A Simple Desultory Philippic (Or How I Was Robert McNamara'd Into Submission) by Simon & Garfunkel

Album: Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme (1966)

Get the Sheet Music License This Song

Originally recorded for Paul Simon's 1965 UK-only debut, The Paul Simon Songbook, the song title name-checked then-current US Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. According to Simon, he was mostly channeling Lenny Bruce. He recalled years later:

"I was having fun. I thought it would be funny to use those unusual words 'desultory' and 'philippic,' in a song title, and I also wanted to sneak in some Lenny Bruce, who was my favorite comedian. That line, 'How I Was Robert McNamara'd Into Submission,' is pure Lenny."
Paul Simon re-recorded the song in 1966 with his partner, Art Garfunkel, for the duo's third album Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme. That version features several changes to the lyrics.

Please sign in or register to post comments.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

If counterpoint and polyrhythms are your thing, you might love these guys. Even by Progressive Rock standards, they were one of the most intricate bands of the '70s. Then their lead singer gave us Bon Jovi.

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.

Dave MasonSongwriter Interviews

Dave reveals the inspiration for "Feelin' Alright" and explains how the first song he ever wrote became the biggest hit for his band Traffic.

Yoko OnoSongwriter Interviews

At 80 years old, Yoko has 10 #1 Dance hits. She discusses some of her songs and explains what inspired John Lennon's return to music in 1980.

Trucking Songs That Were #1 HitsSong Writing

The stories behind the biggest hit songs about trucking.

Chris IsaakSongwriter Interviews

Chris tells the story of "Wicked Game," talks milkshakes and moonpies at Sun Records, and explains why women always get their way.