About the song
For those of us who grew up during the folk revival era, the names Simon & Garfunkel evoke a sense of nostalgia and a deep appreciation for heartfelt songwriting. Their harmonious vocals and introspective lyrics have touched millions around the world, and one song in particular continues to resonate with listeners of all ages: “The Boxer”.
Released in 1969 as part of their iconic album *Bridge Over Troubled Water*, “The Boxer” is a poignant ballad that delves deep into themes of struggle, perseverance, and the human condition. Paul Simon’s evocative lyrics paint a vivid picture of a solitary figure, battered and weary, yet determined to keep moving forward. The song’s narrator, often interpreted as a metaphor for Simon himself, is a “poor boy” who has faced countless challenges and disappointments. Despite these hardships, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of a better life.
One of the most striking aspects of “The Boxer” is its raw emotional honesty. Simon’s lyrics are filled with imagery that evokes a sense of loneliness and isolation. The lines “I am just a poor boy, though my story’s seldom told” and “I have squandered my resistance” convey a deep sense of vulnerability and self-doubt. Yet, there is also a powerful undercurrent of hope and resilience. The song’s refrain, “Lie-la-lie,” serves as a haunting reminder of the lies and disappointments that the narrator has encountered, but it also suggests a sense of acceptance and peace.
Musically, “The Boxer” is a masterful blend of folk and rock elements. The gentle acoustic guitar strumming and Simon’s delicate vocals create a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the powerful drumming and soaring harmonies add a sense of drama and intensity. The song’s arrangement is both simple and effective, allowing the lyrics to take center stage.
The iconic image of the boxer in the song’s final verse has been the subject of much interpretation. Some have suggested that the boxer represents the artist himself, constantly battling against his inner demons and the pressures of fame. Others have argued that the boxer is a universal symbol of the human struggle for survival. Regardless of the specific interpretation, the image of the boxer is a powerful one that has resonated with listeners for generations.
“The Boxer” is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and uplift listeners. Its themes of struggle, perseverance, and the human condition are as relevant today as they were when the song was first released. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Simon & Garfunkel or are just discovering their music for the first time, “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