About the song
If there’s one song that truly encapsulates the essence of folk-rock and resonates with listeners of all ages, it’s Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer”. Released in 1969 as part of their iconic album Bridge Over Troubled Water, this ballad has stood the test of time, becoming a staple in the music world and a beloved anthem for generations.
The song’s narrative is both personal and universal, painting a vivid picture of a solitary figure struggling against life’s challenges. Paul Simon’s lyrics are filled with imagery of isolation, resilience, and the human spirit’s enduring capacity for hope. The opening lines, “I am just a poor boy, though my story’s seldom told,” immediately draw the listener in, inviting them to connect with the protagonist’s experiences.
The song’s title, “The Boxer”, serves as a powerful metaphor for the protagonist’s journey. Like a boxer in the ring, he faces countless blows and setbacks, yet he continues to fight. The image of a boxer is often associated with strength, determination, and the ability to overcome adversity. In this context, the boxer becomes a symbol of the human condition, representing our shared struggles and triumphs.
Musically, “The Boxer” is a masterpiece of simplicity and elegance. The gentle acoustic guitar strumming, combined with the understated piano accompaniment, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. Art Garfunkel’s ethereal vocals add a layer of vulnerability and emotion to the song, perfectly complementing Simon’s poetic lyrics. One of the most striking elements of the arrangement is the use of a heavily reverbed snare drum, which provides a haunting and rhythmic backdrop to the song’s main melody.
The song’s chorus, “Lie-la-lie,” is perhaps its most iconic feature. This simple, repetitive phrase serves as a kind of mantra, evoking a sense of longing and melancholy. It has been interpreted in many ways, but it is often seen as a representation of the protagonist’s search for meaning and purpose.
“The Boxer” is more than just a song; it’s a timeless piece of art that has resonated with millions of people around the world. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its universal themes of struggle, hope, and resilience. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Simon & Garfunkel or simply appreciate great music, “The Boxer” is a song that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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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