This song was written by the amazing Paul Simon. This track was released on his album There Goes Rhymin’ Simon in 1973. This was just a few years after the breakup of Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon. This album has a diverse mix of styles but keeps Paul’s magical songwriting at the forefront. This song features an islandy feel that gives you a relax in your beach chair while the kids play in the sand vibes. 

I love the worlds that Paul creates for his listeners. I feel like he doesn’t just write songs, but universes to bring his listeners to. In this song, he talks of a relationship between Mr. Earl (Speedo) and Lorelei in Newport News, VA. (I have a pal in Newport News!) 

Fun fact: a duo of sisters named Maggie and Terre Roche sang alongside Paul on this track. They met him when Paul was teaching a songwriting class in New York. The sisters read about this class, but there were only 10 auditioned slots and only open to students at NYU. They weren’t NYU students, but that didn’t stop them from showing up to his class and asking him to listen to their songs. He listened, and let them join his class. Paul eventually asked them to sing on this tune we’re listening to, and he even produced one song on their debut album. They were happy with their debut album, but they felt like Columbia Records only put it out as a favor to Paul Simon. The label told the girls they should wear “hipper clothing.” They did not appreciate that sort of criticism, and once the record was released, they said sayonara and told them they wouldn’t be promoting their own record.

Moving back to There Goes Rhymin’ Simon, this is a fantastic album. It has beautiful songs that bring you into Paul Simon’s mind and leaves you wanting more. 

Listen for… the beautiful guitar work. I love that the song ends with a little guitar solo. It almost feels like the jam session at the beach ended suddenly.

Enjoy the song’s warm hug as Paul tells us of this perfect sunny day.

Was a sunny day
Not a cloud was in the sky
Not a negative word was heard
From the peoples passing by
Was a sunny day
All the birdies in the trees
And the radio’s singing song
All the favorite melodies

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My name is Michael Sanchez and I’m an avid record collector and obscure song searcher. My goal is to post one song a day that’s been on my stereo/turntable frequently. If you don’t like the song… too bad 🙂 I do.

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