep bond, he admitted they often got on each other’s nerves, especially while touring. “If we’re together, then every day probably,” he joked, acknowledging the natural tension that comes with long relationships. Still, he praised Garfunkel as a unique and gifted individual—“even when he was 10.”
Simon recalled their early days, including Garfunkel’s quirky habit of shaking boxes of Good & Plenty candy to find the fullest one. The duo had recently reunited for performances in Japan and Europe, marking their first major joint concerts since Central Park.
When asked about the pressure of writing new work after such enormous success, Simon admitted that it has gotten harder over time. He shared how his 1980 film project One Trick Pony—while deeply fulfilling—was not a commercial success. “I felt very guilty about it,” he said. “As if I had let a lot of people down.”
Simon reflected on how songs like “Bridge Over Troubled Water” have affected fans’ lives, and the burden of expectations that come with that level of impact. Still, he emphasized the joy of creation as its own reward, even when the work doesn’t resonate broadly.
He also spoke of his concern for personal safety while performing, especially after John Lennon’s death. Recalling a fan who once rushed the stage, Simon said his first thought was that the man had “messed up the song”—a telling sign of the performer’s focus, even under stress.
Simon ended on a thoughtful note, touching on the difference between artistic satisfaction and popular acclaim. “A serious popular artist has to separate the quality work that you know you’ve achieved from the acceptance or rejection it receives.”
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