The Meaning Behind The Song: All I Know by Art Garfunkel
Introduction
Art Garfunkel is a well-known American singer and songwriter, popularly known for his soothing vocals and upbeat melodies. One of his most iconic songs, “All I Know,” has captured the hearts of many with its simple yet profound lyrics and the soothing melody. The song was released in 1973 as part of Art Garfunkel’s debut album, “Angel Clare,” and it went on to become a massive success. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind “All I Know” and why it has remained a timeless classic to this day.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “All I Know” are simple yet profound, and it is one of the reasons the song has remained popular for decades. The song’s theme is about love, heartbreak, and acceptance. The opening lines, “I bruise you, you bruise me,” speak about the pain two lovers inflict on each other. The lyrics “We’re both just one too many mornings and a thousand miles behind” depict the distance that has grown between the two lovers, and they are no longer on the same page.
Garfunkel’s vocals on the song’s chorus, “All I know is the way I feel, whenever you’re around,” are soothing and calming. These lyrics convey the timeless message that love is everything and that one should hold onto it tightly.
The Melody
“All I Know” is a slow, melodic ballad with a gentle guitar riff that sets the tone for the rest of the song. The melody is a perfect match for the song’s theme and the lyrics’ intensity, making it a timeless classic. The use of acoustic guitar and soft percussion on the track further enhances the song’s calming and soothing vibe.
The Message
The primary message of “All I Know” is about acceptance. The song acknowledges that lovers bruise each other’s hearts and sometimes drift apart, but love remains. The song’s line “I can’t remember when you weren’t there” highlights that the love they shared was significant, and even though it has ended, the memories remain.
Art Garfunkel’s vocals and the melody of the song reinforce the acceptance message. The slow pace of the song is emblematic of the process of accepting one’s reality and moving on. The message of acceptance is one that has resonated with listeners for decades, making “All I Know” a timeless classic.
Inspiration
In an interview, Art Garfunkel revealed that “All I Know” was initially inspired by a conversation he had with his wife, Laurie. Laurie had asked him if he loved her, to which he replied that he loved her more than anything. However, she went on and asked him if he would love her, even if she had an affair with someone else. This conversation inspired the lyrics of “All I Know,” and Garfunkel wrote the song as a response to his wife’s question.
Critical Reception and Legacy
“All I Know” went on to become one of Art Garfunkel’s most successful songs. The song reached #9 on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts and remained on the chart for 15 weeks. It also reached #1 on the Adult Contemporary charts, showing that the song appealed to a wide demographics.
The song has had a lasting legacy, with many artists covering the song. Notable covers include the 2003 cover by Jimmy Webb and Linda Rondstadt and the 2007 cover by Vanessa Carlton. The song has also been featured on movie soundtracks, including “Lost in Translation” and “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”
Conclusion
“All I Know” is a timeless classic that has resonated with listeners for decades. Its simple yet profound lyrics, soothing melody, and the message of acceptance make it a universal song that everyone can relate to. Art Garfunkel’s vocals and the song’s melody further enhance the song’s calming and soothing vibe, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a song to soothe their soul.
