Skywriter

Album: The Singer (1993)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Art Garfunkel recorded this Jimmy Webb song in the late 1980s but it didn't find its way onto a record until 1993 when it was included on his compilation album Up 'Til Now.
  • Garfunkel told Artist Direct the song was penned by his pal, Jimmy Webb "to me about me." He explained: "It's my biography. He knows me well. We're old friends. The line goes, "I'm tired of chasing vapor trail ghosts in the sky." I'm tired of floating around being a 'Skywriter.' He puts me up there because he knows I've had personal tragedy, and I was being a loner in the '80s. He writes that about me. This is our one chance to be on earth, in my opinion. Maybe we'll have another, but while I'm here I'm going to say 'It.' I'm going say the biggest, deepest, and most authentic things you feel. That's what these lyrics are."

Comments: 1

  • George from Vancouver, CanadaI like this one for Art's piano. . . but I still like the overall feel & sound of the Animals' song. . .
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About Transgenderism

Trans Soul Rebels: Songs About TransgenderismSong Writing

A history of songs dealing with transgender issues, featuring Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Morrissey and Green Day.

Melanie

MelanieSongwriter Interviews

The singer-songwriter Melanie talks about her spiritual awakening at Woodstock, "Brand New Key," and why songwriting is an art, not a craft.

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TV

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TVSong Writing

Shows like Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the way songs were heard on TV, and produced some hits in the process.

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots

Robert DeLeo of Stone Temple PilotsSongwriter Interviews

Stone Temple Pilots bass player Robert DeLeo names the songs that have most connected with fans and tells the stories behind tracks from their Tiny Music album.

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"

Matthew Wilder - "Break My Stride"They're Playing My Song

Wilder's hit "Break My Stride" had an unlikely inspiration: a famous record mogul who rejected it.

David Sancious

David SanciousSongwriter Interviews

Keyboard great David Sancious talks about his work with Sting, Seal, Springsteen, Clapton and Aretha, and explains what quantum physics has to do with making music.