Kodachrome

Simon And Garfunkel · Other Songs - Simon And Garfunkel

When I think back on all the crap I've learned in highschool
It's a wonder I can think at all
Though my lack of education hasn't hurt me much
I can read the writings on the walls

Chorus:
Kodachrome, they give us those nice bright colours
They give us the greens of summers
Makes you think all the world's a sunny day, oh yeah
I got a Nikon camera, I love to take a photograph
So mama don't take my Kodachrome away

If you took all the girls I knew when I was single
Brought 'em all together for one night
I know they'd never match my sweet imagination
Everything looks worse in black and white

chorus

Mama don't take my Kodachrome away, mama don't take my Kodachrome away
Mama don't take my Kodachrome away

Mama don't take my Kodachrome, mama don't take my Kodachrome
Mama don't take my Kodachrome away
Mama don't take my Kodachrome and leave your boy so far from home
Mama don't take my Kodachrome away
Mama don't take my Kodachrome, whew whew, mama don't take my Kodachrome away

About Kodachrome

Simon & Garfunkel's "Kodachrome" stands as a poignant exploration of memory and perception within their broader catalog of introspective folk-rock. Released during the late 1960s, the track exemplifies the duo's signature ability to weave poetic lyrics with acoustic instrumentation, capturing the nuances of nostalgia and the passage of time. The song's title references the film photography process, metaphorically suggesting how memories are developed and revealed over time, a theme central to their work on albums like *Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme*. Musically, the recording features the characteristic interplay between Paul Simon's melodic sensibility and Art Garfunkel's clear, baritone vocals, delivered over a sparse arrangement that emphasizes lyrical clarity. While often overshadowed by hits like "The Boxer" or "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "Kodachrome" remains a significant piece in their discography, reflecting the era's shift toward more personal and literary songwriting. Its enduring appeal lies in its universal resonance regarding how we view the past, making it a staple for fans of classic American folk and singer-songwriter traditions.