About the song
Simon & Garfunkel’s iconic ballad, “Mrs. Robinson,” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone that has resonated with generations. Released in 1968, the track became an anthem for the counterculture movement of the late 1960s, capturing the spirit of youthful rebellion and the anxieties of a changing world.
The song’s genesis is tied to the 1967 film The Graduate. While only fragments of the song were used in the film, the full version quickly gained popularity as a standalone single. With its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, “Mrs. Robinson” offered a poignant commentary on the disillusionment and restlessness of the young generation.
At its core, “Mrs. Robinson” is a song about lost innocence and the complexities of adult life. The titular character, a seductive older woman, symbolizes the allure of forbidden fruit and the temptations that can lead astray. The lyrics, penned by Paul Simon, paint a vivid picture of a young man caught between the desire for freedom and the weight of societal expectations.
One of the song’s most memorable lines is the reference to baseball legend Joe DiMaggio. This allusion serves as a metaphor for the fading glory of the American Dream and the disillusionment that many young people felt in the late 1960s. The song suggests that even iconic figures like DiMaggio are not immune to the passage of time and the inevitable decline of youth.
“Mrs. Robinson” has endured as a timeless classic, transcending its original cultural context. It has been covered by countless artists, from Frank Sinatra to Bon Jovi, and continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture the universal themes of youth, rebellion, and the search for meaning in life.
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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