Simon and Garfunkel - Scarborough Fair

 

Paul Simon - You Can Call Me Al (Official Video)

Man's Reflection on Life

• The lyrics ponder inner struggles like feeling inadequate and seeking redemption in a complex world.
• The character feels a disconnect between his current state and his aspirations, a common theme in the song.
• "Why am I soft in the middle... The rest of my life is so hard. I need a photo-opportunity. I want a shot at redemption."

A man walks down the street. He says, "Why am I soft in the middle, now."

Existential Questions and Longing for Connection

• The song delves into existential questions, expressing a desire for attention, belonging, and purpose.
• Loneliness and existential angst are conveyed through the character's musings about his lack of attention and search for a role model.
• "Got a short span of attention... Who'll be my role model now that my role model is gone..."

A man walks down the street. He says, "Why am I short of attention? Got a short little span of attention."

Cultural Exploration and Spiritual Revelation

• Themes of cultural dislocation and spiritual awakening underpin the narrative as the character navigates a foreign environment.
• There is a sense of unfamiliarity and wonder depicted in the man's experience in what seems like a different world.
• "He sees angels in the architecture... Amen and Hallelujah!"

A man walks down the street. It's a street in a strange world. Maybe it's the third world. Maybe it's his first time around.

Summary from youtubesummarized.com