About the song
Paul Simon’s “You Can Call Me Al” is a lively and engaging song that was released in 1986 as part of his album *Graceland*. This track quickly became one of Simon’s most popular and enduring hits, known for its catchy rhythm and memorable lyrics.
The song stands out not only for its upbeat and infectious melody but also for its unique blend of musical styles. Paul Simon skillfully mixes elements of pop, rock, and world music, drawing on influences from South African music, which was a significant part of the *Graceland* album. The result is a vibrant and exciting piece that captures the listener’s attention from start to finish.
The music video for “You Can Call Me Al” is equally captivating. It features Paul Simon alongside actor Chevy Chase in a playful and somewhat surreal visual experience. The video has become iconic in its own right, thanks to its quirky and entertaining portrayal of the song’s themes.
Lyrically, the song combines a sense of humor with introspective moments. The chorus, “You can call me Al,” serves as a catchy and repeated refrain that reinforces the song’s lighthearted yet thoughtful nature. The verses explore themes of identity and self-discovery, presenting them in a way that is both approachable and intriguing.
Overall, “You Can Call Me Al” remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its joyful sound and thoughtful lyrics. It continues to be a testament to Paul Simon’s talent for creating music that resonates with a wide audience, making it a cherished part of many listeners’ playlists.
Video
Lyrics
A man walks down the street
He says, “Why am I soft in the middle, now?
Why am I soft in the middle?
The rest of my life is so hard
I need a photo-opportunity
I want a shot at redemption
Don’t want to end up a cartoon
In a cartoon graveyard”
Bonedigger, Bonedigger
Dogs in the moonlight
Far away in my well-lit door
Mr. Beerbelly, Beerbelly
Get these mutts away from me
You know, I don’t find this stuff amusing anymore
If you’ll be my bodyguard
I can be your long lost pal
I can call you Betty
And Betty, when you call me, you can call me Al
A man walks down the street
He says, “Why am I short of attention?
Got a short little span of attention
And, whoa, my nights are so long
Where’s my wife and family?
What if I die here?
Who’ll be my role model
Now that my role model is gone, gone?”
He ducked back down the alley
With some roly-poly little bat-faced girl
All along, along
There were incidents and accidents
There were hints and allegations
If you’ll be my bodyguard
I can be your long lost pal
I can call you Betty
And Betty, when you call me, you can call me Al
Call me Al
A man walks down the street
It’s a street in a strange world
Maybe it’s the third world
Maybe it’s his first time around
Doesn’t speak the language
He holds no currency
He is a foreign man
He is surrounded by the sound, the sound
Cattle in the marketplace
Scatterlings and orphanages
He looks around, around
He sees angels in the architecture
Spinning in infinity
He says, “Amen and Hallelujah!”
If you’ll be my bodyguard
I can be your long lost pal
I can call you Betty
And Betty, when you call me, you can call me Al
Call me
Na na na na, na na na na
Na na na na, na na na-na na-na
Na na na na, na-na na-na na na
Na na na na, na na na na
If you’ll be my bodyguard
I can call you Betty
If you’ll be my bodyguard
I can call you Betty
If you’ll be my bodyguard