About the song
Released in 1970 as part of their iconic album “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “The Boxer” by Simon & Garfunkel is a poignant folk-rock ballad that has stood the test of time. This introspective song, with its raw and vulnerable lyrics, paints a vivid picture of a struggling artist grappling with life’s challenges and seeking solace in his craft.
The song begins with the haunting line, “I am just a poor boy though my story’s seldom told.” This simple yet powerful statement immediately establishes a sense of isolation and longing that permeates the entire song. Paul Simon, the primary songwriter, masterfully weaves together personal experiences and biblical imagery to create a universal tale of perseverance and resilience.
The metaphor of the boxer is central to the song’s meaning. The boxer represents the artist, who is constantly battered by life’s hardships yet continues to fight. The “reminders of every glove that laid him down” symbolize the challenges and setbacks that the artist has faced. Despite these setbacks, the boxer/artist remains determined to keep fighting, a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure.
One of the most striking aspects of “The Boxer” is its emotional depth. The song’s melancholic tone and confessional lyrics invite listeners to empathize with the protagonist’s struggles. The folk-rock arrangement, with its gentle acoustic guitar and Paul Simon’s distinctive vocals, creates a warm and intimate atmosphere. The harmonies added by Art Garfunkel in the chorus provide a sense of comfort and unity.
Beyond its personal significance, “The Boxer” has resonated with countless listeners on a universal level. The song’s themes of struggle, perseverance, and hope have made it a timeless classic. Its minimalist arrangement and poetic lyrics have influenced countless artists in various genres, from folk and rock to indie and alternative.
In conclusion, “The Boxer” is a powerful and evocative song that continues to inspire and resonate with listeners today. Its universal themes and timeless message have cemented its place in the pantheon of great songs. Whether you are a lifelong fan of Simon & Garfunkel or simply appreciate great songwriting, “The Boxer” is a must-listen.
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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