Reposted from muzzleofbees by Democrats Ramshield

"Good art shouldn't instruct, it should evoke." Linda Ronstadt

Graceland was released in 1985 when I was three years old. I don't know when my mom bought that familiar casette, but I do know I was born in 1982 and I don't remember my life without that album and Paul Simon. We listened to it on endless repeat. When I was older, I dubbed my mom's tape so I could listen to it in my room and on my walkman. I still go through phases where the album is all I listen to, and sometimes I'll put the title song on repeat and listen to it endlessly. I've owned the album on tape, CD (twice), and MP3, and I'll never be without it.

Lately, I've been unsettled mentally and emotionally. I'm a writer by trade, but I've realized that writer's block is real and it can be crippling when combined with unexpected tragedies and jarring emotional events. Paul Simon was going through something similar when he traveled to South Africa because he loved the music. Like Mr. Simon, I'm going through a divorce. Like Mr. Simon, I felt like I've been in a downward spiral. I'm starving for inspiration.

So I put on Graceland. And the title track started. Paul Simon called it his favorite record. He said it was perfect, and I have to agree with him.

So follow me over the fold and let's discuss the perfect song from a perfect album.