Timeless Elegance in Melody: “April Come She Will” by Simon & Garfunkel
When one speaks of Simon & Garfunkel, it’s impossible to ignore the profound impact their music has had on generations of listeners. Among their many masterpieces, “April Come She Will” stands out as a poignant testament to the duo’s lyrical and melodic prowess. Featured on their second studio album, Sounds of Silence (1966), this song originally graced the solo effort of Paul Simon on The Paul Simon Songbook. Its presence as the B-side to the hit single “Scarborough Fair/Canticle” further cements its place in music history. Additionally, it found a prominent spot on The Graduate soundtrack album and was released on the “Mrs. Robinson” EP in 1968, alongside the iconic tracks “Mrs. Robinson”, “Scarborough Fair/Canticle”, and “The Sound of Silence”.
“April Come She Will” is a remarkable composition, crafted in 1964 while Paul Simon was in England. The song’s lyrics masterfully use the changing seasons as a metaphor to reflect a girl’s fluctuating moods, drawing inspiration from a nursery rhyme, “Cuckoo,” recited by a girl Simon met. The beauty of this piece lies in its simplicity and brevity, as it is the shortest song on the album. The song is composed in G major, with Art Garfunkel‘s vocal range gracefully spanning from D3 to D4, sounding as A major with the capo on the 2nd fret.
The song’s release was met with widespread acclaim, particularly when it appeared on the February 1968 soundtrack for The Graduate. In the film, it plays during a memorable pool scene, adding to the rhythmic guide for the movie’s editing. This placement not only introduced the song to a broader audience but also showcased its versatility and emotional depth.
Critics have lauded “April Come She Will” for its yearning and evocative quality. Matthew Greenwald of Allmusic praised the song, noting, “The sense of yearning in this song would later be beautifully echoed in one of the Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme masterpieces, ‘For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her.’ Like that song, it is very brief, yet the shortness of the song adds to the effectiveness and economy of both the lyric and melody.”
Simon & Garfunkel have always been celebrated for their ability to convey deep emotions through their music, and “April Come She Will” is no exception. The song’s haunting melody and introspective lyrics create a timeless piece that resonates with listeners, evoking a sense of nostalgia and contemplation. Whether it’s the changing seasons or the fleeting nature of relationships, this song captures the essence of life’s ephemeral beauty, making it a cherished classic in Simon & Garfunkel‘s illustrious discography.