About the song
## Mrs. Robinson: A Timeless Tapestry of Youth, Protest, and Nostalgia
**Simon & Garfunkel’s** “Mrs. Robinson” is a song that transcends time, capturing the spirit of an era while resonating with listeners across generations. Released in 1968, it became an anthem of the counterculture movement and a symbol of the turbulent social and political climate of the late 1960s.
The song’s titular character, Mrs. Robinson, is a mysterious figure who represents both the establishment and the allure of forbidden fruit. Her name is a play on words, echoing the iconic line “Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?” from the song’s opening verse. The song suggests a romantic entanglement between a young man and an older woman, perhaps a metaphor for the tension between youth and authority.
Paul Simon, the primary songwriter of the duo, has often stated that “Mrs. Robinson” was inspired by the 1967 film *The Graduate*. The film’s protagonist, Benjamin Braddock, finds himself caught in a love triangle with Mrs. Robinson, the mother of his college friend. Simon’s lyrics capture the same sense of confusion and disillusionment that characterizes Braddock’s experience.
The song’s musical arrangement is both simple and evocative, with a memorable melody and a driving rhythm. The acoustic guitars and Simon and Garfunkel’s harmonies create a timeless sound that has been covered by countless artists over the years. The song’s arrangement is notable for its use of a chromatic scale, which adds a sense of tension and ambiguity to the lyrics.
“Mrs. Robinson” is more than just a popular song; it is a cultural touchstone that reflects the anxieties and aspirations of a generation. The song’s lyrics explore themes of disillusionment, rebellion, and the longing for something more. It is a song about youth, love, and the complexities of growing up in a rapidly changing world.
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Lyrics
And here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson
Jesus loves you more than you will know
Whoa, whoa, whoa
God bless you, please, Mrs. Robinson
Heaven holds a place for those who pray
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey
We’d like to know a little bit about you for our files
We’d like to help you learn to help yourself
Look around you, all you see are sympathetic eyes
Stroll around the grounds until you feel at home
And here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson
Jesus loves you more than you will know
Whoa, whoa, whoa
God bless you, please, Mrs. Robinson
Heaven holds a place for those who pray
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey
Hide it in a hiding place where no one ever goes
Put it in your pantry with your cupcakes
It’s a little secret, just the Robinson’s affair
Most of all, you’ve got to hide it from the kids
Coo, coo, ca-choo, Mrs. Robinson
Jesus loves you more than you will know
Whoa, whoa, whoa
God bless you, please, Mrs. Robinson
Heaven holds a place for those who pray
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey
Sitting on a sofa on a Sunday afternoon
Going to the candidates debate
Laugh about it, shout about it
When you’ve got to choose
Every way you look at this, you lose
Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?
Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you
Woo, woo, woo
What’s that you say, Mrs. Robinson?
Joltin’ Joe has left and gone away
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey