Slip Slidin' Away - Paul Simon (1978) 12/29/21

Billboard Magazine described the lyrics of today's "Great Song of the '70's" as "sensitive. thoughtful, melancholic and evocative," all of which are not only true, but exactly what you might expect from Paul Simon.

And yet, when Paul was recording his "Still Crazy After All These Years" album in 1975, he decided NOT to include "Slip Slidin' Away."

Instead, he held onto it until he compiled his 1977 "Greatest Hits" album and included it as a bonus NEW song.

Obviously, Paul's genius included marketing savvy as well as writing "Great Songs."

"Slip Slidin' Away" was released a single, and crossing over into 1978, it became a big hit, reaching #4 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart, as well as #5 on the Top 40 in both the US and Canada.

It gave people one more reason to buy Paul's "Greatest Hits" album, and going forward, it gave Paul another gem to perform in concert.

And those lyrics? Deep stuff! Paul gives three examples on how we can watch our dreams pass us by--perhaps because it's our destiny to do so. After all, "God makes his plan" and "the information's unavailable to the mortal man."

And one more bit of genius? The background vocals were provided by the legendary Oak Ridge Boys.

"Slip Slidin' Away" by Paul Simon: absolutely a "Great Song of the '70s!"