About the song
## Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer”: A Timeless Ballad of Resilience
Released in 1968 as part of their iconic album “The Bridge,” Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” is a poignant and introspective ballad that has resonated with audiences for decades. This timeless masterpiece delves into themes of perseverance, resilience, and the human spirit’s enduring strength in the face of adversity.
The song’s narrative unfolds through the eyes of a weary boxer, a metaphor for the struggles and challenges faced by individuals in their journey through life. The boxer’s physical exhaustion mirrors the emotional and psychological toll of life’s battles. However, despite the hardships, he remains determined to keep fighting, symbolizing the indomitable spirit that drives us forward.
Paul Simon’s evocative lyrics paint vivid images of the boxer’s world. The imagery of a “lonely man on a crowded street,” “a weary traveler,” and “a hungry man” evokes a sense of isolation and alienation, highlighting the universal human experience of feeling lost and alone. The boxer’s resilience is evident in his refusal to give up, even when faced with overwhelming odds.
Arthur Garfunkel’s harmonious vocals complement Simon’s lyrics, adding depth and emotion to the song. His voice, with its distinctive falsetto, conveys a sense of vulnerability and introspection. The interplay between Simon’s and Garfunkel’s voices creates a beautiful and haunting melody that lingers long after the song ends.
The song’s arrangement is simple yet effective. The acoustic guitar provides a gentle backdrop, while the percussion adds a sense of urgency and tension. The absence of elaborate instrumentation allows the lyrics and vocals to take center stage, emphasizing the emotional power of the song.
“The Boxer” has become a classic for a reason. Its timeless themes and evocative imagery continue to resonate with audiences of all ages. The song’s message of perseverance and resilience is particularly relevant in today’s world, where challenges and obstacles are a constant presence. Whether you’re facing personal struggles, societal pressures, or the uncertainties of life, “The Boxer” offers a reminder that we can overcome adversity and find strength within ourselves.
Video
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
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I love you