In yesterday’s post, I described the second half of Paul Simon’s You’re the One as “sleepy” and it’s true that it is more languid and less accessible than the album’s first half.
But sometimes it’s those slow-growers that wind up having the most impact in the long run. Such is the case with a lovely song titled ‘Señorita With a Necklace of Tears.’
First off, how great a title is that? What a lovely use of words and imagery — I can just picture a Frida Kahlo-esque portrait it might inspire.
The song takes a God’s-eye view of the world, putting into perspective the tiny dramas that overwhelm us. “That’s the way it’s always been,” Simon repeats, underscoring the futility of worrying about it.
The final verse serves as a nice summation and a lovely sentiment, appropriate for today: “I don’t want to be a judge, and I don’t want to be a jury. I know who I am… Lord knows who I will be.”
Don’t judge others; be true to yourself; whatever will be, will be. I can get behind that. Happy New Year!
Inside my crowded face
I have a friend who is a born-again
Found his Savior’s grace
I was born before my father
And my children before me
And we are born and born again
Like the waves of the sea
That’s the way it’s always been
And that’s how I want it to be
That’s the way it’s always been
And that’s how I want it to be
Nothing but good news
There is a frog in South America
Whose venom is a cure
For all the suffering
That mankind must endure
More powerful than morphine
And soothing as the rain
A frog in South America
Has the antidote for pain
That’s the way it’s always been
And that’s the way I like it
Some people never say no
Some people never complain
Some folks have no idea
And others will never explain
That’s the way it’s always been
That’s the way I like it
And that’s how I want it to be
That’s the way it’s always been
That’s the way I like it
And that’s how I want it to be
If I could play all the memories
In the neck of my guitar
I’d write a song called
“Senorita with a Necklace of Tears”
And every tear a sin I’d committed
Oh these many years
That’s who I was
That’s the way it’s always been
Some people always want more
Some people are what they lack
Some folks open a door
Walk away and never look back
And I don’t want to be a judge
And I don’t want to be a jury
I know who I am
Lord knows who I will be
That’s the way it’s always been
That’s the way I like it
And that’s how I want it to be
That’s the way it’s always been
And that’s the way I like it
And that’s how I want it to be
Meet Me In Montauk 
I remember finding this song to be one of the highlights on side two of this album. I think side two captures a bit of the feel of Rhythm of the Saints, and that’s not a bad thing at all.
I can see where this album, particularly side two, could be a grower. Need to pop this baby back into the CD player.:)