I was a couple years younger than Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon when this song came out. When I heard the line how strange it is to be 70 it struck me as to what a heavy line This is for guys in their 20s. I've listened to the song so many times over the years one of my favorite but now that I'm in my 70s the line does have a personal note about it. I have lost my son and my wife 15 months apart both to cancer . So many of my friends have passed on also. The last of my in-laws, my brother-in-law passed away yesterday. Mother-in-law, father-in-law, and five brother and sister-in-laws have passed away also. The last of my wife's family which was always my family too. How strange it is to be seventy . All my tomorrow's are gone.

"How terribly strange to be 70." I'm 67 and I think that's strange. Many thanks to Simon and Garfunkel for creating so much priceless music.

I was a teen when this song came out, and it was heartbreaking then. I never thought I would be one of the "old friends", sharing a park bench, lost in my overcoat. But, here I am, just as they sang. No regrets, just nostalgic. Time is a master none of us can disobey!

Did a report in English class at Villanova in 1969 on this song. Very sentimental look at my grandparents. I knew it would be me sometime in the future. And in a blink of a eye, here I am.

I'm nearing 70 and I feel the words to this song more closely. Old Friends and loves , many now gone. So sad.

I’ll be 67 in a couple of months. I used to think about my two oldest friends whenever I’d listen to this song, and could picture myself with one or the other of the two of them on that park bench, in our overcoats reminiscing about the fifty years past. They’re both gone now, and the line that still makes me weep for them remains, “Preserve your memories, they’re all that’s left you.” How could I have seen how those words would have come to fruition when we were listening to this at the tender age of 15? Kevin and Marc, I miss you both more than you could ever know, my Brothers. Rest Easy.

Everybody who would love Paul and Art shooting a video of this again...Simply with two of the sitting on a park bench..now that they are 70...thumbs up

"Silently sharing the same fears." Wow.

Old friends Old friends Sat on their park bench Like bookends A newspaper blown through the grass Falls on the round toes On the high shoes Of the old friends Old friends Winter companions The old men Lost in their overcoats Waiting for the sunset The sounds of the city Sifting through trees Settle like dust On the shoulders Of the old friends Can you imagine us Years from today Sharing a park bench quietly? How terribly strange To be seventy Old friends Memory brushes the same years Silently sharing the same fear Time it was And what a time it was It was . . . A time of innocence A time of confidences Long ago . . . it must be . . . I have a photograph Preserve your memories They're all that's left you

What a wonderful songsmith that Paul Simon is and their two voices are just in perfect harmony together. This song will be in the American song book for years to come ! Greatly appreciate this 🙏 post.

I’m 21 and have been listening to this since I was 15. I am positive I will one day blink and be 70. Life is fleeting.

I wasn't born until 1987 so i wasn't around for this but man, Paul Simon had so much swag to his songwriting. My favorite folk artist for sure.

Paul Simon .. the genius..

"preserve your memories, they are all that's left you" Damn

I just lost my Best Friend of 14 years. He was the best dog i ever had. I think of him when I hear this song.

I'm amazed at the understanding of "old friends" that S&G had when they w rote this. They were young guys...at that age , I took so much for granted. what a gift they have, and are.

This was the song that made me break my solemnness when my grand mother passed... I listened to this version and i just lost it.. I imagined seeing her one more time from a distance in a field and waving and smiling.. and when 1:46 hit she fades away..as the leaves blew. I know it sounds funny.. but I miss her :(

Im a 12 years old guy, but this is one of the best song I ever heard. I would like to promise that I would be glad if I would be one of this kind of old friend for someone. That is the kind of me I would like to be. See you tommorow.

Listen to this song, think about " a time of innocence, a time of confidences"and about their friendship, two old friends are still together after all these years, exactly 43 years since Paul wrote it, it really brings tears to my eyes...

“silently sharing the same FEAR...” I used to sing this song to my two boys (older dogs) when I wanted to appreciate their short time on earth, but I was silently fearing their mortality, that one fear S&G sing about. I saw them as two older men, as old friends, growing up and older together. sadly, they are now both gone and I listen to this beautiful version and remember that one fear, but mostly the good memories I had with them...I miss them terribly. “preserve your memories, there all that’s left you”

As I age, heading into the sunset, the lyrics of this wonderful song have even more meaning to me, especially: "Time it was and what a time it was, it was A time of innocence, a time of confidences Long ago, it must be, I have a photograph Preserve your memories, they're all that's left you."

I heard this when I was in college and thought of my grandfather and then I remember crying. Now I'm an old friend to my granddaughter and my grandson. Where did the time go?

This song hits me very hard. I'm 66 and have an "old friend" who was recently diagnosed with nodules in his brain. The lines "Time it was and what a time it was--a time of innocence, a time of confidences. Long ago it must be--I have a photograph. Preserve your memories--they"re all that's left you." are so appropriate and so gut-wrenching. I've been a fan since around 1966. None of us know how much time we've got, so make the most of it.

I much prefer this version of the song over the album version with all of that symphonic instrumentation. It's a beautifully delicate song that requires nothing more than two voices and a guitar. Melancholic beauty at its finest.

Paul and Art , the chord progressions in this song are from Heaven , and the lyrics are some of the finest and most sensitive and aware evocations of the human condition I've ever heard. May God bless and watch over you both for your musical gifts to us all. Blessed love , my old friends.

This always makes me tear up. Beautiful song.

As I approach 65, I can't listen to this song without weeping my heart out

Such a classic song.... There will never be another S&G !!

This song always gets me choked up

I've been listening to Simon and Garfunkel for some time, and just days ago I discovered this song. I love it. So much. The message it brings is strange to think about, especially for me, being only 14. I can't stop listening to it. I wish these two men could live over again. They are simply the best.

No one writes songs this openly pure. heart breaking and sentimental. This era is sadly gone RIP

No effects needed... Two Voices and Single Acoustic Guitar ..True Talents , Simply Beautiful and Brilliant ...

so beautiful..touches the heart

This has always been one of my most favorite Simon & Garfunkel songs, every time I hear it, I can't help but tear up. How special it would be to have a special friend to just kick back with like that when you are 70 (:

This is gorgeous. The major seventh chords are exquisite. Paul Simon really is a fine guitarist, as well as a great songsmith. And Artie's voice is unequalled in rock/pop. In their 70's - rock on, guys!

I like the way they always sing close together, it's charming and I like their discreet look to each other at 1.30, 1.43, 2.02, 2.15

Beautiful yet sad. In my older years I remember old friends, some now dead and some lost with time and distance. Old Friends. How I do miss them.

I had no idea who Simon and Garfunkel were until my ex introduced me to them and I didn't get hooked then, (I can't believe why and how). but after we parted ways I realized what I had missed all my life. I want to forget her so bad yet every time I listen to S&G, I miss her even more and its impossible for me to not to listen to them. What a predicament!

2 voices and 1 guitar... that's all. Just amazing.

Young People can make fun of this Music, But not the Message, We ALL get Old,it happens,no getting away from it. You may be 16 Now, But we were ALL 16 once.

Chef d'oeuvre de mélancolie . Masterpiece .Capolavoro .

For many reasons, my favorite song by Simon and Garfunkel. Fantastic.

One of the most beautiful songs Simon and Garfunkel wrote together, along with Overs and Bridge Over Troubled Water... It's simply peaceful and calming to listen to. The chords over the lyrics "old friends" are beautiful.

Their music is like magic!

C ma préféré de Simon et Garfunkel tant de souvenirs

Have always enjoyed the songs of this couple, now I too am in my September years and facing being one of the "old Friends".

"How terribly strange to be seventy" Paul Simon's riveting and meaningful lyrics on the Bookends album is something my generation will never leave my generation. Always complimenting was Artie's pristine vocals.

Something special happens when these two sing together. Two voices, amazing lyrics & a guitar... pure, simple & just beautiful. S&G are my pick me up on a bad day. Love them ❤️❤️

This is my favorite version of "old friends". Let's hope these two friends can grow old gracefully and sit on a park bench...

Great piece........after all these years!

Paul Simon was a genius. Not the greatest guitarist ever but his sense of harmony was well beyond most. These two were an anomaly even in their time. Just brilliant songwriting duo. They have a way of gently force feeding reality to people who were otherwise unwilling to consider it. This song should be mandatory listening for teenagers who think they are going to live forever.

Today, at 63, my sighs are filled with feelings gathered over many years. I remember my dog Grettle, and I sigh. I remember old friends, and I sigh. That exhale is filled with sweet memories. When I was young my sighing was only for things like boredom, or impatience. You older ones know what I am talking about.

I've always loved this song for all these years. It's everybody in the sunset of their life. Even as a teenager it made me cry and now as friend start passing away it even seems more prolific.

My YOUNGER brother turns 70 today. This song has been waiting on on old wooden park bench in my memories - just for today. Old Friends have been waiting - ever since it reached inside me way back, more than 40 years ago shortly after its release in 1968. He & I may have to slow down so we can find that park bench & reflect upon what a time it was. & we have a lot, A LOT of photographs to share.

Honest the only true friends I ever had were all those from my school years because we had so many things in common and were innocent. I no longer have true friends most are fake, so as i have gotten older I have God he has never once backstabbed me or taken advantage, he only gives and gives.

My friends from my childhood are most in our 70’s now. As bad as Covid was it brought us back together via text messaging. We talk about our memories and Simon and Garfunkel were a big part of my difficult teen years.

Randon Jesser suggested this song for a small lunch of friends, Carolyn S., Janette McD., Kathy J., Wilma S-H, Liz W. and myself. We are about 7 years until 70 but knowing each other from elementary-Junior High School-High School allows us to enjoy our present precious & joyful fellowship time together. 💐

Probably My favorite simon and garfunkel song

How terribly strange to be 70...... damnnn... that gets every single time.... 😭😭😭

One of the Pivotal albums, and songs of my Youth. From Mrs. Robinson, to now Medicare! Grateful and Humbled by the Journey, Friends, and Memories gathered along the way, and a Song that only gets Richer with time.

I can feel the cold winter wind, smell the hot dog vendor and feel the quiet heavy heart that comes from contemplation of life and our place in it at the moment...this is what this songs gives to me. SUCH beautiful harmony!

This was a song on an old 8-track we bought at a pawn shop in Mississippi in 1969! I love this song. Today we have been married 41 years and it means so much more to me today!!! I love my husband!

Exceedingly beautiful.

I have been trying to learn to perform this song for weeks. Days of listening, and working on the the chords, guitar notes on the bookends and the vocals have taught me so much about music and how perfect these two guys were. They recorded a work of art, a masterpiece that means so much to so many on so many different levels. Preserve your memories, they are all that's left you.

this piece.... makes my heart and soul fill with the utmost peace and enchantment. as if every chord describes the way the world is in its perfection. that my little world has an actual depiction. this piece truly tugs at my heart and creates the most fragile line of love.

The album has taped conversations with 70'ish couples and is stunning to hear...when I heard this as a college freshman I never thought i would watch them on an iPad and be typing these words...they are my favorite group...PP and Mary and the Beatles right there too...

Paul Simon seems like an old friend at our house, wow, so many wonderful songs - his compositions, a great poet, love his voice.... thanks for sending us his song... luv it - Marcie & Dee xxx

Their greatest song imo. Beautiful...miss you Dad.

Soon to be "terribly strange to be 70"; Ppast the time of innocence and confidences. Hauntingly lovely.

so beautiful. The line "how terribly strange to be 70" always hits me. It must feel so strange to become old.

Such a beautiful song... How terribly strange that Paul Simon will be 70 in October this year. God, how I love the album 'Bookends"! It's still amazing to me that he reserved one track on that album simply for voices of old people. Preserve your memories, they're all that's left you...

If they could just cut this video off at 2:41. I feel like the blissfulness of the song is shattered the second i hear "BOYS..."

Beautiful song

They were so mad over things, then this again. Too beautiful....

This is a favorite of mine and an old friend of mine. We use to listen to the entire album and it is one of their best. How strange indeed---we are now among those being sung about.

Queridos amigos, lejanos y desconocidos que nos convoca y reúne la música, los recuerdos, Simon y Garfunkel...Un abrazo a mi hermanito Abelardo, compañero de armonía, vida y canciones, Bendita Imternet. Gracias.

I'm not so old, but my auntie introduced me to Simon and garfunkle when I was 12. Many years later, I still adore them xx

So beautiful!

I grew up in Africa listening to Sam Cooke, Simon and Garfunkel, and the Kingston Trio...music used to be so....inspiring. I'm only 24, and I feel kind of sad about what we like to call 'great music' nowadays.

I'm 58's now. I miss SAG still.

I remember watching this live on TV when I was a teenager. I believe it was SNL if I’m correct. My favorite S&G song. Tear up every time I play it. Makes me think of my own mortality. Great lyrics by the great Paul Simon.

OOOOOooooold Friends! Can't believe I've been hearing them since I was born! Preserve your memories, my friends - they're all that's left you! Many thanks to Paul and Art! Hang in there, guys! We love you!

You know, I'm 14 years old and most of my generation will say that Drake is the most emotional musician they now. I almost cry every time I listen to this song, and I can't say that about Drake.

My husband and I are old friends too.....we can't imagine life with each other and I can picture us sharing a park bench, quietly, when we get older (we do that now).....

This is such a moving song. It makes me realize how REAL life is.. the good and the bad. Getting old isn't bad.. It's just real. I've lost my parents.. and it's REAL. Make every day count. Show the ones you care about how much you LOVE THEM.

They were magic together - that's all I have to say about that!

I would imagine that many of us were teenagers when we first heard this song. And now 70 beckons. Great song them. Equally so now. Preserve your memories. They're all that's left you.

two musical greats long may they live seen them in there only irish show bout three years back best concert iv ever been to !!!

I think this is the saddest song written or song by both Paul & Art. I got teary eyes the fist time I listen to it also makes me question why is it that life treats some badly, they both did pretty well professionally. but the pain & pressure that they both went through, breaking up so early in their profession must be tough.what was going through their minds singing this song I wander? regret,sadness? they blend together perfectly, love them both.

My best old friend passed late dec 92,.jus 37,,..i b 64 soon, still listen n miss him much....... .so much music

I would listen to this over and over, I also was 16. Now I think if it every time I am at a park with an old friend. I can't believe it.

Wonderful performance by the two "Old Friends". Thx for posting.

Love it, remember when we walked every morning

How terribly strange to 70...name a better duo than these two...they have had their differences over the years but what amazing artists...

Now at 72, still sharing their music with us. Artists they continue to be.

That's the best and most affecting line of the whole song "Can you imagine us years from today, sharing a park bench quietly, how terribly strange to be 70"

They were young when they did thus...as was I. Means so much. Love it x

I'm 31 and I love this song. They don't make music like this anymore. It's all about nudity and tweaking now a day!

Highly evocative. Sublime.

I've had 4 friends die in the past 2 months and this song brings me infinite comfort.