Rapper FIRST time REACTION to Simon & Garfunkel - The Boxer! WOW

[@davidsilver6687]

"Still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest". Still one of the greatest lines in any song.

[@claimguy]

Right up there with; "Just what you want to be, you will be in the end" from Nights in White Satin. The plaintive way Justin Heyward sings it (and every line of that gem) gets me every. single. time.

[@PastLifeVillian]

“I am leaving I am leaving but the fighter still remains” is a better one just from this song

[@steve7210]

Absolutely.

[@BeckyTodd-xy7cd]

This whole song was phenomenal

[@user-du2zl6se3u]

I always felt that way about this line too

[@patriciamcelroy3581]

It’s a metaphor for someone who is struggling and gets knocked down but keeps getting up again. He cries out that he is leaving and going back home but he doesn’t. He stays and continues to keep fighting to survive in NYC. Simon is such a poet. His songwriting has so many awards and honors.

[@jollyrodgers7272]

NO, the song's narrator goes home - it's The Boxer who remains - he admits in regret he is NOT the Boxer.

[@papercup2517]

@@jollyrodgers7272 I thought it was saying he's leaving, this time - he lost this round - but his inner fighter remains and will continue his fight in another, future round.

[@erinhansen2110]

"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" Pure inspirational poetry at it's finest.

[@lauriemartin490]

These lyrics will never NOT make me tear up. So many of us have been beaten up by life and have had to find a way to stand back up.

[@erinhansen2110]

@@lauriemartin490 - Well articulated!

[@erinhansen2110]

I saw Pegasus just did a Pink Floyd song as well... I hope he does the famous Live Version of "On The Turning Away" next. While two totally different songs, they give me similar feelings touching one's soul.

[@MedTechMetal]

My favorite line from the song. Makes my eyes well up every single time. It's been kinda the mantra to my life. Life has kicked my ass time and again, and I'm not gonna stop fighting

[@erinhansen2110]

@@MedTechMetal - Always keep up the fight! :)

[@susanwoodcarver]

Paul Simon was the poet of our time.

[@irishgrl]

Better than Dylan imo. I’ve always thought that.

[@thelasticonoclast9467]

@@irishgrlno

[@susanwoodcarver]

@@irishgrl you are so correct!

[@ingekoschmidder6424]

@@irishgrl He was/is very, very good, but Dylan is in a league of his own.

[@trish8964]

@@ingekoschmidder6424 May I introduce Gordon Lightfoot into the discission ... please note the use of the word discussion .. as this is not intended to ignite any kind ofv an arguement ... as I am a true fan of each artist

[@AP-gb3eh]

The human struggle getting knocked around over and over .This song honors the struggle instead of vilification of people

[@carundle-ds1op]

Honestly, the more I hear this song, the more I'm convinced it's one of the best songs of all time.

[@glennbarnes9245]

Me too

[@velvetbees]

"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." Nobody else writes like that.

[@pamelahofman1785]

Paul Simon is one of the greatest American songwriters of all time. You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who disagrees with this. Also, he sang on "We Are The World" just before Kenny Rogers. He was the short, dark-haired guy.

[@ryanr5319]

Hard-pressed like a diamond! 😅 Ty for reaction.

[@lynnpark8849]

@@pamelahofman1785 you seem to forget the 'pictures' Don MacLean paints in his writings...example "Vincent"

[@pamelahofman1785]

@@lynnpark8849 when I say Paul Simon is one of our greatest American songwriters, that does not preclude others who have written amazing works. I have not forgotten Don McLean, nor many others. They deserve all the accolades they’ve received.

[@craigaulenback4862]

I absolutely agree. He is in my top 3 alongside Bob Dylan and Jim Croce.

[@alanshields8036]

When Bob Dillon won the Nobel Prize I always felt like Paul Simon or Neil Young would have been My first picks. Bob still would have been there. Just saying.

[@user-wz1sv3br1l]

The Boxer is a metaphor for a man’s struggles.

[@paulqueripel3493]

It's amazing how many people take it literally.

[@yvonnewakefield7748]

For everyone's/anyone's struggles...

[@JPMadden]

From Wikipedia: During a New York City concert in October 2010, Paul Simon stopped singing midway through "The Boxer" to tell the story of a woman who stopped him on the street to tell him that she edits the song when singing it to her young child. Simon told the audience that she removed the words "the whores" and altered the song to say, "I get no offers, just a come-on from toy stores on Seventh Avenue." Simon laughingly commented that he felt that it was "a better line."

[@kentclark6420]

It's cleaner, anyway.

[@Mirrorgirl492]

I don't think it is...lol

[@ryanr5319]

That's a sweet story regardless. Ty for sharing!

[@bobbybobbatunday9959]

As a kid I thought it was warzone

[@thomasmacdiarmid8251]

@@Mirrorgirl492 It depends on the toys you buy.

[@jamesbondbond8388]

Paul Simon is a genius !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mentalwedgee]

It's a great song about the resilience of the common man.

[@jeremywood2129]

"Bridge over troubled water" is one of the best songs ever

[@dawnpatterson8708]

ABSOLUTELY

[@Erol_808]

💯...and one of the best albums ever

[@Dreambeliever1]

THE BEST, which after it being my choice to have played at my treasured grandads funeral 😢, still it breaks my heart from the opening.

[@dharma__3]

Definitely!! Always gets to me whenever I hear it.

[@JamieTurner-no8id]

It wasn't long after it came out that it was used in a Detroit funeral for a teen girl -- I don't remember if she passed by violence or illness -- but hearing "Sail On Silvergirl" always gives me a lump in my throat.

[@Caseyd1966]

It's one story. He is a metaphorical boxer - the fighter who keeps getting beat down, who feels frightened & ashamed and even though he might leave & go home, the fighter remains & will fight again

[@pamelahofman1785]

YES! Thank you for your accurate interpretation.

[@terri2494]

He’s lost the battle but is still fighting the war.

[@pamelahofman1785]

@@terri2494 Succinctly put! Good job!

[@daveking9393]

Perfectly said! Thanks

[@jcbass2u]

exactly, and the snare hits are the blows he has taken in life....they continue but he takes them and gets back up again, keeps fighting, never truely giving up.

[@sherigrow6480]

I wrote Simon and Garfunkel song lyrics (poetry) on my bedroom walls as a teenager, thank you to my mom for allowing my expression 😊

[@SuperDeadend13]

Simon and Garfunkel "El Condor Pasa" is a must, one of my many favs. Been a fan for over 50 years.

[@double00spy]

Bass harmonica, then piccolo trumpet, "explosive" sounds made with a snare drum in an empty elevator shaft. Lie, lie, lie, was originally just a placeholder when Simon was writing the song, but he finally decided he liked it - with the reference to all the lies told the boxer.

[@eryksun]

I think the drummer, Hal Blaine, was set up with his snare drum in a hallway in front of an elevator. He wasn't actually inside of the elevator shaft. But he was close enough that the reverb made the snare sound like a cannon going off.

[@redbirdjazzz]

Piccolo trumpet played in unison with a pedal steel guitar. That's why it's so hard to pin down exactly what the sound is.

[@mikeb36240]

​@eryksun he was in from of the elevator shaft and mic was placed above on a different floor.

[@1Imonk]

The "lie" remains with the boxer, as it remains with us all.....

[@Kevigator]

My first thought was bass harmonica too.

[@user-yf6yz3fl2s]

The truly brilliant Paul Simon has never written a bad song! With Art Garfunkel he's amazing, singing solo he's also amazing! Pick anyone of his creations, you will not be disappointed.

[@dow311]

These songs of the 70’s can be therapeutic.

[@jameshendrickson7129]

Great song, doesnt matter what generation hears it, it will always be relevant

[@3YearsApart1613]

The Boxer is my favorite song by them. The melodies are just amazing.

[@deannacrownover3]

I know a lot of music and this is my favorite Simon and Garfunkel song! The older you get, the more The Boxer means.

[@PriscillaV1964]

Ride a NYC subway and you will "hear" this song. The beat of the points and the reverb of the tunnels. Phenomenal lyrics, but capturing a subway ride in music, . . . next level genius.

[@robertolson483]

Paul Simon played this song to open the first episode of snl after 9.11. it was less than 3 weeks after and a statement that NYC wasn't going to be silenced. It was inspiring.

[@Buddha-of8fk]

Back then a lot of musicians was also poets. That's why their songs was more meaningful on a personal level.

[@brianh9358]

I would also recommend Scarborough Fair - it is based on an old English folk song. However it is sung with two verses being simultaneously sung throughout most of the song. One is a love song, and one is a song about men being sent off to war to die. That juxtaposition makes the song both beautiful and haunting at the same time. Many people heard it and thought "How beautiful!" but at the same time it has a dark anti-war undertone appropriate for the Vietnam war era.

[@chuckwilliams6261]

It isn't a bad recipe either.

[@wendypow1963]

Scarborough Fair/Canticle is the full title.

[@johnwaga3702]

A classic. As an Englishman I do believe that Paul Simon is America’s greatest singer/songwriter.

[@par500dragon7]

He and Billy Joel are tied for me. Both are lifelong favorites.

[@suepall5425]

I remember when I first heard this song. I was about 13. I was blown away. Reality hitting me squarely between the eyes and this is the absolute result of a song so beautifully written that it transcends even the immaturity of a pre-teenage girl over 50 years ago.

[@laneykehel5057]

On the first episode of SNL after 9/11, Paul Simon sang this song to the audience with Mayor Rudy Guiliani with him onstage. It was one of the best performances I've ever seen.

[@Puppydoug]

Guiliani was regarded as a 9/11 hero. Such a shame he tarnished his legacy in such an appalling manner...

[@stephenstrudwick8095]

The album "Bridge Over Troubled Water" was Simon & Garfunkel's last studio album, released in 1970. But what a way to go out with an BANG!!! The title track of this album won an unprecedented five Grammy Awards, while the complete record won Album of the Year. The album stayed at #1 for 10 weeks, remained on the chart for a total of 85 weeks, and has been certified 8X platinum. In addition to the title track, the album includes the hits “The Boxer” (which you just heard), “Cecilia,” “El Condor Pasa (If I Could),” and my personal favorite, “The Only Living Boy In New York.” Just an amazing album from start to finish, with all songs written by Paul Simon, except for "Bye Bye Love", which was written by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, and was previously a hit for the Everly Brothers.

[@user-br2sd7ul1j]

Paul Simon once said he goes into the tile bathroom, lays on the floor, letting the water flow in the sink, and let's the "silence" inspire his writing skills. Thus, his lyrics from "Sound of Silence." He is truly a genius composer.

[@maryt2290]

Paul Simon was the guy you didn’t recognize in We Are The World that was singing with Kenny Rogers. Simon and Garfunkel and Paul Simon are both worthy rabbit holes to go down

[@katherinebosse5706]

I first heard this at 17 and I knew I’d still be listening when I was old. I’m 70 now, I was right. Paul Simon is truly one of only a few troubadours left on the planet. Just a quiet giant..

[@donnaholland1625]

72 here! Saw them in concert in 1969.

[@lorifriesen5415]

Oh, the music we had the honour of growing up with!

[@BILLONEE]

@@lorifriesen5415 That was talent without special effects! Most of today's music relies on special effects (like Autotune).

[@procopiusaugustus6231]

Me too. Isn’t it terribly strange to be 70?

[@donnaholland1625]

@@procopiusaugustus6231 old friends sitting on a park bench like bookends. Wow! Hard to pick my S&G favorite song.

[@gordonrussell7137]

'AMERICA' is a social statement like 'The Boxer'

[@tarafied7322]

I've always thought the boxer in the final verse was a metaphor. We all carry "the reminder of every glove that laid him down or cut him 'til he cried out in his anger and his shame." And we can move on, or move up, but everything that came before still remains inside us.

[@susansapp6136]

One of my favorites from Simon & Garfunkel. So much hidden in these lyrics ... and it spans over centuries of pain and the human condition. Listen to this over and over and over. There's a whole lot to this. Paul Simon does write their music.

[@craigaulenback4862]

Absolutely beautiful music. Paul Simon is one of the top 3 best songwriters in my opinion. Alongside Jim Croce and Bob Dylan. So many good folk artists. One ofy all time favourite folk songs is Leader Of The Band by Dan Fogelberg. My father passed away in 2019 after battling Alzheimers for 13 years. He was diagnosed young at 57 years old. I spoke to him at his funeral and told him all my memories of listening to his vinyl. And one of the fondest ones is when I was about 4 or 5 sitting in his knee and playing Leader Of The Band on vinyl record and him singing me the words. So I learned it as best as I could those few days before his funeral and played it for him. If you ever decide to listen to it I know you will love it. Just from watching you Black Pegasus I can see your sense of family and your strong fatherly convictions. It really is refreshing. I know this song will grab hold of you like it does me. Give it a try one day

[@Mainecoonlady.]

Art of folk rock…. Is storytelling. Paul Simon an incredible poet and storyteller. Together with Art Garfunkel’s vocals. Just wow.

[@michaelfox1432]

Paul Simon's song writing is second to none.

[@ismesis]

Garfunkel was just a lovely voice. Paul Simon is the everything and for decades. He is brilliant.

[@bkm2797]

Hope you play Simon and Garfunkle "AMERICA", great song, thinking you will really enjoy the lyrics and the tune. ❤️👍

[@markcarter822]

Simon and Garfunkel- Bridge Over Troubled Waters. Banger vocals, banger hook, banger lyrics telling an epic message.

[@lisajones2210]

I was rideculed as a child and adult for hearing "Bridge Over Troubled Water" as Jesus comforting the depressed and suicidal, not the longing for drugs. I nearly shouted and danced just a few yewrs ago when a documentary on these beautiful boys admitted this song was supposed to be a simple, quiet prayer. The director of the studio said, "It's BEGGING to be MORE!" And a hit was born.

[@sherry640]

Absolutely gorgeous song! With Art Garfunkel’s solo vocals the live version is breathtaking

[@jons3808]

Live version is great, but the studio version is a flat out masterpiece.

[@susanoakeshauf]

Art Garfunkel is so underrated. He has the voice of an angel. Seriously.

[@cattewest]

Continue down the rabbit hole: Bridge Over Troubled Water, Scarborough Fair, Cecilia, I Am a Rock. List keeps going.

[@craigaulenback4862]

Kathy's Song, April, come she will, Sparrow, Only Living Bot In New York, Baby Driver.

[@snowysnowyriver]

Sounds of Silence, Bleecker Street, Mrs Robinson, America, Homeward Bound, My Little Town. The list goes on and on.

[@stephenstrudwick8095]

Paul Simon revealed in an 1984 interview that he wrote "The Boxer" when critics were writing harsh things about his music - he was "the boxer." According to Simon: "I think the song was about me: everybody's beating me up, and I'm telling you now I'm going to go away if you don't stop. By that time we had encountered our first criticism. For the first few years, it was just pure praise. It took two or three years for people to realize that we weren't strange creatures that emerged from England, but just two guys from Queens who used to sing rock 'n' roll. And maybe we weren't real folkies at all! Maybe we weren't even hippies!" The Boxer took over 100 hours to record, and was recorded about a year before the album was released. Btw, the phrases "workman's wages" and "seeking out the poorer quarters" come from Bible passages. Simon would occasionally read the Bibe when staying in hotels. In addition, Simon used the phrase "lie la lie" in place of a proper chorus, because he couldn't find the right words. Of course, "lie la lie" became one of the most recognizable parts of this song. 😄

[@JamieTurner-no8id]

Stephen has this pretty nailed. But I think BP's thoughts about the boxer's place in the song is totally legit for a listener. It can be a metaphor ... or it could be an inspiration for the person referred to in the previous lyrics. Great songs can be available for multiple interpretations because their crafting and artistry lends them so well to the imagination. But what I've always admired (I was 12 when it came out) was how the orchestration lent itself to my imagination -- it almost felt like the city imposing itself on the subject of the song, yet never quite able to drown him out.

[@jennywren7822]

You're right it is about himself but I think in a different way, I'm 77 and look at music in my youth in a completely different way, l knew and sang the words but wasn't interested in what they meant, its only recently when this is being reacted to lve realised what its about. Wisdom does come with age 😅. I know you've listened to his version of why he wrote it, but I think as well his coming to New York to make his fortune in the music business with nothing, and not getting anywhere, and his taking comfort, l don't think he'd have written that if it wasn't true. The boxer is as you've said, l think its a mixture of both. But what a beautiful song and words, l became a huge fan when l saw Tphe Graduate in my youth, and loved it all ❤

[@John_Locke_108]

The whores on 7th Avenue were the record executives whose offices were on 7th Avenue.

[@MarkMcLT]

So many amazing songs... Mrs Robinson, Sound of Silence, Bridge Over Troubled Water, Scarboarough Fair, 59th St Bridge Song, America, The Only Living Boy in New York... and Simon solo - Kodachrome etc

[@shirleymongold1201]

The sound effect that is used throughout the song of the boxing glove hitting flesh is just amazing.

[@ricksurratt9034]

They were a big part of my youth and still are today

[@MelissaPalmer-zy5nh]

My favorite S&G song is "I Am A Rock". "For a rock feels no pain and and island never cries"

[@donnaholland1625]

Folk Rock! Paul Simon is a genius. Simon and Garfunkel was my jam in my youth. 1969, front row to the Bridge Over Troubled Water tour. They were fantastic live.

[@user-ne3kq9cq4m]

Im from England and we used to have a tv show called "Parkinson". He invited Paul Simon onto the show. He asked him how he went through the writing process and immediately PS went into technical expert modeand left him perplexed and sorry he asked the question

[@susansapp6136]

LOL ... Paul Simon could probably confuse any of us. I believe he is more than a song writer or poet. Paul Simon is a prophet. Take a look at Sounds of Silence as performed by Simon alone at the Anniversary of 9/11. Notice all of the people moving around in the background going on with stuffing breadcrumbs in their pockets and "lie la lie"(ing) in their own little lives to be comfortable and not stopping to give credence to the thought, care and event. Think about all of those lives now silent. This song was written decades ago and is more fitting now than then: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4uqq5eKaap-j7s

[@katfinn9352]

Thank you for your reaction. Paul Simon was one of the major poets of his generation. In fact, I studied his poetry (songs) in university. By the way, you could listen to album after album by these two and have the same reaction you are having now. Please listen to more of them. Also, Paul Simon went on to have a solo career, it has spanned all these many years.

[@brookebeasley5611]

Their song "The Dangling Conversation" is one of the most poetically written songs ever. S & G never disappoint.

[@nolantomlinson7554]

And you read your Emily Dickenson and I my Robert Frost, and we mark our place with bookmarkers to measure what we’ve lost…

[@craigaulenback4862]

@@nolantomlinson7554 Like a poem poorly written. we are versus out of rhythm, couplets out of rhyme, in syncopated time

[@craigaulenback4862]

And the Dangling Conversation, and the superficial sighs, are the boarders of our lives.

[@craigaulenback4862]

@@nolantomlinson7554 I hate to be that snob but a quick lyric correction. It's actually "and we note our place with book markers that measure what we've lost."

[@HRConsultant_Jeff]

The harmonies are underappreciated in this song but the production and his fingerpicking on the guitar are top tier.

[@terri2494]

His beautiful guitar work is usually overshadowed by their harmonies, Art’s voice, and Paul’s lyrics. I think Paul’s voice is also under appreciated.

[@allenruss2976]

Can't go wrong with Simon and Garfunkel. They have a monster catalog. You hit the vein of this kind of music already with Neil Diamond. Sound of Silence is probably their biggest hit. You should also check out Jim Croce (Time in a Bottle and Bad bad Leroy Brown) and Harry Chapin (Cat's in the Cradle)a perfect parent song

[@chelseahaley8350]

He did a reaction to Time in a Bottle with Anthony Ray when he was here visiting! It's on his channel! 😊 And I 💯 second him doing Cat's in the Cradle! It's been on my list of songs for him to do, and I've recommended it quite a few times! I so hope he gets to it!! 🙏

[@bkm2797]

Jim Croce "Operator", my absolute favorite of Jim's. So devastating he died just when his career was taking off. R.I.P. Jim Croce, you are loved❤️

[@aura81295]

@@chelseahaley8350 Agreed. Cat's in the Cradle hits so hard as a parent, especially a working parent trying to prioritize time and energy stretched thin.

[@jeanetteburt3335]

Oh definitely please listen to Harry Chapin's "Cat's in the Cradle"

[@analisesantos1571]

There are a national treasure!!! All of their songs are poetry immersed in magical music!!

[@danacasey8543]

This is one of my favorite songs from their huge catalog.

[@kevinehle6637]

This is definitely a haunting song from my childhood. ❤

[@Muckylittleme]

"I have squandered my resistance For a pocketful of mumbles Such are promises"

[@1125Mig]

The guitar is so simple, yet incredibly beautiful. Love this song top to bottom. One of my all time favorite. Never get tired of listening to it

[@beoz658]

One of the best lyricist ever!

[@VickiHartley]

Simon is a genius. Try his later stuff- Graceland, Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes

[@bobashley7533]

Kodachrome as well

[@isaacracster1644]

Another classic to check out from them Bridge Over Trouble Water

[@janetottomeyer9444]

Sound of Silence - just unbelievably beautiful.

[@ihearttubing]

Just so beautiful.

[@rubroken]

I'm amazed that you hadn't reacted to this already. Might be my favorite Simon and Garfunkel song

[@marshallharper3005]

You got it bro. It's a metaphor for struggle and hardship. Now listen to their track America. Another beautiful story.

[@edwardcrews2952]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written and performed. Thank you sir

[@GraniteOwlBear]

Now you've done it! The library is deep for the music of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel (both together and solo). I would recommend the deeply nostalgic song "America" as well as "Mrs. Robinson", and "The Sounds of Silence". And then you got about 4 decades of solo music for Paul Simon. I would point to "Graceland", "You Can Call Me Al", "Still Crazy After All These Years", and "Late in the Evening" as a place to start on the solo music.

[@craigaulenback4862]

You can't speak of Paul's solo songs without Me and Julio Down by the School yard and Kodachrome.

[@150mcl150]

I really recommend you listen to Simon and Garfunkel’s song “America”. It’s fantastic!

[@DeniseWilcox-kp1dl]

“Bridge Over Troubled Waters” has always been my favorite ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@victorfettig4291]

Paul Simon is probably the greatest songwriter of all time

[@chelseahaley8350]

Love Simon and Garfunkel! They have so many amazing songs! Homeward bound, Cecilia, Sound of silence, Bridge over troubled water, Mrs Robinson, & Scarborough fair are a few of thier more popular songs! Paul Simon also has an amazing solo career as well! One of my favorites is You can call me Al! It features Chevy Chase in the video!

[@angelark2011]

I totally agree, bridge over troubled water & sound of Silence are my two favorites.

[@janetottomeyer9444]

Every single song by them is beautiful and unforgettable.

[@annoynmousk]

Paul Simon writes All the songs and does the music, Genius.

[@irishgrl]

Paul Simon is the greatest wordsmith I’ve ever heard. Better lyrically than Bob Dylan imo. Nobody can touch Sounds of Silence.

[@kmach1000]

Love almost every song of S&G but this one is my favorite, along with America. This crescendo, that also happens in Bridge of troubled waters is simply phenomenal!❤

[@mollieking7432]

This song is amazing to listen to with headphones, especially at the end, where you hear layer after layer after layer added one ear at a time, building in volume and emotion.

[@dragonfire1842]

Love this song. The musicality is top notch.

[@Memorylanemodelcars2]

The Boxer is actually My Favorite Simon & Garfunkle Song

[@eh1702]

OldFriends/ Bookends…

[@gl15col]

Simon and Garfunkel are their own genre. They did what they wanted, and didn't care what it was called, just that it was true and beautiful. If you want a real slap in the face, listen to their song "Save the life of my child". Hard to listen to, hard to process. But worth it.

[@hectorsmommy1717]

They were at the forefront of what became known as the singer-songwriter genre. Musicians writing and singing deeply personal songs. Cat Stevens, James Taylor, Carly Simon, John Denver, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, etc. The songs didn't fit a specific genre but had traces of folk, pop, rock, and country.

[@zxdek]

Simon & Garfunkel my favorite love them

[@mariaeisenhardt2296]

One of my favorite songs. Always brings tears to my eye.

[@enfranks09]

I am big into lyrics/lyricism, and S&G are straight dope when it comes to verbiage and making poetry with music involved. Great pick! Definitely captures the raw human experience, and critiques the class divide.

[@RussellCardwell]

The lyrics are metaphorical. The song is a brutal takedown of the songwriting industry. One of the clues to that is verse talking about thte whores on 7th Ave. There were no prostitutes working that area. What was there were the offices of record comppany executives, including Columbia Records, the label Simon and Garfunkel were signed to. Simon also wrote songs for sale sometimes in his earlier years, and the main song factories in New York were only a few blocks away (including the Brill Building, where Simon had occasionally worked). The low honking sound you keep hearing is a bass harmonica. And the huge hit, like a punch in the head of a boxer, was legendary drummer Hal Blaine in the hallway of Columbia Records, with the elevator stuck on an upper floor, the doors open, and a microphone suspended at the bottom of the elevator shaft. Boom.

[@ejtappan1802]

Of all the many wonderful songs they did, this is my favorite. It just hits hard to the gut. The layers and layers and layers of instruments building up the tension and the poignancy... ((sigh)). Gorgeous piece of music.

[@Brenda70707]

Bridge Over Troubled Water and Sound of Silence are two more of their songs you should listen to. Everything by Simon and Garfunkel is worth listening to.

[@ticktock2383]

So fortunate to be part of the boomer generation who created the best music.

[@threekidzmom04]

I get so teary listen to reactions to our music! I feel so blessed to have grown up then.

[@inspiredfunkmark]

Such great storytelling - and those harmonies are amazing!

[@deemecklin4864]

I love Simon and Garfunkle. I had every album and still know all the words to all their songs.

[@sandraduplechin7191]

Lyrics and melodies are so layered and hypnotic. Wonderful! Still relevant.

[@Ontheroxxwithsalt]

Paul Simon has SO MANY great songs! But I have a soft spot for "Kodachrome". LOVE IT! It's a solo from him. And Art Garfunkel has a GORGEOUS song from a solo project that is one of the most sadly melodic songs I think I've ever heard called "All I Know".

[@bobbyd8503]

Paul Simon sang in "USA For Africa" video, he was in the beginning and you didn't know who he was. A lot of their work together and solo revolves around social issues and they were quite active in supporting causes.

[@robperry5293]

Paul is a real musical talent and Art has a one in a billion voice.

[@faithnyou1732]

"The Boxer" is a metaphor for, as you said, a person going through the struggles of the human experience in life. One of my favorite S&G songs, released in 1970, but just so meaningful and timeless. Thanks for another great reaction. ✌💙✌

[@KiltedHammer]

The name Garfunkel has its roots in German, specifically from the Middle High German word gar meaning precious stone or garnet, and funkel meaning brilliant.

[@terri2494]

What a great name meaning for Art! And as I was writing this I realized his first name is also fitting for him. It’s like his name was prophetic.

[@JaneLouise-ns7mv]

Garfunkel is of Romanian-Jewish descent. Whatever his descent, he has such a beautiful and memorable voice. Many musicians and actors change their names when entering the public eye, but I love how he kept his name!

[@decolonizeEverywhere]

It's a German Yiddish name. Romania is not even the correct side of the continent. Judaism is a religion that is practiced by people of different descents all over the world and has nothing to do with where you're from or what language you speak. Ask the Chinese and Venezuelan jews. Gar means Stone and Funkel means beautiful.

[@proudmoon3]

Jewish is also an ethnicity, not just a religious description. (Obviously there is a lot of overlap between the two, but they're not the same thing.)

[@marshmello3455]

​@decolonizeEverywhere his paternal grandparents emigrated from Romania. I'm not sure why you instantly dismissed his Romanian roots when you could just Google this publicly available information.

[@decolonizeEverywhere]

@@marshmello3455 my grandparents immigrated from Czechoslovakia but my name is French . See how that works? Art Garfunkel's name is not Romanian regardless of where his family immigrated from, it's German Yiddish

[@marshmello3455]

@@decolonizeEverywhere So, the question was, "What is Garfunkel's ethnicity?" And the real answer is, "He's Romanian-Jewish," regardless of his name. His name could be Zaphod Beeblebrox, it wouldn't make him ethnically Betelgeusian. My last name is Swedish, but I am in no sense a Swede. See how that works?

[@sherry640]

Absolute classic! Highlights S & G’s incomparable beautiful harmonies.

[@phyllisdaum1213]

No matter how many times you get knocked down, you just keep getting up. You want to give up, but you are still fighting to still be there.

[@720kla]

I used to sit with my mom and listen to these albums. This brings back so many wonderful memories. Thank you.

[@margaretervin8895]

It is up to you what it means, Paul Simon is an amazing songwriter still going today. Deep hole there enjoy