Bestest Friend and I are doing a blog project. Each day we will write a blog post on a pre-determined themed chosen by a random noun generator. The theme for the eighth day of the month is "Art."
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| "Some Other Time II" by Atta Kwami, 2011, Acrylic on linen |
Sometimes I feel like the Garfunkel in the Simon & Garfunkel duo. Simon was the songwriter, he was the guy who went on to win Grammy after Grammy when they broke up, and he is who you think of when you think of "The Boxer" or "The Sound of Silence." Garfunkel was there, but he was an accessory, and frequently an afterthought.
But here's the thing. Accessories make the outfit. Maybe Garfunkel is an afterthought for you and I in the career of Paul Simon, but I bet he made Simon's life immeasurably easier when Simon was creating perfect works of art.
Sometimes I feel like a Garfunkel, but I'm not mad about it. Every genius needs a muse.
Are you a Simon or a Garfunkel?
I am definitely not a Simon, 😀
ReplyDeleteI guess the world needs us Garfunkels.
DeleteHmm, great question! Yes, Art Garfunkel was the sidekick- he definitely occupies an odd place in the history of that duo. Now I'm kind of curious about it- how did they get together? Was he resentful of Paul Simon? What was his career like after they split up? I may have to google this.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your question, I had a serious relationship in my 20s where I was definitely the Garfunkel- that wasn't entirely why we broke up, but I'm very glad we did.
I kind of want to know more about the S&G relationships, too, but I also don't want to learn anything that will make me enjoy the music less, so I'm refusing to google!
DeleteI think I might be S or G depending on the relationship and the situation? Like I've gotten quite good at navigating and stuff, but when I'm around people who knew me before (my sister, my spouse...) I revert to being a helpless waif who needs to be guided across the street.
ReplyDelete"a helpless waif who needs to be guided across the street" - Ha! This imagery is amazing.
DeleteIf you are a Garfunkel, then who is your Simon?
ReplyDeleteFor a long time, I didn't realize that Paul Simon was the Simon of Simon and Garfunkel - I thought they were two completely unrelated musical entities.
I feel like at work I'm the Garfunkel and the director is the Simon. But at home, I'm the Simon and the Husband is the Garfunkel.
Basically, in every situation, I am Garfunkel. At home, at work, at my volunteer gig. I'm just the person who goes along and helps and gets some recognition, of course, but the real genius is elsewhere. I'm okay with this because I'm not a genius, but it took me a long time to realize my role.
DeleteI am always the Simon. And yes, I have the Control Issues to prove it. At this point in my life, I'd like to be the Garfunkel, but now it's too late.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, of the two actual people, I always preferred the voice of Art Garfunkel. It was so soothing and beautiful. It sounded like the way Poetry would sing.
It does seem to the consensus that Art was the better singer. Yay for him!
DeleteI am totally a Garfunkel, even though I have Simon-esque aspirations. I am totally a behind-the-scenes, helper-bee kind of person. I would much rather be given an assignment than be in charge of the vision. Editing is one of my favorite jobs because I love helping something great become its best self.
ReplyDeleteYes, those of us who thrive behind the scenes are important in the running of the world.
DeleteThis is such a fun idea. I have to say that Simon wrote Bridge Over Troubled Waters just so Garfunkel could shine - at least, that was what I recently heard on a podcast about vocal ranges. Wow, a podcast about vocal range. I'm setting the world on fire over here!
ReplyDeleteSo honestly, I think I'm a Simon for most things, but I can be a Garfunkel too. I love the Barenaked Ladies song If I Had A Million Dollars for many reasons, but especially when they talk about Art - a Picasso or a Garfunkel!
I wasn't thinking about that song when I wrote this post, but now it's all I can think of and I think I should change the title!
DeleteExcellent question for which I have a wishy-washy answer: who I am depends on the situation. I can be either when necessary to keep the harmony.
ReplyDeleteI think this is amazing, though. To be able to code switch like that must be a superpower.
DeleteI would agree with many of the commenters; it depends on the situation. I am usually the planner and the leader of many things at work or in my personal life. However, with bigger groups, I am happy to let everyone else shine while I sit quietly. As I side note, I saw Simon at Jazzfest in New Orleans and it was a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteRight? But would you go see Garfunkel (Google search shows he is still alive)? I honestly am not sure if I would...
DeleteI love this. I'm the Garfunkel of our operation, but without me, the songs would not have that catchy melody. )
ReplyDeleteHey, the world needs us Garfunkels, too!
DeleteIt's also situational for me. I am, um, kind of controlling, so maybe that makes me Simon? I like things done a certain way. But I am not an extrovert... So maybe I'm a blend of the 2?
ReplyDeleteI am always impressed with people who can switch between the two. I think it's good if you can't categorize yourself easily.
DeleteLove that analogy, Engie... and it's so true, "accessories" usually make (other) people shine. I am definitely a Garfunkel... always supporting others who get (most) of the credit.
ReplyDeleteHey, I'm not ashamed. We all know Garfunkel, too!
DeleteTotal Garfunkel here. Someone else can lead, I'm happy to follow. This also aligns with my general life strategy of "don't stand out in any way", also known as "fly under the radar at all costs". ;)
ReplyDeleteI think it's easier now that I'm older to accept my own flying under the radar. When I was younger, I wanted to stand out, but now I realize that I'm not cut out for that.
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