Thank you for this poignant reflection. I sit here on the hospice floor of our local hospital, beside my father, 88 and in his 8th year of dementia, as his breathing slowly becomes shallower. If ever there was a Boxer, it is my father.
Upon reflection, the scars from his early scraps were his life’s pushups, making him stronger and more capable of rising far above what any thought possible.
Thank you for this timely inspiration on a very meaningful evening here in Philadelphia.
Robin, Only after experiencing the deeply impactful power of your words did I notice your Substack. Rarely, if ever, have I encountered a more healing touch. I’m so very grateful you posted.
Dan, I have sat in that chair 3 times in the last 10 years... father, mother, and wife. You will find out, if you don’t already know, that you too are a Boxer.
My heart goes out to you. As my dads caregiver I know how tough this is. I lost him in jan '22. Covid. He was 87. He'd fought Alzheimer's since age of 80. Yes they do teach us some valuable lessons during this shadow time. Their will to live is incredibly strong,despite such obstacles their mind throws up. 💜
I was 14, headed towards 15, when this song released. By the time I was 18, I had a draft card and my parents were relieved that Vietnam was winding down. A year later I was in the service and once again they worried. Not so much at first as I was stationed near the town my mom grew up in, and still had brothers there. But, I was sent to Germany, and they worried again about a war with Russia, then Iran. They later worried when I was sent to Grenada, Gulf 1, Panama, and finally Bosnia, then Kuwait. I came home physically intact. But still, they had worried about their eldest boy.
They're gone now, and so are my siblings. And I persevere with help from friends and the VA. Thank you for this song, and both renditions. Like the boxer, all of us must weather our storms, and hopefully, that fighter still remains.
Especially now. There are many, many of us who truly care about this country and its people, and it's ever stumbling towards the "more perfect union" promised by those who founded it, flawed as they were. And, should the need arise, we will once again rise to fight those who would fundamentally change it to more suit their backwards, and fundamentally un-American desires and aspirations.
One of my favorite songs. I used the phrase "still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest" when teaching college classes in sociology and social psychology.
Aug 7, 2023·edited Aug 7, 2023Liked by Elliot Kirschner, Dan Rather
I was fortunate enough to attend the Gershwin Prize concert at the incomparable Warner Theater. This was one of so many memorable and moving performances that night. And Paul Simon was definitely an appropriate inaugural recipient of the Prize.
Thank you for sharing, Mr. Rather. I really needed to hear this particular article right now. Never stop writing, encouraging, and reporting the news. You’re a bright light in a sea of darkness.
If you get to Heaven before I do (which--let's face it--is more probable than not), tell Peter Jennings and Walter Cronkite I miss their reporting. Peter Jennings, especially. Also tell the Gipper that America still misses his tremendous leadership, patriotism, and genuine love of “his fellow Americans”. I am grateful to the Reagan Library to see the historic footage of his time in office on YouTube. What a Presidency.
Journalists are heroes. It may well be argued that Clark Kent did more good for the world as an honest reporter than he ever did moonlighting occasionally as a super hero. God bless you, Mr. Rather. America is in your debt when you report the news and bring encouragement.
The song has only one drumbeat, and played during the 'lie-la-lie' refrain. The session drummer Hal Blaine created the heavily reverberated drum sound with the help of producer Roy Halee, who found a spot for the drums in front of an elevator in the Columbia offices. The recording of the drum was recorded as the song was being played live by the musicians. Blaine would pound the drums at the end of the "Lie la lie" vocals that were playing in his headphones, and at one point, an elderly security guard got a big surprise when he came out of the elevator and was startled by Blaine's thunderous drums.
Hal Blaine recounted the recording process, "There we were with all these mic cables, my drums, and a set of headphones," says Blaine. "When the chorus came around—the 'lie-la-lie' bit—Roy had me come down on my snare drum as hard as I could. In that hallway, by the elevator shaft, it sounded like a cannon shot! Which was just the kind of sound we were after."
Thank you for this beautiful article. When I discovered your email, I had just hung up the phone with a kind friend with whom I was sharing about the deep fatigue I feel today that I think might be some of the fallout from recent intense wrangling with our health care system.
It's been four years of fighting off financial ruin from insurance incompetence, relentless advocating for myself, sometimes mean staff, and trying to preserve my health, given that my heart condition is exacerbated by stress.
It just dawned on me that I had even said to my friend, "I've taken so many punches these past 4 years...does everything have to be like we're in a boxing match?"
And then I discovered your email. :)
Your calm, wise, steady presence through Steady and the wonderful harmonies of the singers were just what I needed to feel some comfort.
What you and Dan share with us all here at Steady is so very important, meaningful, and much appreciated. And a synchronicity to top it off! Made my day. :)
If I leave this site and look for OECD rankings for health care I won’t get back to my “spot”. I know USA despite its ( unequally shared) wealth is very low. 🇨🇦better but still nowhere good enough.
Trying to stay anywhere near healthy in these environments is indeed a great struggle. Angels out to you.
My husband, a Vietnam Vet with Parkinson's recently died, and this wonderful song reminded me of his 15*year struggle to overcome. He lost valiantly, and I am so proud of him.
My very best to you , Anita. I too, am a Vietnam veteran wife whose husband has boxed through many bouts. We are boxers also, if you think about it, because we have lived their history.
Thank you! What a beautiful tribute. I grew up with Simon & Garfunkel and remember this song well. I feel that we lived in the most fantastic and historic music times of all! Thanks for sharing Allison Krause’s version as well. I’ll be looking for it. You stand way above the rest, Mr. Rather!
Over many years beginning when S&G first brought this song out I have heard almost every cover. But I have to say that the original with the orchestral/guitar accompanient remains the most meaningful to me. The buildup at the end without words cements the story. Even Paul's many solo renditions do not make the original grade. The original captures the pain and and hopelessness of the words that precede it. Thanks for reminding me of a dear friend.
Interesting piece of personal trivia as we sat here going through photos of Allison's brother, Viktor, and our son at one year old. Cuter than all get out. With Allison doing another smashup. Brilliant coincidences.
Dan, thank you for this. The Boxer means so much to me, for exactly the reasons you described. I’ve been through times of sheer hell during my life. But the only option is to get up and keep fighting. Hearing this song always brings tears, but it also inspires me and keeps me going.
Though I was only about five when this came out, my parents played this album so often that it became a quintessential part of my childhood. (My husband and I chose to walk down the aisle together to Bridge Over Troubled Water.) Thank you for sharing. I sang along in my mind as I read the lyrics.
Indeed, Dan, you do have the "indelible spirit of fighting on in the face of everything thrown against you." And I'm old enough to remember well how your "indelible spriit of fighting on" is a gift to us all who delight in your STEADY writings. Thank you, Dan, for sharing with us your "indelible spirit of fighting on" with that perpetual smile! Thank you.
Dan,
Thank you for this poignant reflection. I sit here on the hospice floor of our local hospital, beside my father, 88 and in his 8th year of dementia, as his breathing slowly becomes shallower. If ever there was a Boxer, it is my father.
Upon reflection, the scars from his early scraps were his life’s pushups, making him stronger and more capable of rising far above what any thought possible.
Thank you for this timely inspiration on a very meaningful evening here in Philadelphia.
Jeff
Thank you for sharing this experience. Thinking of you and your father.
Thank you for the chance to hear that song again! It still remains beautiful!!!
Jeff, I wish your father and you both a peaceful journey as you go on your separate paths.
Robin, Only after experiencing the deeply impactful power of your words did I notice your Substack. Rarely, if ever, have I encountered a more healing touch. I’m so very grateful you posted.
Thank you Barbara.
What a beautiful response to Jeff.
Dan, I have sat in that chair 3 times in the last 10 years... father, mother, and wife. You will find out, if you don’t already know, that you too are a Boxer.
Now doing the same as my Mom of 93 years is preparing for what is to come. She is a fighter but is getting ready to lay down her gloves.
Hopefully you will be by her side when that time comes. It is a profound experience.
Wishing you peace and comfort. This path is not an easy one but your father is the boxer I. Your life and will live on forever. Blessings to you both.
Sending love to you! Thankyou for sharing the beautiful and inspirational character of your father. 💜
May you and your father receive every blessing in the sacred space you are in together. Thank you for sharing this.
Sending kind thoughts your way, Dan.
My heart goes out to you. As my dads caregiver I know how tough this is. I lost him in jan '22. Covid. He was 87. He'd fought Alzheimer's since age of 80. Yes they do teach us some valuable lessons during this shadow time. Their will to live is incredibly strong,despite such obstacles their mind throws up. 💜
Wishing you peace and strength on this journey.
Jeff and family,
I pray you Peace…
Jeff, walking with you and your father in spirit as I'm off to see my 96 yr old father, who is also declining. Blessed to have them for this long.
Sacred time....
Your note is very nice. Impressed with the obvious love you have for your father. My Pop has been gone more than 20 years - miss his every day.
Jeff, you and your father are in my thoughts and prayers.
I was 14, headed towards 15, when this song released. By the time I was 18, I had a draft card and my parents were relieved that Vietnam was winding down. A year later I was in the service and once again they worried. Not so much at first as I was stationed near the town my mom grew up in, and still had brothers there. But, I was sent to Germany, and they worried again about a war with Russia, then Iran. They later worried when I was sent to Grenada, Gulf 1, Panama, and finally Bosnia, then Kuwait. I came home physically intact. But still, they had worried about their eldest boy.
They're gone now, and so are my siblings. And I persevere with help from friends and the VA. Thank you for this song, and both renditions. Like the boxer, all of us must weather our storms, and hopefully, that fighter still remains.
Especially now. There are many, many of us who truly care about this country and its people, and it's ever stumbling towards the "more perfect union" promised by those who founded it, flawed as they were. And, should the need arise, we will once again rise to fight those who would fundamentally change it to more suit their backwards, and fundamentally un-American desires and aspirations.
Right there with you, buddy.
Paul performed that song on Saturday Night Live’s opening after the 9/11 attack which said so much about the resilience of New Yorkers
One of my favorite songs. I used the phrase "still a man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest" when teaching college classes in sociology and social psychology.
I was fortunate enough to attend the Gershwin Prize concert at the incomparable Warner Theater. This was one of so many memorable and moving performances that night. And Paul Simon was definitely an appropriate inaugural recipient of the Prize.
Thank you for sharing, Mr. Rather. I really needed to hear this particular article right now. Never stop writing, encouraging, and reporting the news. You’re a bright light in a sea of darkness.
If you get to Heaven before I do (which--let's face it--is more probable than not), tell Peter Jennings and Walter Cronkite I miss their reporting. Peter Jennings, especially. Also tell the Gipper that America still misses his tremendous leadership, patriotism, and genuine love of “his fellow Americans”. I am grateful to the Reagan Library to see the historic footage of his time in office on YouTube. What a Presidency.
Journalists are heroes. It may well be argued that Clark Kent did more good for the world as an honest reporter than he ever did moonlighting occasionally as a super hero. God bless you, Mr. Rather. America is in your debt when you report the news and bring encouragement.
Thank you.❤
Thank you, a wonderful way to end a tough week. May the next week bring hope and a strengthening of our country through the rule of law.
I’ve always enjoyed this piece of trivia —
The song has only one drumbeat, and played during the 'lie-la-lie' refrain. The session drummer Hal Blaine created the heavily reverberated drum sound with the help of producer Roy Halee, who found a spot for the drums in front of an elevator in the Columbia offices. The recording of the drum was recorded as the song was being played live by the musicians. Blaine would pound the drums at the end of the "Lie la lie" vocals that were playing in his headphones, and at one point, an elderly security guard got a big surprise when he came out of the elevator and was startled by Blaine's thunderous drums.
Hal Blaine recounted the recording process, "There we were with all these mic cables, my drums, and a set of headphones," says Blaine. "When the chorus came around—the 'lie-la-lie' bit—Roy had me come down on my snare drum as hard as I could. In that hallway, by the elevator shaft, it sounded like a cannon shot! Which was just the kind of sound we were after."
Interesting, indeed! Thanks for posting! Best to you.
Dear Dan,
Thank you for this beautiful article. When I discovered your email, I had just hung up the phone with a kind friend with whom I was sharing about the deep fatigue I feel today that I think might be some of the fallout from recent intense wrangling with our health care system.
It's been four years of fighting off financial ruin from insurance incompetence, relentless advocating for myself, sometimes mean staff, and trying to preserve my health, given that my heart condition is exacerbated by stress.
It just dawned on me that I had even said to my friend, "I've taken so many punches these past 4 years...does everything have to be like we're in a boxing match?"
And then I discovered your email. :)
Your calm, wise, steady presence through Steady and the wonderful harmonies of the singers were just what I needed to feel some comfort.
Many thanks,
Grace
Thank you Nella for sharing these thoughts here.
Dear Elliot,
What you and Dan share with us all here at Steady is so very important, meaningful, and much appreciated. And a synchronicity to top it off! Made my day. :)
If I leave this site and look for OECD rankings for health care I won’t get back to my “spot”. I know USA despite its ( unequally shared) wealth is very low. 🇨🇦better but still nowhere good enough.
Trying to stay anywhere near healthy in these environments is indeed a great struggle. Angels out to you.
My husband, a Vietnam Vet with Parkinson's recently died, and this wonderful song reminded me of his 15*year struggle to overcome. He lost valiantly, and I am so proud of him.
My very best to you , Anita. I too, am a Vietnam veteran wife whose husband has boxed through many bouts. We are boxers also, if you think about it, because we have lived their history.
Hugs❣
I ALWAYS LOVED THAT SONG BUT NEVER KNEW THE SORY BEHIND IT..THANKS SO MUCH. AS USUAL, YOU ARE AN EXCELLENT TEACHER
Thank you! What a beautiful tribute. I grew up with Simon & Garfunkel and remember this song well. I feel that we lived in the most fantastic and historic music times of all! Thanks for sharing Allison Krause’s version as well. I’ll be looking for it. You stand way above the rest, Mr. Rather!
I agree totally, some of the best yrs of my life I remember with songs & music for the ages.
Over many years beginning when S&G first brought this song out I have heard almost every cover. But I have to say that the original with the orchestral/guitar accompanient remains the most meaningful to me. The buildup at the end without words cements the story. Even Paul's many solo renditions do not make the original grade. The original captures the pain and and hopelessness of the words that precede it. Thanks for reminding me of a dear friend.
Interesting piece of personal trivia as we sat here going through photos of Allison's brother, Viktor, and our son at one year old. Cuter than all get out. With Allison doing another smashup. Brilliant coincidences.
Same.
Dan, thank you for this. The Boxer means so much to me, for exactly the reasons you described. I’ve been through times of sheer hell during my life. But the only option is to get up and keep fighting. Hearing this song always brings tears, but it also inspires me and keeps me going.
Though I was only about five when this came out, my parents played this album so often that it became a quintessential part of my childhood. (My husband and I chose to walk down the aisle together to Bridge Over Troubled Water.) Thank you for sharing. I sang along in my mind as I read the lyrics.
Leña, my husband and I also used Bridge over Troubled Water in our wedding, as a meditative break.
Indeed, Dan, you do have the "indelible spirit of fighting on in the face of everything thrown against you." And I'm old enough to remember well how your "indelible spriit of fighting on" is a gift to us all who delight in your STEADY writings. Thank you, Dan, for sharing with us your "indelible spirit of fighting on" with that perpetual smile! Thank you.