The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) Mandolin Tab
Meaning of "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)" by Simon & Garfunkel"The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)" is a lighthearted, upbeat folk song by Simon & Garfunkel, released in 1966 on their album Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme. The song is a celebration of slowing down, appreciating life, and embracing a carefree, joyful attitude.
Themes and Interpretation:
Musical Style and Impact:
Conclusion:"The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)" is a simple but powerful reminder to slow down, appreciate life, and find happiness in the present moment. Its cheerful tone and positive message make it a timeless anthem for peace, relaxation, and mindfulness.
Themes and Interpretation:
- Living in the Moment
- The song's lyrics emphasize the importance of slowing down and enjoying life's simple pleasures. The opening lines, "Slow down, you move too fast / You got to make the morning last," serve as a reminder to take a break from the fast-paced nature of modern life.
- Happiness and Optimism
- The phrase "Feelin' groovy" captures a sense of joy and contentment, reflecting the laid-back spirit of the 1960s. The song encourages positivity, carefree enjoyment, and a lighthearted approach to life.
- New York City Inspiration
- The 59th Street Bridge refers to the Queensboro Bridge in New York City, which connects Manhattan and Queens. The song was likely inspired by Paul Simon's own experiences walking across the bridge and observing the city in a peaceful, reflective state.
- Simplicity and Childlike Wonder
- The lyrics mention everyday sights like "Hello lamppost, whatcha knowin'?", reinforcing the idea of finding joy in the little things. There’s a childlike innocence in the way the narrator greets ordinary objects, showing appreciation for the world around him.
Musical Style and Impact:
- The song features a light, bouncy melody, with fingerpicked guitar, soft harmonies, and an overall gentle folk feel.
- Unlike Simon & Garfunkel’s more serious or melancholic songs (The Sound of Silence, Bridge Over Troubled Water), this track is purely uplifting and carefree.
- While it wasn’t a major hit at the time, the song has become a feel-good classic, often used in commercials, movies, and nostalgic references to the 1960s counterculture.
Conclusion:"The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)" is a simple but powerful reminder to slow down, appreciate life, and find happiness in the present moment. Its cheerful tone and positive message make it a timeless anthem for peace, relaxation, and mindfulness.
The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) Tenor Banjo / Mandolin Tab plus the sheet music lyrics and chords in G Major by singer / songwriter Paul Simon.
Instruments Used in "The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)" by Simon & Garfunkel"The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)" is a lighthearted, folk-pop song with a gentle, upbeat instrumentation that enhances its carefree, feel-good vibe. The instruments used in the song include:
Overall Sound & Style:
- Acoustic Guitar – Paul Simon plays a bright, fingerpicked acoustic guitar that provides the song’s rhythmic foundation. The light, bouncy strumming pattern gives the song its uplifting and flowing feel.
- Bass Guitar – A soft, melodic bassline adds warmth and groove to the track, giving it a gentle bounce.
- Drums & Percussion – The song features subtle percussion, including a light drumbeat that keeps the tempo relaxed and playful.
- Harp – Tommy Tedesco, a renowned session musician, played the harp, which adds an ethereal, whimsical touch to the song, emphasizing its dreamy and carefree nature.
- Flute – A flute melody in the background adds a bright, cheerful layer, enhancing the song’s airy and free-spirited feel.
- Vocals – Simon & Garfunkel’s signature harmonized vocals bring the lyrics to life, creating a warm, soothing effect that complements the song’s relaxed mood.
Overall Sound & Style:
- The song has a light, airy, and organic sound, achieved through minimalist instrumentation that keeps the focus on melody and harmony.
- The harp and flute give the track a slightly baroque-pop feel, which was a popular stylistic choice in the 1960s folk movement.
- Unlike some of Simon & Garfunkel’s more instrumentally complex songs, this one remains simple, uplifting, and easygoing, perfectly matching the song’s theme of slowing down and enjoying life.