The Boxer is probably my favorite Simon & Garfunkel song. I have always been a fighter, but I just went the distance, won, then handed over the title. I want to share my humble fighting spirit with you now. My favorite lyrics are just below; however, I no longer wish to run but face my enemies. According to interviews,* Paul Simon said that at times he felt like running away from criticsm. I get that. But he still writes (and sings), and I still write (and fight).

*http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=2751

"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..."

In this youtube video, the duo talk a little with Letterman before they sing. I found it comforting that they described how being closer together rather than farther apart helped them to work out their differences. The song is even longer than usual because they added alternate (previously omitted in recordings) lyrics about how people are more alike than different. I hope this will be my experience.




Lyrics (by Paul Simon) to The Boxer

http://www.lyricsfreak.com/s/simon+and+garfunkel/the+boxer_20124664.html

I am just a poor boy and my storys seldom told
Ive squandered my resistance for a pocketful of mumbles, such are promises
All lies and jest, still the man hears what he wants to hear
And disregards the rest, hmmmm

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, runnin scared
Laying low, seeking out the poorer quarters, where the ragged people go
Looking for the places only they would know

Li la li...

Asking only workmans wages, I come lookin for a job, but I get no offers
Just a comeon from the whores on 7th avenue
I do declare, there were times when I was so lonesome
I took some comfort there

Now the years are rolling by me, they are rockin even me
I am older than I once was, and younger than Ill be, thats not unusual
No it isnt strange, after changes upon changes, we are more or less the same
After changes we are more or less the same

Li la li...

And Im laying out my winter clothes, wishing I was gone, goin home
Where the new york city winters arent bleedin me, leadin me to go 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
til he cried out in his anger and his shame
I am leaving, I am leaving, but the fighter still remains
Yes he still remains

Li la li...

Additional lyrics**

Now the years are rolling by me
They are rocking evenly
And I am older than I once was
And younger than I'll be, but that's not unusual.
No, it isn't strange
After changes upon changes
We are more or less the same
After changes we are more or less the same

**http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boxer