Kodachrome - Paul Simon (1973) 3/15/21

When Paul Simon wrote today's "Great Song of the '70s," he originally called it "Going Home," but wasn't very happy with the title OR the lyrics.

Before long, he was was experimenting with titles that rhymed with "Going Home," which made perfect sense since he was planning to record the song for his 1973 solo album, "There Goes Rhymin' Simon."

Inspiration struck when he came up with "Kodachrome." Not only did it rhyme, it triggered his lyrical creativity.

Kodachrome, of course, was a type of film developed (pun intended) by Kodak, that was known for capturing bright, vivid colors--sometimes TOO bright and vivid--according to some photographers. Paul was aware of this as he wrote the lyric, "everything looks worse in black and white."

That's what he sang on the record...BUT since then, he has sometimes changed it to "BETTER in black and white." He claims he can't remember which way he wrote it first, but likes the way it changes the meaning slightly, so he rotates the line in concert.

When the song was released as a single in 1973, it did extremely well on the charts: #2 on Billboard's Hot 100 and Easy Listening Charts, as well as #2 on Canada's Top 40 and #3 on their Adult Contemporary Chart.

(Trivia: It MIGHT have been a hit in the UK, except for one thing: The BBC banned any song that included a brand name. In addition to Kodachrome, Paul mentions a Nikon camera!)

With "Kodachrome," Rhymin' Simon, was "Going Home" with a "Great Song of 1973!