Mother and Child Reunion

Paul Simon

About Mother and Child Reunion

"Mother and Child Reunion" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Paul Simon. It was the lead single from his second studio album, Paul Simon (1972), released on Columbia Records. It was released as a single on February 5, 1972, reaching No. 1 in South Africa and No. 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Billboard ranked it as the No. 57 song for 1972. It was at the time one of the few songs by a non-Jamaican musician to use prominent elements of reggae.


Year:
1974
4:00
46 

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No I would not give you false hope
On this strange and mournful day
But the mother and child reunion
Is only a motion away, oh, little darling of mine

I can't for the life of me
Remember a sadder day
I know they say let it be
But it just don't work out that way
And the course of a lifetime runs
Over and over again

No I would not give you false hope
On this strange and mournful day
But the mother and child reunion
Is only a motion away, oh, little darling of mine

I just can't believe it's so
Though it seems strange to say
I never been laid so low
In such a mysterious way
And the course of a lifetime runs
Over and over again

But I would not give you false hope
On this strange and mournful day
When the mother and child reunion
Is only a motion away

Oh the mother and child reunion
Is only a motion away
Oh the mother and child reunion
Is only a moment away

Oh the mother and child reunion
Is only a motion away
Oh the mother and child reunion
Is only a moment away

Oh the mother and child reunion
Is only a motion away
Oh the mother and child reunion
Is only a moment away

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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

Song Composition
"Mother and Child Reunion" is a song by Paul Simon that was originally released on his 1972 album, "Paul Simon." This was his second solo studio album following his split with Art Garfunkel.
Genre Classification
It is regarded as one of the earliest examples of reggae music being used by a mainstream white artist. The song features a distinctive reggae rhythm and instrumentation, which helped introduce the genre to a wider audience in the U.S.
Recording Location
The song was recorded at Dynamic Sounds Studios in Kingston, Jamaica, with backing from seminal reggae group Jimmy Cliff's backing band, The Oneness.
Charts Performance
The song was a significant hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and No. 5 in the UK Singles Chart in 1972.
Title Origin
The title of the song was inspired by a dish Simon saw on a Chinese restaurant's menu, called "Mother and Child Reunion," which was made with chicken and eggs. According to Simon, this got him thinking about the cycle of life and death, which he then incorporated into the song lyrics.
Theme & Influence
The song is generally interpreted as being about the death of a loved one. Bob Marley later revealed in an interview that the song had a profound influence on him, affecting the way he wrote about his own experiences.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by a varied array of artists including The Intruders, Johnny Rivers, The Wailers, and Boy George.
In Popular Culture
"Mother and Child Reunion" has been featured in numerous movie and TV soundtracks like "The Simpsons", "The Waterboy," "Forces of Nature," and "Zookeeper", attesting its enduring appeal.
Accolades
The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2021, solidifying its place as one of the most iconic songs in popular music.
Live Performances
Simon has frequently performed the song in his live shows over the years; it was part of the setlist in his famous Concert in Central Park with Art Garfunkel in September 1981.

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    Mother and Child Reunion

    1M
    7,795     210

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1972

    Billboard #4


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