About The Song
The Boxer is a song written by Paul Simon and recorded by the American folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. It was released in 1969 as the second single from their fifth studio album, Bridge over Troubled Water. The song is a first-person narrative about a boxer who, despite being repeatedly beaten and bloodied, continues to return to the ring. The lyrics are often interpreted as a metaphor for the resilience of the human spirit.
The song begins with the boxer addressing the darkness, which he refers to as an “old friend.” He tells the darkness that he has come to talk with it again, because he has been having visions. The visions are of a world where people are kind and compassionate, and where there is no war or poverty. The boxer knows that this world is only a dream, but he still longs for it.
The boxer then goes on to describe his life. He tells us that he is just a poor boy who has squandered his resistance for a pocket full of mumbles. He has been beaten and bruised, but he still gets back up. He keeps fighting, even though he knows he will probably lose.
The song ends with the boxer returning to the ring. He knows that he will be beaten again, but he doesn’t care. He is determined to keep fighting, no matter what.
“(The Boxer)” is a powerful and moving song about the human spirit. It is a song about hope, resilience, and the power of love. The song has been covered by many artists, including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Elvis Presley. It remains one of Simon & Garfunkel’s most popular and beloved songs.
Here are some additional details about the song:
- The song was inspired by a poem that Paul Simon wrote when he was a teenager.
- The song was recorded in 1969 at Columbia Studios in New York City.
- The song was produced by Art Garfunkel and Roy Halee.
- The song was released as a single in 1969 and reached number 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- The song has been used in several films and television shows, including “The Graduate” (1967), “The Sopranos” (1999), and “The Wire” (2002).
“(The Boxer)” is a classic song that has stood the test of time. It is a song that continues to inspire and resonate with people of all ages.