Paul Simon is back on the turntable! Someone recently emailed me, reminding me of a great story behind this fantastic tune. But first, let’s get into some basic info.

Basic Info: This track was first released on Paul’s self-titled album in 1972. Technically, this was his second studio album, but I like to think of it as his first. Why? Well, his actual first album, The Paul Simon Songbook, was released only in the U.K. in 1965 and didn’t make it to the U.S. until 1981. Plus, most of the songs on that album were Simon & Garfunkel style tracks. So, I consider this 1972 self titled release his true solo debut. The album is packed with great songs, so if you haven’t heard it yet, definitely give it a full listen.

Fun Fact: In an interview with Rolling Stone, Paul shared how the song got its name:

Know where the words came from on that? You never would have guessed. I was eating in a Chinese restaurant downtown. There was a dish called “Mother and Child Reunion.” It’s chicken and eggs. And I said, “Oh, I love that title. I gotta use that one.”

Paul also shared some insight into the lyrics:

“…What happened was this: last summer we had a dog that was run over and killed, and we loved this dog. It was the first death I had ever experienced personally. Nobody in my family died that I felt that. But I felt this loss – one minute there, next minute gone, and then my first thought was, “Oh, man, what if that was Peggy? What if somebody like that died? Death, what is it, I can’t get it.” And there were lyrics straight out forward like that. “I can’t for the life of me remember a sadder day. I just can’t believe its so.” Those are the lyrics. The chorus for “Mother and Child Reunion” – well, that’s out of the title. Somehow there was a connection between this death and Peggy and it was like Heaven, I don’t know what the connection was. Some emotional connection. It didn’t matter to me what it was. I just knew it was there.”

Recording Fun Fact: Paul’s musical tastes were wide-ranging, and at the time, he was very much into reggae. Wanting to create a song that captured an authentic reggae vibe, he flew to Kingston, Jamaica, to record the band tracks with local legends. He then recorded the vocals back in the U.S.

Listening Tips: Pay close attention to the reggae vibe. It’s amazing to hear these talented Jamaican musicians doing what they do best. Also, don’t miss the distinctive drum fill and tremolo guitar work right at the beginning of the song.

Happy listening!

No, I would not give you false hope
On this strange and mournful day
But the mother and child reunion
Is only a motion away

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Oh, little darling of mine
I can’t for the life of me
Remember a sadder day
I know they say “let it be”
But it just don’t work out that way
And the course of a lifetime runs
Over and over again

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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 🙂 You can just wait for the next one.

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