Meaning of "Still Crazy After All These Years" by Paul Simon

Paul Simon's "Still Crazy After All These Years" explores themes of nostalgia, individuality, and the audacity to defy societal norms. The encounter with the old lover serves as a catalyst for reflection, highlighting the passage of time and the evolution of the narrator's mindset. The nostalgia felt in their meeting is tinged with a sense of joy, as evidenced by the lover's evident happiness upon seeing the narrator. However, the narrator's smiling response and their subsequent discussion about past times and shared experiences hint at a deeper emotional complexity. The act of drinking together suggests a desire to escape reality or temporarily suppress their internal struggles.

The recurring phrase "Still crazy after all these years" becomes a mantra that encapsulates the narrator's refusal to conform to societal expectations and the enduring restlessness within their soul. The declaration acknowledges their unconventional approach to life and love, their resistance to being a "fool for love songs." This rejection is not rooted in bitterness or cynicism but rather a genuine acceptance and understanding of their own desires and needs. The narrator acknowledges their need for familiarity, leaning on old ways as a source of comfort and stability.

The lyrics take a turn in the third verse, marked by the vivid imagery of "Four in the morning, crapped out, yawning." Here, the narrator experiences a moment of existential reflection. The repetition of "Still crazy" emphasizes their continued self-perception as an outlier, someone who does not conform to societal norms. The line "Longing my life away" implies a yearning for something more, a dissatisfaction with the status quo. However, rather than dwelling on worries or regrets, the narrator adopts a carefree attitude, convinced that everything will ultimately fade away. This sentiment can be seen as a form of resignation or acceptance, a recognition that life is transient and that one's eccentricities will eventually become inconsequential.

The final verse presents a moment of introspection. Sitting by the window, contemplating the passing cars, the narrator acknowledges the potential for destructive behavior and the fear of causing harm. However, the phrase "But I would not be convicted by a jury of my peers" suggests a refusal to be judged by societal standards, a denial of the need for external validation. This statement embodies the narrator's unwavering commitment to their own truth, even though it may deviate from societal norms or expectations. The repetition of the phrase "Still crazy after all these years" reinforces their enduring nonconformity and the willingness to be true to themselves, regardless of the passage of time.