Simon & Garfunkel, the iconic folk-rock duo comprising Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, has graced the world with their harmonious and thought-provoking music since the 1960s. Among their extensive repertoire lies a lesser-known, yet no less significant, song titled “Flowers Never Bend With The Rainfall.”
This track, which appears on their 1966 album “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme,” encapsulates the zeitgeist of the era while also offering a timeless message about the human condition. In this post, we’ll explore the background, historical context, and lyrics of this intriguing song, as well as its broader meaning and societal impact.
Background
Before delving into the song itself, it’s important to understand the context in which it was created. “Flowers Never Bend With The Rainfall” came about during a period of great social and political upheaval. The 1960s were marked by the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and a growing counterculture that questioned traditional values and authority. Simon, a keen observer of society, often infused his songwriting with reflections on these themes, and “Flowers Never Bend With The Rainfall” is no exception.
Historical Context
Released on Simon & Garfunkel’s third studio album, “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme” represented a maturation in their sound and lyrical complexity. The album was received with critical acclaim and is often regarded as one of their most accomplished works. The duo was gaining momentum, and “Flowers Never Bend With The Rainfall,” while not released as a single, became an important piece within the folk music canon of the time.
Lyrics and Meaning
“Flowers Never Bend With The Rainfall” is a song that operates on multiple levels, both personal and universal. At face value, the lyrics speak to the natural resilience of flowers, which weather the elements without complaint. But as with much of Simon’s work, there is a deeper, more allegorical meaning to be gleaned.
Verse by Verse Interpretation
The song opens with the lines:
Through the corridors of sleep
Past the shadows dark and deep
My mind dances and leaps in confusion
Here, Simon takes us into a dreamlike state where the boundaries of reality are blurred. It’s a metaphor for the human psyche, navigating the complexities of life and the obstacles that one must endure.
I don’t know what is real
I can’t touch what I feel
And I hide behind the shield of my illusion
Simon suggests that our perceptions may be clouded by the defenses we construct—our illusions—as a means of coping with the challenges we face.
So I’ll continue to continue to pretend
My life will never end
And flowers never bend with the rainfall
The chorus serves as a poignant reminder of human denial and the pretense of immortality. It contrasts the inevitable decline of human life with the enduring natural world—flowers may bend, but they do not break.
The Broader Symbolism
No matter if you’re born
To play the king or pawn
For the line is thinly drawn ‘tween joy and sorrow
Here, Simon emphasizes the randomness of our birth circumstances and the thin line that separates happiness from sadness, success from failure. Regardless of our social standing, we all face similar existential challenges.
So my fantasy
Becomes reality
And I must be what I must be and face tomorrow
The acceptance of one’s fate and the courage to face the future forms the crux of the song’s message. Simon encourages the listener to embrace their reality, with its imperfections and uncertainties.
Legacy and Societal Impact
“Flowers Never Bend With The Rainfall” may not have achieved the mainstream success of some of Simon & Garfunkel’s other hits, but its impact on folk music and its listeners is undeniable. It’s a song that resonates with the themes of resilience, self-deception, and the human condition—themes that are as relevant today as they were in the 1960s.
Conclusion
“Flowers Never Bend With The Rainfall” is a testament to the enduring power of Paul Simon’s songwriting and the ability of music to capture the essence of an era while simultaneously offering timeless wisdom. Simon & Garfunkel’s ability to weave complex themes into their music has left a legacy that continues to influence musicians and resonate with audiences around the world.
The song’s introspection and poetic grace remind us that while we cannot escape the rainfalls of life, there is beauty and strength in our capacity to endure and grow, much like the flowers that bend but do not break under the weight of the rain.