About the song
Simon & Garfunkel’s “Mrs. Robinson”
Ah, “Mrs. Robinson”… who hasn’t hummed along to this iconic tune at some point in their lives? Released in 1968, this song transcended its initial purpose as part of the soundtrack for the film “The Graduate” to become an anthem for a generation grappling with societal change and the search for meaning in a world that seemed to be shifting beneath their feet.
Simon & Garfunkel, the folk-rock duo comprised of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, were masters of capturing the zeitgeist of the 1960s. Their music, characterized by Simon’s introspective lyrics and Garfunkel’s soaring vocals, resonated with a generation yearning for authenticity and connection. In “Mrs. Robinson,” they crafted a melancholic yet hopeful melody that perfectly encapsulates the film’s themes of disillusionment, longing, and the pursuit of something more.
The song’s lyrics are laden with symbolism and allusions, inviting listeners to delve deeper into their meaning. Mrs. Robinson herself becomes an enigmatic figure, representing both the allure and the limitations of the older generation’s values. Lines like “Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio? Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you” evoke a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era, while also hinting at the disillusionment with contemporary heroes.
Musically, “Mrs. Robinson” is a masterpiece of simplicity and complexity. The song’s gentle acoustic guitar picking provides a soothing backdrop for Simon’s plaintive vocals, while the addition of subtle percussion and bass adds depth and texture. The soaring harmonies in the chorus, a hallmark of Simon & Garfunkel’s sound, create a sense of yearning and transcendence.
But what truly elevates “Mrs. Robinson” to the status of a classic is its ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level. Whether you’re a baby boomer who lived through the era or a younger listener discovering the song for the first time, there’s something universally relatable about its themes of searching for meaning, navigating complex relationships, and finding your place in a changing world.
So, let’s take a closer look at this timeless piece of music and explore the layers of meaning woven into its lyrics, melody, and harmonies. Join me as we revisit “Mrs. Robinson” and discover why it continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, decades after its release.
Video
Lyrics
And here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson
Jesus loves you more than you will know
Whoa, whoa, whoa
God bless you, please, Mrs. Robinson
Heaven holds a place for those who pray
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey
We’d like to know a little bit about you for our files
We’d like to help you learn to help yourself
Look around you, all you see are sympathetic eyes
Stroll around the grounds until you feel at home
And here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson
Jesus loves you more than you will know
Whoa, whoa, whoa
God bless you, please, Mrs. Robinson
Heaven holds a place for those who pray
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey
Hide it in a hiding place where no one ever goes
Put it in your pantry with your cupcakes
It’s a little secret, just the Robinson’s affair
Most of all, you’ve got to hide it from the kids
Coo, coo, ca-choo, Mrs. Robinson
Jesus loves you more than you will know
Whoa, whoa, whoa
God bless you, please, Mrs. Robinson
Heaven holds a place for those who pray
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey
Sitting on a sofa on a Sunday afternoon
Going to the candidates debate
Laugh about it, shout about it
When you’ve got to choose
Every way you look at this, you lose
Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?
Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you
Woo, woo, woo
What’s that you say, Mrs. Robinson?
Joltin’ Joe has left and gone away
Hey, hey, hey
Hey, hey, hey