About the song
**”Mrs. Robinson”** stands as one of the most iconic songs by the American folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. Featured on their fourth studio album, *Bookends* (1968), this song was initially crafted before the duo’s involvement in the 1967 film *The Graduate*. Although only fragments of the song were included in the film, the complete version was released as a single on April 5, 1968, quickly becoming a landmark in popular music history.
The song’s origins are rooted in a collaboration between Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, with Simon and his bandmate Art Garfunkel offering it to director Mike Nichols after he rejected two other submissions. Nichols was immediately taken with the song, which was originally referred to as “Mrs. Roosevelt” before being renamed to fit the character in the film. This decision ultimately led to a unique and memorable track that resonated deeply with audiences.
“Mrs. Robinson” achieved remarkable commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Adult Contemporary chart. It also made notable appearances in the top ten across the UK, Ireland, Spain, and several other countries. The song was celebrated as the first rock song to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1969, underscoring its impact and significance in the rock genre.
The song’s memorable lyrics include a nod to baseball legend Joe DiMaggio, a detail that has sparked extensive discussion over the years. Paul Simon explained that the choice of DiMaggio was driven by the song’s rhythmic structure rather than a personal preference for the athlete. The reference serves as a tribute to DiMaggio’s understated heroism, reflecting the song’s broader themes of nostalgia and admiration.
The recording of “Mrs. Robinson” was completed on February 2, 1968, at Columbia Studio A in New York City. Its promotion was marked by a distinctive bass drum mix to cater to AM radio’s limitations, which contributed to its broad appeal. Critics praised the song for its catchy rhythm and innovative use of lyrical content, with Cash Box describing it as a “booming-beat satire” and Billboard highlighting its “infectious rhythm ballad” qualities.
The song has been covered by various artists, including Frank Sinatra, who adapted the lyrics for his 1969 album *My Way*, and alternative rock band the Lemonheads, whose 1992 version reached the top 20 in several countries. Additionally, “Mrs. Robinson” has made its mark in popular culture, appearing in Quentin Tarantino’s *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood* and receiving renewed attention in the context of political scandals and media coverage.
Overall, “Mrs. Robinson” remains a quintessential piece of Simon & Garfunkel’s legacy, exemplifying their unique sound and lyrical depth. Its enduring popularity and influence continue to affirm its status as a classic in the annals of American music.
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