About the song
Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” stands as a poignant ballad that resonates deeply with its introspective lyrics and evocative melody. Written by Paul Simon, it was released in 1969 as part of the album “Bridge over Troubled Water,” which is widely regarded as one of the duo’s masterpieces.
“The Boxer” showcases Simon’s exceptional songwriting prowess, weaving a narrative that explores themes of perseverance, struggle, and the quest for identity. The song’s protagonist, the boxer, becomes a metaphor for resilience in the face of adversity, reflecting the turbulent social and political climate of the 1960s.
Upon its release, “The Boxer” received critical acclaim and achieved commercial success, peaking at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. Its haunting refrain, “lie-la-lie,” became instantly recognizable and added to the song’s emotional depth.
Musically, “The Boxer” is characterized by its acoustic guitar-driven melody, enriched by Simon & Garfunkel’s trademark harmonies. The song’s production also incorporates elements of folk rock, showcasing the duo’s ability to blend intricate instrumentation with heartfelt storytelling.
Beyond its initial success, “The Boxer” has endured as a classic in Simon & Garfunkel’s repertoire, influencing subsequent generations of musicians and earning accolades for its enduring relevance and emotional impact. Its inclusion in the “Bridge over Troubled Water” album contributed to the record’s widespread acclaim and cemented Simon & Garfunkel’s status as pioneering artists of their time.
Today, “The Boxer” continues to be celebrated for its timeless themes and artistic merit, remaining a favorite among listeners who appreciate its lyrical depth and musical craftsmanship. Simon & Garfunkel’s ability to capture the complexities of the human experience in song is epitomized in “The Boxer,” making it a standout composition in the landscape of folk and rock music history.
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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