"You Can Call Me Al" is a song by American singer-songwriterPaul Simon. It was the leadsinglefrom his seventh studio album,Graceland(1986), released onWarner Bros. Records. Written by Simon, its lyrics follow an individual seemingly experiencing amidlife crisis. Its lyrics were partially inspired by Simon's trip toSouth Africaand experience with its culture. Released in September 1986, "You Can Call Me Al" became one of Simon's biggest solo hits, reaching the top five in seven countries.