The Boxer
Country
Jun 26, 2012
86
The Boxer Music Video

The Boxer Lyrics

I am just a poor boy
Though my story's seldom told
I have squandered my resistance
For a pocket full of mumbles
Such are promises
All lies and jests
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 la la lie lie
Lie la lie, lie la la la la lie la la 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 Seventh Avenue
I do declare there were times when I was so lonesome
I took some comfort there

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

La la la la
La la la la
La la la la

In the clearing stands a boxer
And a fighter by his trade
And he carries the reminder
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 la la lie lie
Lie la lie, lie la la la la lie la la lie
Lie la lie, lie la la la lie lie
Lie la lie, lie la la la la lie la la lie
Lie la lie, lie la la la lie lie
Lie la lie, lie la la la la lie la la lie

Writer(s): Paul Simon
Copyright(s): Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who originally wrote 'The Boxer'?

    'The Boxer' was originally written by Paul Simon, one half of the American music duo Simon & Garfunkel.

  2. When was 'The Boxer' first released?

    'The Boxer' was first released as a standalone single on March 21, 1969. It was later included in Simon & Garfunkel's fifth and final studio album, 'Bridge over Troubled Water,' which came out in 1970.

  3. What instruments are featured in the original version of 'The Boxer'?

    The original version of 'The Boxer' features a variety of instruments including pedal steel guitar, piccolo trumpet, bass harmonica, and multiple guitars. The song is also known for its heavily reverbed snare drum during the 'lie-la-lie' refrain.

  4. Has Bob Dylan ever covered 'The Boxer'?

    Yes, Bob Dylan covered 'The Boxer' on his album 'Self Portrait.' In his version, he replaced the word 'glove' with 'blow.'

  5. Did Paul Simon ever add an extra verse to live performances of 'The Boxer'?

    Yes, Paul Simon added an extra verse to live performances that is not present in the studio version. This verse discusses the passage of time and changes upon changes remaining essentially the same. He performed it during tours and special occasions like Saturday Night Live and The Concert in Central Park.

  6. What significant event did Paul Simon announce during a performance of 'The Boxer' in 2016?

    During a concert on June 3, 2016, in Berkeley, California, Paul Simon announced midway through performing ‘The Boxer’ that Muhammad Ali had passed away. He then finished the song with its final verse.

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