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"For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her" is a song written by Paul Simon and recorded by American music duo
Simon & Garfunkel Simon & Garfunkel were an American folk rock duo consisting of the singer-songwriter Paul Simon and the singer Art Garfunkel. They were one of the best-selling music groups of the 1960s, and their biggest hits—including the electric remix of " ...
on their third studio album, ''
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme ''Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme'' is the third studio album by American music duo Simon & Garfunkel. Produced by Bob Johnston, the album was released on October 24, 1966, in the United States by Columbia Records. Following the success of the ...
'' (1966). It is sung solely by
Art Garfunkel Arthur Ira Garfunkel (born November 5, 1941) is an American singer, poet, and actor. He is best known for his partnership with Paul Simon in the folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. Highlights of Garfunkel's solo music career include one top-10 ...
, and consists mainly of his vocals with heavy
reverb Reverberation (also known as reverb), in acoustics, is a persistence of sound, after a sound is produced. Reverberation is created when a sound or signal is reflected causing numerous reflections to build up and then decay as the sound is abso ...
and a 12-string acoustic guitar. The lyrics concern finding a lover, although Simon once characterized the subject matter as being about a "belief," rather than about a specific individual. First issued as a single as the
B-side The A-side and B-side are the two sides of phonograph records and cassettes; these terms have often been printed on the labels of two-sided music recordings. The A-side usually features a recording that its artist, producer, or record compan ...
of "
A Hazy Shade of Winter "A Hazy Shade of Winter" is a song by American music duo Simon & Garfunkel, released on October 22, 1966, initially as a stand-alone single, but subsequently included on the duo's fourth studio album, '' Bookends'' (1968). It peaked at number 13 ...
" (1966), the song was later reissued in live form in 1972 to promote the release of the
compilation album A compilation album comprises Album#Tracks, tracks, which may be previously released or unreleased, usually from several separate recordings by either one or several Performing arts#Performers, performers. If by one artist, then generally the tr ...
''
Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits ''Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits'' is the first compilation album from Simon & Garfunkel, which was released on June 14, 1972, two years after Simon & Garfunkel had parted ways. The album is currently available on CD under Legacy's Playl ...
''. The track reached number 53 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 in July 1972. Afterwards, the song was switched to the
B-side The A-side and B-side are the two sides of phonograph records and cassettes; these terms have often been printed on the labels of two-sided music recordings. The A-side usually features a recording that its artist, producer, or record compan ...
of the single with “
America The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...
” as the
A-side The A-side and B-side are the two sides of phonograph records and cassettes; these terms have often been printed on the labels of two-sided music recordings. The A-side usually features a recording that its artist, producer, or record company ...
and re-entered the charts in November 1972. It has been covered numerous times by many notable artists, and remains a staple of Art Garfunkel's live sets. He regards it as one of the most challenging songs to perform.


Background

"For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her" has sometimes been thought to be named after poet
Emily Dickinson Emily Elizabeth Dickinson (December 10, 1830 – May 15, 1886) was an American poet. Little-known during her life, she has since been regarded as one of the most important figures in American poetry. Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massach ...
, who is referenced in another song on the record, "The Dangling Conversation." It has also been considered to be inspired by Simon’s relationship with Kathy Chitty, which is forefront in "America". "For Emily" is more lyrically comparable with "Homeward Bound" and "Kathy’s Song" in that it details finding solace in a lover. While other songs, such as " The Sound of Silence," had taken months for Simon to complete writing, others, such as "For Emily," were written in a single night.Jackson, Laura (2004). ''Paul Simon: The Definitive Biography''. New York: Citadel Press, p.99. First edition, 2004. In their 1968 appearance on ''
Kraft Music Hall ''The Kraft Music Hall'' was a popular old-time radio variety program, featuring top show business entertainers, which aired first on NBC radio from 1933 to 1949. Radio ''The Kraft Program'' debuted June 26, 1933, as a musical-variety progra ...
'', Simon explained that "For Emily" is not about an imaginary girl Emily, but about a belief, while the song " Overs" (from the album '' Bookends'') is about the loss of that belief. The live recording of the song released as a single in August 1972 peaked at number 53 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and spent seven weeks on the chart.


Composition

"For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her" has been called an "ethereal showpiece for rtGarfunkel," containing a "mystical quality, created not only by the timbre of the guitar, but also by some of the rhythmic and pitch elements." The song’s production is simple, and consists mainly of a 12-string acoustic guitar played by Simon and various studio techniques, such as reverberation and unison overdubs on the vocals. The song is composed in the key of F major, and is played by Paul Simon with the capo on 3rd fret, which means the harmonies are in relative D. The song barely lasts two minutes, covering five verses. The first three employ "ornate imagery to tell of his dream of finding his lover," the fourth is an instrumental interlude, and the fifth finds the protagonist awakening to find his lover with him. The melody consists of five brief phrases, with the first three being descending series of thirds. "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her" draws on the
Mixolydian Mixolydian mode may refer to one of three things: the name applied to one of the ancient Greek ''harmoniai'' or ''tonoi'', based on a particular octave species or scale; one of the medieval church modes; or a modern musical mode or diatonic scal ...
scale, which is identical to the major scale but with its seventh step lowered. James Bennighof, in his book ''The Words and Music of Paul Simon'', considers the composition exceptionally flexible in regard to its harmonic and melodic scheme: "Simon feels free to vary the syllable and accent pattern of the text lines within the verses, and he adjusts the rhythms and pitches in order to accommodate these alterations." Within the album’s sequence, the song follows "
A Simple Desultory Philippic (or How I Was Robert McNamara'd into Submission) "A Simple Desultory Philippic (Or How I Was Robert McNamara'd Into Submission)" is a song written by American singer-songwriter Paul Simon. Originally recorded for Simon's 1965 UK-only debut, '' The Paul Simon Songbook'', it was recorded soon afte ...
", which is considerably different in tone: a satirical rant regarding pop culture. This sharp contrast between successive songs is a theme carried throughout ''Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme''.


Reception

In 2014, a ''
Rolling Stone ''Rolling Stone'' is an American monthly magazine that focuses on music, politics, and popular culture. It was founded in San Francisco, San Francisco, California, in 1967 by Jann Wenner, and the music critic Ralph J. Gleason. It was first kno ...
'' readers poll ranked it among the duo's best compositions, with the magazine declaring, "Over the years, fans have recognized it as one of the duo's sweetest love songs." ''
Cash Box ''Cashbox'', also known as ''Cash Box'', was an American music industry trade magazine, originally published weekly from July 1942 to November 1996. Ten years after its dissolution, it was revived and continues as ''Cashbox Magazine'', an online ...
'' described the original studio version as "a soft ballad." ''
Record World ''Record World'' magazine was one of the three main music industry trade magazines in the United States, along with '' Billboard'' and '' Cashbox''. It was founded in 1946 under the name ''Music Vendor'', but in 1964 it was changed to ''Record Wo ...
'' said it has "one of S & G's loveliest lyrics and heart-stopping melodies."


Cover versions

The song has been covered by numerous artists, including
Glenn Yarbrough Glenn Robertson Yarbrough (January 12, 1930 – August 11, 2016) was an American folk singer and guitarist. He was the lead singer (tenor) with the Limeliters from 1959 to 1963 and also had a prolific solo career. Yarbrough had a restlessne ...
(as the title track of his 1967 album ''For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her''),
Johnny Rivers Johnny Rivers (born John Henry Ramistella; November 7, 1942) is an American musician. His repertoire includes pop, folk, blues, and old-time rock 'n' roll. Rivers charted during the 1960s and 1970s but remains best known for a string of hit sing ...
(on his 1967 album '' Rewind''),
The Arbors The Arbors were an American pop music, pop group formed in 1964 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The members, two sets of brothers, met at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and began playing local shows in Michigan before moving to New York City. They re ...
(on their 1968 album ''The Arbors Featuring I Can't Quit Her - The Letter''),
Ricky Nelson Eric Hilliard Nelson (May 8, 1940 – December 31, 1985) was an American musician, songwriter and actor. From age eight he starred alongside his family in the radio and television series ''The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet''. In 1957, he bega ...
(on his 1969 album ''Perspective''),
Paul Desmond Paul Desmond (born Paul Emil Breitenfeld; November 25, 1924 – May 30, 1977) was an American jazz alto saxophone, alto saxophonist and composer, best known for his work with the Dave Brubeck Quartet and for composing that group's biggest hit, " ...
(on his 1969 album '' Bridge over Troubled Water''),
Cliff Richard Sir Cliff Richard (born Harry Rodger Webb; 14 October 1940) is an Indian-born British musican, singer, producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist who holds both British and Barbadian citizenship. He has total sales of over 21.5 million s ...
(on his 1969 album ''Sincerely Cliff''),
David Essex David Essex (born David Albert Cook; 23 July 1947) is an English singer, songwriter, and actor. Since the 1970s, he has attained 19 Top 40 singles in the UK (including two number ones) and 16 Top 40 albums. Internationally, Essex had the most ...
(on his 1973 album '' Rock On''),
John Frusciante John Anthony Frusciante (; born March 5, 1970) is an American musician, best known as the guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers across three stints since 1988. He has released 11 solo albums and 7 EPs, ranging in style from acoustic guitar to e ...
(at
Red Hot Chili Peppers Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American rock music, rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1983, comprising vocalist Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea (musician), Flea, drummer Chad Smith, and guitarist John Frusciante. Their music incorporates element ...
shows), Overwhelming Colorfast (on their 1992 EP ''Bender'') and
The Czars The Czars were an American alternative rock band, formed in 1994 in Denver by John Grant and Chris Pearson. They released six studio albums, one EP, and three singles in the duration of their career. After the release of ''Goodbye'' in 2004, fi ...
(on their 2006 album ''Sorry I Made You Cry''). Paul's son
Harper Harper may refer to: Names * Harper (name), a surname and given name Places ;in Canada * Harper Islands, Nunavut *Harper, Prince Edward Island ;In the United States *Harper, former name of Costa Mesa, California in Orange County * Harper, Il ...
used some lines from the song on his "Berkeley Girl."
Lani Hall Lani Hall (born November 6, 1945) is an American singer, lyricist, and author. From 1966 to 1971 she performed as lead vocalist for Sérgio Mendes & Brasil '66. In 1972 Hall released her first solo album, ''Sun Down Lady''. She may be best know ...
(on her 1972 album ''
Sun Down Lady ''Sun Down Lady'' is the debut album by Lani Hall. Track listing Side One #"Love Song" (Lesley Duncan) 2:55 #"Tiny Dancer" ( Elton John, Bernie Taupin) 4:06 #"How Can I Tell You" ( Cat Stevens) 2:56 #"You" (Lani Hall) 3:58 #"Ocean Song" (Liz ...
'') sings the song as "Wherever I May Find Him." It is sung a cappella.


Chart positions


Weekly charts


References


Bibliography

* {{Authority control 1966 songs 1972 singles Simon & Garfunkel songs Songs written by Paul Simon Song recordings produced by Bob Johnston Song recordings produced by Paul Simon Song recordings produced by Art Garfunkel Song recordings produced by Roy Halee Songs about dreams