Paul Simon, one half of the legendary duo Simon & Garfunkel, has consistently showcased his ability to weave intricate narratives through his songwriting. One of his most captivating solo efforts, “Rene and Georgette Magritte with Their Dog After the War,” from the 1975 album Still Crazy After All These Years, stands out not only for its lyrical beauty but also for its rich layers of meaning and historical context.
Background and Historical Context
Released in the mid-1970s, Still Crazy After All These Years arrived during a period of profound change in American society. The Vietnam War was ongoing, the civil rights movement had made significant impacts, and the cultural landscape was shifting beneath a generation that was grappling with the very fabric of their identity. Amidst this turbulence, Paul Simon sought solace in exploring themes of love, loss, and the passage of time.
The title itself references Ren Magritte, a Belgian surrealist painter known for his thought-provoking imagery that challenged viewers perceptions of reality. By invoking Magritte’s name, Simon aligns his work with the artist’s legacy of exploring the boundaries between dream and reality, serving as a metaphor for the complex relationships and experiences that define human life.
Meaning of “René and Georgette Magritte with Their Dog After the War” Lyrics
Simon’s lyrics transport us into a world both ordinary and surreal, narrating the lives of René Magritte and his wife Georgette in tender, cinematic snapshots.
René and Georgette Magritte
With their dog after the war
Returned to their hotel suite
And they unlocked the door
The opening lines set the tone for the song, grounding the story in a moment of post-war intimacy. Magritte’s name immediately evokes surrealist imagery, and the addition of “their dog” adds an endearing specificity. Simon paints a scene that feels simultaneously ordinary and laden with artistic potential, much like Magritte’s own work.
Easily losing their evening clothes
They dance by the light of the moon
To The Penguins
The Moonglows
The Orioles
And The Five Satins
The deep, forbidden music
They’d been longing for
Here, Simon merges sensuality with nostalgia, as René and Georgette lose themselves in the music of doo-wop legends like The Penguins and The Moonglows. The juxtaposition of Magritte—a painter synonymous with surrealism—and doo-wop, a deeply emotional and accessible genre, suggests the timeless, unifying power of art across mediums.
The “deep, forbidden music” symbolizes an emotional release, a reprieve from the constraints of the post-war era. The couple’s dance becomes a metaphor for reclaiming joy and intimacy.
René and Georgette Magritte
With their dog après la guerre
Were strolling down Christopher Street
When they stopped in a men’s store
The phrase “après la guerre” adds an air of sophistication and melancholy, emphasizing the war as a pivotal backdrop. Christopher Street, iconic for its artistic and cultural history, hints at the couple’s embrace of their immigrant identity while encountering the beauty and strangeness of American life.
With all the mannequins
Dressed in style
That brought tears to their
Immigrant eyes
The mannequins, lifeless yet fashionable, become poignant symbols of longing and displacement. For René and Georgette, the sight sparks a mixture of admiration and sorrow—a reminder of their own journey and the transformative power of culture.
Side by side
They fell asleep
Decades gliding by like Indians
Time is cheap
These lines introduce a reflective tone, with time becoming fluid and dreamlike. The reference to “Indians” is enigmatic, possibly invoking a sense of timelessness and continuity. Simon suggests that, for René and Georgette, love and art provide an anchor against the passage of time.
When they wake up they will find
All their personal belongings
Have intertwined
The intertwining of belongings symbolizes the merging of lives, memories, and identities. This image resonates with Magritte’s surrealist style, where disparate elements often coexist in unexpected harmony.
And what do you think
They have hidden away
In the cabinet cold of their hearts?
The Penguins
The Moonglows
The Orioles
And The Five Satins
The doo-wop groups reappear here as emblems of emotional resonance and enduring affection. For René and Georgette, these musicians represent a secret, eternal connection—a source of solace and delight “hidden away” in their hearts.
For now and ever after
As it was before
The final refrain underscores the timeless nature of their love and the music that sustains it. The couple’s bond with these songs transcends eras, embodying the persistence of beauty and meaning in their lives.
Historical and Cultural Context
Paul Simon drew inspiration for this song from a photograph of René and Georgette Magritte with a small dog, captured by surrealist artist Lothar Wolleh. Magritte’s art, renowned for its juxtaposition of the ordinary and the extraordinary, deeply aligns with Simon’s lyrical style in this track.
The inclusion of doo-wop artists situates the song in the mid-20th-century cultural milieu, a time when these groups provided an emotional soundtrack for millions. By pairing surrealism with doo-wop, Simon bridges high art and popular culture, celebrating their shared capacity to evoke wonder and connection.
Legacy and Societal Impact
“René and Georgette Magritte with Their Dog After the War” remains a cherished piece in Paul Simon’s discography, beloved for its lyrical depth and subtle orchestration. Its quiet, haunting beauty has earned it a cult following among fans who appreciate its literary and musical sophistication.
The song’s themes of memory, art, and resilience resonate across generations, reminding listeners of the enduring power of love and creativity. It also serves as a testament to Simon’s brilliance as a storyteller, capable of weaving rich, multi-dimensional narratives into his music.
“Rene and Georgette Magritte with Their Dog After the War” has transcended its era to achieve a timeless quality. The song remains relevant as it captures the essence of human experience the intertwining of joy and sorrow, love and loss. Simon s ability to articulate these emotions has led to a lasting impact on both listeners and fellow artists.
The song has been praised not just for its lyrical depth but also for Simon’s melodic genius. The melancholic yet hopeful melody enhances the themes present in the lyrics, creating an emotional landscape that resonates with audiences across generations.
Moreover, the reference to Magritte has sparked interest in surrealism and has inspired countless artists and musicians to explore the complexities of their own work through a similar lens. The song invites interpretations that extend beyond its immediate narrative, connecting to broader themes of artistic expression, identity, and the human condition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paul Simon s “Rene and Georgette Magritte with Their Dog After the War” is a profound journey through memory, love, and the aftermath of conflict. Its rich tapestry of imagery, emotional resonance, and societal relevance cements its place as a timeless piece of art. Through Simon s masterful storytelling, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own lives and the moments that define their existence. As we navigate the complexities of our own “wars,” Simon’s words serve as a gentle reminder to cherish the fleeting beauty of connection and love in an often chaotic world.