"How terribly strange to be 70", as I approach 74 this year I often reflect upon this age and how strange it does seem to be. I still at times feel like that old college kid searching for a place in the world and now look at my life in awe as I don't know where all of the years have gone. To all of my old friends, and my new friends, I wish them well. The words of these two blended songs are impactful. I just wish they (S&G) could have remained friends and not gone their separate ways.

I'm 71 and it's not so bad. The thing is, Lee, to look forward and realise you have another 40 years to make new memories before you get there. I hope you can make those good ones🙏

Back then 70 was old. I understand this kid's emotions. None of us contemplate old age.

John Lennon said it best "life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans". I am 6 years away from 70 and it is strange but all the memories... ah, good and bad... sigh

Never be ashamed to show emotion! I think real men do! Good music is meant to do that! That's how you know it's good! Love ya man!

I'm 58 years old now. My older sister who is now 73 played me this album when i was only 5 years old and I remember it. Although we live 860 miles away, I still call her every Sunday. She is my best friend. Preserve your memories. They're all that's left you.

Paul Simon I believe is the most underrated poet of our era. His words the missing puzzle piece of our lives. Your reactions are sublime. Many many thanks for reactions that mirror my own feelings. This song sings my life now and my tears fell as yours did like a duet of emotions as I listened with you. What a beautiful soul you are. From England much love.💛

Oh Lee, your reaction made me cry too. Those melancholy lyrics will get you every time. S & G were masters of their craft. In my 60s, I find it helps to just be so very grateful for those I have lost, and consider myself blessed to have had them in my life. And I treasure time spent with my loved ones more and more. You have a big heart - never change.

I'm 74. My parents, brother and sister are gone. I lost my best friend/husband to prescribed opiates. I dont know what became of high school friends, life happened and we lost touch. I can look back with sadness, but I cant dwell on it. I've got my children, grandkids, and great grandkids. We make plans for the future. That's the only direction I care to look. You've got your whole life ahead of you .. decades to make happiness. Your life's going in a good direction .. and you've got a lot of people cheering you on. Luv ya Lee

One of Simon & Garfunkel's happiest songs has got to be 59th street bridge song - it'll leave you feeling groovy. 😉

This album contained audio recorded at an old folks home they visited that made Paul take their stories to heart… when you listen to the whole album it Really covers a wide Scope of life

I'm 68...grew up with this music. It still makes me cry.

Imagine writing this when only 26 years old! Reminds me of John Prine writing “Hello In There” when he was only 25 years old. This song, operatic, symphonic, poetic, poignant, thoughtful and insightful. Listtening to this over the years (67 later this year) it only grows in power as I grow in experience. The haunting guitar melody at the end says it all…..

Never worry about showing emotion and talking about your past. It is just that - your past. We can’t go back and change it. We can only love the person who it made. You have a family and a future. Always remember to look forward again.

Lee.... it's okay. I've heard this song A thousand times and my heart still drops and I cry every time

After hearing that first song, it makes me realize how much I need to tell my best friend how much I love her. We came of age together. We met in 6th grade. We've been there for our weddings, our children's births, and funerals of our parents. We're not gonna kick the bucket anytime soon (God helping), but we are getting older. We're 63. And we still listen to the music we grew up with. That amazing stuff from the 70's. But, this song was sobering. It made me think, appreciate her, and realize that someday one of us will have to mourn the other. And, man. Time passes so quickly.

72, I had a lifelong friend and I always thought we would live the lyrics of the song but he died 2 years ago, point being embrace your friendships now they are priceless and rare.

Words of encouragement, if they help: Your 30s will be so much better than your 20s. Everything starts to settle, and as you approach 40 you'll start to feel something like wisdom, if you're lucky. We never 'settle in.' Everything, and every age, is swept in by change. Welcome it. Paul Simon is a such a great songwriter. Check out some tracks from his self-titled album (1972). So many great songs, and the peak of his guitar playing.

Ominous and beautiful interchanging. You start getting older and that's the deal. Folks your age look at folks our age and you see an old person. But, despite the aches and pains and other daily reminders, we are often still feeling like we're the same person we were decades ago.

I am 73 today. Really - it`s not terribly strange to be 70 at all. I don`t share any of the sentiments of this song at all - neither do any of my friends. I play in a band & we kick ass every time - Rock n Roll man. I feel sorry for any of the 70-year-olds that relate to this tune. I don`t what happened to those that do feel that way - bur I all I can say is - never give up man. Also, the same advice to you Lee - never give up man.

The "Bookends" album is fantastic from start to finish. I highly recommend "America" and "Overs" for your next S&G "twofer". "Overs" plays immediately after "America" on side one, and they connect perfectly with Paul lighting up and taking a puff of a cigarette. Beautiful and heart breaking work from these two.

"Preserve your memories, they're all that's left you." Love the double meaning in that line.

Simon and Garfunkel seem to always find a way to move us in many different ways.

Bought this album as a teenager. It’s still an incredible piece of work. Paul Simon is my favourite songwriter ever.

59th Street Bridge Song is Paul Simon being pretty happy. You'll like it ;-)

"Bookends" expresses so eloquently and simply all that I have experienced and will forever reflect on. Having lost my wife to cancer 7 years ago when we were both 49, I have told several people how this one song will evoke in them every emotion I have felt since losing her, and, along with her, my innocence and naïveté. Though getting old may suck, not getting old sucks more.....

60 here and grew up listening to these guys. The years free you up to just not care what other people think and to just be yourself and appreciate your life. It doesn’t make you feel older, just more settled into yourself.

Hey, I'm 74 but I pretend I am 19 all the time. Go out and play. Smile at everybody. You will never be alone if you look out for others. You share your heart and that's a start. Go for it man. Love, from a mother.

Bookends is their psychedelic LP. I heard this song when I was 17 and I cried then. I am 71 and I still cry when I hear this song. I have lost many close friends/family over the years as well as other people in my life. My best friend left this earthly coil by his own hand. I had imagined the two of us in this song, sharing our elder years. Yet, life goes on and gives us more. Never be afraid to cry, my man, emotions need motion. "Long ago it must be, I have a photograph....."

For happy, try 59th Street Bridge Song. Lots of love & a big hug from an old woman who has cried listening to many Simon and Garfunkel songs.

Orchestra arranged by Jimmie Haskell on Old Friends.

This is Paul Simon at his best, making us face our own mortality and all that entails in the form of regrets and missed opportunities. The protagonist of Bookends will return on Side 2 in America, a strong contender for the title of finest song anyone has ever written.

I will turn 79 this September! Yeah, yeah..I know, I'm the 'antique' of the bunch here, but guess what? I paid some pretty steep dues to be this 'old', and I wear the badge proudly. As the Irish saying goes: " Do not resent growing old - many are denied the privilege." ☘

It's interesting to reflect back. I am approaching 71 in the fall. I feel more emotions in music than ever. There are songs that energize me to the point that I'll tear up at the beauty or epic majesty of a song. Or...I'll cry because of the shear emotional depth of the lyrics. S&G can do that. Jackson Brown certainly does that, I can name multiple albums and artist and literally dozens upon dozens of songs that stir me to deeper emotions today than they ever did when I was younger. Some songs bring me back to people who are no longer here. Some songs remind me of how the joys of my childhood or my carefree college years. When I was beginning to build my record collection...about the time I was getting ready to college, my brother-in-law asked why I was collecting those albums...telling me it was a passing phase I would grow out of. He couldn't have been more wrong. Outside of my wife, children, and grandchildren, music is the one constant and can fill my life to hear a 4 minute song or an epic album. I'll tell you that 70 can be scary but it can also be uplifting. Hopefully when you reach that age, you will be able to look back at a longer life as mostly fulfilling and worth it. Those of us who go to your channel every day respect that you can show your emotions. I'd be more worried about the inability to feel. Keep going young man

The whole first side of this album was an exploration/exposition of the various stages of life from childhood to old age.

There's stuff "like" Simon & Garfunkel, but none with such treasure of song(after song) rich, beautiful, deep songs in words & music.

Your thirties are your years to really decide who you want to be. Enjoy what you have, and remember not to dwell on, it’s good to analyze your life but don’t get lost in it. You don’t want to pass melancholy down to the kids . Best wishes

This odd little song combo almost seems less than a song than a gentle way to evoke memories and reflections - it just happens to involve instruments and singing. But the listener's memories are really the music here. S&G are just giving you a place to bring your own particular memories to the surface. They're your accompaniment, and you're performing lead memories, if memories could form an instrument.

Fascinating to be the age i am. Never been old before.

It goes by SO quick Lee... I am now 64 and I remember my young teen years, footloose and fancy free with no worries other than what guy I had a crush on that week. My bestie and I have known each other for over 40 years, both of us approaching 70.... how terribly strange to be 70! Preserve your memories, they're all that's left you. Glad you hit these two and glad that it touched you, which is what good music should do. Take care everyone and spread peace and love. Life is too short!

Nice réaction. Humanity hasen't disappered in young people. We all have an invisible thread that binds us together, let's try to maintain it.

I'm 69...always amazed when I wake up each morning. Love S + G.

The Bookends album is heavy, mostly serious, but spectacular!

Thank you for this ❤ Like bookends, side one starts with “bookends” and ends with “bookends”. So now you must do the beginning of the album “Bookends/Save the Life of my Child”. It’s not as retrospectively sad, but it’s a very cool psychedelic Paul Simon. 🎉

Im 65 in June but my brain is 25, my brain says 'leap the garden gate' but my 65yr old body says 'don't even think of it' age really is only a number, Paul Simon, The Beatles & a few more are a gift to humanity to be enjoyed by all ages until the end of time.

Wow, that hit kinda hard.This was the first time I've listened to “Old Friends” in some years. As I celebrated my 72nd birthday a couple of weeks ago, it was a bit of a shock hearing them sing, “how terribly strange to be seventy.” Though I'm happy to report that it isn't really strange at all. In many respects I believe I am happier now than at many other stages of my life. Retired now, I don't have the pressures of work weighing me down. I have time to enjoy hobbies, travel and spend time with grandkids. Not a bad deal at all.

Take heart, my friend! 70 ain't so bad if you have your health and are close to those you love. You can still rock out, as I'm sure many of your followers can attest.

Check out Punky's Dilemma by S&G. It's a quirky song guaranteed to make you think, and not cry. They are musical icons to me, been listening to them since the 60's. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme was my very first album purchase. All of their music is worth a listen. I'm so happy for you that you found them, enjoy! ☮️ ❤️ 🎶 🎸 🎶

Bookends makes me cry every damn time.

I actually started crying before you did to this one. I have never heard this song before. I know a lot of Paul Simon and Simon & Garfunkel songs, but not this one. I am 66. Time goes so fast. Life is actually quite short. This song, in sentiment, reminds me of one of my favorite Elton John songs - "Sixty Years On". If you feel like it, check it out. With Elton's song, it is very interesting to watch a video of Elton singing it as a very young man in his 20's, then compare it to his singing it in his 60's/70's. Takes on a whole deeper meaning the older you get.....Great reaction, Lee. Thank you.

If this doesn't squeeze your heart, then you don't have one! More brilliance from the incredible duo. (Always thought it would make a touching memorial song with photo montage) ❤

"Time is an ocean, but it ends at the shore" - One of my favourite Bob Dylan lyrics, it always comes to mind when I hear his song and contemplate our linear existence. Another great choice, and a honest, genuine reaction as always. It's a real pleasure hanging out with you, Lee - peace and love from Canada ☮

Just want to send you a big THANK YOU for your intelligent and sensitive reactions ... these moments in music are the beauty and wisdom that we cannot express otherwise ... even sad times have their beauty , if only by revealing the width and breadth of living to the fullest , denying nothing that we openly feel , even when that requires a measure of courage. Please never be embarrassed by your emotions ... they make us HUMAN!!!

I have always been attracted to great lyrics just as much as phenomenal deeply-touching melody and arrangement. Paul Simon is one of those, just like Joni Mitchell and Billy Joel; they are poets first, but elevated even higher by beautiful music. In olden times singing poets, musical poets, were called 'bards', and were considered priests, shamans. They served truth and served up truth. They reminded us who we are and warned or encouraged who we could be. They inspired us and grounded us. I see the effect of this on you, who can hear and appreciate, who can react and weep, who lets it soak in like spring rain and flush out emotional toxins. Watching you react sometimes gives me hope for humanity. I know the orchestration in the first piece was a little disorienting to you, but as an aural depiction of time passing I think it's genius. Events are experienced as either gentle/orderly or as turmoil, and the discordancy of the orchestra works incredibly well, tangling up in itself before organically resolving. That it resolves from such sour chaos is its own type of beauty, adding a tension that's actually quite wonderful. Part of it is the anticipation that the discordancy is unresolvable, yet it does. Personally, I like it a lot. I haven't heard these two songs for a number of years, because 'Life'; Allen Saunders said 'Life is what happens while you're busy making other plans." Anyway, I'm now in my 70s, starting to run against the restrictions of an aging body, but still catching myself thinking like I'm still 18. I'm lucky enough to be in regular contact with a couple of folks that have been my friends for over 50 years. Being in my 70s is not yet so strange to me; in many ways I'm still active, though mostly I live and function in my mind (it's where I still have all my youthful agility and drive), so the internet keeps me plugged in and enjoying new things. I was never ageist and still hold my own in any conversation with any person regardless of age (including kids; they have so much to contribute). Some think being old is like sitting in God's waiting room; for me, it's more like having a seat in God's panoramic train where you take in the amazing scenery and can have conversations with other travelers and compare observations. There are stops where you can step off the train and engage with locals and scenery. It's quite exciting. Getting old does not have to be about regrets. When I was young, I set for myself the intent to act in such a way, make choices in such a way, that I would not suffer or carry regrets. That doesn't mean being perfect; it means just considering what is possible and knowable as you take each action and not layering a blame for what happens from a lack of information. You are NEVER going to know what you're getting into or what your involvement (or noninvolvement) will cause, so it's silly to accept blame for what you didn't know. All that said, there are repercussions or their lack that make me sad; not regretful, but sad. I live with that just fine, because those sad things have happiness attached to them; people I'm glad I met, activities I'm glad I enjoyed or witnessed, stuff I learned. Everything we encounter contains education, and the memory of it can for years produce more information that takes time to unpack and discover. How much we understand and how much we learn is the exact amount we need at any one time, and it sets up future understanding and learning. It all comes in its own time. Hint: It's never too late to resolve or repair a broken thing. You might consider trying to get an address for your old 'big brother' and just share the appreciation with him for having been a part of your life. Just acknowledge his value; don't get into specifics or apologies. Just let him know how you treasured his being a part of what made you you. He obviously enriched your life; thank him for it. Assure him that you don't need anything, that he doesn't even have to respond. Just tell him 'thank you'. I am so enjoying so much of your channel. Your honesty is certainly part of that enjoyment. Please keep on speaking from the heart. It's time I subscribed

Nearly 30 and the best years are ahead of you! Wade into these coming years without trepidation.

Beautiful song, amazing orchestration.

Never thought it would happen to me...but, it did...I'm 70. I'm still who I am but, I sure have gotten ugly. lol Great reaction and thank you for sharing.

Great comments about Paul Simon, Lee. Glad to know you're a survivor. I am one too from depression.

Beautiful open response L33. I heard this first in my teens. I'm 75 now. Its the greatest song about aging ever written. And l still love life. It's a gift.

Feeling stuff is so much better than feeling nothing :)

Great reaction to a beautiful song. Another great song from a young songwriter reflecting on the passing of time and the separation of friends is Bob Dylan’s Dream. Beautiful insightful song.

Near the end of your reaction, you marveled at Paul Simon's ability to write so eloquently about life when he was still so young. I don't remember if you have reacted to it yet, but if not, you should check out Joni Mitchell's “Both Sides Now” for something similar. I believe she was just 22 when she wrote it. For an interesting contrast, you should watch a video of Joni performing the song back around 1970 with the one where she sings it backed by an orchestra some 30 or so years later. It's the same song, but different in so many ways.

Try "Hey Schoolgirl" from the 50s when they were known as "Tom & Jerry". They even got onto American Bandstand with that song. It will certainly make you laugh. 😊

An inside cut, and sad but, the words to Dangling Conversation is pure poetry.Should check it out.

I'm probably not the first to suggest " at the zoo" and " feeling groovy" for a taste of upbeat Simon and Garfunkel! You'll love them !

I am 66 and these two tunes have broke my heart since I was 14 this album was a gift to me from my ex girlfriend- it projected me a vision of human nature and future potential images - Great Reaction Lee 😎

Man, I get through this one just fine until the Bookends theme comes in... This was my father's favorite Simon and Garfunkel record growing up. I lost him a couple years ago and it's more significant than ever. Thank you so much for uploading this... I know he's in a safe place and I'm at complete peace with his passing. But it's an ache that will never go away. You don't hear songs like this anymore. I absolutely love your channel and the content you post. It helps me get through some incredibly challenging patches.

I think it was courageous of you to post this. Stay strong. Life is good but sucks at times, many times in fact, but hold on to those good times whether it's in photos, your memory, or heart.

I live it every day L33. In my body I feel every day of it, in my mind I'm still 28. Make the most of it now my friend, so you don't regret the loss of it later ❤

Side 1 of this album is, in my humble opinion, one of the finest examples of what compassion is, in that each piece (whether musical or not) enters deeply into the experience of the people each piece is about, with a raw and unguarded vulnerability that enables one to see the humanity of those described. This makes this section of the album timeless and important. Great art elevates our human experience by showing us our commonality rather than dividing us into opposing tribes. This album is as relevant now as when it was first released. It was an honor to witness your reaction and to hear your own story of past friends.

Now that I'm 76, this song takes on a WHOLE new meaning!❤

Return to Forever to Simon and G love it

This song is emotional for me as I just turned 60.My best friend since first grade passed away a few years ago and I always had envisioned us in our later years sitting together watching a baseball game and just reliving all the great memories of our friendship.

I was the one who recommended this to you last week. I knew you were ready for it. And time has its way with us all… eventually. The lesson is to do what you believe you’re meant to do while you have time and ability, because No One is Guaranteed Tomorrow. Something uplifting, you say? How about “Shake,” by the Shadows of Knight? Picture pretty teenage girls in their teens and their suntanned boyfriends bouncing to the beat… like there’s no tomorrow. ;-)

One of my favourite Simon and Garfunkel songs ❤❤❤

I remember hearing these tunes in my teens. "How Terribly strange to be 70" felt SO long ago, and seemed so poignant. I am less than ten years from 70 now and Old Friends and Bookends gets more poignant each year as friends and family members drop off the Earth. I felt this with you, mate.

I was 19 when this album came out just starting to learn acoustic guitar, so of course practiced this song a lot. I was particularly in love with the way the violin note, not only transitions into the second part, but changes with the first chord change of that part to become much more than just a bridge. It literally still makes me tingle and tear up. At 75, I understand this so much more now, and am amazed he wrote this as a young man. Simon was, and still is, a musical and lyrical genius. You must listen to "Overs" , "Everything Put Together Falls Apart" and "Run That Body Down" Great reaction as usual. Thanks! P.S. You don't look like a weirdo, you look like a feeling human. Welcome to the club!

Great reaction. This song resonated with me when it came out. And now I’ll be 70 this year. Fortunately I still have old friends that I’ve known for 50 years but I’ve lost a few more along the way. Going to a memorial service for one next week. Stay strong.

Don't recall if you have reviewed 'For Absent Friends' from Nursery Cryme. It is Phil's first solo performance with Genesis. Sweet and sentimental.

Thanks Lee! I didn't expect it to make you cry. But after you explained your past, I understand. Many thanks.

Hey Lee , I think we're all glad you're still here. Stay strong and hope things keep improving for you, your family and friends too. Not to increase the melancholy n strange but a US artist, went to the UK and had hits in the Walker Brothers, Scott Walker has some incredible solo LP's. There are 4 named Scott 1 Scott 2 etc. All are great some have incredible orchestration but our favorites are on # 3 Rosemary, Big Louise, Two Ragged Soldiers, Copenhagen, Butterfly. #4 is a masterpiece except for a couple tracks at the end of side 2.

The ending. No more words.

You can tell Paul was very young when he wrote this - I’m 70 and I don’t spend my time sitting quietly on park benches…

Stay focused and strong. We all have made mistakes and have regrets. Look forward and make new memories. Love your reactions!

Wish it would have started with "Simon & Garfunkel - Voices Of The Old People"

Lovin' the music. I am lucky enough at 73 to still DJ with my vinyl 45's. This year I will have a few of sets at festivals in the U.K. (+ some others) including Glastonbury. I always play positive, uplifting songs. Tunes you can dance to as well. "Music is the Soul Bird that soars in the immense heart of the Listener" Sri Chinmoy.

for what it's worth, coming from an old hippie chick who's been through a lot..... some people are meant for just a short time in your life journey. I've learned that through life experiences. some people aren't meant to be in your life for your whole journey... and that's a hard thing to walk through but it's how the universe works. of course just my opinion 🌈

Wow im crying with you 😢 what a devastating song 😢

I turn 69 this year and I am surprised to be close to 70, but then I am the youngest of 4 so I dont worry about it, just another year. Ive never really cared about my age since I was 18

wooo!!!! these are some gems!

just turned 69 a few days ago. 70 is next!!! Cannot believe it. Things are fine so far...

65 here and this song impacts me more every single year. Hang in there, sir. We're all so glad you made it through so far! It's all a journey but the journey moves faster every year.

Greetings, Lee. I've been a sub to your channel for several months and continually find myself impressed by your honest reactions. I appreciate your unabashed ability to express deeper emotions and your dedication to keeping it real. It has been decades since I've heard these songs. So much so, the orchestration between the two songs caught me by surprise. I initially thought perhaps this was a remix/modified version, but after a few more listens, my memory gradually began taking hold. I have no problems with the lyrics or singing along to the songs on this album (any of S&G albums, really) but the instrumentation here threw me into a momentary mental lurch. The way they mixed the two (or was it three?) orchestral tracks over the other created a whirlwind effect as if it were a violent convergence of sound, yet they complemented each other in an odd way. It's no wonder Paul Simon's career has survived a span of six decades. On a side note: Voices of Old People, a track that preceeded these songs on the album, was recorded by Garfunkel and captures the mindset of elderly people who realize they're living their remaining days in rest homes. You might appreciate listening to it just for your own enjoyment. It is a thought-provoking track that lends itself perfectly as an intro to Old Friends.

Once again I've come late, thanks to life. Well, I'm 76, and i really don't know what to make of it. I'm still 20, but stuck in an old man's body, wondering what the hell happened. And yet... age and experience combine to give you perspective. You learn what's really valuable, as you have, Lee. You, though, learned the hard way. But it opened your eyes and your mind. Keep learning, my online friend. Above all, keep feeling. Life's a journey, a joy and times of pain. To feel is to live. I may be old but I love my wife with passion. I love my children and grandchildren. Because I went through a restless period and a disastrous relationship on the rebound from divorcing my first wife, I lost touch with so many of my old friends - though I have plenty of new ones through my wife, all black Zimbabwean strangely - I still have 2 left. One I've known since the 70s, a strange guy with a Hendrix tribute band. The other I've known since I was about 8. We live miles apart so we facetime occasionally and reminisce, just like the song. Neither of us know what's to come, only that we have a lot less ahead of us than behind us. And for both of us, music is our soundtrack. Love like there's no tomorrow.

Simon looking forward when in his twenties. Now, react to "Bob Dylan's Dream", a song looking back when in his twenties.

Bookends is short and yet an emotional crusher. Melancholy and reflective in just a few lines. Amazing writing.

Impactful and high poetry that moved me as an 11 year old immersing myself in my older brother's albums in 1969. It's very rare when young artists can contemplate and express perspective on age. "Preserve your memories they're all that's left you"

S&G have an honest earnestness that is delicious. No facades. No masks.

Those strings hurting u in your soul 😂

Age isn't so bad, esp if your healthy. Can't live in the rearview, its a tool to remind you of past's joys & lessons, but "life" is 'today', looking forward.