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:
> I’m one step away from the shoe shine, two steps away from the county line,
> Just trying to keep my customers satisfied,
> Satisfied.
The song immediately introduces a theme of relentless effort, the metaphorical “one step away” indicating the constant hustle required to maintain success. The “shoe shine” and “county line” depict the boundaries between different social statuses and the potential for rapid descent from grace.
Verse Analysis
As the song progresses, Simon delves deeper into the personal toll of this striving:
> Deputy sheriff said to me,
> Tell me what you come here for, boy.
> You better get your bags and flee.
> You’re in trouble, boy,
> And now you’re heading into more.
These lines evoke the image of a person being hounded, both literally and figuratively. The “deputy sheriff” could represent authority figures in the music industry, critics, or even fans, all demanding more and placing the artist in a metaphorical bind.
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
In the bridge, the weariness of the artist is palpable:
> Ev’rywhere I look I see my face there,
> But when it’s time for leavin’,
> I hope you’ll understand,
> That I was born a ramblin’ man.
The repetition of “my face there” speaks to the omnipresence of the artist in the public eye, and the desire for freedom from the constraints of celebrity. The self-identification as a “ramblin’ man” alludes to a yearning for the simpler life of a traveling musician, unencumbered by fame’s heavy expectations.
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.