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6.9K views · 202 reactions | Written and released by Paul Simon back in 1973 ‘American Tune’ has always been one of my favourite songs of his. He and Garfunkel performed it at the recorded Concert in Central Park, which is probably why I know it so well. It was stunning. Now here at Newport Folk Festival the incredible Rhiannon Giddens performs it. Paul picking out the beautiful melody apparently based on Bach's setting of a hymn “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” and Rhiannon accompanying on banjo and her voice soaring out as she sings some slightly amended lyrics to better reflect that which hopefully collectively we better acknowledge almost 50 years on and to allow a Woman of colour to powerfully and honestly sing this song. ‘ We didn’t come here on the Mayflower We came on a ship in a blood red moon ..’ Rhiannon Giddens tweeted ‘It’s important to say that Paul changed the lyrics. Not me’ Thanks to Amy Karibian who captured this and so many other moments from the festival. All are on her YouTube channel | Daily Dose of Musical Medicine
Written and released by Paul Simon back in 1973 ‘American Tune’ has always been one of my favourite songs of his. He and Garfunkel performed it at the recorded Concert in Central Park, which is...
