"I suppose an artist takes the elements of his life and rearranges them and then has them perceived by others as though they were the elements of their lives"

In this quote, Paul Simon is suggesting that an artist has the capability to take the different elements of their own life and rearrange them in a way that can be comprehended and related to by others. By doing so, the artist has the ability to produce a connection with their audience, as the elements of their life become relatable to the aspects of the audience's life. This highlights the power of art to bridge the gap between people and bring them together through shared experiences. It likewise speaks to the idea that art is a reflection of life, and through the artist's analysis, it can become a reflection of the audience's life also.