Well, I am often cited as being a pessimist; perhaps rightly so...but I interpret this song differently than most.
First, the genre of folk rock music leads me to think that the song is NOT one of hope (or overcoming the despair, loneliness, fear conveyed within the first few verses).
I think it's interesting that the narrator (telling his seldom-told story), prefaces his story by stating that "still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest..." To me, I believe Paul was being ironic, referring to listeners who thought that the "fighter still remains" was a victory or triumph for the boxer. I believe that while the boxer (metaphor) may not leave the ring ("fighter still remains")...that does not signify victory in any sense. I equate it to similar ideas in other P. Simon tunes; like American Tune, or like in America. Songs about unfulfilled dreams (IMO).
Again, some interpret these songs as perservering/overcoming; I read them as the protagonist simply giving in, or worse yet--feeling powerless to overcome unfulfilled hopes/dreams. Giving in, accepting that the dream was just a dream. Songs about acquiescing...
If it isn't obvious, my interpretation of this song is sad, while at the same time, comforting. The boxer is not just Paul; it's basically anyone (everyone?). We're all battle weary.... And while we may keep on keeping on, that doesn't mean we're victorious (morally or otherwise).
@UWDawgfather I like you am a pessimist and don't read lyrics for their facade meaning. I have often pondered the "come on from the whores of 7th Avenue" line. If I remember correctly, wasn't or isn't a major record label on 7th Avenue in Manhattan? Musicians are pretty much treated like whores by the pimps (i.e. Record companies who make the lion's share of recording revenues).
@UWDawgfather I like you am a pessimist and don't read lyrics for their facade meaning. I have often pondered the "come on from the whores of 7th Avenue" line. If I remember correctly, wasn't or isn't a major record label on 7th Avenue in Manhattan? Musicians are pretty much treated like whores by the pimps (i.e. Record companies who make the lion's share of recording revenues).
@UWDawgfather agree, it is a sad coming of age song, one of despair for a young man. One of the greatest ever, truly underrated, not sure why it isn't recognised more widely for what it is.
@UWDawgfather agree, it is a sad coming of age song, one of despair for a young man. One of the greatest ever, truly underrated, not sure why it isn't recognised more widely for what it is.
@UWDawgfather Actually, I was just at a website today that claimed the song may actually be about Bob Dylan, who was an amateur boxer for a bit, and many of the lyrics sort of fit his life, too. Whether it is true or not is beyond me...just food for thought.
@UWDawgfather Actually, I was just at a website today that claimed the song may actually be about Bob Dylan, who was an amateur boxer for a bit, and many of the lyrics sort of fit his life, too. Whether it is true or not is beyond me...just food for thought.
Well, I am often cited as being a pessimist; perhaps rightly so...but I interpret this song differently than most.
First, the genre of folk rock music leads me to think that the song is NOT one of hope (or overcoming the despair, loneliness, fear conveyed within the first few verses).
I think it's interesting that the narrator (telling his seldom-told story), prefaces his story by stating that "still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest..." To me, I believe Paul was being ironic, referring to listeners who thought that the "fighter still remains" was a victory or triumph for the boxer. I believe that while the boxer (metaphor) may not leave the ring ("fighter still remains")...that does not signify victory in any sense. I equate it to similar ideas in other P. Simon tunes; like American Tune, or like in America. Songs about unfulfilled dreams (IMO).
Again, some interpret these songs as perservering/overcoming; I read them as the protagonist simply giving in, or worse yet--feeling powerless to overcome unfulfilled hopes/dreams. Giving in, accepting that the dream was just a dream. Songs about acquiescing... If it isn't obvious, my interpretation of this song is sad, while at the same time, comforting. The boxer is not just Paul; it's basically anyone (everyone?). We're all battle weary.... And while we may keep on keeping on, that doesn't mean we're victorious (morally or otherwise).
@UWDawgfather I like you am a pessimist and don't read lyrics for their facade meaning. I have often pondered the "come on from the whores of 7th Avenue" line. If I remember correctly, wasn't or isn't a major record label on 7th Avenue in Manhattan? Musicians are pretty much treated like whores by the pimps (i.e. Record companies who make the lion's share of recording revenues).
@UWDawgfather I like you am a pessimist and don't read lyrics for their facade meaning. I have often pondered the "come on from the whores of 7th Avenue" line. If I remember correctly, wasn't or isn't a major record label on 7th Avenue in Manhattan? Musicians are pretty much treated like whores by the pimps (i.e. Record companies who make the lion's share of recording revenues).
@UWDawgfather agree, it is a sad coming of age song, one of despair for a young man. One of the greatest ever, truly underrated, not sure why it isn't recognised more widely for what it is.
@UWDawgfather agree, it is a sad coming of age song, one of despair for a young man. One of the greatest ever, truly underrated, not sure why it isn't recognised more widely for what it is.
@UWDawgfather Actually, I was just at a website today that claimed the song may actually be about Bob Dylan, who was an amateur boxer for a bit, and many of the lyrics sort of fit his life, too. Whether it is true or not is beyond me...just food for thought.
@UWDawgfather Actually, I was just at a website today that claimed the song may actually be about Bob Dylan, who was an amateur boxer for a bit, and many of the lyrics sort of fit his life, too. Whether it is true or not is beyond me...just food for thought.