Paul Simon is one of the best singer-songwriters in history, but he clearly didn’t have a clue what he was talking about when he wrote this song. In fairness he wrote it before the first ever NYC Marathon, but I owe it to him and you to correct some of the misconceptions in his lyrics (which are in italics below):

Slow down, you move too fast.

[I’m not Stanley Biwott [2015 NYC Marathon winner] so no, I’m not moving too fast, and I didn’t start the race too quickly for my own goals, either. In fact right now – 2 hours 30 minutes into the race – I’m moving slower than 16,000 out of the 49,000 runners.]

You got to make the morning last.

[That’s so not encouraging in a race.]

Just kicking down the cobble stones.

[I’m kicking asphalt baby.]

Looking for fun and feelin’ groovy.

[Wait for the after-race party. Seriously.]

Hello lamppost, What cha knowing?

[No lampposts under the bridge. And if I needed a pee I’d wait for the facilities.]

I’ve come to watch your flowers growing.

[No flowers either.]

Ain’t cha got no rhymes for me?

[Unlikely.]

Doot-in’ doo-doo, Feelin’ groovy.

[I’m so NOT feeling groovy right now. Although I’m feeling better than the guy I just passed who is throwing up into a gutter.]

Got no deeds to do, No promises to keep.

[Well, I’ve got another 11 miles to do and I cautiously promised myself a sub-4 hour marathon, so…]
I’m dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep.

[Skin isn’t dappled and I’m too psyched to sleep, though I wouldn’t mind sitting down for a few minutes.]

Let the morning time drop all its petals on me.

[Say what?]

Life, I love you, All is groovy.

[Just passed another guy who feels worse than me – he’s crying and clutching a hamstring. And I do love life. But all is NOT groovy. Mainly because this silly bridge is too steep and too long.]

You’re welcome.