The Boxer by Simon & Garfunkel, penned by Paul Simon in 1968, is a song that reflects feelings of alienation and insecurity experienced by Simon after the duos rise to fame. The lie-la-lie chorus serves as a wordless refrain, signifying the characters inability to articulate his true feelings. It was recorded across various sessions in different studios, including a string session in Nashville that was ultimately omitted from the final version.
Key: C
Introduction:
C
C
Am
I am just a poor boy, though my story's seldom told
G
I have squandered my resistance
G7
G6
C
For a pocketful of mumbles such are promises
Am
G
F
All lies and jest still a man hears what he wants to hear
C
G
F
G
C
And disregards the rest
C
Am
When I left my home and family I was no more than a boy
G
In the company of strangers
G7
G6
C
In the quiet of a railway station running scared
Am
G
F
C
Laying low seeking out the poorer quarters where the ragged people go
G
F
G
C
Looking for the places only they would know
Am
Lie-la-lie
Em
Lie-la-la-la-la lie-la-lie
Am
Lie la lie
G
C
Lie-la la la la la lie la la la la lie
C
Am
Asking only workmans wages I come looking for a job
G
But I get no offers
G7
G6
C
Just a come-on from the whores on Seventh Avenue
Am
G
F
C
I do declare there were times when I was so lonesome I took some comfort there