Tweedlers’ Jukebox Song of the Week: The Boy in the Bubble

The opening track from Paul Simon’s celebrated album, Graceland, The Boy in the Bubble is just the beginning of what was a change in direction for the legendary singer and songwriter in the mid-eighties. Though Simon’s work as Simon and Garfunkel remains his finest, he has more than proved in the decades since that as a solo artist he can stand on his own two feet. Graceland was something of an experiment, a “why the hell not?” exploration of South African music for Simon whose previous album had not been well received and it seemed his star had burned out. Graceland not only propelled him back to the big time but it became arguably his finest ever album.

I’ve read many interpretations of The Boy in the Bubble. These range from reflections on technological innovations, war and violence in the eighties and apartheid. Only the great man himself can offer the definitive answer. What’s not in question is how great this song is as the opener to Graceland. It sets the scene wonderfully for later songs such You Can Call Me Al and Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes. I have great respect for Paul Simon as a songwriter and performer. His work you can safely say will be remembered for generations to come.

Tweedlers’ Jukebox Song of the Week: The Boy in the Bubble | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave