“Life Is Incredible” - Stephen Colbert’s FULL EXTENDED Interview With Paul Simon
16-time GRAMMY winner, Paul Simon, sits for a wide-ranging interview with Stephen Colbert, touching on topics like his childhood love of rock and roll, his favorite (and least favorite!) Paul Simon songs, his thought process while writing “Darling Lorraine,” and the dream that inspired his latest album, the subject of the documentary "In Restless Dreams." After the interview, check out Paul’s stunning performance of "Your Forgiveness” from his new album, "Seven Psalms."
#Colbert #PaulSimon #SevenPsalms #InRestlessDreams
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Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology and more. Featuring bandleader Louis Cato and “THE LATE SHOW band,” the Peabody Award-winning and Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater. Stephen Colbert took over as host, executive producer and writer of THE LATE SHOW on Sept. 8, 2015.
THAT IS ONE OF THE BEST MOMENTS COLBERT HAS EVER RECORDED. Paul Simon should be remembered by every generation.
If any artist in our time will be remembered for 1000 years, it's gotta be Paul Simon, right?
Agreed!!! What a treat this was!!!
TOTALLY AGREE‼️
So true! Two of my favs Scarborough fair, Bridge Over Troubled Water 💧
@@ptkwilliams- I’m thinking Paul McCartney might beg to differ…
Wow, this just became the paradigm for interviews: honest, interesting, philosophical, poetic, experiential, and very human. Congratulations to both
Indeed. If only all of late night, nay, if only all of us could be this patient and thought provoking...didn't want it to end.
Stephen has always been this good.
Successful career, forget about everyone else, praise “God”. This is a conservative era of conservative eras. The Loraine lyrics, yes, Stephen’s Catholicism, Trump in ‘24.
Beautifully spoken!
If Colbert would just stop interrupting Smon.
Every other talk show host needs to watch this. Invite your guest, shut up, and let the genius shine.
Hear! Hear!
Absolutely!
Trump let Xi do what ever he wanted.
I mean… I get you, but you kind of need two people for an interesting conversation.
True, though Colbert does often lead with a long-ass question.
Is it irony that Colbert is SUCH a good listener he doesn't even mention as an aside that he, too, is deaf in one ear.... but just allows the guest to express how it feels. Gives incredibly articulate expression of his faith..... in response to Simon's query. This interview was a masterful duet.
❤
I had a long-term email correspondent with a doctorate in composition who had to submit to an operation at a fairly young age to make him deaf in one ear. He wasn't happy about it, of course, but he managed to adjust. (In retrospect I feel I wasn't nearly sympathetic enough.) I don't know what my point is here (but I appreciate yours).
Absolute best interview I’ve seen in years Two gentlemen talking about life, God, inspiration music and shared experience with humor and humility. 🩷 Feels like life is happening again… post plague…✨
how dare i respond to this
yeah i have listened to the song
To see the legendary Paul Simon speaking so candidly about his life and his songs was riveting. How this man and his music emotionally touched a whole generation is a part of that mystical life he was speaking of.
He touched more than one generation. I had a collection of Simon and Garfunkel in his early days, and then onto Paul Simon afterwards. My daughter played Paul's music endlessly. The world was blessed to have him.
I would even say multi-generations or at least the boomers and Gen X. 😊
@@billmcg1676 I’m an (older) millennial, but have loved Paul since I can remember. Not just songs. Poetry.
SHUT UP AND LISTEN !!!
Yes. And it's generations, not a generation or two. Paul Simon is an absolute legend.
It's interviews like this that make me grateful that Stephen Colbert is given this platform every night. No one else on TV right now makes space for conversations about art and artistry in such a thoughtful and nuanced way.
I was thinking the same thing! well done Colbert! Thank you
I think Seth Meyers is pretty respectful and informed, too. But please keep Jimmy Fallon away from people like Paul Simon.
Beats Dork Letterman.
Well said. Agreed. With the country looking more and more sinister he is vital to mental survival.
It was cool that Stephen knew what the inner part of the ear is called.
"Graceland" is surely one of the GREATEST albums ever made.
What just happened? When Paul finished that lyric about Lorraine I found myself in tears.
Me too!
Same.
Did you notice that his eyes had welled up too, during the ending? That song must mean so much to him.
I felt exactly the same
I did too.
These late night shows need to interview more of these iconic musicians before they are all gone.
Good point
Charlie Rose's late night 'interview' show used to devote an entire hour to some iconic figures in their field, incl. Music, until he got banned from TV for sexual harassment accusations during the 'Me2' movement.
Yes! I agree.
Rick Beato
there's a guy here on yt who's doing something of similar magnitude w/ legendary musicians... i believe he's a musician of sorts but anyways, he has that ability to connect of a different level and the artists start talking 'in a different way' fairly quick in the interviews... Beto or Beato is maybe his name. i watched the interviews w/ all the members of the Police a few weeks ago as i've been playing their albums w/ my early coffee each morning for a while and as i was saying, it felt like a few minutes in they switched from 'performing an interview' to just having a conversation.
Paul is grammy nominated in 7 different decades 🤯
❤
Thanks for pointing that out. That’s amazing. 😊
Incredible
I nominate this episode for an Emmy.
May this comment be seen by the powers that be!
@@1432b I still haven't dared watching it
Ditto!
“Hello darkness my old friend…” on the car radio. Had to pull over to listen. Crying. From that moment on, every a song on every record was my anthem. I was 16 and have never forgotten that moment. I’m 74.
"... the words of the prophets are written on the subway walls, and tenement halls."
@@charlie-obrien “and the people bowed and prayed to the neon gods they made…”
And the sign flashed out it's warning 😮🤯
! ! ! Tears to you Good Sir/Ma'am . . I'm seven years behind you, but just as moved! Thanks for posting. Was this a great interview or what?!
Sounds of silence is still one of my favorites and I’m 68.Second favorite for me is Bridge over troubled waters.
82 AND NOONE WOULD EVER SAY, "TOO OLD"...
Good point
Old people rock! I know several people in their 80's who are actively running their profitable businesses.
🥰🥰🥰🥰
Yep!
I'll say it: Too old to be president. But he could start a folk duo with Joe.
Stephen is such an attentive and thoughtful interviewer... and Paul Simon is one of the great writers of songs in the last 100 years. What an amazing catalog of music. Great conversation.
Does Paul Simon have a Nobel Prize in Literature like Bob Dylan? He should. ☆☆☆☆☆
@@ramrod0209 Simon AND Dylan are both musical and lyrical treasures, for sure.
I still have that record, Gee. A 78 and an orginal 45. It's a masterpiece of doo wop.
Not downplaying Simon, but you're missing those who created the Great American Songbook from the '20s to the '50s, songs with both musical and poetic structure that have lasted for most of a century. Mostly first generation sons (and a few daughters) of Russian-Jewish immigrants who were born and raised in Manhattan (Irving Berlin, Yip Harburg, Lorenz Hart, Oscar Hammerstein), along with sons of the south and the midwest (Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer, Cole Porter).
@@jimbrown1559 This was OBVIOUSLY not a comprehensive list of the great songwriters... I said he'd be in the list. Who would join him? Lennon, McCartney, Dylan, Irving Berlin, Stephen Sondheim, Holland-Dozier-Holland, Oscar Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Stevie Wonder, and more... including others from your list. But I'd also say that Simon's output is up there with most of them... (Personally, I'd also throw in Pete Townsend, Robert Pollard, Joni Mitchell, Ray Davies, and Andy Partridge... but there's plenty of room for debate.) Cheers!
How often do we get to hear conversations like this on TV? This is something for the ages.
It used to happen regularly up till the 1980s
It's about time that we give Colbert credit for being not only a brilliant television presence and personality but also as one of the greatest interviewers and host of our time. He will be remembered as the Johnny Carson of the post-millennia era of talk television. Bless you Stephen. I've watched you the majority of my life and I sincerely hope I can never say otherwise. You're a gem and a genius.
100% true !!!!!!
Charlie Rose was another one who had great interviewing skills. He would go in-depth.
Absolutely!❤
Great show!!!
I do agree 🇨🇦👏👏
"Darling Loraine" is one of Simon's best songs that makes me cry every time. Even now, him reciting the verse, has me ridiculously emotional. True art.
I found myself crying at the end of the story. That’s rare for me but he recited it so beautifully. I listened to the song for the first time after and realized it was verbatim. Amazing.
Same here. I evangelize that song and that whole album, but it really does feel criminally unheard. It blows my mind that a whole life, in a way, can be compartmentalized into one song like that.
Yes. Tears just fall.
I' like many of his songs, but hadn't heard that one. Made me cry hearing him recite the lyrics. Good chance it will now become a favourite.
I think Stephen had a hard time holding em back himself.
You have to be a living legend to have your interview be posted here without being broken up into segments.
Exactly what I was thinking when I saw and clicked on this.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Actually, it is broken up by some ads, which is super-annoying!
@@filmneye not if you pay for KZhead Premium. I got so tired of all the ads, the extra cost was worth it for me. However, some channels are starting to embed ads within their programs now. I have written to KZhead multiple times complaining about this practice violating the Premium service contract.
@@filmneye I'm super broke. Unemployed so tightening the belt on all the bills I can, gave up most my streaming etc. But I still scrape up the $13 to get KZhead premium. I'd seriously have to give up KZhead altogether if I had to put up with ads again.
Paul Simon wrote the soundtrack to the last 60 years, he is a legend of the highest order. ❤️
I’ll never forget the Concert in Central Park in the early 1980s when he reunited with Art Garfunkel. Best concert EVER!
Agreed! I saw them play in Vancouver after that and it really was. No other concert I’ve ever been to put a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes.
I watched that concert every time it came on PBS.
Time drifts so fast - The 60's were a bombardment of life . Simon and Garfunkel were a huge part of such turbulent and loving times .
To whoever uploads these videos: this is way better than 3 separate parts of an interview arrangd in random order on the channel. Big thumbs up.
Suspiciously, they did the same thing for the Oprah interview on Jimmy Fallon tonight show, tonight.
But we need that sweet Ad Revenue. If you ever get as big as Paul Simon we'll cut it in 1 part
@@ripn929707 Wrong Jimmy! She was on Kimmel's show.
The interviews are always in order in the play list
Did he ever play slip slidin away for Colbert I wonder?
This guy has been a fine example of perfection with human flaws. Love him.
I think one of the things I dearly love about Stephen Colbert is his authenticity. I saw and felt his near tears moment when talking about his mother and the words to Slip Sliding Away.
Paul Simon is a very profound artist, hats off to you Sir.
This has to be the most in-depth interview of Paul Simon and his approach to songwriting, spiced with anecdotes. Thanks, Mr. Colbert. Love it.
Where can I get a transcript of this?
@@mcat9974 - If you click on See More of the caption under the video title, you'll find Show Transcript. It's there.
This the BEST Stephen Colbert segment I've seen yet. Could have gone on forever for me. My mom died recently, she would've loved this 😢.
@1432b - My mom loved Paul Simon, too. I’m very sorry for your loss. May happy memories sustain you, my friend. ❤
I'm sorry for your loss
Colbert listened, respectfully, in awe. Paul Simon, 82, talent, humor, experience, and creativity intact!
The more I see these people of old and the making of our musical dreams I see, the more I become aware of our current decline in music.
I know what you mean. When I hear some of the stuff that is popular lately, it just sounds like annoying noise!
"Losing love is like a window in your heart, everyone can see you're blown apart, everyone can hear the wind blow" I love that line.
Love that line; everyone can hear the wind blow".
If stranded and only had one album to listen to for the rest of time, “Graceland” would be it, for sure… thanks Paul and Stephen
Steve really gave him time to speak. Great segment.
What an amazing, poignant, heart-breaking recitation of Darling Lorraine! Preserve your memories ...
OMG, Stephen speaking about the sublime of grief at the end is everything 💔❤️
So deep and unexpected. He dropped a little gem for us right there
I agree, his description of what led him to his faith was profound, moving, and connected him and Simon, and dare I say the rest of us
Paul Simon is truly a living legend.
My faith is an act of gratitude. Right on! As we used to say.
Paul Simon, the most important songwriter of the last 65 years. Much respect.
I never thought listening to someone speak lyrics to a song could make me cry. What a legend ❤
I’m grateful for this beautiful articulation of God. ❤
This will go down as one of the greatest late show interviews of all time.
My God, is Colbert a good interviewer!! And Paul Simon is such a living legend, I could have watched another hour of that, at least!!!
Paul Simon is a truly beautiful mind - a once in a generation talent. We have been blessed by him living and contributing for so long.
I was in St. Lucia, many years ago, where Paul Simon has a home. Stepped into the travel agency for a plane ticket and there he was at the counter. I didn't want to be a gushing fanboy - it might have embarrassed him - so I left him alone. But it was a cool moment.
Oh thank you, Stephen, for this wonderfully gracious interview with this legend...
His songs are masterpieces, and he is a masterpiece.
Mr. Paul Simon is a great musician ! thank you Stephen Colbert for the amazing interview.
Damn he’s such a sharp man. Glad he’s still around doing great work
One of the few genuine geniuses of pop music.
Darling Lorraine is one of Paul's best ever. It's a masterpiece of short story writing in a song. So beautiful, so sad. A perfect work of art.
“Happiness is not the goal. Sublime is the goal.” Stephen Colbert, this quote alone brought me such profound feelings and thoughts to consider. Thank you.
Sublime is a subset of happiness.
@@terri6854Not true. “ARCHAIC: elevate to a high degree of moral or spiritual purity or excellence. "let your thoughts be sublimed by the spirit of God".
I like Paul Simon way more than Sublime, though, I gotta say...😁
@@stevetournay6103 Hands down.
Paul Simon is a national treasure and the poet of a generation 🥰 💙
I just cried listening to Paul Simon recite lyrics to a song I’ve never heard.
It has actually been recorded twice, and I'd recommend the 2018 version on the album "In the blue light"
me too
"There's an alley in the back of my building..where the people congregate in shame. I was walking with my dog, and the night was thick with fog - and I thought I heard somebody call my name." Thanks, Paul.
Bravo Stephen. You were in the presence of a giant & you handled it very well. Thank You
The talent to ask penetrating questions is necessary to the art of interviewing; the ability to listen is a rare skill. It’s one of the many reasons Stephen Colbert is a star.💫
I adore both of these gentlemen so much. ❤
Paul Simon is a fine man , love all your songs
National treasure sitting right there. Thank you Paul and Stephen. Good stuff ❤
Paul Simon and Chevy Chase in “You Can Call Me Al” has to be the funniest music video ever.
Second, only to Chris Isaak’s “I wanna fall in love”, but for completely different reasons.😉
My mommy liked that song
Stephen Colbert is such a good interviewer. He is always to knowledgeable and interested in what they are saying. He brings out the best
Love this conversation. I had a professor when I was working on my MFA in Studio Art who repeatedly told us to “be uncomfortable.” Working from a place that is unfamiliar & causes discomfort is where discovery is made. That’s why I so dislike this book banning & teaching history business by parents who don’t want their kids to learn anything in school that causes discomfort. No real character or intellectual growth will come from only being comfortable or complacent.
💥👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Right on, Wendolyn! ❤️
💯
I see your point but however I disagree Challenges can be met without discomfort and from being uncomfortable Neither of the two are good. I'm 61 and succeeded without those I think it depends on the individual person
I remember back then, I'm 78. Paul Simon is AWESOME!
That was incredible. Thank You BOTH for spending the time to give us this gift. 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
Woa I’ve been on a Paul Simon kick lately and this randomly popped up. What a beautiful human. April come she will
It's Your Personal Matrix -- Your Universe Manifested the Synchronicity Coincidence of Paul Simon with Colbert. ☆☆
Me too?! 🦋
One of my favorite songs.
I've been on a Paul Simon kick lately too and then this pops up... Synchronicity 💙
@@kimlarso nice taste in music. 💕✌🏻
I remember listening to "Sound of Silence" over and over again growing up in the 70's. A teenager full of angst over the assassinations, war, civil rights, shooting of college students of the 60's. It's not just the "edge" you're wanting to hear Paul but the "edge" of the feel. It's what I want and you have delivered that for me. 🙂
kzhead.info/sun/f5GDgZWpZGNpeKM/bejne.html And the people bowed and prayed to the neon "orange" god they made and the sign flashed out it's warning and the words that it was forming "I just want to be dictator for one day."
And remember, too, his "The Boxer" on the first SNL after September 11. A powerful panacea for a hurting city and a hurting country. Unforgettable.
Graduation time in 1968...what a strange Era to look back on..I think of it often as a marker...things were bad but we made it through
@@tomhaggard3352 Since this interview I keep hearing the lyrics "And the people bowed and prayed to the neon god they made." What's old is new again.
@@tamarabeinlich7353 GREAT comment!!!!Gave me goosebumps...
WOW I celebrate my 70th year next month and Paul Simon has been my favorite musical artist for most of it. A legend beyond compare, thank you Stephen and Paul for sharing
The day that Paul is no longer with us... will be the day that the boy that was me (who still lives somewhere inside of me) who listened to all of Paul's music, who sang along with every song, and who was moved to tears, and who was moved to think and feel so deeply because of that music, he and I will reunite, sit across from each other, and share tears for the first time in a long time, appreciating and remembering all those good things that eventually go away and the times when there was absolutely nothing to lose, and for the gratefulness of all of it. Because that's what life is in the end really... just times of having and times of losing. And all of it just slip sliding away. Paul, your music has meant so much to me... thank you. Wishing you many healthy and happy years ahead.
Colbert should have asked about him about the time he met Joe DiMaggio at a restaurant in New York. DiMaggio said to Simon, "What do you mean 'where have I gone?' I've been here the whole time."
Never heard that, hilarious :)
Hey, hey, hey Hey, hey, hey!
Was that at the Dinky Donuts? Kramer saw him there a couple of times.
@@crocglox7797there’s no way he’s a dunker.
Simon said after he explained it he loved it. And said something why didn’t you say that…Simon said Joe wasn’t to deep. Mantle asked him why Joe? Since he was Simon’s favorite player. Simon said to Mantle not enough syllables 😳😂
Well, I didn't expect Mr. Simon to make me cry. Thank you, Mr. Simon, for everything, including and especially the tears.
A classic interview, one of the best introspective interviews of an artist. A gift to treasure.
Life I love you, feeling groovy. My favorite line in my favorite Simon and Garfunkel song!
A living legend.
Between 3:00 a.m. and 5:00 in the morning the veils are the thinnest. The witching hours. Great interview
You cannot grieve without having loved. So, therefore in grief one can also feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for having seized the chance for love. I reached this epiphany when my best friend passed away in 2008.
Very wise way of healing
I love you Paul Simon! You guys are timeless. Music and person!
My eyes teared up when I saw Paul Simon introduced. I have followed his music, from”Simon And Garfunkel”, Graceland and everything since! Saw him, with others, many times and always great, great, great on stage. He is extremely in with the times and curious about everything and I regard his intelligence and talent as genius. Thank you Stephen!😂🎉😊
I've been a lifelong fan! I always thought "Darling Lorraine" was/is a brilliant song! This interview is pure gold..Thanks Stephen Colbert!
That line "A good day ain't got no rain, A bad day is when i lie in bed and think of things that might have been" has choked me up for years every time i go to sing it. "Everything Put Together Falls Apart" and "How the Heart Approaches What it Yearns" are two of my personal fave Paul Simon ballads--his brevity contains mountains of emotional data and experience. My signed copy of his lyrics book is one of my most prized possessions; he's both a musician and an American poet.
"Four in the morning, crapped out, yawning, Longing my life away. I never worry, why should I? It's all gonna fade."
@@whatgoesaroundcomesaround920 Karen Carpenter covered that one...
My love for Paul Simon knows no bounds - he has provided the background music of my life, and I am very grateful and appreciative- thank you so much for this interview ❤
Me, too, Beth. I'm almost 76. From the Vietnam War protests ("Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme/Silent Night") through bad times ("The Boxer") and good ("Mardi Gras"), through depression ("Still Crazy") to exaltation in spite of it all ("Diamonds on the Soles of Their Shoes") Paul Simon has distilled into words what my heart was trying to say. If any one songwriter represents our generation, it's Paul Simon.
The single most beautiful moment in a talk show interview ever. He is just a beautiful human! Wow! I love and appreciate him so much more after watching this!
They both described their thoughts of faith last night. So deep, and meaningful to each of them, watched it all twice.
As an Athiest, I Love Stephen and Paul's explanation of their faith positions. What a Joy to see these two people of the earth sharing their hearts and filling us with Joy. Thank You. P.S. I think I smell an Emmy.
Love me some Paul Simon. What a great American musical legend!
Mr Stephen Colbert... This is not just. your best interview. in my. mind., ever, I think it's one of the best interviews I've ever. had the pleasure to experience. This is something I will share with my children. Kudos to you. my friend, you are not just a true professional and a great comedian, You show to be a true and beautiful human being. You showed ultimate respect. to Paul Simon. thank you.
I saw Simon & Garfunkel in the 70s . Wonderful show. At the end of the show the crowd around Paul was so crowded you couldn't see him. My friend was a fan of Art and wanted his autograph. We saw him walking away and stopped him. No one but her and I wanted his autograph. Such a beautiful voice..
From Australia. Simon and Garfunkel kept us awake at night. In college a mate and I played songs from the movie The Graduate. One of the best partnerships of my 1960s youth. Thank you Paul Simon, you gave us hope and life.
Paul Simon is one of the great lyricists, ~ever. TYSM, Stephen ~and Paul
Wow! Paul Simon I laughed and cried! I miss philosophical discussions, and true soul baring conversation
Wow! My 75 y.o. aunt shared this with me. What a fantastic interview!!!
Oh, Stephen! You must go home at night and weep for sheer amazement at the Life you lead. You sat with Paul Simon as he spoke those lyrics. What a blessed gift that was... to be YOU...whew! Hi Evie!
"Graceland" was the staple road trip album as a kid. Now i play it for my kids when we go a driving
I've adored Paul Simon since I was little.
The best Late Show I have ever seen. Stephen, wow! How you allowed it to flow. Just brilliant.
He's 82 now, same age as Bob Dylan. Thank you, Mr. Simon, for the beautiful lyrical memorable songs you graced us with.
This was such a rich conversation. Thanks to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert for posting this.
A Master of his craft. Someone Like him Appears once every few hundred years.
I am 46 years old now and my Dad introduced me to Paul Simon and Miriam Makeba's music. I love their music and had a crush on Paul Simon. 😊🎼🎵🎧🎶🎹📻🎷🎺❤ I was fortunate to attend Miriam Makeba's concert and always wished to attend Paul Simon's, but I am grateful for his music. Vive la musique 🎶🎵🎹
Re: "Darling Lorraine:" So, thanks a lot for making me break down crying in the middle of watching what I thought was gonna be the funny . . . Love you Paul Simon! (and SC)
Paul Simon is an incredibly interesting guy. I’m so pleased this was an extended interview.
earth angel 💜
jillilovesyou more than you will know 😍
@@jillilovesyouWoah oh oh!
There’s an incredibly short list of guests who could recite the lyrics to an entire song without being interrupted. I’m glad this man has shared so many of his thoughts with us.
And he's a year older than Biden. He proves, along with Jagger, McCartney, etc., that older age does not preclude having creativity and strong cognition.
@@lisabluecurls He really does. He’s just obviously sharper than most of us, regardless of his age. Lol. Perhaps the mental decline is directly related to the orange-ish skin tone?