"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. Simon wrote the song during the sessions for Still Crazy After All These Years but wanted a "more bouncy, upbeat arrangement" than would have fit with the more jazzy sound of that 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 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." Record World said that it "shows [Simon's] perception of adult problems and relationships to be undimmed". Music critic Robert Hilburn described it as "an especially appealing work about the uncertainty of relationships."
"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.
Personnel Paul Simon – vocals, acoustic guitar Richard Tee – Fender Rhodes Anthony Jackson – bass guitar Steve Gadd – drums Ralph MacDonald – temple blocks, triangle, tambourine, shakers The Oak Ridge Boys – backing vocals
Chart performance
Weekly charts Chart (1977–1978) Peakposition Australia (KMR)35 Canada (RPM) Top Singles3 Canada Adult Oriented Playlist (RPM)23Israel (IBA) Search "Paul Simon" for Israeli chart history.8UK Singles (Official Charts Company)36 US Easy Listening (Billboard)4
Year-end charts Chart (1977) Rank Canada (RPM)186
Chart (1978) Rank US Billboard Hot 10048
Certifications
References
External links