Patterns

Paul Simon

About Patterns

"Patterns" is a song written by Paul Simon and included on his 1965 album The Paul Simon Songbook, and later recorded by Simon and Garfunkel on their third album, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme. The lyrics are about how life is a labyrinthine maze, following patterns which are, because we are trapped in them, difficult to unravel or control. Warrel Dane included a heavy metal cover of the song on his 2008 album Praises to the War Machine.


85 

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

The night sets softly
With the hush of falling leaves,
Casting shivering shadows
On the houses through the trees,

And the light from a street lamp
Paints a pattern on my wall,
Like the pieces of a puzzle
Or a child's uneven scrawL

Up a narrow flight of stairs
In a narrow Little room,
As I lie upon my bed
In the early evening gloom.

Impaled on my wall
My eyes can dimly see
The pattern of my life
And the puzzle that is me.

From the moment of my birth
To the instant of my death,
There are Patterns I must follow
Just as I must breathe each breath.

Like a rat in a maze
The path before me lies,
And the pattern never alters
Until the rat dies.

And the pattern still remains
On the wall where darkness fell,
And it's fitting that it should,
For in darkness I must dwell.

Like the color of my skin,
Or the day that I grow old,
My life is made of Patterns
That can scarcely be controlled

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


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

Release Background
"Patterns" is a song from Paul Simon's self-titled studio album, "Paul Simon," which was his first solo album after his breakup with Art Garfunkel. The album was released in 1972.
Song Lyrics
The lyrics of "Patterns" delve into the abstract exploration of life patterns and cycles, which are evident in our day-to-day lives. The song expresses the recurrent patterns in human behavior and emotion, as well as social structures.
Music Style
The song follows the classic Paul Simon style of folk-rock genre. With acoustic guitar strums and Simon's exceptional lyrical talent, "Patterns" embraces a style that resonates with its listeners.
Song Length
"Patterns" is one of the shorter songs on the album, with a duration of just over 2 minutes.
Chart Performance
While "Patterns" did not chart individually, the album "Paul Simon" was a commercial success, reaching number 4 on the UK Albums Chart and number 5 on the Billboard 200 in the United States.
Distinct Musical Features
Some of the distinct features of "Patterns" include Paul Simon's trademark falsetto vocals, his intricate guitar playing, and the use of a bass harmonica.
Critical Response
Although "Patterns" might not be as popular as some of Paul Simon's songs, it has been well received by critics for its profound lyrics and unique approach to illustrating life's recurring themes.
Live Performance
While "Patterns" is not regularly included in Simon’s concert repertoire, it reflects his strength as a songwriter and performer when listening to him play this track live.
Album Legacy
The album "Paul Simon" is considered a milestone in Simon's career, marking the beginning of his successful solo career after the split with Art Garfunkel.
Influence
"Patterns" and the whole "Paul Simon" album are noted for their influence on future folk-rock musicians. The profound lyrics and unique melodies are often regarded as an inspiration to upcoming artists in the genre.

Discuss the Patterns Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

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

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Patterns Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/7128536/Paul+Simon/Patterns>.

    Missing lyrics by Paul Simon?

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

    Watch the song video

    Patterns

    516K
    1,575     0

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "Mine, _______ dream made breath and skin. I've been waiting for you."
    A adequate
    B cultivated
    C unfortunate
    D immaculate

    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!

    Movies soundtrack

    Patterns

    »
    • Iris
    • 2:22