When talking about the greatest songwriters of the 20th century, John Lennon and Paul Simon inevitably come up. They shaped the soundtrack of entire generations, often in parallel but rarely together. One was the restless Beatle, the revolutionary dreamer. The other, the quiet poet of New York, weaving folk traditions into sophisticated modern songs.
The Poets of Popular Music
Both Lennon and Simon had a way of making songs feel like literature set to music.
- John Lennon’s “Imagine” (watch here) became a hymn for peace, asking the world to dream beyond borders, religion, and possessions.
- Paul Simon, with Simon & Garfunkel, gave us “The Sound of Silence”, a haunting meditation on alienation in the modern age.
Both believed music could carry meaning as well as melody—an art form capable of challenging, inspiring, and comforting.
Different Roots, Different Roads
Where Lennon came from the explosive energy of rock and roll, Simon came from the introspective world of American folk. Lennon thrived on the chemistry (and friction) within The Beatles, while Simon often wrote alone, chiseling lyrics with surgical precision.
Even their public personas contrasted:
- Lennon, fiery and outspoken, never afraid of controversy.
- Simon, quieter, deeply intellectual, letting his songs do most of the talking.
And yet, both ended up expanding beyond their starting points—Lennon into raw, confessional solo work, Simon into groundbreaking projects like Graceland, blending folk with South African rhythms.
When Their Worlds Collided
Though they never made an album together, Lennon and Simon shared a stage in a now-legendary moment. In 1975, on Saturday Night Live, they performed side by side—singing “Here Comes the Sun” and “Scarborough Fair”.
For fans, it was magic: Lennon’s rock heritage meeting Simon’s folk sensibility, two musical giants harmonizing as if they had always belonged together.
Their Legacy Today
Lennon gave us music that fought for change. Simon gave us music that looked inward and across cultures. Together, even without many collaborations, they represent two sides of what makes a songwriter truly great: passion and reflection.
Half a century later, we still sing their songs. We still find ourselves in their words. And we still wonder—what if Lennon and Simon had ever made a full record together?
🎵 Video / Audio Links
| Song | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| John Lennon – “Working Class Hero” | “Working Class Hero (Ultimate Mix, 2020)” – John Lennon / Plastic Ono Band | Official video, good quality. |
| Paul Simon – “Graceland” (Live in Africa) | Paul Simon: Graceland – Also: Archive of “Graceland in Zimbabwe 1987” | The concert is available for purchase/stream; archival video exists. |
| Simon & Garfunkel – “America” | “America” by Simon & Garfunkel (Audio, official channel) YouTube Also: “America (2021 Remaster)” by Simon & Garfunkel YouTube | Good audio versions, official. |
Why They Still Matter
Half a century after their rise to fame, John Lennon and Paul Simon continue to inspire musicians across genres. Modern artists—from indie folk bands to arena rock icons—cite them as influences. Their songs remain cultural touchstones:
- Lennon’s “Imagine” is sung at peace rallies, vigils, and global events.
- Simon’s “Graceland” introduced millions to world music, paving the way for today’s global fusion sounds.
Cultural Impact Beyond Music
- Lennon’s activism turned him into a symbol of peace and counterculture. His interviews, artwork, and outspoken political stances kept him at the center of debates about freedom, war, and justice.
- Simon’s legacy goes beyond songwriting—his exploration of African and Latin American sounds opened new doors for cross-cultural collaboration in popular music.
The “What If” Question
Fans often wonder what might have happened if Lennon and Simon had worked more closely together. Could their blend of rock’s raw energy and folk’s lyrical depth have produced one of the greatest albums of all time? The thought remains a powerful reminder that music history is shaped as much by missed opportunities as by legendary collaborations.
Final Thought
John Lennon and Paul Simon remind us that there’s no single way to be a great songwriter. Lennon channeled urgency, rebellion, and emotion. Simon brought reflection, subtlety, and cultural curiosity. Together, their legacies form two sides of the same coin: proof that music, in all its forms, can both shake the world and soothe the soul.
Things They Said / Did About Each Other
- Paul Simon about John Lennon’s Politics
In a 1972 Rolling Stone interview, Simon criticized Lennon’s solo song “Power to the People”. Simon called it “condescending” and said it “offends me” because he felt the message didn’t connect with him. Rolling Stone
Simon: “It’s a poor record, a condescending record. Like all of these cliché phrases. They’re dangerous. What does that mean — power to the people? And who is he saying it to? Is he saying it to people who have any idea what it means?” Far Out Magazine
He also said:
“Many things he’s done, I think, have been pointless. Some have been in bad taste. Others have been courageous. I think he’s generally a well-intentioned guy.” Far Out Magazine - John Lennon about Paul Simon
Lennon once called Paul Simon a “singing dwarf” in a home recording from around 1979. Far Out Magazine
There’s also a story of a jam session where Lennon got frustrated with Simon and ended up calling him a “f*in’ twerp.”** Showbiz Cheat Sheet - Paul Simon’s Tribute to Lennon After His Death
After Lennon’s death in 1980, Simon included him in his song “The Late Great Johnny Ace”. He added Lennon’s death to the narrative in the third verse. American Songwriter
“Honest Words and Tense Moments”
The relationship between Lennon and Simon wasn’t just admiration and musical parallels — there were sharp words, critiques, and some tension.
Paul Simon, while respecting Lennon’s work, didn’t shy away from criticizing what he saw as oversimplification in Lennon’s political songs. In 1972, Simon called “Power to the People” “condescending,” questioning who Lennon was speaking to and whether the message had real meaning. Rolling Stone
On the other side, Lennon made disparaging remarks too. In a private-recorded moment from 1979, he is said to have called Simon a “singing dwarf.” There are also stories of a jam session in the ’70s where Lennon, annoyed, called Simon a “twerp.” Showbiz Cheat Sheet
And yet — after Lennon’s tragic death — Simon honored his influence and memory, incorporating him into “The Late Great Johnny Ace”, marking a tribute to a peer, a rival, and an icon. American Songwriter