Simon & Garfunkel – “April Come She Will”: A Gentle Ode to the Passing of Time and Love
Simon & Garfunkel’s “April Come She Will” is a delicate and poetic ballad that captures the fleeting nature of time and relationships. Written by Paul Simon, the song was first released on their 1966 album Sounds of Silence. Clocking in at just under two minutes, it is a brief yet profoundly impactful piece that showcases the duo’s mastery of simplicity, harmony, and emotional resonance.
The song opens with a soft, fingerpicked acoustic guitar that immediately sets a tranquil and introspective tone. This minimalist arrangement reflects the song’s lyrical themes, allowing the music to complement its meditative quality. The gentle guitar melody is both soothing and evocative, creating a sense of intimacy that draws the listener into the world of the song.
Lyrically, “April Come She Will” traces the arc of a romantic relationship through the metaphor of the changing seasons. Each verse corresponds to a different month, beginning with April’s arrival and ending with September’s departure. Lines like “April, come she will / When streams are ripe and swelled with rain” and “August, die she must / The autumn winds blow chilly and cold” beautifully capture the passage of time, evoking a sense of both renewal and inevitable loss. The lyrics’ brevity and simplicity make them all the more poignant, encapsulating universal emotions in just a few words.
The structure of the song mirrors its theme of gradual change. The melody begins softly and builds subtly with each verse, reflecting the progression of time and the deepening of the narrator’s emotions. By the final line, “September, I’ll remember / A love once new has now grown old,” the song conveys a profound sense of reflection and bittersweet nostalgia.
Art Garfunkel’s vocal performance is the heart of the song. His angelic voice delivers the lyrics with both tenderness and clarity, perfectly capturing the song’s wistful tone. Garfunkel’s ability to convey deep emotion through restraint is particularly evident here, as his voice carries the weight of the song’s themes without overwhelming its delicate arrangement.
Paul Simon’s guitar work is equally integral, providing a steady and intricate foundation for the vocals. The interplay between the guitar and voice creates a seamless blend that enhances the song’s emotional depth. The lack of additional instrumentation allows the listener to focus on the interplay of melody and lyrics, highlighting the song’s understated beauty.
“April Come She Will” has become one of Simon & Garfunkel’s most beloved tracks, despite its brevity. Its themes of love, time, and impermanence resonate deeply with listeners, making it a favorite for moments of quiet reflection. The song has been featured in various films and television shows, including a memorable appearance in the 1967 film The Graduate, further cementing its place in popular culture.
In the context of Sounds of Silence, the song provides a contemplative counterpoint to the album’s more dynamic tracks. Its simplicity and elegance demonstrate Simon & Garfunkel’s ability to create profound emotional impact with minimal elements.
In the end, “April Come She Will” is more than just a song—it’s a meditation on the beauty and fragility of life and love. Simon & Garfunkel’s impeccable harmonies, combined with Paul Simon’s poetic lyrics and intricate guitar work, create a track that continues to inspire and move listeners. For fans of folk music and those who appreciate songs that capture the essence of fleeting moments, “April Come She Will” remains an enduring gem.