Duncan

Paul Simon

About Duncan

"Duncan" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Paul Simon. It was the third and final single from his second self-titled studio album (1972), released on Columbia Records. The song was also released as a single in July 1972 as "Duncan" b/w "Run That Body Down". A ballad in E-minor, "Duncan" tells the story of Lincoln Duncan, a fisherman's son. An inability to fall asleep in a cheap motel due to the loud sex that a couple is having next door sends Duncan off on a long reverie. He recalls his decision to leave "the boredom and the chowder" of his hometown in the Canadian Maritime Provinces and head towards New England. He recalls running out of money, losing his confidence and faith in himself, and gaining them back after losing his virginity to a young female street preacher – "just like a dog I was befriended". In the last stanza he is lying on the ground at night playing his guitar and thanking God for his fingers. Between the stanzas, the song features instrumental interludes, played on 2 flutes, by Los Incas, an Andean group which had previously collaborated with Simon & Garfunkel on "El Condor Pasa (If I Could)" in 1970."Duncan" peaked at #52 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart in 1972. A concert rendition featuring Urubamba performing the interludes was included on the 1974 album Paul Simon in Concert: Live Rhymin'. It gained radio airplay itself, and has gone on to become a semi-regular on satellite radio's Deep Tracks station. Simon has included the song in his set lists for some subsequent tours as well. 


Year:
1974
5:11
69 
#1

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

Couple in the next room bound to win a prize
They've been going at it all night long
Well, I'm tryin' to get some sleep
But these motel walls are cheap
Lincoln Duncan is my name
And here's my song, here's my song

My father was a fisherman
My mama was a fisherman's friend
And I was born in the boredom and the chowder
So when I reached my prime
I left my home in the Maritimes
Headed down the turnpike for New England, sweet New England

Holes in my confidence
Holes in the knees of my jeans
I was left without a penny in my pocket 
Ooh-oowee, I was about as destituted as a kid could be
And I wished I wore a ring so I could hock it 
I'd like to hock it

A young girl in a parkin' lot
Was preaching to a crowd
Singing sacred songs and reading from the Bible
Well, I told her I was lost
And she told all about the Pentecost
And I seen that girl as the road to my survival

I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know

Just later on the very same night
When I crept to her tent with a flashlight
And my long years of innocence ended
Well, she took me to the woods
Sayin' "Here comes something, and it feels so good!"
And just like a dog I was befriended, I was befriended

Oh, oh, what a night
Oh, what a garden of delight 
Even now that sweet memory lingers
I was playing my guitar
Lyin' underneath the stars
Just thankin' the Lord
For my fingers
For my fingers

I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Paul Simon

Paul Frederic Simon (born October 13, 1941) is an award-winning musician whose talents in composing, performing, and vocal harmony placed him at the forefront of the singer-songwriters on an international scale. Simon's fame, influence and commercial success began as part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel, formed in 1964 with musical partner Art Garfunkel. Simon wrote most of the pair's songs, including three that reached No. 1 on the U.S. singles charts: "The Sounds of Silence," "Mrs. Robinson," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water." The duo split up in 1970 at the height of their popularity, and Simon began a successful solo career, recording three highly acclaimed albums over the next five years. In 1986, he released Graceland, an album inspired by South African… more »

6 fans

Written by: Paul Simon

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Background
"Duncan" is a song by American singer-songwriter Paul Simon, known for his work as part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel as well as his solo singles.
Album
The song is featured on Paul Simon's self-titled studio album, released in 1972, his second solo studio album after Simon & Garfunkel split.
Song Composition
The track has instrumental components that merge Simon's folk-rock style with a distinctly Latin American sound. This style is evident in the use of the Peruvian charango, a guitar-like instrument.
Autobiographical Elements
While "Duncan" is not outright autobiographical, it features themes and personal memories that Simon has experienced. The song's protagonist, Lincoln Duncan, shares Simon's middle name.
Lyrics
The lyrics tell a story of a young man from a small fishing town who embarks on a journey in search of self-discovery. This could be perceived as symbolic of Simon's artistic journey, transitioning from Simon and Garfunkel to his solo career.
Chart Performance
The single "Duncan" peaked at number 52 in the United States Billboard pop songs chart and ranked at number 21 in Canada.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by several artists over the years, including the indie rock band Phish and the folk singer-songwriter Sarah Harmer.
Live Performances
"Duncan" is a mainstay in Simon's live performances. He usually plays the song solo with his guitar, adding an intimate touch to his concerts.
Song's Influence
The song has been noted for its storytelling elements, which have influenced many songwriters. It tells a detailed narrative within a song, a practice that was not widely popular before Simon introduced it in his songwriting.
Critical Reception
The song has received critical acclaim for its unique blend of personal and universal themes, as well as its innovative instrumental composition. Music critics have hailed it as a highlight of Paul Simon's solo work.

Discuss the Duncan Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Duncan Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2741648/Paul+Simon/Duncan>.

    Missing lyrics by Paul Simon?

    Know any other songs by Paul Simon? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Duncan

    278.4K
    1,064     22

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1972

    Billboard #52


    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Which Bob Dylan song did Adele include on her first album?
    A Blowin' in the Wind
    B Shelter from the Storm
    C Make You Feel My Love
    D Not Dark Yet

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Paul Simon tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!