You Can Call Me Al
Encyclopedia
"You Can Call Me Al" is a song by Paul Simon
, the first single released from his album Graceland
. The song originally charted in the U.S. at No. 44 in October 1986 but it was reissued with greater promotion in March 1987 and hit No. 23. In the UK it peaked at No. 4, while in Sweden and the Netherlands reached No. 2.
The lyrics can be interpreted as describing a man experiencing a midlife crisis
("Where's my wife and family? What if I die here? Who'll be my role model?").
The song features a bass run performed by Bakithi Kumalo (whose birthday was on the day of recording the track); the solo is palindromic as only the first half was recorded, and was then played backwards for the second half. The pennywhistle solo was performed by jazz musician Morris Goldberg
.
The names in the song came from an incident at a party that Simon went to with his then-wife Peggy Harper. The host of the party mistakenly called Paul "Al", and Peggy "Betty", inspiring Simon to write a song.
that was made, which was a performance of the song Simon gave during the monologue when he hosted Saturday Night Live
in the perspective of a video monitor
. A replacement video was conceived partly by Lorne Michaels
and directed by Gary Weis
, wherein Chevy Chase
lip-synced all of Simon's vocals in an upbeat presentation, with gestures punctuating the lyrics. Simon wore a bored expression throughout the piece, while also lugging instruments into view (such as a bass guitar
and a conga drum) to sync them with the audio track at the appropriate moments. In the music video, after the handshake, Simon begins to sing, but stops and looks puzzled at Chase when Chase commandeers the vocal duties instead. The only time he sings was to provide the bass harmony on the phrases "If you'll be my bodyguard" and "I can call you Betty" in the chorus. During the bridge, and fade-out instrumental, Chase and Simon performed a rhythmic dance step in sync. Chase, at 6'4", towered over the much shorter (5'3") Simon.
and R&B band South Border
covered and included the song in their 1998 album Bump!.
British indie folk
band Noah and the Whale
covered the song as a B-side in 2008.
Hot Club de Paris
also recorded a version for a B-Side in 2007.
Jens Lekman
, a Swedish pop artist, also plays an acoustic cover of this song, minus the chorus at his shows.
American jamband moe.
have performed an electric version of this song at their concerts with Al Schnier
singing the lyrics.
Inspection 12
, a pop-punk band from Florida, recorded an acoustic version complete with harmony, egg shaker
s and hand claps on their album Get Rad
.
German Dance-Duo DJ Akki and Danny Homes (as Think Pink) recorded the song in 2010 as "You Can Call Me Al 2010".
Miami Horror
performed the song as their encore performance on their Melbourne show (24 November 2010) of the "Holidays Tour".
Dead Cat Bounce
play the song in their live cover version sets.
Paul Simon
Paul Frederic Simon is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist.Simon is best known for his success, beginning in 1965, as part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel, with musical partner Art Garfunkel. Simon wrote most of the pair's songs, including three that reached number one on the US singles...
, the first single released from his album Graceland
Graceland (album)
Graceland was Paul Simon's highest charting album in the U.S. in over a decade, reaching #3 in the national Billboard charts, receiving a certification of 5× Platinum by the RIAA and eventually selling over 14 million copies, making it Simon's most commercially successful album...
. The song originally charted in the U.S. at No. 44 in October 1986 but it was reissued with greater promotion in March 1987 and hit No. 23. In the UK it peaked at No. 4, while in Sweden and the Netherlands reached No. 2.
The lyrics can be interpreted as describing a man experiencing a midlife crisis
Midlife Crisis
"Midlife Crisis" is a song by the American rock band Faith No More. It was released on May 26, 1992 as the first single from their fourth album, Angel Dust...
("Where's my wife and family? What if I die here? Who'll be my role model?").
The song features a bass run performed by Bakithi Kumalo (whose birthday was on the day of recording the track); the solo is palindromic as only the first half was recorded, and was then played backwards for the second half. The pennywhistle solo was performed by jazz musician Morris Goldberg
Morris Goldberg
Saxophonist Morris Goldberg, was born in Cape Town, South Africa and grew up in the area known as Observatory. He is recognised as one of the early pioneers of Cape Jazz, along with Dollar Brand and Chris McGregor. He left South Africa in the Apartheid years to study in New York, where he now...
.
The names in the song came from an incident at a party that Simon went to with his then-wife Peggy Harper. The host of the party mistakenly called Paul "Al", and Peggy "Betty", inspiring Simon to write a song.
Music videos
Paul Simon did not like the original music videoMusic video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
that was made, which was a performance of the song Simon gave during the monologue when he hosted Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live
Saturday Night Live is a live American late-night television sketch comedy and variety show developed by Lorne Michaels and Dick Ebersol. The show premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the original title of NBC's Saturday Night.The show's sketches often parody contemporary American culture...
in the perspective of a video monitor
Video monitor
A video monitor also called a broadcast monitor, broadcast reference monitor or just reference monitor, is a display device similar to a television set, used to monitor the output of a video-generating device, such as playout from a video server, IRD, video camera, VCR, or DVD player. It may or...
. A replacement video was conceived partly by Lorne Michaels
Lorne Michaels
Lorne Michaels, CM is a Canadian-American television producer, writer, and comedian best known for creating and producing Saturday Night Live and producing the various film and TV projects that spun off from it.-Early life:...
and directed by Gary Weis
Gary Weis
Gary Weis is a movie and television director. He was the second creator of short films for Saturday Night Live .-Selected Filmography:*Jimi Hendrix *Saturday Night Live...
, wherein Chevy Chase
Chevy Chase
Cornelius Crane "Chevy" Chase is an American comedian, writer, and television and film actor, born into a prominent entertainment industry family. Chase worked a plethora of odd jobs before moving into comedy acting with National Lampoon...
lip-synced all of Simon's vocals in an upbeat presentation, with gestures punctuating the lyrics. Simon wore a bored expression throughout the piece, while also lugging instruments into view (such as a bass guitar
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
and a conga drum) to sync them with the audio track at the appropriate moments. In the music video, after the handshake, Simon begins to sing, but stops and looks puzzled at Chase when Chase commandeers the vocal duties instead. The only time he sings was to provide the bass harmony on the phrases "If you'll be my bodyguard" and "I can call you Betty" in the chorus. During the bridge, and fade-out instrumental, Chase and Simon performed a rhythmic dance step in sync. Chase, at 6'4", towered over the much shorter (5'3") Simon.
Credits
- Paul SimonPaul SimonPaul Frederic Simon is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist.Simon is best known for his success, beginning in 1965, as part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel, with musical partner Art Garfunkel. Simon wrote most of the pair's songs, including three that reached number one on the US singles...
– lead vocalsHuman voiceThe human voice consists of sound made by a human being using the vocal folds for talking, singing, laughing, crying, screaming, etc. Its frequency ranges from about 60 to 7000 Hz. The human voice is specifically that part of human sound production in which the vocal folds are the primary...
, six-string electric bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
, background vocalsHuman voiceThe human voice consists of sound made by a human being using the vocal folds for talking, singing, laughing, crying, screaming, etc. Its frequency ranges from about 60 to 7000 Hz. The human voice is specifically that part of human sound production in which the vocal folds are the primary... - Ray PhiriRay PhiriRaymond Chikapa Phiri is an African jazz, fusion and mbaqanga musician born in Mpumalanga. He became founding member of the Cannibals in the 1970's...
– guitar - Adrian BelewAdrian BelewAdrian Belew is an American guitarist, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer...
– guitar synthesizerSynthesizerA synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones... - Bakithi Kumalo – bass
- Isaac Mtshali – drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
- Ralph MacDonaldRalph MacDonaldRalph MacDonald is an American percussionist and song-writer. He joined Harry Belafonte's band at age 17. He wrote the Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway song "Where is the Love" with songwriting partner William Salter. Probably his best-known composition is the Grover Washington, Jr...
– percussion - James Guyatt - percussion
- Rob MounseyRob MounseyRob Mounsey is an award-winning composer, music producer, and musician. He was born in Berea, Ohio and grew up in Seattle, Washington and several Ohio towns. At the age of 17, he was awarded a BMI Student Composer's Award in New York. He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston from 1971 to 1975...
– synthesizer, hornHorn sectionIn music, a horn section can refer to several groups of musicians. It can refer to the musicians in a symphony orchestra who play the horn . In a British-style brass band it refers to the tenor horn players. In popular music, it can also refer to a small group of wind instrumentalists who augment a...
arrangement - Ronnie CuberRonnie CuberRonnie Cuber is a jazz saxophonist. He has also played in Latin, pop, rock and blues sessions. In addition to his primary instrument, baritone sax, he has also played tenor sax, soprano sax and flute, the latter on an album by Eddie Palmieri. As a leader, Cuber is known for hard bop and Latin jazz...
– bassBass saxophoneThe bass saxophone is the second largest member of the saxophone family. Its design is similar to that of the baritone saxophone, with a loop of tubing near the mouthpiece. It was the first type of saxophone presented to the public, when Adolphe Sax exhibited a bass saxophone in C at an exhibition...
and baritone saxophoneBaritone saxophoneThe baritone saxophone, often called "bari sax" , is one of the largest and lowest pitched members of the saxophone family. It was invented by Adolphe Sax. The baritone is distinguished from smaller sizes of saxophone by the extra loop near its mouthpiece... - Jon FaddisJon FaddisJon Faddis is an American jazz trumpet player, conductor, composer, and educator renowned for both his highly virtuosic command of the instrument and for his expertise in the field of music education...
– trumpet - Randy BreckerRandy BreckerRandal "Randy" Brecker is an American trumpeter and flugelhornist. He is a highly sought after performer in the genres of jazz, rock, and R&B, and has performed or recorded with Stanley Turrentine, Billy Cobham, Bruce Springsteen, Lou Reed, Sandip Burman, Charles Mingus, Blood, Sweat & Tears,...
– trumpet - Lew SoloffLew SoloffLew Soloff is a jazz trumpeter, composer and actor. He studied trumpet at the Eastman School of Music and the Juilliard School. He is likely best known for his work with Blood, Sweat & Tears from 1968 to 1973...
– trumpet - Alan RubinAlan RubinAlan Rubin , also known as Mr. Fabulous, was an American musician. He played trumpet, flugelhorn, and piccolo trumpet....
– trumpet - Dave BargeronDave BargeronDavid 'Dave' W Bargeron is an American trombonist and tuba player from Athol, Massachusetts, most famous for playing with the jazz-rock group Blood, Sweat, and Tears. He joined the group in 1970, after Jerry Hyman departed, and first appeared on the album Blood, Sweat & Tears 4...
– tromboneTromboneThe trombone is a musical instrument in the brass family. Like all brass instruments, sound is produced when the player’s vibrating lips cause the air column inside the instrument to vibrate... - Kim Allan Cissel – trombone
- Morris GoldbergMorris GoldbergSaxophonist Morris Goldberg, was born in Cape Town, South Africa and grew up in the area known as Observatory. He is recognised as one of the early pioneers of Cape Jazz, along with Dollar Brand and Chris McGregor. He left South Africa in the Apartheid years to study in New York, where he now...
– penny whistleTin whistleThe tin whistle, also called the penny whistle, English Flageolet, Scottish penny whistle, Tin Flageolet, Irish whistle and Clarke London Flageolet is a simple six-holed woodwind instrument. It is an end blown fipple flute, putting it in the same category as the recorder, American Indian flute, and...
Cover versions
Filipino popPop music
Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop...
and R&B band South Border
South Border
South Border is a Filipino Pop and R&B band formed in the 90s who gained recognition in the music scene in the 2000s.Having undergone several permutations in its long career, South Border has nevertheless retained its unique sound and musical sensibility and has even moved up along the current...
covered and included the song in their 1998 album Bump!.
British indie folk
Indie folk
Indie folk is a music genre that arose in the 1990s from singer/songwriters in the indie rock community showing heavy influences from folk music scenes of the 50s, 60s and early 70s, country music, and indie rock. A few early artists included Lou Barlow, Beck, Jeff Buckley and Elliott Smith...
band Noah and the Whale
Noah and the Whale
Noah and the Whale are an English indie folk band from Twickenham, London, England formed in 2006. The band consists of Charlie Fink , Tom Hobden , Matt "Urby Whale" Owens , Fred Abbott , and Michael Petulla .-Early years and Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down...
covered the song as a B-side in 2008.
Hot Club de Paris
Hot Club De Paris
Hot Club de Paris are an English band from Liverpool. They are signed to the London-based Moshi Moshi Records and released their debut album Drop It 'Til It Pops in October 2006...
also recorded a version for a B-Side in 2007.
Jens Lekman
Jens Lekman
Jens Martin Lekman is a Swedish musician. His music is guitar-based pop with heavy use of samples and strings, with lyrics that are often witty, romantic, and melancholic. The English lyrics reflect an advanced knowledge of the language and its idioms...
, a Swedish pop artist, also plays an acoustic cover of this song, minus the chorus at his shows.
American jamband moe.
Moe.
moe. is an American jam band, formed at the University at Buffalo in 1989. The band members are: Rob Derhak , Al Schnier , Chuck Garvey , Vinnie Amico , and Jim Loughlin ....
have performed an electric version of this song at their concerts with Al Schnier
Al Schnier
Al Schnier is a musician most noted for being one of two guitarists for the American jam band moe.-History:Schnier was born on January 9, 1968 in Utica, New York. He attended New Hartford Central High School in Oneida County, New York before going to college at State University of New York at...
singing the lyrics.
Inspection 12
Inspection 12
Inspection 12 is an American pop punk band from Jacksonville, Florida, founded by Robert Reid, Dan McLintock, John Comee and Scott Shad. They have released two full length recordings internationally, one on Honest Don's Records and one on Suburban Home Records and Takeover Records...
, a pop-punk band from Florida, recorded an acoustic version complete with harmony, egg shaker
Egg shaker
An egg shaker is a hand percussion instrument, in the idiophone category, that makes a noise when shaken, usually by hand. Functionally it is similar to a maraca. Typically the outer casing or container is oval or egg-shaped...
s and hand claps on their album Get Rad
Get Rad
Get Rad is Inspection 12's sixth full length album. It was released independently in 2003, then internationally in 2004 by Floppy Cow Records, and in the US by Suburban Home Records. Takeover Records rereleased it with the original artwork in 2005...
.
German Dance-Duo DJ Akki and Danny Homes (as Think Pink) recorded the song in 2010 as "You Can Call Me Al 2010".
Miami Horror
Miami Horror
Miami Horror are an Australian electronic band from Melbourne, Victoria with a disco-house throwback style. Miami Horror can refer to its producer, Benjamin Plant, or its four-piece live incarnation.-Biography:...
performed the song as their encore performance on their Melbourne show (24 November 2010) of the "Holidays Tour".
Dead Cat Bounce
Dead Cat Bounce (comedy band)
Dead Cat Bounce is an Irish comedy band made up of Demian Fox , Shane O'Brien and James Walmsley . Based in Dublin, but touring all over the world, the group perform all-original comedy songs in variety of musical styles....
play the song in their live cover version sets.
Appearances in other media
- The song was used in the movie trailer for the 1989 comedy film Parenthood.
- In the 22nd episode of the 5th season of the American version of The Office entitled "Heavy CompetitionHeavy Competition"Heavy Competition" is the 24th episode of the fifth season of the television series The Office, and the 96th overall episode of the series. It originally aired on NBC in the United States on April 16, 2009. In the episode, Michael enlists the help of Dwight in getting Michael's new paper company...
", Andy Bernard presents Jim and Pam a recording of his college acapella group singing "You Can Call Me Al" as a possible processional for their wedding. - In the video for his song "Manijaci", Bosnian singer Zdravko ČolićZdravko ColicZdravko Čolić , is a pop singer popular across the entire area of former Yugoslavia. Originally from Sarajevo, since 1992 , his home is in Belgrade, Serbia...
pays tribute to the Chevy Chase version of the video alongside fellow musician Goran BregovićGoran BregovicGoran Bregović is one of the most internationally known modern musicians and composers of the Balkans. He currently splits his time between Paris and Belgrade, where he settled down during the Yugoslav Wars.Bregović has composed for such varied artists as Iggy Pop and Cesária Évora...
. - In the 5th episode of Max and Paddy's Road to NowhereMax and Paddy's Road to NowhereMax and Paddy's Road to Nowhere was an award-winning British comedy television show on Channel 4 starring and written by Peter Kay and Patrick McGuinness. All the episodes were also directed by Kay. It began on 12 November 2004 and ran for six 30 minute episodes up until 17 December 2004, with each...
, Max is seen fleeing from a butcher shop called You Can Call Me Halal, when he tries to sell them a pig. - A live performance of "You Can Call Me Al" by Paul Simon is included in the DVD release, The 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concerts / Time Life presents, Ravin' Films, Tenth Planet ; directed by Joel Gallen. Imprint New York : Time Life, c2010/. This videodisc features live and previously unseen performances from two New York concerts at Madison Square Garden that aired originally on HBO.
- In the closing scene of Disney's 1992 film Aladdin, Aladdin tells Jasmine "You can call me Al."
Use of song in live sport events, political campaigns, etc.
- The song is used as an unofficial theme for the Florida GatorsFlorida GatorsThe Florida Gators are the intercollegiate sports teams that represent the University of Florida located in Gainesville, Florida. The "Lady Gators" is an alternative nickname sometimes used by the Gators women's teams...
basketball and volleyball team (the school's mascot is Albert the Alligator). Traditionally, the pep band waits until the under eight minute or under four minute time out to play the song. The Pride of the SunshineThe Pride of the SunshineThe University of Florida Fightin' Gator Marching Band, also known as The Pride of the Sunshine, is the official marching band for the University of Florida. They play at every Florida Gators home football game in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and also performs at various other events such as pep...
has also begun playing the song during football games as well, typically during the 4th quarter. Usually, the band and the student section cup their ears and lean toward the piccolos during their solo before counting the rest of the band back in for the last chorus. - The song is also traditionally played after every homeKidd Brewer StadiumKidd Brewer Stadium is located in Boone, North Carolina and is Appalachian State University's 21,650 seat multi-purpose stadium. Nicknamed "The Rock", the stadium is home to the Mountaineers, the NCAA 2005, 2006, and 2007 Division I FCS national champions. It is also the home of the school's field...
footballAppalachian State Mountaineers footballThe Appalachian State Mountaineers football team is the college football team at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. The Mountaineers have competed in the Southern Conference since 1972, and are currently a Division I Football Championship Subdivision member of the National...
game by the Appalachian State UniversityAppalachian State UniversityAppalachian State University is a comprehensive , public, coeducational university located in Boone, North Carolina, United States. Appalachian State, also referred to as Appalachian, App State, or simply App, is the sixth largest institution in the University of North Carolina system...
Marching Mountaineers. - The song has also recently been used in basketball again, this time the opening bars being played after three-pointersThree-point field goalA three-point field goal is a field goal in a basketball game, made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc radiating from the basket...
scored by New York KnicksNew York KnicksThe New York Knickerbockers, prominently known as the Knicks, are a professional basketball team based in New York City. They are part of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association...
player Al HarringtonAl HarringtonAlbert "Al" Harrington is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the NBA's Denver Nuggets...
. - The song is commonly played by the University of Washington Husky Marching BandUniversity of Washington Husky Marching BandThe University of Washington Husky Marching Band is a 240-member ensemble utilizing the traditional Chair step style of marching. The HMB is a year-round ensemble that actively participates in supporting all of the Husky Athletics. Members participate during the fall to help support Husky...
at home football and basketball games. - This song has also been played by the Cornell Big Red Marching BandCornell Big Red Marching BandThe Cornell Big Red Marching Band is the only traditional marching band in the Ivy League. It performs at all home, and most away, Cornell Football Games...
on many occasions. During the segment of the song in which Paul Simon and Chevy Chase dance in the music video the Big Red Saxophones also do the same dance around the drum major's ladder. - During the 1992 campaignUnited States presidential election, 1992The United States presidential election of 1992 had three major candidates: Incumbent Republican President George Bush; Democratic Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton, and independent Texas businessman Ross Perot....
for the PresidencyPresident of the United StatesThe President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
of the United StatesUnited StatesThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, politician Al GoreAl GoreAlbert Arnold "Al" Gore, Jr. served as the 45th Vice President of the United States , under President Bill Clinton. He was the Democratic Party's nominee for President in the 2000 U.S. presidential election....
used the song as part of his bid for Vice PresidentVice President of the United StatesThe Vice President of the United States is the holder of a public office created by the United States Constitution. The Vice President, together with the President of the United States, is indirectly elected by the people, through the Electoral College, to a four-year term...
, which he campaigned for alongside running mate Bill ClintonBill ClintonWilliam Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
. - The song is often played by the Rutgers UniversityRutgers UniversityRutgers, The State University of New Jersey , is the largest institution for higher education in New Jersey, United States. It was originally chartered as Queen's College in 1766. It is the eighth-oldest college in the United States and one of the nine Colonial colleges founded before the American...
marching and pep bands. A unique pre-choreographed dance is performed by each instrumental section while the piccolo solo is taking place. - The song is normally played after a big save by New York IslandersNew York IslandersThe New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
goaltender Al MontoyaAl MontoyaÁlvaro "Al" Montoya is an American professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League . He was drafted by the New York Rangers in the first round of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft after a three-year career with the University of Michigan...
.
Charts
| Chart (1986) | Peak Position |
|---|---|
| Australian Singles Chart | 2 |
| Canadian Singles Chart | 11 |
| Dutch Singles Chart | 5 |
| Irish Singles Chart | 2 |
| New Zealand Singles Chart | 6 |
| UK Singles Chart | 4 |
| US Hot 100 Singles Chart | 23 |
Certifications
| Country | Certification | Date | Sales certified |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Silver | 1 October 1986 | 200,000 |