Wait

Album: Seven Psalms (2023)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Paul Simon's Seven Psalms is an acoustic album that came out on May 19, 2023, via Owl Records and Legacy Recordings. It is a seven-part work inspired by a dream that draws from the Book of Psalms. The album does not have separate tracks but is a single long piece of music. "Wait" paints a vivid picture of the transition from life to death and the unknown that lies beyond.
  • "Wait" is both a song about death and hope. The message of is that even though we may not know what lies beyond, we can face death with courage and grace. We can find comfort in the love of our loved ones, and in the belief that something better awaits us on the other side.
  • Wait
    I'm not ready
    I'm just packing my gear


    Paul Simon was 81 when he released Seven Psalms. He indicates here that he's far from done with music. "That idea of, he's examining his mortality - that's actually not true," Simon told Mojo magazine. "There are elements in these songs that are autobiographical. That character in 'Wait' could be me. It's not far from me. But am I actually thinking that on a daily basis? No, I'm not. Has it occurred to me? Yeah! That's how I was able to write it down (laughs) but no, I don't think this is my final piece."
  • Paul Simon's wife Edie Brickell is a featured singing partner on Seven Psalms. Simon told Mojo she's "perfect for that character in 'Wait,' like an angel singing about heaven."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.

Ed Roland of Collective Soul

Ed Roland of Collective SoulSongwriter Interviews

The stories behind "Shine," "December," "The World I Know" and other Collective Soul hits.

Emmylou Harris

Emmylou HarrisSongwriter Interviews

She thinks of herself as a "song interpreter," but back in the '80s another country star convinced Emmylou to take a crack at songwriting.

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger

Kelly Keagy of Night RangerSongwriter Interviews

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger tells the "Sister Christian" story and explains why he started sweating when he saw it in Boogie Nights.

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)

Richie Wise (Kiss producer, Dust)Songwriter Interviews

Richie talks about producing the first two Kiss albums, recording "Brother Louie," and the newfound appreciation of his rock band, Dust.

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.