I get the news I need on the weather report

“Only Living Boy in New York” is a song by Paul Simon that was released in 1970 as part of Simon & Garfunkel’s fifth and final studio album, “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The song’s opening line, “Tom, get your plane right on time,” was inspired by Simon’s friend and musical partner Art Garfunkel, who had left the recording sessions for the album to work on the film “Catch-22.” The line reflects Simon’s feelings of isolation and loneliness during Garfunkel’s absence, as he was left to work on the album alone.

The song’s lyrics, particularly the line “I get the news I need on the weather report,” reflect the tumultuous times of the late 1960s and early 1970s, as people searched for sources of stability and certainty amidst political and social upheaval.

Simon’s lyrics capture a sense of loneliness and disconnection that many people were feeling during this period, as well as the desire for some kind of anchor or grounding force. The song’s melody and Simon’s plaintive vocals only add to the wistful and melancholy tone of the lyrics. Despite the challenging times, however, the song is also a testament to enduring friendship, as Simon and Garfunkel eventually reunited to perform the song on “Saturday Night Live” in 1975, with John Lennon as a surprise guest. The song’s timeless message of hope and resilience has continued to resonate with audiences over the years, cementing its place as one of Simon & Garfunkel’s most beloved songs.”