“So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright” is a bittersweet song by Simon & Garfunkel from their 1970 album Bridge Over Troubled Water. Art Garfunkel, a fan of the architect Frank Lloyd Wright, studied in architecture at Columbia University before switching to art history—partly as a backup plan in case his music career didn’t work out. He asked Paul Simon to write a song about Wright, and though Simon knew little about the architect, he agreed. Instead of a literal tribute, Simon wrote the song with Garfunkel in mind, using Wright’s name as a stand-in. When you swap the names back, the lyrics take on a deeper meaning—it suddenly becomes a subtle farewell.
At the time, both Art and Paul had been cast in Catch-22 and were preparing to film in Mexico when Paul was told his role had been cut. The producers suggested Art’s part might be cut as well, but Paul convinced them to keep him in the film. This moment symbolized their near split, as Bridge Over Troubled Water would be their final album together.
In the lyrics, Paul writes:
“So long, Frank Lloyd Wright, I can’t believe your song is gone so soon.”
It feels like he’s mourning the end of their time as a duo, wishing it could last. Another line makes it even clearer:
“I’ll remember Frank Lloyd Wright
All of the nights we’d harmonize ’til dawn
I never laughed so long
So long, so long.”
“We’d harmonize ’til dawn” seems even more obviously about Art, expressing how much Paul will miss his friend and their time together.
Fun Fact: Art and Paul met in sixth grade when they were both cast in their school’s production of Alice in Wonderland.
In the end, this isn’t a breakup song—“So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright” is about friendship, change, and acceptance. It’s a quiet, beautiful song that reminds us that things don’t always stay the same, but that art and memories can last a long time, just like the buildings Frank Lloyd Wright designed.
I hope you enjoy this incredible track.
Song: “So Long, Frank Lloyd Wright“
Artist: Simon & Garfunkel
Album: Bridge Over Troubled Water
Year: 1970
So long, Frank Lloyd Wright
I can’t believe your song is gone so soon
I barely learned the tune
So soon, so soon
I’ll remember Frank Lloyd Wright
All of the nights we’d harmonize ’til dawn
I never laughed so long
So long, so long
Architects may come, and architects may go
And never change your point of view
When I run dry
I’ll stop awhile and think of you
So long, Frank Lloyd Wright
All of the nights we’d harmonize ’til dawn
I never laughed so long
So long, so long
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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 (hopefully) 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. All the info I find is from wikipedia/youtube/interviews/news articles/personal stories I’ve heard/random googling. Sorry if there are any mistakes.
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