Main content

The Boxer - Simon & Garfunkel

How Simon & Garfunkel’s 1969 song The Boxer continues to create a deep personal connection with listeners. From 2019.

People who connect directly with the lyrics and have a deep personal connection to Simon & Garfunkel's masterpiece 'The Boxer' discuss what it means to them.

Seamus McDonagh is a former boxer. He describes the tumultuous time he had during and after his famous fight with Evander Holyfield in 1990. He also explains why he identifies closely with the song's lyrics.

Julie Nimoy is the daughter of Leonard Nimoy and co-producer of the film 'Remembering Leonard Nimoy' which tells the life story of this much loved actor, most famous for playing Mr Spock in Star Trek. The Boxer was his favourite song, and Julie describes exactly what it meant to him both throughout his life, and in its closing moments.

Gary Edward Jones is a singer-songwriter who for years rejected comparisons made of him to Paul Simon. Eventually, he embraced the likeness and his life changed after developing a show called 'Something About Simon - The Paul Simon Story'.

Dave Mason is an amateur guitarist who has found deep meaning in The Boxer; meaning that has changed and grown as he has.

Series about pieces of music with a powerful emotional impact.

Producer: Karen Gregor

First broadcast on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 in December 2019.

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Fri 3 Feb 2023 20:30

Former Boxer, Seamus McDonagh

Former Boxer, Seamus McDonagh

Recording with Gary Edward Jones

Recording with Gary Edward Jones

Gary Edward Jones: Something About Simon. (Photo credit Anthony Robling)

Gary Edward Jones: Something About Simon. (Photo credit Anthony Robling)

Dave Mason

Dave Mason

Broadcasts

  • Wed 11 Dec 2019 09:00
  • Wed 11 Dec 2019 21:30
  • Fri 3 Feb 2023 20:30

Why Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' became a Civil Rights anthem

Why Sam Cooke's 'A Change Is Gonna Come' became a Civil Rights anthem

Watch the animation - Professor Mary King describes how the song became a symbol of hope.

Podcast