I’ve often wondered this. I have a few possible answers, but I’m curious what you all think.
The meaning and references in the song have long provoked debate. In a July 20, 1972 interview for Rolling Stone, Jon Landau asked Simon: “What is it that the mama saw? The whole world wants to know.” Simon replied “I have no idea what it is… Something sexual is what I imagine, but when I say ‘something’, I never bothered to figure out what it was. Didn’t make any difference to me.”
That’s fantastic. Thank you. Where did you get the quotation?
Wikipedia.
Wikipedia says
The meaning and references in the song have long provoked debate. In a July 20, 1972 interview for Rolling Stone, Jon Landau asked Simon: “What is it that the mama saw? The whole world wants to know.” Simon replied “I have no idea what it is… Something sexual is what I imagine, but when I say ‘something’, I never bothered to figure out what it was. Didn’t make any difference to me.”
Gay sex
Pot?
Whatever it was, it was against the law!
At least the bit the mama saw was
Is it? Or is Mama just alleging that it is?
Something that a radical priest would think is worth springing you for.
Well played! I forgot about that line!
I have no idea but I’m pretty sure Julio made $50 that day…
What did me and Julio do down by the schoolyard?
