About the song
“The Boxer” is one of the most cherished songs by the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel. Released in 1969 on their album *Bridge Over Troubled Water*, this song has continued to resonate with audiences for decades. With its rich storytelling and soulful melody, it stands as a testament to the musical and lyrical prowess of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel.
At its core, “The Boxer” tells a compelling story of a young man who faces numerous struggles and challenges. The song’s protagonist is depicted as a “boxer” in the metaphorical sense, representing someone who endures life’s hardships with resilience and determination. His journey is marked by a series of personal and social trials, but his spirit remains unbroken despite the adversities he encounters.
The lyrics of “The Boxer” are both poetic and poignant, drawing on themes of loneliness, struggle, and perseverance. Simon’s ability to weave a narrative that is both personal and universal allows listeners to connect with the song on a deep emotional level. The song’s chorus, with its memorable refrain “lie-la-lie,” adds a sense of wistful reflection that enhances the overall impact of the track.
Musically, “The Boxer” features a blend of folk and rock elements, highlighted by a distinctive rhythm and memorable instrumentation. The arrangement includes a powerful blend of acoustic guitar, strings, and a prominent brass section, which all contribute to the song’s emotional depth and enduring appeal.
Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Boxer” is not just a song but a piece of musical artistry that captures the essence of the human experience. It invites listeners to reflect on their own life journeys and find solace in the shared struggles and triumphs of the human spirit.
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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