The Meaning Behind The Song: Mrs. Robinson by Simon & Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel are two of the most influential artists in the music industry, known for their legendary hits that speak to the core experiences of humanity. One of their most famous songs is “Mrs. Robinson,” a classic that has become a timeless masterpiece in the history of folk rock music.
Table of Contents
This song is more than just a catchy tune with a beautiful melody, but a heartfelt tribute to a fascinating personality and an ode to the changes that were sweeping America at the time.
The Context of the Song: The Graduates’ Influence
The song was originally written in 1967, as a tribute to actress Anne Bancroft’s character, Mrs. Robinson, in the movie “The Graduate.” This movie was immensely popular and dealt with many of the societal changes happening at the time, including the sexual revolution.
When Simon & Garfunkel wrote “Mrs. Robinson,” they were capturing the essence of Bancroft’s character, a woman who is struggling with the fear of aging and the realization that her life has not turned out the way she hoped it would. Her affair with the film’s protagonist, Benjamin Braddock (played by Dustin Hoffman), reflected the moral complexity and spiritual restlessness that were sweeping the nation at the time.
The Relationship Between the Music and the Lyrics
One of the things that sets “Mrs. Robinson” apart from other songs of this era is the intricate relationship between the music and the lyrics. The song features a distinctive melody that is unmistakably Simon & Garfunkel, with harmonies that have been described as “ethereal.”
However, the lyrics are just as complex and nuanced as the melody. In fact, each verse has a distinct tone and message, which creates a multi-layered and thought-provoking song.
The opening verse, “And here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson, Jesus loves you more than you will know,” is both ironic and pointed. The line “Jesus loves you” is often used to manipulate people in the religious world, although it is clear that the song is not religiously driven. Instead, it hints at the spiritual confusion and emptiness that were common among baby boomers at the time.
The second verse, “Sitting on a sofa on a Sunday afternoon, going to the candidate’s debate, laugh about it, shout about it, when you’ve got to choose, every way you look at it, you lose,” reflects the confusion and despair that characterized much of the political world at the time. The reference to a Sunday afternoon subtly hints at the hypocrisy of politics and organized religion, where people often put on airs themselves as without sin.
The third and final verse is a eulogy to “Joe DiMaggio,” who was a legendary baseball player and an icon in American pop culture. The verse is a sad elegy to the fading dreams of America, and DiMaggio’s passing, which serves as a metaphor for the changes that were sweeping the nation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Mrs. Robinson” is more than just a song with a catchy melody, as it expresses the deep-seated fears, confusion, and despair that were present in America in the 1960s. It was written during a time of immense cultural change and uncertainty, where traditional values were challenged, and people were looking for answers and a new way of life.
Simon & Garfunkel’s songwriting genius is evident in the way they could capture the spirit of the age perfectly. When you listen to “Mrs. Robinson” today, it still resonates, not just because the melody is beautiful or because the lyrics are clever, but because it speaks to something fundamental about the human experience.
When we listen to this song, we are reminded that the struggles and questions that we face today are not new. We are part of a larger historical narrative that has been unfolding for centuries, and whose essence is captured by great works of art like “Mrs. Robinson.”
