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So we all know @blesstherain13 has thrown out some pretty compelling theories on who William Bowery is.... Well, while we’re waiting for Taylor to hopefully eventually confirm who it is, I have a new name for us to consider— Paul Simon.
For swifties who have no idea who he is, Paul Simon is a prolific singer and songwriter known for being half of Simon & Garfunkel, in addition to his solo work.
folklore has big Paul Simon energy imo, so it makes sense to me that if they collaborated, it could be on this album.
But so far I’m sure that you’re thinking, okay this info is nice, but what ties him to Taylor? Where is the evidence?
One of Simon’s most famous songs is Call Me Al. In the chorus, Simon sings multiple times, “I can call you Betty. When you call me, Betty, you can call me Al.” Coincidence? Maybe..... but also that could be a very clear nod the Simon’s song.
Paul Simon has also performed at a venue named The Bowery.
I’m sure you’re asking, if he’s an accomplished artist, why is he listed under a pseudonym? I would hypothesize that this is due to the fact that Paul Simon has retired. If they wanted to work together, it would make tons of headlines. Using a pseudonym, allows him to still have
the privacy of retirement without having to answer to publicists and fans, meanwhile allowing him to put new creative projects out into the world.
just a reminder that Aaron Dessner referred for William Bowery as a songwriter specifically.....
To end this thread, I’m going to leave you with a little fun fact. James Taylor, the legend Taylor has performed with and whom she was named after- is best friends with Paul Simon. If Taylor wanted to work with Paul, she would have an easy in through James.
*cough, cough* but who am I kidding..... It’s not like the name James has any connection to Taylor or the songs we’re wondering about....
Could this all be coincidence? Certainly. But we all know that Taylor’s Easter eggs can be big and obvious or look subtle and coincidental until we’re given more info. I’m not saying Paul Simon has to be William Bowery, but at this point, I don’t think we can rule him out.
