"Slip Slidin' Away" is a 1977 song written and recorded by Paul Simon which appears on his compilation album Greatest Hits, Etc. It was one of two new songs to appear on the album, the other being "Stranded in a Limousine". Backing vocals on the song are provided by The Oak Ridge Boys. The song was originally recorded and considered for Simon's 1975 album Still Crazy After All These Years, but Simon decided not to include the song on the finished album. A demo version appears on the 2004 re-issue of the album.[1][2][3][4] The song was also included on Negotiations and Love Songs (1988).
"Slip Slidin' Away" | ||||
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Single by Paul Simon | ||||
from the album Greatest Hits, Etc. | ||||
B-side | "Something So Right" | |||
Released | October 1977 | |||
Genre | Soft rock, folk rock, country pop | |||
Length | 4:43 | |||
Label | Columbia | |||
Songwriter(s) | Paul Simon | |||
Producer(s) | Paul Simon, Phil Ramone | |||
Paul Simon singles chronology | ||||
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Billboard Magazine found the melody to be "catchy" and the lyrics to be "sensitive. thoughtful. melancholic and evocative."[5] Cash Box said that "the emotionally complex lyric works around the title, which serves as the song's memorable chorus line."[6]
"Slip Slidin' Away" was released as a single in October 1977 and became a major hit, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard Pop Singles chart.[7] The song was regularly performed at both Simon's solo concerts and Simon & Garfunkel concerts.[8]
Weekly charts
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Year-end charts
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Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
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United States (RIAA)[18] | Gold | 500,000^ |
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone. |
The Persuasions recorded an a cappella version on their 1985 album No Frills (Rounder Records)
Recorded by Aqualung for their 2008 album, Words and Music. Recorded by Rita Wilson & Willie Nelson on her Now & Forever: Duets album. Released in September 2022. ℗ 2022 Sing It Loud Records LLC
Paul Simon songs | |
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Discography | |
The Paul Simon Songbook | |
Paul Simon | |
There Goes Rhymin' Simon |
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Paul Simon in Concert: Live Rhymin' | |
Still Crazy After All These Years | |
Greatest Hits, Etc. |
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One-Trick Pony |
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Hearts and Bones |
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Graceland | |
The Rhythm of the Saints |
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You're the One |
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Surprise |
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So Beautiful or So What |
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Stranger to Stranger |
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Featured singles | |
Other songs | |
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