A Most Peculiar Man
A Unique Tale of Solitude: The Most Peculiar Man by Simon & Garfunkel
Lyrics
He was a most peculiar man
He was a highly unusual individual.
That's what Mrs. Riordan said and she should know
Mrs. Riordan claimed he was peculiar, and as his neighbor, she should have insight.
She lived upstairs from him
Mrs. Riordan resided in the apartment above his.
She said he was a most peculiar man
Reiteration of the assertion that he was a peculiar man by Mrs. Riordan.
He was a most peculiar man
Repetition of the notion that he was highly unusual.
He lived all alone within a house
He lived alone in a house.
Within a room, within himself
Emphasis on his isolation within his physical and mental space.
A most peculiar man
Restatement of him being a highly unusual person.
He had no friends, he seldom spoke
He lacked companions, rarely communicated.
And no one in turn ever spoke to him
No one engaged in conversation with him.
'Cause he wasn't friendly and he didn't care
He was unfriendly, indifferent, and uninterested in others.
And he wasn't like them
He was different from the rest of society.
Oh, no, he was a most peculiar man
Emphasizing again that he was highly unusual.
He died last Saturday
He passed away on the previous Saturday.
He turned on the gas and he went to sleep
He intentionally used gas to end his life.
With the windows closed so he'd never wake up
He ensured the windows were closed to prevent waking up.
To his silent world and his tiny room
He lived in a small, quiet world within his confined space.
And Mrs. Riordan says he has a brother somewhere
Mrs. Riordan suggests he has a brother who should be informed.
Who should be notified soon
There is a family connection that needs attention.
And all the people said, "What a shame that he's dead
People express sorrow for his death but acknowledge his peculiarity.
But wasn't he a most peculiar man?"
Reflecting on his uniqueness despite the sadness surrounding his death.
Comment