Leaves That Are Green
Simon And Garfunkel · Other Songs - Simon And Garfunkel
IÂ’m twenty-three now, but I wonÂ’t be for long
Time hurries on
And the leaves that are green turn to brown
And they whither with the wind
And they crumble in your hand
Once my heart was filled with love of a girl
I held her close, but she faded in the night
Like a poem I meant to write
And the leaves that are green turn to brown
And they whither with the wind
And they crumble in your hand
I threw a pebble in a brook
And watched the ripples run away
And they never made a sound
And the leaves that are green turn to brown
And they whither with the wind
And they crumble in your hand
Hello, hello
Hello, hello
Goodbye, goodbye
Goodbye, goodbye
ThatÂ’s all there is
And the leaves that are green turn to brown
Leaves That Are Green
Simon and Garfunkel's "Leaves That Are Green" stands as a poignant example of their acoustic folk-rock style, characterized by Paul Simon's intricate guitar work and Art Garfunkel's melodic, conversational vocals. Released during the duo's most commercially successful period, the track exemplifies their signature ability to weave personal narrative with universal themes of nature and transience. The song features a gentle, driving rhythm that underscores the lyrical focus on the fleeting beauty of the season, a motif central to their broader body of work. As a staple of their live performances and studio recordings, it remains a defining piece of the 1960s American folk revival, showcasing the band's mastery of storytelling through music without relying on heavy production or complex arrangements.