Paul Simon was a guest of Stephen Colbert on the The Late Show on March 15, 2024. For whatever reason (probably an association in my mind with some happy times as young man), the songs of Simon and Garfunkel still resonate with me 50+ years later. I did not happen to watch this particular show but noticed the extended interview entitled “Life is Incredible” while looking at Youtube and took the 30 minutes or so necessary to watch it.
Stephen Colbert explained that he was a fan of Paul Simon as a young man and conducted a warm, entertaining and insightful interview. I enjoyed the whole interview and would recommend it to anyone interested in Paul Simon or music in general.
Near the end of the interview (about the 28th minute), they discussed Simon’s album, “Seven Psalms”. Simon explained the inspiration for the album and some of the struggles encountered (both as a writer and physically) while putting it together. The conversation led Colbert to ask Simon about his religious beliefs. Simon explained that he is overwhelmed by how beautiful the earth, the universe and our life are – and by the mystery of it all. He went on to explain that he accepts that there could be an alternative explanation of how the universe and life came to be – and he would be open to it. PortoBut, for now and until such time as that explanation is clear, Simon likes the creation story.
Colbert suggested that Simon’s view is essentially a “gratitude practice” and Simon agreed with this. At this point, Simon then asked Colbert about his beliefs. Colbert went on to explain that, after many years of being an atheist, his deep and abiding appreciation of the sublime beauty and mystery of life (remember Colbert suffered the loss of a father and two brothers in a tragic accident) became so strong that the Church drew him as a way of expressing his gratitude.
I found the dialogue between Simon and Colbert which linked their appreciation and gratitude for life to their religious views very interesting and somewhat inspiring. My description of the conversation does not really do it justice and so I would recommend listening to the interview or at least that part of it starting at about the 28th minute.