The Boxer

Paul Simon

C Am

I am just a poor boy though my story’s seldom told

When I left my home and my family I was no more than a boy

Asking only workman’s wages I come looking for a job

Then I’m laying out my winter clothes and wishing I was gone

In the clearing stands a boxer and a fighter by his trade

G

I have squandered my resistance

In the company of strangers

But I get no offers

Going home

And he carries a reminder

G7 C

For a pocket full of mumbles, such are promises

In the quiet of a railway station running scared

Just a come on from the whores on seventh avenue

Where the New York city winters aren’t bleeding me

Of every glove that laid him out or cut him ‘til he cried out

Am                                G                      F

All lies and jest, still a man hears what he wants to hear

Laying low, seeking out the poorer quarters

I do declare, there were times when I was so lonesome

Leading me, going home. (next verse)

In his anger and his shame, I am leaving I am leaving

C

And disregards the rest

Where the ragged people go

I took some comfort there

But the fighter still remains

C       G       C

Do – do do do do do do do do

Looking for the places only they would know

Lie Lie Lie Lie Lie Lie Lie Lie Lie Lie

Do – do do do do do do do do