Simon & Garfunkel, Cecilia | Throwback Vibez

In the 176^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Cecilia” by Grammy-winning duo Simon & Garfunkel.

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome. In the 176^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Cecilia” performed by Simon & Garfunkel.

C’mon, Cecilia, girl! “Oh, Cecilia, I’m down on my knees / I’m begging you please to come home.” Honestly, Cecilia could or could’ve been any girl or boy because the sentiment is retable – it’s universal.  That said, the legendary, Grammy-winning duo Simon & Garfunkel, comprised of Paul Simon (b. 1941) and Art Garfunkel (b. 1941), made a truly innovative, unforgettable rock/pop/folk gem with  “Cecilia”. “Cecilia” is the third track from the duo’s 1970, legendary, Grammy-winning, multi-platinum album, Bridge Over Troubled Water. Simon penned “Cecilia.” Simon & Garfunkel, along with Grammy-winning record producer Roy Halee (b. 1934), produced it. A rousing pop success, it peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. It was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.

The lyrics and melody are marvelous on “Cecilia.” The vocals by Simon & Garfunkel match the strength of the lyrics and melody, of course.  The chorus, excerpted earlier, is the cat’s meow.  The verse is striking, too:

“Making love in the afternoon with Cecilia

Up in my bedroom (making love)

I got up to wash my face

When I come back to bed

Someone’s taken my place.”

Ooh-wee! Wash my face, huh? Interesting lyric… The “Ohs” that appear at the end of the song during the outro are appealing to, following the “Jubilation, she loves me again,” of course! As catchy as “Cecilia” is, what makes it more intriguing is the innovative approach to the musical accompaniment. The song is anchored by a killer, folky percussive groove.  This is the crowning achievement in my eyes. This brilliant accompaniment includes the percussive sounds of acoustic guitar, claps, thigh slaps, and hitting a piano bench. Minimalism at its best, the busy, intricate rhythmic layers are incredibly impressive. “Cecilia” is a prime example of why Simon & Garfunkel were that duo back in the day.  To this day, this is a classic that never grows old.

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Simon & Garfunkel » Bridge Over Troubled Water » Columbia » 1970

Simon & Garfunkel, Cecilia: Throwback Vibez No. 176 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Columbia; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]

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