About the song
“Mrs. Robinson,” an iconic song by Simon & Garfunkel from their fourth studio album “Bookends” (1968), stands as a cultural landmark in both music and cinema history. Written by Paul Simon, the song’s inception was intertwined with its eventual inclusion in the acclaimed 1967 film “The Graduate,” directed by Mike Nichols.
The song’s genesis began before its cinematic debut, as Simon initially offered parts of it to Nichols alongside Art Garfunkel after two other songs were rejected for the film. Nichols, enchanted by Simon & Garfunkel’s music, had been listening to their songs incessantly during and after filming, leading to a pivotal meeting with Columbia Records to secure their music for the soundtrack. Despite Simon’s initial reservations about commercializing their music through film, he was persuaded by Nichols’ enthusiasm and the film’s poignant script.
Originally titled “Mrs. Roosevelt,” the song underwent development, with Nichols suggesting the switch to “Mrs. Robinson” to better suit the character portrayed by Anne Bancroft in the film. The final version was recorded in February 1968 at Columbia Studio A in New York City, featuring a distinctive blend of infectious rhythm and Simon & Garfunkel’s signature harmonies.
Upon its release as a single on April 5, 1968, “Mrs. Robinson” swiftly climbed the charts, eventually reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Its success was not only a testament to Simon & Garfunkel’s musical prowess but also to the song’s catchy melody and clever lyrical content, including the famous reference to baseball legend Joe DiMaggio.
The song’s popularity soared further with its inclusion on the soundtrack album of “The Graduate,” solidifying its association with the film and contributing to its widespread acclaim. Its cultural impact extended beyond the charts; in 1969, “Mrs. Robinson” became the first rock song to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year, cementing its place in music history.
Over the years, “Mrs. Robinson” has been covered by numerous artists across genres, attesting to its enduring appeal and universal recognition. Its legacy was further honored in 2004 when it ranked sixth on AFI’s list of “100 Years…100 Songs,” celebrating its contribution to American cinema and popular culture.
In conclusion, “Mrs. Robinson” remains a quintessential piece of Simon & Garfunkel’s repertoire, blending insightful lyrics with memorable melodies to create a timeless classic. Its journey from inception to chart-topping success and cultural reverence stands as a testament to the enduring power of music to transcend generations and capture the essence of its time.
Video
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