Boy in the Bubble
Paul Simon
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I'm workin' on my rewrite, that's right Gonna change the ending Throw away the title And toss it in the trash Every minute after midnight All the time I'm spending Is just for workin' on my rewrite, that's right Gonna turn it into cash I been workin' at the car wash I consider it my day job 'Cause it's really not a pay job But that's where I am Everybody says "The old guy Workin' at the car wash?" Hasn't got a brain cell left Since Vietnam But I say Help me, help me Help me, help me Ohhh Thank you I'd no idea That you were there When I said help me, help me Help me, help me Ohhh Thank you For listening to my prayer I'm workin' on my rewrite, that's right Gonna change the ending Gonna throw away my title And toss it in the trash Every minute after midnight All the time I'm spending Is just for workin' on my rewrite, that's right Gonna turn it into cash I'll eliminate the pages Where the father has a breakdown And he has to leave the family But he really meant no harm Gonna substitute a car chase And a race across the rooftops Where the father saves the children And he holds them in his arms I said Help me, help me Help me, help me Ohh Thank you I'd no idea That you were there When I said Help me, help me Help me, help me Ohhh Thank you For listening to my prayer Workin' on my rewrite
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Written by: PAUL SIMON
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
11 facts about this song
Album Release"Boy in the Bubble" is a song by American musician Paul Simon. It was released as the third single from his seventh studio album, "Graceland," in 1986.
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Collaboration & GenreThis song is a result of Simon's collaboration with South African musicians, showcasing a mix of American pop music with South African township music, frequently classified as worldbeat.
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Musical StyleThe song's distinctive bass run is played by Bakithi Kumalo, the South African bassist. The song also features accordion solos, an instrument common with South African music.
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Chart SuccessThis song achieved moderate success in the charts. It peaked at #15 on the UK Singles Chart, and though it didn't chart on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S., it reached #5 on the Album Rock Tracks chart.
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Concept & MessageIts lyrics contrast advanced technology (the titular 'bubble') with South African culture and humanity's essential problems (war, suffering), reflecting Simon's commentary on the human condition in the face of technological progress.
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InspirationThe "boy in the bubble" phrase was inspired by the story of David Vetter, a boy with a rare genetic disorder who lived in a sterile plastic bubble.
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Live PerformancesPaul Simon frequently performs "Boy in the Bubble" in live concerts. A live rendition is included in his popular "Paul Simon's Concert in the Park" album.
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Recognition & PraiseThe song has been praised by critics for its introspective lyrics, Simon's vocal performance, and its unique fusion of musical styles.
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Cover Versions"The Boy in the Bubble" has been covered by various artists over the years, such as Peter Gabriel on his 2010 covers album, 'Scratch My Back.'
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Tension With South AfricaThe recording of this song, and the album "Graceland," elevated Paul Simon to greatness but also sparked controversy. At the time, South Africa was under apartheid, and international artists were discouraged from collaborating with South African artists under a cultural boycott.
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Documentary MentionThe process of recording the song was included in the documentary "Under African Skies," which honored the 25th anniversary of the release of the "Graceland" album.
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"Boy in the Bubble Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 30 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/27981319/Paul+Simon/Boy+in+the+Bubble>.
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