When exploring the world of Paul Simon’s early songwriting, one track that stands out for its wit and playful satire is A Simple Desultory Philippic. This piece, though not as commercially popular as Simon’s more melodic ballads, holds a special place in his catalog because of its sharp commentary, humorous edge, and satirical reflection on pop culture in the 1960s. More than just a parody, the song captures Simon’s cleverness and his ability to weave words into something memorable and thought-provoking. To understand it fully, one must look at its cultural background, its lyrical style, and the way it showcases Simon’s unique voice as a songwriter of his generation.
The Origins of A Simple Desultory Philippic
The song first appeared during Paul Simon’s early solo ventures, before he was universally known as part of Simon & Garfunkel. Written in the mid-1960s, it reflects the world of folk revival, protest music, and satirical commentary. The title itself signals irony. A philippic refers to a speech full of bitter criticism, and Simon softens it with the playful phrase simple desultory, suggesting randomness and humor. Rather than presenting a serious critique, Simon delivers a parody of the kind of socially conscious songwriting that was in fashion, poking fun at both the artists and the culture that celebrated them.
Parody and the Influence of Bob Dylan
One of the main reasons the song is memorable is its obvious parody of Bob Dylan’s style. The phrasing, delivery, and lyrical structure mimic Dylan’s talking blues approach, particularly his satirical tracks. Lines tumble one after another with cultural references, name-drops, and witty asides, all of which resemble Dylan’s biting social commentary. Yet, rather than being mean-spirited, Paul Simon approaches it with humor, almost as if he were both admiring and playfully mocking Dylan at the same time.
This blending of homage and satire makes A Simple Desultory Philippic fascinating. It highlights the influence Dylan had on the entire generation of songwriters while showing that Simon could hold his own by using intelligence, wit, and clever turns of phrase. For listeners familiar with Dylan’s catalog, the song functions as an inside joke, offering laughter along with cultural reflection.
The Cultural References
The lyrics are a patchwork of cultural figures, political personalities, and artistic icons of the 1960s. This collage-like style mirrors the rapid changes and shifting cultural landscape of the time. Simon mentions everything from contemporary musicians to philosophers, creating a whirlwind of references that both entertain and critique the overload of cultural information circulating in the era. It’s almost as if Simon is saying that everyone is dropping names and chasing trends, so he might as well join in, but with a wink and a grin.
Examples of Satirical Elements
- Simon name-drops celebrities and thinkers in quick succession, parodying the way some songwriters used cultural references as shorthand for depth.
- The delivery mimics Dylan’s nasal, talk-singing style, turning the performance itself into part of the joke.
- The chaotic flow of names and ideas reflects the media saturation of the 1960s, foreshadowing how culture would only become more crowded with references in the decades to come.
The Role of Humor in Paul Simon’s Work
Though often remembered for his poetic seriousness and melodic brilliance, Paul Simon has always had a streak of humor in his songwriting. A Simple Desultory Philippic is a prime example of how he used satire as part of his artistic palette. Rather than writing only earnest love songs or reflective ballads, Simon demonstrated that he could engage with the world in a playful, tongue-in-cheek manner. This willingness to laugh at himself and at the industry around him made his music feel more human and relatable.
Comparison to Other Satirical Songs
In the broader history of popular music, satirical songs often serve as cultural snapshots, capturing the mood of a particular time. Just as Tom Lehrer used sharp humor in his piano-driven songs and Bob Dylan employed sarcasm to critique society, Paul Simon inserted himself into this lineage with A Simple Desultory Philippic. However, Simon’s approach feels lighter, less biting, and more like a playful nudge than a scathing critique. It illustrates how satire can take many forms, from the razor-sharp to the gently humorous, all while offering commentary on the world.
The Evolution of the Song in Simon’s Career
Interestingly, A Simple Desultory Philippic is not just a quirky side note but also an important step in Simon’s development as an artist. It shows his versatility and his confidence in experimenting with styles outside of his usual comfort zone. Later in his career, Simon would go on to blend genres, incorporate global musical influences, and write lyrics that combined wit with deep reflection. This song foreshadows that restless creativity, proving that even when he was poking fun, he was also sharpening his craft.
Reception and Legacy
At the time of its release, the song was recognized mostly as a clever parody, but over the years it has gained appreciation as an artifact of 1960s pop culture. Fans of Paul Simon see it as a glimpse into his playful side, while music historians note its role in reflecting the interplay between Simon and Dylan as two of the era’s most influential songwriters. For casual listeners, it remains an entertaining listen, full of quick wit and sharp delivery.
Why It Still Matters Today
Even in today’s music world, A Simple Desultory Philippic holds relevance. Modern artists often reference pop culture in their lyrics, use parody as a form of expression, or experiment with borrowing stylistic traits from their peers. Simon’s song feels like an early version of that, reminding us that cultural commentary through music has always been a part of popular art. It also encourages listeners not to take everything too seriously, finding space for humor even within an era known for its earnest protest songs and cultural upheaval.
Paul Simon’s Unique Voice
What makes this song especially interesting is how it showcases Paul Simon’s unique ability to balance depth with lightness. Even in parody, his intelligence shines through. He wasn’t just copying Dylan’s style for laughs he was reflecting on what it meant to be a songwriter in a crowded field of cultural voices. By doing so, he claimed his own artistic identity, one that could both honor and question the traditions of folk and protest music. That balance would define his career, allowing him to move seamlessly between humor, heartbreak, and profound reflection.
A Simple Desultory Philippic may not be the first song that comes to mind when people think of Paul Simon, but it stands as a testament to his wit, creativity, and insight into the world of 1960s music. By parodying Bob Dylan and weaving a tapestry of cultural references, Simon managed to capture the absurdity, vibrancy, and contradictions of his era. The song continues to resonate as both a humorous piece of music history and an example of Simon’s versatility as a songwriter. In its playful parody, it reveals a deeper truth that sometimes laughter is one of the most powerful ways to engage with culture, and that great art can come from not taking oneself too seriously.