A Most Peculiar Man
Simon And Garfunkel · Other Songs - Simon And Garfunkel
ThatÂ’s what Mrs. Reardon says and she should know
She lived upstairs from him
She said he was a most peculiar man
He was a most peculiar man
He lived all alone within a house
Within a room within himself
A most peculiar man
He had no friends he seldom spoke
And no one in turn ever spoke to him
‘Cause he wasn’t friendly and he didn’t care
And he wasnÂ’t like them
Oh no, he was a most peculiar man
He died last Saturday
He turned on the gas and he went to sleep
With the windows closed so heÂ’d never wake up
To his silent world and his tiny room
And Mrs. Reardon says he has a brother somewhere
Who should be notified soon
And all the people said “What a shame that he’s dead
But wasn’t he a most peculiar man?”
A Most Peculiar Man
Simon & Garfunkel's "A Most Peculiar Man" stands as a quintessential example of their acoustic folk-rock style, characterized by Paul Simon's intricate guitar work and Art Garfunkel's melodic, conversational vocals. The track exemplifies the duo's ability to weave personal introspection with broader social commentary, a hallmark of their mid-1960s catalog. While often associated with their debut album, the song's enduring appeal lies in its atmospheric quality and the interplay between the two voices, which defined the New York folk revival movement. It remains a staple of their repertoire, frequently performed live and recorded in various studio sessions over the decades, showcasing their versatility and lyrical depth.