Simon & Garfunkel, the iconic American folk-rock duo, have left an indelible mark on the landscape of popular music. Among their rich catalog of songs, “Keep the Customer Satisfied” stands out as a testament to their lyrical genius and musical prowess.
This track encapsulates the themes of dissatisfaction, the pursuit of success, and the grinding toll of constant expectation. To fully appreciate the impact of this song, one must delve into its background, the historical context, and its intricate lyrics to uncover a deeper meaning and interpret its societal implications.
Background
“Keep the Customer Satisfied” is a song from Simon & Garfunkel’s fifth studio album, “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” released in January 1970. The album itself was a massive success, topping charts around the world and cementing the duo’s status as one of the leading acts of the era.
The song was written by Paul Simon, the primary songwriter of the duo, and reflects his experiences with the pressures of fame and the music industry. While not released as a single, “Keep the Customer Satisfied” quickly became a fan favorite and a staple of Simon & Garfunkel’s live performances.
Historical Context
The late 1960s and early 1970s were a time of significant change and upheaval in the United States. The Vietnam War was raging, the civil rights movement was in full swing, and the counterculture revolution had challenged the established social and political norms.
In the midst of this societal turmoil, the music industry was also undergoing its own transformations. Bands and artists were experimenting with new sounds and pushing against the commercial expectations of record labels and producers.
Against this backdrop, Simon & Garfunkel’s “Keep the Customer Satisfied” was a subtle yet poignant commentary on the artist’s struggle for authenticity in an industry driven by profit and consumer demand.
Lyrics and Meaning
“Keep the Customer Satisfied” opens with the lines:
“Gee but it’s great to be back home
Home is where I want to be
I’ve been on the road so long my friend
And if you came along
I know you couldn’t disagree.”
The song immediately introduces a theme of weariness and the desire for solace after a long period of striving and being on the move. The idea of “home” symbolizes comfort and safety, contrasting with the pressures of life on the road.
As the song progresses, it highlights the relentless effort required to maintain success:
“I’m one step ahead of the shoe shine,
Two steps away from the county line,
Just trying to keep my customers satisfied,
Satisfied.”
These lines convey the constant hustle and the precarious balance required to stay ahead, with the “shoe shine” and “county line” metaphorically representing the societal boundaries and the narrow margin between success and failure.
Chorus Interpretation
The chorus of the song is a powerful declaration:
“It’s the same old story
Everywhere I go,
I get slandered, libeled,
I hear words I never heard in the Bible.”
Here, Simon uses the words “slandered” and “libeled” to underscore the attacks and misrepresentations that can come with fame. The reference to hearing words “never heard in the Bible” suggests a departure from truth and purity, emphasizing how far public discourse can stray from respectful criticism.
Bridge and Final Thoughts
The repeated refrain of “just trying to keep my customers satisfied” echoes throughout the song, emphasizing the weariness and the unending demands placed on the artist. The closing lines express a sense of exhaustion:
“And I’m so tired, so tired
But I’m trying to keep my customers satisfied
Satisfied.”
These lines capture the emotional toll of constantly trying to meet others’ expectations, with the simple repetition of “satisfied” suggesting both resignation and a deep-seated need for validation.
Alternative Interpretation: A Glimpse into Urban Life and Street Vernacular
While “Keep the Customer Satisfied” can be seen as a commentary on the pressures of fame and the relentless demands of the music industry, another compelling interpretation suggests that the song reflects the experiences of someone navigating the challenges of urban life—specifically, the life of a drug dealer. This perspective aligns with the street vernacular and urban culture of the time, providing a starkly different but equally valid lens through which to understand the lyrics.
In this interpretation, the phrase “one step away from the shoe shine” is thought to be a slang reference to law enforcement, with “shoe shine” symbolizing the polished shoes of police officers. The imagery here is striking, portraying someone who is constantly evading the authorities, always on the edge of getting caught. The line “two steps away from the county line” takes on a new meaning as well, suggesting a means of escape—perhaps crossing a jurisdictional boundary where law enforcement’s reach diminishes, a common tactic in street-level operations.
Viewed through this lens, the song’s narrative shifts from the pressures of celebrity to the high-stakes, precarious existence of someone involved in illegal activities. The repeated efforts to “keep the customer satisfied” could then symbolize the dangerous balancing act required to maintain one’s livelihood while staying ahead of both law enforcement and the competition. The “deputy sheriff” in the lyrics may represent real-life encounters with authority figures, emphasizing the constant threat of arrest and the need for vigilance.
This interpretation underscores the versatility of Paul Simon’s songwriting. It highlights how the same set of lyrics can resonate with different audiences in entirely distinct ways. Whether seen as a metaphor for the music industry’s demands or a depiction of life on the streets, “Keep the Customer Satisfied” remains a powerful narrative of struggle, survival, and the lengths to which one must go to endure in a challenging world.
By considering these alternative readings, we gain a deeper appreciation for the song’s richness and the various ways it can speak to the human experience, whether in the glitzy world of fame or the gritty realities of urban life.
Legacy and Societal Impact
“Keep the Customer Satisfied” resonated with audiences as a reflection of the human experience, beyond the confines of the music industry. In a world increasingly focused on consumerism and driven by the satisfaction of endless desires, the song’s message took on a broader societal relevance.
The legacy of “Keep the Customer Satisfied” lies in its timeless appeal. It is a song that captures the spirit of an era while also speaking to the enduring struggle for balance between personal fulfillment and external demands.
As with much of Simon & Garfunkel’s work, the impact of this song has been felt across generations. It has been covered by several artists, featured in movies, and used in television, allowing its message to continue to resonate with new audiences.
In conclusion, “Keep the Customer Satisfied” by Simon & Garfunkel is much more than a catchy tune from a bygone era. It is a profound commentary on the human condition, an anthem for those who grapple with the pressures of success, and a cultural touchstone that remains relevant decades after its release. The song’s exploration of the tension between authenticity and appeasement, its evocative lyrics, and its reflection of societal themes have cemented its place in the pantheon of classic American music.
You have way overthought the meaning of the song lyrics. If you were in touch with urban culture and Street vernacular the meaning would be clear. Keep the Customer Satisfied is referring to the life of a drug dealer. One step ahead of the Shoe Shine. Is a slang term for the police or law enforcement because their shoes are always shined. Two Steps away from the county line. Means having a Means of fleeing due most authority didn’t pursue into a different county. Now read the rest of the lyrics and it will all make sense.
Thank you for sharing your perspective on the song’s lyrics. I appreciate your insight, especially regarding the interpretation tied to urban culture and street vernacular. While my analysis in the article took a broader approach, focusing on the pressures of fame and the music industry, your point about the song reflecting the life of a drug dealer is a valid and intriguing interpretation.
It’s fascinating how songs, particularly those as rich and layered as Simon & Garfunkel’s, can be understood in multiple ways depending on one’s background and experiences. The line “One step ahead of the shoe shine” as a reference to law enforcement makes a lot of sense in the context you’re describing, and the idea of being “two steps away from the county line” as an escape route adds a whole new dimension to the lyrics.
Music often resonates differently with each listener, and that’s one of the beautiful things about it. Your interpretation adds another layer to the song’s meaning, and I’m glad you shared it. It’s a reminder that the same piece of art can carry varied, yet equally valuable, messages for different people. Thanks again for your thoughtful input!