Simon & Garfunkel’s Timeless Classic: The Story Behind ‘Mrs. Robinson’

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“Mrs. Robinson” is a well-known song by the American folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. It was released in 1968 and featured on the soundtrack of the film “The Graduate,” starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft. Here are some details about the song:

1. Songwriters: “Mrs. Robinson” was written by Paul Simon, one half of the duo Simon & Garfunkel. The song was originally titled “Mrs. Roosevelt” but was later changed to fit the character in the film.

2. Genre: The song is primarily classified as folk rock and pop rock, reflecting the signature sound of Simon & Garfunkel.

3. Chart Performance: “Mrs. Robinson” was a commercial success, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States in 1968. It also won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1969.

4. Musical Style: The song features acoustic guitar-driven folk rock instrumentation, harmonious vocals by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, and a catchy melody.

5. Lyrics: The lyrics of “Mrs. Robinson” are enigmatic and include references to several cultural and literary figures, including Joe DiMaggio and the book “The Graduate” by Charles Webb, which inspired the film. The song addresses themes of disillusionment, alienation, and a search for meaning in a changing world.

6. Impact and Legacy: “Mrs. Robinson” played a significant role in popularizing Simon & Garfunkel’s music and helped propel them to international fame. It is often regarded as one of the defining songs of the 1960s and a symbol of the counterculture era.

7. Film Connection: The song was prominently featured in the film “The Graduate” and became closely associated with the movie. The track was originally written for the film and was later included on the album “Bookends.”

8. Awards: In addition to the Grammy Award for Record of the Year, “Mrs. Robinson” received critical acclaim and has been covered by various artists over the years.

“Mrs. Robinson” remains an iconic song in the American folk rock canon and is celebrated for its evocative lyrics, memorable melody, and the harmonious vocal delivery of Simon & Garfunkel. It continues to be a favorite among fans of the duo and is frequently heard on classic rock and oldies radio stations.

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Lyrics

And here’s to you, Mrs. Robinson
Jesus loves you more than you will know, wo wo wo
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, wo wo wo
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 Robinsons’ 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, wo wo wo
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 it you lose

Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?
A nation turns its lonely eyes to you, wo wo wo
What’s that you say, Mrs. Robinson
‘Joltin Joe’ has left and gone away, hey hey hey
Hey hey hey