The Meaning Behind The Song: So Long – Frank Lloyd Wright by Simon & Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel, the legendary American music duo, released their album “Bridge over Troubled Water” in January 1970. The album was not only the duo’s final studio album, but it also became their most successful album, selling over 25 million copies worldwide. One of the tracks on that album, “So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright” is one of the few songs ever made that is dedicated to a well-known architect. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the song, as well as its history and significance.
Table of Contents
Who is Frank Lloyd Wright?
Frank Lloyd Wright is widely regarded as one of the greatest architects of the 20th century. He was born on June 8, 1867, in Richland Center, Wisconsin, and died on April 9, 1959. Wright designed over 1,000 structures throughout his career, including houses, churches, schools, skyscrapers, hotels, and museums. Some of his most famous structures include the “Fallingwater” in Pennsylvania, the “Unity Temple” in Illinois, and the “Guggenheim Museum” in New York. Wright’s designs were known for their functionalism, simplicity, and integration with nature.
The History of the Song
Paul Simon, one-half of Simon & Garfunkel, wrote the song “So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright” as a tribute to his friend, Frank Lloyd Wright, who had died a year earlier. Simon had met Wright in the early 1960s when he and Art Garfunkel were planning to record a concert at Wright’s architectural masterpiece, the “Marin County Civic Center” in San Rafael, California. Wright was very supportive of the duo and even allowed them to use his home in Wisconsin as a rehearsal space for their concerts.
Simon had a deep admiration for Wright’s work and wanted to write a song dedicated to him. He wrote the song in just a few hours while on a plane to New York. Simon has said that the song is not a eulogy but rather a goodbye to a friend whom he would never see again.
The Lyrics of the Song
The song has a simple melody and only four verses. The lyrics describe Simon’s appreciation for Wright’s talent and his sadness at his passing. The first verse goes like this:
“Architects may come and architects may go
And never change your point of view
When I run dry
I stop awhile and think of you”
The chorus is also simple and repeats the phrase “So long, Frank Lloyd Wright” three times.
The Meaning Behind the Song
The lyrics of the song are fairly straightforward, but there are a few interpretations that people have made. Some have seen the song as a farewell to the 1960s, a decade that had seen significant social, political, and cultural changes. Others have seen the song as a personal reflection on friendship, loss, and mortality. However, most people see the song as a tribute to the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright and his legacy in American architecture.
The Significance of the Song
The song “So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright” is significant in several ways. Firstly, it is a testament to the enduring influence of Frank Lloyd Wright on American culture and architecture. Secondly, the song is an example of Simon’s skill as a songwriter, as he managed to capture the essence of Wright’s work and personality in just a few words. Finally, the song is a reminder of the love and respect that Simon and Garfunkel had for each other and for their friends and collaborators.
FAQs
1. Who inspired Paul Simon to write the song?
Paul Simon was inspired to write the song by his friend, Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright was a famous architect whom Simon admired and respected.
2. What is the meaning of the phrase “So long” in the song?
The phrase “So long” is a farewell greeting that means “goodbye.” In the context of the song, it is a way of saying goodbye to Frank Lloyd Wright.
3. What does the song say about Frank Lloyd Wright’s work?
The song describes Frank Lloyd Wright’s work as timeless and enduring. It suggests that Wright’s designs will continue to inspire and influence people long after his death.
4. What is the significance of the song in American culture?
The song is significant in American culture because it is a tribute to one of the greatest architects of the 20th century, Frank Lloyd Wright. It also shows the enduring popularity of Simon & Garfunkel’s music, which continues to be celebrated today.
5. Did Frank Lloyd Wright ever hear the song?
No, Frank Lloyd Wright died in 1959, a year before the song was released.
6. What is the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright?
Frank Lloyd Wright’s legacy is his impact on American architecture and design. He is considered one of the most important architects of the 20th century, and his designs have influenced countless buildings and homes across the United States.
7. How did Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel meet Frank Lloyd Wright?
Simon & Garfunkel met Frank Lloyd Wright while they were planning to record a concert at his architectural masterpiece, the “Marin County Civic Center” in San Rafael, California.
8. What other songs have been written about architects?
Other songs that have been written about architects include “Gaudi” by The Alan Parsons Project, “The Architect” by Pearl Jam, and “The Unbuilt Boy” by Joanna Newsom.
9. What other songs did Simon & Garfunkel write?
Simon & Garfunkel wrote many famous songs, including “The Sound of Silence”, “Mrs. Robinson”, “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, and “Homeward Bound”.
10. What influence did Frank Lloyd Wright have on American architecture?
Frank Lloyd Wright had a significant influence on American architecture. He introduced the concept of “organic architecture”, which emphasized the integration of buildings with their natural surroundings. He also pioneered the use of new building materials and techniques, such as reinforced concrete and cantilever construction.
11. Did Frank Lloyd Wright ever design a building for Simon & Garfunkel?
No, Frank Lloyd Wright never designed a building for Simon & Garfunkel, but he did allow them to use his home in Wisconsin as a rehearsal space for their concerts.
12. What is the most famous building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright?
One of the most famous buildings designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is the “Fallingwater” in Pennsylvania. It is a house built over a waterfall and has become one of the most iconic examples of his work.
