Kodachrome

Paul Simon

About Kodachrome

"Kodachrome" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Paul Simon. It was the lead single from his third studio album, There Goes Rhymin' Simon (1973), released on Columbia Records. The song is named after the Kodak 35 mm format Kodachrome.


Year:
1973
3:32
390 
#3

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When I think back
On all the crap I learned in high school
It's a wonder
I can think at all
And though my lack of education
Hasn't hurt me none
I can read the writing on the wall

Kodachrome
They give us those nice bright colors
They give us the greens of summers
Makes you think all the world's a sunny day
I got a Nikon camera
I love to take a photograph
So mama don't take my Kodachrome away

If you took all the girls I knew
When I was single
And brought them all together for one night
I know they'd never match
My sweet imagination
Everything looks worse in black and white

Kodachrome
They give us those nice bright colors
They give us the greens of summers
Makes you think all the world's a sunny day
I got a Nikon camera
I love to take a photograph
So mama don't take my Kodachrome away

Mama don't take my Kodachrome away
Mama don't take my Kodachrome away
Mama don't take my Kodachrome away

Mama don't take my Kodachrome
Mama don't take my Kodachrome
Mama don't take my Kodachrome away
Mama don't take my Kodachrome
Leave your boy so far from home
Mama don't take my Kodachrome away
Mama don't take my Kodachrome
Mama don't take my Kodachrome 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


11 facts about this song

Songwriter's Genius
Paul Simon's song "Kodachrome" is notable for its intricate lyrics and catchy melody. Despite the tune being light and uplifting, the lyrics speak of nostalgia and a longing for simpler times.
Album Success
Released on his 1973 album, "There Goes Rhymin' Simon," "Kodachrome" was one of several hit songs on the album, furthering Simon's success as a solo artist after the breakup of Simon and Garfunkel.
Single Release
"Kodachrome" was released as a single in 1973 and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of Simon's most commercially successful songs.
Song Inspiration
The song was inspired by Simon's love for photography. “Kodachrome” is actually a brand of color reversal film introduced by Eastman Kodak in 1935. It was one of the first successful color materials used for both cinematography and still photography.
Lyrics Analysis
Despite its upbeat rhythm, the lyrics of "Kodachrome" are somewhat melancholic, with verses like "When I think back on all the crap I learned in high school, it's a wonder I can think at all." This is Simon's critique on formal education system.
BBC Ban
The song was initially banned by the BBC in the UK due to its explicit mention of a brand name, Kodachrome, which violated their strict policy against product placement.
Lyrics Modification
After the BBC ban, a version of the song was recorded without the brand name in the lyrics, but the BBC eventually lifted the ban, allowing the original version to be played on air.
Live Performances
"Kodachrome" has been a staple of Simon's live performances since its release and features in many of his concert recordings and films.
Instrumentation
"Kodachrome" features a distinctive horn section that contributes to its extremely catchy sound. The song was produced by Phil Ramone and engineered by Roy Halee, both of whom also collaborated with Paul Simon on his masterpiece, "Graceland."
Song Induction
In 2003, "Kodachrome" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, further solidifying its legacy both within Simon's discography and in the broader context of pop music history.
End of Kodachrome
Ironically, Kodak discontinued production of Kodachrome film in 2009, years after Simon's ode to the film's vibrant colors. Despite this, the song's message about nostalgia and the passage of time remains relatable and powerful.

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    Kodachrome

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1973

    Billboard #2


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