Origins: 59th Street Bridge Song

Subject: Origins: 59th Street Bridge Song
From: saulgoldie
Date: 17 Oct 21 - 04:03 PM

I'm scratching my head. The "legend" of the "59th Street Bridge Song" has been bugging me.

I *thought* I remembered hearing that the "feeling groovy" was because "back in the day" they would run a barge down the river under that bridge. And on the barge, they would be burning confiscated marijuana. Hence, "feeling groovy."

Now, I searched for over over an hour using all sorts of search terms. Nada. Except for one reference on a discussion page. But there was no corroboration that I could find. And you know how "discussion pages" can be as far as their truth value.

Does anyone know if this is for real or for fake? And how do we know it?

Thanks for any help.

Saul

Subject: RE: Origins: 59th Street Bridge Song
From: gillymor
Date: 17 Oct 21 - 04:27 PM

I can't say for sure but the protagonist was talking with a lamp post so there's a good chance he had a buzz on.

Subject: RE: Origins: 59th Street Bridge Song
From: GerryM
Date: 17 Oct 21 - 06:22 PM

I suppose the "one reference on a discussion page" was the one here: https://www.songfacts.com/facts/simon-garfunkel/the-59th-street-bridge-song-feelin-groovy

Subject: RE: Origins: 59th Street Bridge Song
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 17 Oct 21 - 07:07 PM

From Paul Simon, music and lyrics

The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)

Slow down, you move too fast
You got to make the morning last
Just kicking down the cobblestones
Looking for fun and feelin’ groovy
Ba da da da da da da, feelin’ groovy

Hello, lamppost, what’cha knowin’?
I’ve come to watch your flowers growin’
Ain’t’cha got no rhymes for me?
Doot-in doo-doo, feelin’ groovy
Ba da da da da da da, feelin’ groovy

I got no deeds to do
No promises to keep
I’m dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep
Let the morning time drop all its petals on me
Life, I love you
All is groovy

Subject: RE: Origins: 59th Street Bridge Song
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 17 Oct 21 - 08:51 PM

https://youtu.be/So0ZrTwf8vI