"Paul SimonÕs words and music have been wandering in and out of my consciousness for as long as I can recall pop music. When the pop revolution was happening in Britain and so was part of my life, the lyrics of songs like ÔThe Sound of SilenceÕ and ÔBridge over Troubled WaterÕ caught Ð and held Ð my imagination. What was that line about Ôsubway walls and tenement hallsÕ? This is something going down a new road."
Thus begins the authorÕs study of Paul SimonÕs lyrics. She reflects on the possible meanings of the songs considered as poems, and on the nature of the famous songwriter, Ôthe observed of all observersÕ, to quote from her favourite play, Hamlet; and she reveals her own sensitivity, wisdom and questions about life in the process.