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Quiz about Anatomy of a Song The Boxer
Quiz about Anatomy of a Song The Boxer

Anatomy of a Song: "The Boxer" Quiz


Just how much do you know about Simon and Garfunkel's classic "The Boxer"? Pit yourself against 10 questions about the song and/or associated facts. Song #2 in the 'Anatomy' series.

A multiple-choice quiz by FussBudget. Estimated time: 3 mins.
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Author
FussBudget
Time
3 mins
Type
Multiple Choice
Quiz #
202,204
Updated
Dec 03 21
# Qns
10
Difficulty
Easy
Avg Score
8 / 10
Plays
5807
Awards
Top 5% quiz!
Last 3 plays: BigTriviaDawg (9/10), Guest 208 (8/10), SueLane (10/10).
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Question 1 of 10
1. In the first line of the song, we begin to hear the story of what type of boy? Hint


Question 2 of 10
2. In the very next line, for what does the singer "squander (his) resistance"? Hint


Question 3 of 10
3. Later in the first verse, what does "a man hear"?

"Still a man hears _______"
Hint


Question 4 of 10
4. In the song's second verse, the singer is "in the company of strangers". At what location? Hint


Question 5 of 10
5. In the third verse, it is revealed why the singer is there. It turns out he is looking for something. What is he looking for? Hint


Question 6 of 10
6. Where do the whores hang out in the song? Hint


Question 7 of 10
7. How are the people who live in the "poorer quarters" described? Hint


Question 8 of 10
8. In the second to last verse, the singer laments that he wishes he was going home. What city is he in when he sings this?

Answer: (Two Words)
Question 9 of 10
9. In the last verse of the song, what is it that the boxer "carries"? Hint


Question 10 of 10
10. Finally, on which album did "The Boxer" first appear? Hint



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Most Recent Scores
Mar 24 2024 : BigTriviaDawg: 9/10
Mar 22 2024 : Guest 208: 8/10
Mar 20 2024 : SueLane: 10/10
Mar 15 2024 : Guest 90: 10/10
Mar 14 2024 : BlueBlaze722: 10/10
Mar 10 2024 : Guest 68: 10/10
Mar 08 2024 : Eleanor18: 2/10
Feb 26 2024 : FrappMaster: 9/10
Feb 21 2024 : Guest 204: 6/10

Score Distribution

quiz
Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. In the first line of the song, we begin to hear the story of what type of boy?

Answer: Poor boy

The opening line sets the scene:

"I am just a poor boy though my story's seldom told".
2. In the very next line, for what does the singer "squander (his) resistance"?

Answer: A pocketful of mumbles

We start getting into some serious imagery:

"I have squandered my resistance for a pocketful of mumbles, such are promises".
3. Later in the first verse, what does "a man hear"? "Still a man hears _______"

Answer: What he wants to hear

The lines in question say:

"Still a man hears what he wants to hear
And disregards the rest".
4. In the song's second verse, the singer is "in the company of strangers". At what location?

Answer: Railway Station

It always intrigued me that Simon and Garfunkel used the English/Australian term "Railway" rather than their own native "Railroad":

"When I left my home and my family I was no more than a boy
In the company of strangers
In the quiet of a railway station, runnin' scared"
5. In the third verse, it is revealed why the singer is there. It turns out he is looking for something. What is he looking for?

Answer: A job

"Asking only workman's wages I come lookin' for a job
But I get no offers..."
6. Where do the whores hang out in the song?

Answer: 7th Avenue

"...But I get no offers
Just a come-on from the whores on Seventh Avenue".
7. How are the people who live in the "poorer quarters" described?

Answer: Ragged

"Laying low, seeking out the poorer quarters
Where the ragged people go".
8. In the second to last verse, the singer laments that he wishes he was going home. What city is he in when he sings this?

Answer: New York

Obviously, the singer is not too fussed about the cold:

"Then I'm laying out my winter clothes and wishing I was gone
Going home, where the New York City winters aren't bleedin' me
Leadin' me, to goin' home".
9. In the last verse of the song, what is it that the boxer "carries"?

Answer: The reminders of every glove that laid him down

"In the clearing stands a boxer and a fighter by his trade
And he carries the reminders of every glove that laid him down
Or cut him 'til he cried out in his anger and his shame
I am leaving, I am leaving
But the fighter still remains"
10. Finally, on which album did "The Boxer" first appear?

Answer: Bridge Over Troubled Water

Explaining the origins of the song, the book "Simon And Garfunkel. Old Friends. A Dual Biography" quotes Paul Simon as saying "I think I was reading the Bible around that time. That's where I think phrases like "workman's wages"' came from and "seeking out the poorer quarters". That was biblical. I think the song was about me - everybody's beating me up, and I'm telling you now I'm going to go away if you don't stop".
Source: Author FussBudget

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor agony before going online.
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Related Quizzes
This quiz is part of series Anatomy of a Song - Part 2:

This is part 2 of a collection of all of my "Anatomy of a Song" quizzes. They were the originals, much imitated since. I guess I should take that as a compliment!

  1. Anatomy of a Song: "Maggie May" Easier
  2. Anatomy of a Song: "Daniel" Easier
  3. Anatomy of a Song: "Sultans of Swing" Average
  4. Anatomy of a Song: "The Boxer" Easier
  5. Anatomy of a Song: "Piano Man" Easier

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