A playful guide to navigating the complexities of separation with a lighthearted, almost whimsical approach.
Ah, Paul Simon. A name that resonates with the thoughtful melodies and lyrical craftsmanship that defined an era. In the mid-1970s, a time when bell bottoms flared and societal norms were shifting, he gifted us with a tune that was both deceptively simple and remarkably insightful: “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”. Released in December 1975 as the second single from his acclaimed album Still Crazy After All These Years, this song wasn’t a mournful ballad of lost love, but rather a quirky, almost instructional guide to the art of departure. It was a breath of fresh air on the airwaves, a playful take on a subject often fraught with heartache.
The song swiftly climbed the charts, becoming Paul Simon’s only solo number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100, a position it held for three glorious weeks in early 1976. It also topped the Adult Contemporary chart for two weeks and found success overseas, reaching number two in France and the top 25 in the UK. This chart-topping success spoke volumes about the song’s broad appeal. It wasn’t just a fleeting pop sensation; it tapped into a universal experience – the sometimes awkward, sometimes necessary, act of ending a relationship – with a unique blend of wit and musicality.
The story behind “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” is as intriguing as the song itself. Paul Simon had recently divorced his first wife, Peggy Harper, and instead of dwelling on the pain, he channeled his experience into something lighter, almost whimsical. He even mentioned that the song’s catchy chorus, with its rhyming advice, came about while he was teaching his young son, Harper, how to rhyme. This genesis lends the song a certain childlike innocence, despite its adult theme. It’s as if Simon was saying, “Look, it doesn’t have to be so dramatic. There are many ways to approach this.”
But beneath the playful surface lies a deeper meaning. The lyrics present a conversation where a woman advises the protagonist on how to leave his current partner. The now-famous chorus offers five specific, almost comical, methods: “Slip out the back, Jack,” “Make a new plan, Stan,” “You don’t need to be coy, Roy,” “Hop on the bus, Gus,” and “Just drop off the key, Lee.” The repetition of “There must be fifty ways to leave your lover” emphasizes the multitude of possibilities, while the specific examples are delivered with a lightheartedness that diffuses the tension typically associated with breakups.
The verses, however, hint at the underlying emotional complexities. The line “The problem is all inside your head, she said to me” suggests that the difficulty in leaving isn’t the lack of options, but the internal struggle and perhaps the fear of the unknown. The advice to “sleep on it” underscores the need for careful consideration, even amidst the seemingly flippant suggestions. It’s a gentle reminder that while there might be many ways to physically depart, the emotional aspect requires a more thoughtful approach.
Musically, “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” is instantly recognizable, largely due to the distinctive and influential drum riff played by the legendary Steve Gadd. This almost marching-band-like rhythm provides the backbone of the song, giving it a unique and memorable feel. The backing vocals, provided by Patti Austin, Valerie Simpson, and Phoebe Snow, add a layer of soulful warmth to the track, creating a rich and engaging sonic tapestry. Paul Simon’s understated vocal delivery perfectly complements the playful yet thoughtful lyrics, making the song an enduring classic.
Released on the album Still Crazy After All These Years, which itself went on to win a Grammy for Album of the Year in 1976, “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” stands as a testament to Paul Simon’s songwriting genius. It’s a song that manages to be both lighthearted and profound, offering a unique perspective on a universal human experience. It reminds us that even in the often-turbulent waters of relationships, a touch of humor and a fresh perspective can sometimes make the journey a little less daunting. So, the next time you find yourself contemplating a change in your romantic landscape, perhaps take a listen to Paul Simon’s sage advice – just remember, there are more than just five ways, even if Jack, Stan, Roy, Gus, and Lee offer a rather amusing starting point.