I know that I am like the rain/
There but for the grace of you go I.
Just as Springsteen had “Mary”–his go to muse–Simon has “Kathy”. Simon and Garfunkel’s “Kathy’s Song” is his love song to her– though she is not mentioned by name in the song (other than the title). He feels raindrops while walking outside and it makes him think of his girlfriend who is across the sea. He sends his kisses and love, but the distance is tearing him apart.
He is having difficulty working because all he can do is think of Kathy. But he remains steadfast in his love for her and their relationship, and he is grateful for her. The language he uses is quite poetic, beautiful really.
If there is any doubt what a master Simon is, listen to this live recording. It is just him on guitar and he sings “Kathy’s Song” without Garfunkel on this track. His voice is soft, it almost sounds embarrassed, but the emotions he is expressing are quite romantic. Listen to the way he captures the crowd with just him and a guitar. In this live version he adds a bit of a guitar solo at the end that wraps up the song quite nicely.
Kathy’s Song Lyrics
I hear the drizzle of the rain.
Like a memory it falls,
Soft and warm continuing…
Tapping on my roof and walls.
And from the shelter of my mind,
Through the window of my eyes.
I gaze beyond the rain-drenched streets
To England where my heart lies.
My mind’s distracted and diffused.
My thoughts are many miles away.
They lie with you when you’re asleep,
And kiss you when you start your day.
And a song I was writing is left undone.
I don’t know why I spend my time
Writing songs I can’t believe;
With words that tear and strain to rhyme.
And so you see I have come to doubt
All that I once held as true.
I stand alone without beliefs,
The only truth I know is you.
And as I watch the drops of rain
Weave their weary paths and die.
I know that I am like the rain,
There but for the grace of you go I.
written by Paul Simon
