Still Crazy After All These Years: E-Z Play Today

This arrangement captures one of Simon's most iconic songs in a format that remains true to the original's infectious groove while staying playable at the keyboard. The E-Z Play Today series strips away unnecessary complexity, letting students and adults focus on the song's character rather than fighting with the page. Programmers appreciate how readily this fits into themed concerts celebrating singer-songwriters or classic rock alongside other accessible arrangements.

The tune settles comfortably in your hands with a wry, conversational warmth. There's an ease to the harmonic movement and a gentle humor in the lyric that the arrangement captures without overselling, leaving room for the performer's own interpretation to breathe.

Students exploring contemporary songwriting beyond classical repertoire find this arrangement accessible and immediately rewarding. Community musicians and casual pianists benefit from its straightforward voicings, while music teachers value it for demonstrating how strong melodies and chord progressions drive popular song.

• Maintain a steady, almost offhand quality in the groove. This song thrives on relaxation rather than precision, so resist the urge to tighten the tempo.
• Listen closely to how the left hand articulates against the melody. Clarity in the accompaniment keeps the arrangement from feeling muddy.
• Shape the phrases conversationally, as though singing the lyrics aloud. Let the natural speech rhythm of Simon's writing guide your phrasing decisions.

Pair this with other singer-songwriter material from the 1970s for a themed concert, or include it in a lighter set that breaks up heavier classical programming. It works equally well as a solo feature or as part of a medley celebrating accessible American songwriting.

• Maintaining conversational phrasing in contemporary melodies
• Balancing accompaniment texture to support rather than obscure the main line
• Recognizing and performing swing-influenced rhythm in a non-jazz context
• Understanding how strong songwriting architecture supports performance choices