About the song
“The Boxer” is a poignant and introspective song written by Paul Simon and recorded by the iconic American music duo Simon & Garfunkel. Released in 1969, the song has become a timeless classic, resonating with listeners across generations. This folk-rock ballad is a masterclass in storytelling, weaving together themes of poverty, loneliness, and the struggles of everyday life.
The song’s origins date back to a tumultuous period in Simon’s life, when he felt unfairly criticized and sought solace in his music. Drawing inspiration from the Bible, Simon crafted a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a boxer, struggling to overcome the hardships of his profession, and the singer’s own experiences of poverty and loneliness in New York City.
The song’s instrumentation is equally noteworthy, featuring a haunting pedal steel guitar melody, a bass harmonica, and a distinctive drumbeat that has become synonymous with the song. The recording process was a labor of love, with Simon and Garfunkel working tirelessly to perfect the song’s arrangement and production.
One of the most striking aspects of “The Boxer” is its use of non-lexical vocables, with the repeated refrain of “lie-la-lie” becoming an integral part of the song’s identity. While some have interpreted the lyrics as a critique of Bob Dylan, Simon has clarified that the song is largely autobiographical, reflecting his own feelings of frustration and isolation.
Over the years, “The Boxer” has been covered by numerous artists, including Bob Dylan himself, who replaced the word “glove” with “blow” in his version. The song has also been reinterpreted in various contexts, from Art Garfunkel’s own solo performances to Paul Simon’s live renditions, which often feature additional verses and anecdotes.
In 2010, Simon stopped singing the song midway through a concert to share a touching story about a woman who had edited the lyrics to make the song more suitable for her young child. This anecdote highlights the song’s enduring appeal, as well as its ability to transcend generations and cultural boundaries.
In 2016, Simon again paused during a concert to share breaking news about the passing of Muhammad Ali, a poignant reminder of the song’s ability to evoke powerful emotions and connections.
Throughout its history, “The Boxer” has been praised for its haunting beauty, poignant lyrics, and masterful production. With its timeless melody and universal themes, this song has become an iconic part of Simon & Garfunkel’s legacy, continuing to inspire and move listeners to this day.
Video
Lyrics
I am just a poor boy
Though my story’s seldom told
I have squandered my resistance
For a pocketful of mumbles
Such are promises
All lies and jest
Still a man hears what he wants to hear
And disregards the rest
When I left my home and my family
I was no more than a boy
In the company of strangers
In the quiet of the railway station
Running scared
Laying low, seeking out the poorer quarters
Where the ragged people go
Looking for the places only they would know
Lie-la-lie
Lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie
Lie-la-lie
Lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie, lie-lie-lie-lie-lie
Asking only workman’s wages, I come looking for a job
But I get no offers
Just a come-on from the whores on 7th Avenue
I do declare, there were times when I was so lonesome
I took some comfort there, la-la-la-la-la-la-la
Lie-la-lie
Lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie
Lie-la-lie
Lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie, lie-lie-lie-lie-lie
Then I’m laying out my winter clothes
And wishing I was gone, going home
Where the New York City winters aren’t bleeding me
Leading me, going home
In the clearing stands a boxer
And a fighter by his trade
And he carries the reminders
Of every glove that laid him down
Or cut him till he cried out
In his anger and his shame
“I am leaving, I am leaving”
But the fighter still remains
Lie-la-lie
Lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie
Lie-la-lie
Lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie, lie-lie-lie-lie-lie
Lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie
Lie-la-lie
Lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie, lie-lie-lie-lie-lie
Lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie
Lie-la-lie
Lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie, lie-lie-lie-lie-lie
Lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie
Lie-la-lie
Lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie, lie-lie-lie-lie-lie
Lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie
Lie-la-lie
Lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie, lie-lie-lie-lie-lie
Lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie
Lie-la-lie
Lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie, lie-lie-lie-lie-lie
Lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie
Lie-la-lie
Lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie, lie-lie-lie-lie-lie
Lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie
Lie-la-lie
Lie-la-lie-lie-lie-lie-lie, lie-lie-lie-lie-lie
I love you