About the song
Paul Simon’s “You Can Call Me Al” is a delightful and upbeat song that has remained a favorite among music enthusiasts since its release in 1986. Featured on his acclaimed album “Graceland,” this track showcases Simon’s signature songwriting style and eclectic musical influences.
Written solely by Paul Simon, “You Can Call Me Al” is characterized by its infectious rhythm, catchy melody, and witty lyrics. The song tells the humorous tale of a man grappling with identity and self-discovery, infused with Simon’s trademark blend of introspection and humor.
Upon its release, “You Can Call Me Al” achieved considerable success, reaching number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its popularity was further bolstered by an iconic music video featuring comedian Chevy Chase, which helped propel the song to international acclaim.
With its infectious groove and clever wordplay, “You Can Call Me Al” has endured as one of Paul Simon’s most beloved songs. Its upbeat energy and clever lyrics continue to resonate with audiences of all ages, making it a staple of radio playlists and live performances.
Decades after its initial release, “You Can Call Me Al” remains a testament to Paul Simon’s enduring talent and creativity as a songwriter. Its timeless appeal and universal themes of identity and self-discovery ensure that it will continue to be cherished by music lovers for generations to come.
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