About the song
“The Boxer,” performed by the legendary Paul Simon, is a timeless classic that resonates deeply with listeners of all ages. Released in 1969 as part of the iconic album “Bridge over Troubled Water,” this song showcases Simon’s masterful storytelling and musical prowess. Co-written by Paul Simon himself, “The Boxer” is a poignant reflection on the struggles and perseverance of a young man facing the harsh realities of life.
The song opens with the memorable lines, “I am just a poor boy, though my story’s seldom told,” immediately drawing listeners into the narrative of a protagonist who, despite his best efforts, finds himself battling against adversity. Simon’s evocative lyrics, combined with his intricate guitar work, create a hauntingly beautiful soundscape that has stood the test of time.
“The Boxer” achieved significant commercial success upon its release. It reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and was also well-received internationally, charting in several other countries. The song’s powerful themes of resilience and determination have ensured its enduring popularity, making it a staple in Paul Simon’s extensive catalog.
One of the most striking features of “The Boxer” is its use of the “lie-la-lie” refrain, which adds a layer of melancholy and introspection to the song. This refrain, combined with the rich orchestration, including contributions from famed session musicians like Fred Carter Jr. on guitar, gives the song a distinctive and memorable sound.
Over the years, “The Boxer” has been covered by numerous artists, each bringing their unique interpretation to the song. However, Paul Simon’s original version remains the definitive rendition, capturing the essence of the struggles and triumphs of the human spirit.
In “The Boxer,” Paul Simon has crafted a song that is not only a testament to his songwriting genius but also a powerful narrative that continues to resonate with listeners, reflecting the universal themes of hardship, resilience, and hope.
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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