1977 Paul Simon – Slip Slidin’ Away (US:#5 UK:#36)

“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. The song was also included on Negotiations and Love Songs (1988).

Billboard Magazine found the melody to be “catchy” and the lyrics to be “sensitive. thoughtful. melancholic and evocative.” Cash Box said that “the emotionally complex lyric works around the title, which serves as the song’s memorable chorus line.”

“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. The song was regularly performed at both Simon’s solo concerts and Simon & Garfunkel concerts.