IntermediatefolkKey: C104 BPM4/4

How to Practice The Boxer

Simon & Garfunkel's 'The Boxer' is one of the most-played folk songs of the 1960s. The fingerpicked accompaniment, the narrative lyric, and the iconic 'lie-la-lie' chorus have made it a cornerstone of singer-songwriter and folk-duo repertoire.

Song Details

Key
C
Tempo
104 BPM
Time
4/4
Style
boom-chuck

Structure

VerseC | C | Am | G | Am | G | F | C
ChorusAm | G | Am | G | F | C | G | C

What to Focus On

Fingerpicked accompaniment. Smooth chord changes. Singing the narrative lyric with restraint. The 'lie-la-lie' singalong chorus.

Practice Tips

  1. 1

    The fingerpicking is the song. Master it slowly before tackling the chord changes.

  2. 2

    The lyric is a story. Tell it.

  3. 3

    The 'lie-la-lie' chorus is meant to be sung in groups. Lead with confidence.

Why This Song

It's one of the great Simon & Garfunkel narrative songs — and a folk-duo milestone.

Practice The Boxer Daily

Repertoire uses spaced repetition to keep your songs sharp. Add this song to your collection and the system schedules your practice automatically.

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