50 Ways to Leave Your Lover
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" is a 1975/76 hit song by Paul Simon, from his album Still Crazy After All These Years.
Contents |
[edit] Creation
It was written after Simon's divorce from first wife Peggy Harper and takes a humorous look at ways to end a relationship: "Just slip out the back, Jack / Make a new plan, Stan." Studio drummer Steve Gadd created the unique drum beat that became the hook and colour for the song consisting of an almost military beat. Recorded in a small New York City studio in the heart of Broadway."
[edit] Cover Versions
The song has been covered several times, including the translations "30 manieres de quitter une fille" by the French singer Michel Delpech and "50 Tips ihn zu verlassen" by the German singer and actress Ulla Meineke. On July 12, 2006 the Monteal Jazz Festival played a Tribute to Paul Simon and the song was covered by Jamie Cullum while the Platinum Pied Pipers made a Latin reworking of it. Hedy McDonald, Sandra Bernhard and the King's Singers also created their own versions.
Sage Francis, an independent rap artist, covered the song and renamed it "50 Ways to Dis Your Ex-Lover."
The song was referenced in "I Can't Touch You Anymore" by The Magnetic Fields, in which the singer asserts "you wanna tell me 50 ways you've left your lovers".
[edit] Chart Positions
50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" broke in the US in late December 1975 becoming number one in on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 on February 7, 1976 and remaining there for three weeks. It was certified gold on March 11, and remained a best-seller for nearly five months. It was Simon's biggest ever solo hit.
In the UK Top 40, the song reached position number 23 in January 1976.
| Preceded by: "Love Rollercoaster" by Ohio Players |
Billboard Hot 100 number-one single February 7, 1976 |
Succeeded by: "Theme From "S.W.A.T."" by Rhythm Heritage |
