“Mrs. Robinson” is a song by the American folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. It was released in 1968 and served as the theme song for the film “The Graduate.” The song was written by Paul Simon and is one of Simon & Garfunkel’s most well-known and enduring hits.
“Mrs. Robinson” is a character-driven song that references the complex and enigmatic Mrs. Robinson, who is depicted as a seductive and troubled figure. The lyrics touch on themes of disillusionment, alienation, and the search for meaning in a changing society. The song’s ambiguous lyrics and vivid imagery allow for various interpretations.
The song’s arrangement features Simon’s distinctive fingerpicking guitar style and the duo’s trademark close vocal harmonies. It incorporates elements of folk, rock, and pop, creating a melodic and memorable sound. The chorus of “Mrs. Robinson” is particularly catchy and has become an iconic part of the song.
“Mrs. Robinson” achieved great success upon its release. It topped the charts in the United States, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The song also won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1969.
The inclusion of “Mrs. Robinson” in “The Graduate” and its prominent use throughout the film further solidified its popularity. The song became synonymous with the movie and its themes of youthful rebellion and societal unrest.
“Mrs. Robinson” remains a beloved and influential song in popular music. Its timeless appeal and Simon & Garfunkel’s masterful songwriting and performance continue to captivate audiences. The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, further cementing its status as a classic.
Simon & Garfunkel had a number of other popular songs throughout their career.
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” (1970): This iconic ballad is arguably Simon & Garfunkel’s most well-known song. It features Paul Simon’s heartfelt lyrics and the duo’s harmonies, accompanied by a soaring orchestral arrangement. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” became a chart-topping hit and won the Grammy Award for Song of the Year.
“The Sound of Silence” (1964): Originally released in an acoustic version, “The Sound of Silence” was later re-recorded with electric instrumentation, becoming a breakthrough hit for Simon & Garfunkel. The hauntingly poetic lyrics and the duo’s harmonies resonated with listeners, making it a classic of folk rock.
“Scarborough Fair/Canticle” (1966): This medley combines the traditional English folk song “Scarborough Fair” with an original composition, “Canticle.” The song showcases Simon & Garfunkel’s intricate harmonies and acoustic guitar work. It became a popular radio hit and is highly regarded for its timeless beauty.
“Homeward Bound” (1966): “Homeward Bound” is a reflective song that captures the feelings of longing and homesickness. It features Simon’s introspective lyrics and the duo’s signature harmonies. The song resonated with audiences and remains a beloved Simon & Garfunkel classic.
“I Am a Rock” (1966): “I Am a Rock” is a introspective and melancholic song that explores themes of isolation and emotional detachment. It showcases Simon’s introspective songwriting and the duo’s harmonies. The song became a hit and has been covered by various artists.
“America” (1968): “America” is a narrative-driven song that tells the story of a young couple’s cross-country journey. It features Simon’s vivid storytelling lyrics and the duo’s harmonies. The song captures a sense of wanderlust and the search for meaning.
These are just a few examples of Simon & Garfunkel’s popular songs. Their discography includes other notable tracks such as “Cecilia,” “El Condor Pasa (If I Could),” “Bookends,” and “The Boxer.” Simon & Garfunkel’s music continues to be cherished for its poetic and introspective lyrics, beautiful harmonies, and timeless melodies.
Simon & Garfunkel primarily wrote and composed their own songs. The duo consisted of singer-songwriters Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, who were known for their collaborative songwriting process and their ability to create intricate vocal harmonies.
Paul Simon was the primary songwriter for the duo, responsible for writing the majority of their songs. His poetic and introspective lyrics, combined with his melodic sensibilities, became a defining characteristic of the duo’s music. Simon drew inspiration from personal experiences, social issues, and his observations of the world around him.
Art Garfunkel, although primarily known as the duo’s vocalist, also contributed to the songwriting process. He occasionally co-wrote songs with Simon, including “For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her” and “Voices of Old People” from the album “Bookends.”
While Simon & Garfunkel did write most of their songs themselves, they also recorded a few cover songs throughout their career. One notable example is their rendition of “Scarborough Fair/Canticle,” which combines a traditional English folk song with a new composition by Paul Simon.
Overall, Simon & Garfunkel’s songwriting partnership played a crucial role in shaping their unique sound and capturing the spirit of the era. Their introspective lyrics, coupled with their intricate harmonies, contributed to their enduring popularity and influence in the realm of folk rock and popular music.
