God Doesn’t Want Me to See Paul Simon

I was pretty sure God didn't want me to see Paul Simon.

I bought two fourth-row tickets to see Paul Simon at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville — The day they went on sale. I paid way too much for them. Three months later, I'm laying in bed in sweats one Tuesday night when I read in real-time on Twitter—"Just saw the legend, Paul Simon, tonight at the Ryman Auditorium."

I just straight out forgot. I was cussing myself out for weeks.

The next year I read- Simon and Garfunkel were playing in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I bought our tickets on the spot. Then listened to S&G "Book Ends" record for weeks getting ready for the show.

My two dream concerts ( if I had a Time Machine) would have been Queen at Wembley Stadium in 1986 and Simon and Garfunkel in Central Park —hearing them transport everyone with the "Sound of Silence."

I listened to their live in Central Park concert, but it just made me want to be there – and feel the wind in my hair and smell the weed in the air. To absorb every magic atom of the atmosphere and feel the music flow through me. So I couldn't believe I was actually gonna get to see them live.

I went to Free People and bought a new outfit. Chris and I flew to Minneapolis, and I was over the moon. A couple of hours before leaving for the concert— I got online to check what time it started. The conversation I had with Chris moments later went something like this:

"Oh no," I said.

"What is it?"

"The concerts been canceled."

"Aimee. How do you know that's right?"

"I don't. I don't know anything. How do we figure out what's going on?"

"Why wouldn't you check before we got on an airplane and flew to Minnesota?"

Long story short- the concert didn't happen. I couldn't figure out how to get a refund and was bummed out that I missed my chance to see my favorite duo of all time.

So, I thought all was lost— until I got an invite that we were receiving a Pop songwriting award at the BMI Pop Awards in LA. And the "Icon" award was going to PAUL SIMON!

We flew to LA. At the awards, we sat at the table directly behind him. I made up my mind. When he got up to go to the bathroom, I'd be right behind him, so I could meet him.

John Mayer was the only person that I had ever met that knew Paul Simon. He said they played a show together and that Paul complained about his guitar being out of tune - all night -and made him feel like an idiot. So, I knew Paul could be a finicky guy. But, I also knew I might never have the chance again to say hi and thank you. His songs have been a backdrop for so many big moments in my life.

I stopped him on the stairs after he exited the bathroom and was headed back to the ballroom. The good thing about talking to Paul Simon is most people are afraid to talk to Paul Simon. I had been watching all night, and everyone stared at him, but no one really said much outside of the two or three people next to him at his table.

Because … what do you say, Um I like that song you wrote "Bridge over Troubled Water."

I have no idea what I said except for raving about how "Slip Sliding Away" was one of my favorite songs of all time. I told him I had missed both of his shows.

I wanted to ask where in the freaking world he came up with the title and song "Rene and Georgette Magritte with Their Dog After the War."

If you don't know it - you should check it out— tonight! It is straight out inspired.

We both got our awards, and everyone was cheering for Paul to sing something and guess what he played…

Slip Sliding Away…