In the realm of late-night television, where humor and satire reign supreme, Paul Simon's recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was nothing short of a masterclass in the art of the roast.
The legendary musician, renowned for his poignant lyrics and timeless melodies, surprised viewers as he took a sharp turn, delivering a series of witty barbs aimed squarely at none other than Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. Airing on March 14th, 2020, Simon's opening remarks set a light-hearted tone, poking fun at Harry's recent foray into publishing and media ventures.
"I heard you've written a book," Simon quipped, "I've written a few songs in my time, but I've never managed to fill a whole book. How many verses does your longest ballad have?" The audience erupted in laughter, anticipating the comedic spectacle that was about to unfold.
As the roast continued, Simon deftly touched on Harry's transition from royal life to his newfound role in the public eye. "You know, Harry, I've been playing music for decades, and I've seen a lot of acts come and go. But leaving the royal family to become a full-time celebrity? That's a bold move.
I guess you could say you're the first royal to truly go solo since Henry VIII," Simon joked, referencing the monarch's historic break from the Catholic Church. The banter between Simon and Colbert was seamless, with Colbert playing the perfect straight man to Simon's witty jabs.
At one point, Simon turned his attention to Harry's well-known passion for environmental causes. "I admire your dedication to the planet, Harry. I wrote 'The Sound of Silence,' but you're out there trying to silence the sound of climate change. If only we could get world leaders to listen as intently as people listen to 'Bridge Over Troubled Water,'" Simon quipped, drawing both laughter and applause from the audience.
The roast reached its peak when Simon addressed Harry's adjustment to life in the United States. "So, you've traded Buckingham Palace for a beach house in California? From tea with the queen to kale smoothies with the Kardashians? I guess you could say you've gone from the throne to the throne room of Hollywood," Simon remarked, eliciting more laughter from the crowd. Throughout the roast, Harry took the jests in stride, laughing along with the audience. It was a rare moment of levity for the Duke, who has often been the subject of intense media scrutiny.
In conclusion, Paul Simon's roast of Prince Harry on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert was undeniably a highlight of the season. It showcased that even icons like Simon can step out of their comfort zones and deliver comedy gold. For Harry, it was an opportunity to show the world that he can take a joke as well as he can advocate for serious causes. And for the audience, it was a night to remember, filled with laughter, music, and the unexpected delight of seeing a different side of a beloved figure.
