Do you recall the wildly popular children’s cartoon, HR Pufnstuf? A Saturday morning television staple in 1969, this cult classic, with its life-sized puppets and a narrative centered on good versus evil and a boy stranded on a fantastical island, captured the imaginations of many. Interestingly, the ear-catching opening theme of this show sparked a legal ripple: Paul Simon, recognizing a striking similarity to his own hit, “The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy),” took action against creators Sid and Marty Krofft. Simon prevailed, and the resolution saw him duly credited at the end of each HR Pufnstuf episode.
Simon & Garfunkel, the iconic duo behind 'The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)', in a promotional photo.
“The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)” first graced our ears on Simon & Garfunkel’s 1966 album, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme. A mere 1 minute and 44 seconds in length, the track is a concise burst of upbeat melody and lyrical sweetness. The bridge in question is indeed the Queensborough Bridge in New York City. Even in the seemingly less hectic era of 1966, Simon’s lyrics resonated with a need for deceleration, urging:
“Slow down you move too fast, you’ve got to make the morning last…”
For many, including myself, this Simon & Garfunkel gem frequently surfaces in moments when a surge of optimism is needed. It’s an undeniably catchy tune, an “earworm” that happily occupies mental space for extended periods. Consider yourself warned – its infectious rhythm is hard to shake off!
While I acknowledge watching episodes of H. R. Pufnstuf, I must admit I wasn’t its most devoted fan. It often felt like catching reruns. Despite its brief original run of just one season and 17 episodes, the show enjoyed years of repeated broadcasts. Looking back with adult eyes, the show’s peculiar and somewhat unsettling nature becomes more apparent. However, as a child, Saturday morning TV control was enough to warrant my attention. Sid and Marty Krofft, who self-funded the initial season, faced financial constraints that prevented a second season from materializing, leading to its cancellation. The subtle (or not so subtle) connection to marijuana – Puf-N-Stuf – only dawned on me later. In retrospect, considering the outlandish plots and eccentric characters, the inference seems quite plausible. However, Marty Krofft offered a different perspective in a 2005 USA Today interview:
“No drugs involved. You can’t do drugs when you’re making shows. Maybe after, but not during. We’re bizarre, that’s all.”
To allow you to draw your own conclusions, I’m sharing both songs for your listening pleasure.
Album cover of 'Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme' by Simon & Garfunkel, featuring 'The 59th Street Bridge Song'.
Simon and Garfunkel-The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)
H. R. Pufnstuf-Intro
Take a moment this weekend to embrace a slower pace, cherish time with loved ones, and appreciate whatever weather comes your way. Stay Groovy!
