Flashback Friday-Simon and Garfunkel-The 59th Street Bridge Song versus H.R. Pufnstuf

Do you remember the crazy hit cartoon HR Pufnstuf? It was a cult children’s show winner for 1969’s Saturday morning television. It was generally about good versus evil with life sized puppets and a boy stranded on their island. Did you know Paul Simon sued Sid and Marty Krofft because the opening tune for the cartoon closely resembled their hit tune “The 59th Street Bridge Song” or also lovingly known as “Feelin’ Groovy”. He won and they gave him credit at the end of the show.

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s song was released on their 1966 album Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme. At only 1:44, it was short but syrupy sweet. The 59th street bridge is the Queensborough bridge in New York City, and even in 1966, when I assume life was a bit less complicated, Simon penned,

“Slow down you move too fast, you’ve got to make the morning last…”

The Simon and Garfunkel song sings in my mind often when I need a jolt of joy. It is an ear worm of a tune, that stays embedded in my mind for long periods of time. Fair warning…

I admit I watched H. R. Pufnstuf but wasn’t really a huge fan. It always seemed to be a rerun. It only showed for one season and only 17 shows, but they kept replaying the show for years. Looking back, it was a weirdly creepy show, but I was little at the time, and was simply happy to have control of the TV on Saturday mornings. Sid and Marty Krofft funded the first season themselves, but didn’t have enough money to have a second season, so it was scrapped. I didn’t realize the connection with smoking marijuana (Puf-N-Stuf). But looking back, I find the reference plausible due to the crazy plots and the disturbing characters. Although here is what was said in a 2005 interview with USA Today,

Marty Krofft said, “No drugs involved. You can’t do drugs when you’re making shows. Maybe after, but not during. We’re bizarre, that’s all.” 

I am posting both songs for you to check out.

Here’s wishing that you might slow down this weekend, enjoy family, friends, and whatever weather mother nature sends your way. Stay Groovy!

Simon and Garfunkel-The 59th Street Bridge Song

H. R. Pufnstuf-Intro

Let me know what you think about the comparison. Was Simon right about the connection? Do you remember the cartoon? Were you a fan of the show?