G
Em
D
C
D7
Bm
The Boxer
Simon And Garfunkel
Original Song Context
"The Boxer" is a folk classic by Simon & Garfunkel, known for its gentle, story-driven lyrics and memorable "lie la lie" chorus. The original version features fingerpicking and rich harmonies, but it also adapts well to simple strumming for beginners.
Chord Progression and Fingering Tips
The song uses common open chords: G, Em, D, C, D7, and Bm. If Bm is difficult, you can substitute it with a simpler Bm7 (x20202) or play only the top part of the barre chord.
Strumming Pattern
For beginners, use a steady down-down-up-up-down-up strumming pattern. Play softly for verses and a little fuller for the chorus to match the song’s dynamics.
Chord Transitions
Practice moving smoothly between G, Em, and C, as these are frequent. D7 appears but only for a beat; prepare your fingers in advance while holding C. For the chorus, focus on quick changes between Em and D.
Techniques and Additional Tips
During instrumental sections and outros, keep the strums light. In the "lie la lie" chorus, you can mute some strums with your palm for a rhythmic, percussive feel. Try humming the melody while playing to internalize timing.
Summary
Stick with open chords, even strumming, and focus on smooth transitions. With practice, you’ll capture the spirit of the original song and enjoy its singalong quality.
Intro
G G G G
Verse 1I am just a poor boy though my story's seldomEm told I haveD squandered my resistance,
For aC pocket full ofD7 mumble such areG promises.
All lies andEm jest, still aD man hears what heC wants to hear and disregards theG rest. Mmmm-D mmmm, mmmm-G mmmm.
Verse 2When I left my home and my family I was no more than aEm boy in theD company of strangers,
In theC quiet of aD7 railway stationG running scared.
LayingEm low seekingD out the poorerC quarters where the ragged peopleG go,
LookingD for the placesC onlyEm theyD wouldG know.
ChorusLie laEm lie. Lie laD lie lie la lie lie. La lieEm lie.
La lieC lie lie lieD lie, lie lie lie lie lieG lie.
Verse 3Asking only workman's wages I come looking for aEm job but I get noD offers.
Just aC come-on from theD7 whores on 7thG Avenue.
I do deEm clare there wereD times when I wasC so lonesome I took some comfortG there.
Ooh lahD lah lah lah lah lahD .D D G
InstrumentalG Bm G D Em D D G G G G Em D C C G D C G
ChorusLie laEm lie. Lie laD lie lie la lie lie. La lieEm lie.
La lieC lie lie lieD lie, lie lie lie lie lieG lie.
Verse 4Then I'm laying out my winter clothes and wishing I wasEm gone goingD home.
Where theC New York city wintersD7 aren'tG bleeding me. LeadingBm me-Em ee, goingD home.D G
Verse 5In the clearing stands a boxer and a fighter by hisEm trade and heD carries a reminderance,
OfD7 ev'ry glove that laid him down orG cut him til he cried out, in his anger and hisEm shame,
I amD leaving I amC leaving but the fighter still reG mains mmm-D mmm.C G G C G
OutroLie laEm lie. Lie laD lie lie la lie lie. La lieEm lie.
La lieC lie lie lieD lie, lie lie lie lie lieEm lie.
Lie laD lie lie la lie lie. La lieEm lie.
La lieC lie lie lieD lie, lie lie lie lie lieEm lie.
Lie laD lie lie la lie lie. La lieEm lie.
La lieC lie lie lieD lie, lie lie lie lie lieEm lie.
Lie laD lie lie la lie lie. La lieEm lie.
La lieC lie lie lieD lie, lie lie lie lie lieEm lie.
Lie laD lie lie la lie lie. La lieEm lie.
La lieC lie lie lieD lie, lie lie lie lie lieEm lie.
Lie laD lie lie la lie lie. La lieEm lie.
La lieC lie lie lieD lie, lie lie lie lie lieEm lie.
Lie laD lie lie la lie lie. La lieEm lie.
La lieC lie lie lieD lie, lie lie lie lie lieEm lie.
Lie laD lie lie la lie lie. La lieEm lie.
La lieC lie lie lieD lie, lie lie lie lie lieG lie.
CodaG D Em D D D G G
G D Em D C C G D G D C G G D G