Die Folk-Rock-Ballade "The Boxer" des US-amerikanischen Duos Simon & Garfunkel wurde 1968 von Paul Simon geschrieben.
1969 als Single veröffentlicht, erreichte sie Platz 7 der US-amerikanischen und Platz 19 der deutschen Charts.
Im Folgejahr erschien sie auf "Bridge over Troubled Water", dem letzten gemeinsamen Studioalbum der beiden Musiker.
Lyrics
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. All lies and jest. 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.
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.
In the clearing stands a boxer. And a fighter by his trade. And he carries the reminders. Of ev'ry glove that laid him down. And cut him till he cried out. In his anger and his shame. "I am leaving, I am leaving.". But the fighter still remains.
