The meaning of The Only Living Boy In New York by Simon Garfunkel

"The Only Living Boy in New York" is a song by Simon & Garfunkel, released in 1970 on their album "Bridge Over Troubled Water". The song was written by Paul Simon and features his distinctive vocals and acoustic guitar work.

The lyrics of the song paint a vivid picture of modern city life. The title character, "the only living boy in New York", is a young man struggling to make sense of the world around him. He's surrounded by the hustle and bustle of city life, but feels disconnected from it all. "The cities never sleep," he sings, "and the people seem to be made of stone."

As the song progresses, we get glimpses into the boy's daily routine: waking up in his small apartment, eating a solitary meal at a diner, watching TV alone on his couch. It's a portrait of loneliness and isolation, despite being surrounded by millions of other people.

But beneath the surface, there's a sense of longing and searching. The boy is looking for connection, for meaning, in a world that often seems impersonal and uncaring. "I walk around this way, I walk around that way," he sings, "but I never get it right."

Ultimately, "The Only Living Boy in New York" is a song about the human condition: our search for community, love, and purpose in a chaotic world. It's a timeless message that resonates with listeners to this day, making it one of Simon & Garfunkel's most beloved and enduring songs.

The song features lush harmonies from both Simon and Garfunkel, as well as a memorable guitar riff and subtle percussion work. The result is a beautiful, melancholic ballad that's equal parts introspective and hopeful. "I'm the only living boy in New York," the song concludes, "and I need you." It's a powerful statement about the importance of human connection in our increasingly isolated world.