The Boxer
View chords used in this chart
C Am
I am just a poor boy, though my story's seldom told
G
I have squandered my resistance
G7. G6 C
For a pocketful of mumbles such are promises
Am G F
All lies and jest still a man hears what he wants to hear
C G C
And disregards the rest
Am
When I left my home and family I was no more than a boy
G
In the company of strangers
G7 G6 C
In the quiet of a railway station running scared
Am G F
Laying low seeking out the poorer quarters where the ragged people go
G C
Looking for the places only they would know
Am
Lie-la-lie
Em
Lie-la-lie la lie-la-lie
Am
Lie la lie
G F C
Lie-la-lie la la la la lie la la la la lie
Am
Asking only workmans wages I come looking for a job
G
But I get no offers
G7 G6 C
Just a come-on from the whores on seventh avenue
Am G F C
I do declare there were times when I was so lonesome I took some comfort there
G C
Ooo-la-la la la la la
Am
Lie-la-lie
Em
Lie-la-lie la lie-la-lie
Am
Lie la lie
G F C
Lie-la-lie la la la la lie la la la la lie
C
Then I'm laying out my winter clothes
Am
And wishing I was gone
G G7 G6 C Em
Going home where the New York City winters aren't bleeding me
Am
Leading me
G C
Going Home
C Am
In the clearing stands a boxer and a fighter by his trade
G
And he carries the reminders
G7 G6 C
Of ev'ry glove that laid him down or cut him 'till he cried out
Am
In his anger and his shame
G F C
"I am Leaving, I am Leaving." But the Fighter still remains
G G7 G6 C
Am
Lie-la-lie
Em
Lie-la-lie la lie-la-lie
Am
Lie la lie
G F Am
Lie-la-lie la la la la lie la la la la lie
Repeat end on C
How to play The Boxer
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is C. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.