Simon and Garfunkel - Kathy's Song (Live)

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Recorded in 1969, (Originally released in 1966). From the album Greatest Hits, and also on The Essential Simon and Garfunkel, 2003.


After recording their first album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M, in early 1964, Simon moved to England without Garfunkel. At this time folk music was becoming popular in England and Simon started working around the English folk clubs and coffee houses.

He met Kathy Chitty in April 1964 at the very first English folk club he played at, the Railway Inn Folk Club in Brentwood, Essex. She was 17, he was 22 and they fell in love. Later that year they visited the US together. Kathy returned to England on her own with Simon returning to her some weeks later. When he was back in London he recorded the album The Paul Simon Songbook that included "Kathys Song", and had a photo of Simon and Kathy on the cover.

In September 1965, when Simon learned of the growing success of "The Sound of Silence" he felt the need to immediately return to the US to continue his career. Kathy was quite shy and wanted no part of the success and fame that awaited Simon. They split up.

During the separation after Kathy returned home from the American trip he wrote "Kathys Song", which lyrics lay bare the extent to which he was missing her.

~~~~~~

I hear the drizzle of the rain
Like a memory it falls
Soft and warm continuing
Tapping on my roof and walls.

And from the shelter of my mind
Through the window of my eyes
I gaze beyond the rain-drenched streets
To England where my heart lies.

My mind's distracted and diffused
My thoughts are many miles away
They lie with you when you're asleep
And kiss you when you start your day.

And a song I was writing is left undone
I don't know why I spend my time
Writing songs I can't believe
With words that tear and strain to rhyme.

And so you see I have come to doubt
All that I once held as true
I stand alone without beliefs
The only truth I know is you.

And as I watch the drops of rain
Weave their weary paths and die
I know that I am like the rain
There but for the grace of you go I.