Paul Simon is very protective of the songs that he writes. Especially when he isn’t performing or recording them. It is an unusual situation to say that one of Paul Simon’s songs has become the anthem for an extramarital affair. And especially one within the setting of the film with which it is inextricably linked.
It is almost like it has become an anthem for the older woman pursuing the affections of a much younger man. Furthermore, some women are called “Mrs. Robinson” in a derogatory way if they do. So, it is worth considering this song everybody knows and find the meaning behind “Mrs. Robinson“ by Simon & Garfunkel.
The Background
The director of the film, The Graduate had already started work on it. He thought that the music of Simon and Garfunkel would make a great fit. Although he managed to get an agreement from Columbia to make a deal with them, Simon wasn’t impressed.
Simon felt like it was a “sell-out” to allow his music to be included and help the success of a film. Nevertheless, he agreed to at least see what transpired.
Rather than using existing material…
Simon agreed to write three new songs for consideration in the film. The first two were “Punky’s Dilemma“ and “Overs“. Lyrically, “Overs” seems to me a perfect fit for the film. A relationship gone bad between two people, Mrs. Robinson, and her husband, to the point where they hardly even talk. Not really what you would call a “commercial song,” though.
Both were rejected as not suitable. However, both were included in one of the greatest Simon and Garfunkel albums, Bookends. When asked if they had anything else, Simon dragged out the unfinished “Mrs. Robinson,” at the time called “Mrs. Roosevelt.” The rest is history, as they say.
The Film Plot
In some respects, Simon was right about the song aiding the success of the film. On the other hand, the film brought the song to a wider audience which was a great benefit. There is no doubt that the 60s music sound fit the film very well, and there were other Simon songs included. But, it was a good film anyway, even if the subject matter at the time in 1967 was not always viewed positively.
The film is about a wealthy student returning from college who hasn’t a clue what he wants to do with his life. He is totally in the control of his parents and their best friends who live next door. It is the wife of his neighbor who seduces the young student, despite his best efforts to keep out of her way.
He finally succumbs, and a rather tawdry affair starts, only for him to realize he has feelings for her daughter, Elaine. The triangle of affections then runs through the film. Mrs. Robinson, the neighbor played by Anne Bancroft, tries to make sure her daughter doesn’t go off with Ben Braddock, played by Dustin Hoffman.
Different Versions
They recorded different versions of “Mrs. Robinson” for the film, the single, and the album track included on Bookends. The film used two rather shorter versions.
The Song
It’s an acoustic guitar-driven song that includes some trademark sounds. It has what we expected from the duo at the time. Bright, jangly acoustic guitars that also take on the lead guitar parts and some great harmonies. But there are some interesting inclusions in the song that are worth just paying a little attention to.
Coo-coo-ca-choo
After the third verse, they start the chorus that follows with a change of lyric singing, “Coo-coo-ca-choo Mrs. Robinson.” This was a nod to John Lennon and his song, “I Am The Walrus“.
Joe DiMaggio
Paul Simon is known to be a baseball fan. But isn’t it slightly out of context to mention DiMaggio in a song like this? As a lover of the New York Yankees, you might have thought he would have used one of his own heroes, Mickey Mantle, possibly instead of Joe. But it is all about syllables and beats. DiMaggio fit, but Mantle didn’t.
So, why mention it at all? This is a classic representation of the genius of Paul Simon as a lyricist and songwriter. He was acutely aware of how some people are elevated as heroes for doing very little. How celebrity status had become ugly, even in the 60s.
This was how Simon got his point across. DiMaggio was well-loved and respected. He was a very successful sportsman but also a humble one. Simon was able to use some poetic license and imagery that people could understand to get the message across.
“Where Have You Gone”
Simon asks Joe in the lyric. Joe hadn’t gone anywhere, but all that he stood for had. This had nothing to do with Joe, the man, the baseball player. It was all about the perception of Joe. A sporting hero to some, honest and humble. That image was dying out in the face of a brash new presence. The “old ways” were going, as Bob Dylan wrote, but not all for the good.
Some Wanted The ‘Real’ Thing
Not everyone fell for this new breed of hero. The likes of Di Maggio were not as interesting. Some longed for the days that had gone. Real heroes, as Joe had been to many, were not as highly thought of now.
A nation “turns its lonely eyes,” but Joe and his kind had gone. The dignity and the grace with which he and they carried themselves were a thing of the past.
Maybe Paul Simon thinks that the likes of Joe DiMaggio would make better leaders than the ones we are offered on the altar of their self-interest. He wouldn’t be wrong, would he?
Confused Images
The song contains a few rather confusing images. If you were expecting it to be closely associated with the film, you would be wrong. The lyrics paint a different picture.
That might be why it was overlooked at those back-slapping award ceremonies. The rules for the film category state that the song must be written specifically for the film. Clearly, this wasn’t. And that may explain the trouble people have when coming up with the meaning behind “Mrs. Robinson” by Simon & Garfunkel.
Paranoia
There is a certain feeling of paranoia about the lyrics of “Mrs. Robinson.” Mind you, it was the 60s when people were beginning to get wise to the spying techniques governments used on their own people. But, in this song, it almost feels like someone is being taken into rehab or another institution offering help.
The Song Begins
It starts with some lyricless singing, ‘do, do, do, etc.’ That phrasing was originally used to allow the song to be demonstrated. They hadn’t thought of the lyrics for that section yet, but it was kept in. It then continues into a chorus rather than a verse.
We find whoever is welcoming Mrs. Robinson wants to know more about her “for our files.” Is that a little sinister? We move on, and they are now saying that they want her to “learn to help yourself.” They are telling her to relax and take a look around her because there are people with “sympathetic eyes.”
Is that referring to those who will treat her or people already residents who are going through the same thing and understand her plight? She is then told to take a walk and enjoy the grounds of whatever the place is until she “feels at home’. A slightly confusing addition is the reference to Jesus loving you “more than you will know’.
I can’t see how that is relevant…
Unless it is just some kind of blanket reassurance given to her, and others, that all will eventually be well. That line got the song banned from some radio stations at the time.
Perhaps the song is meant as some kind of post-ending to the film related to the ‘poor’ Mrs. Robinson we see. A “what happened next” epilogue if you like.
Single Success
The single, when it was released in 1968, was a Top 10 song in various countries. It reached #1 in America and #4 in the UK. Of course, it is almost certain it helped to keep The Graduate soundtrack album at the top of the American album chart for a few extra weeks.
The Bad Girl
Mrs. Robinson is perceived as the “bad girl” in the story. Indeed, she doesn’t cover herself with glory. But it is interesting to look a bit deeper into her psyche.
She is approaching middle age and is in a loveless marriage that only transpired because she was pregnant with Elaine. Mrs. Robinson feels neglected and unfulfilled. As well as having lost out on her future after studying art.
She chose to accept the life of a mother and got herself into a marriage that offered her security and some wealth. But now, she regrets it all. And, while she can’t turn the clock back, she can at least have a “last fling.”
A Certain Sympathy?
At the time, it was all too easy to be critical and go along with the ‘bad girl’ story. This was the 60s. Things were changing, but in some circles, promiscuity was still very much frowned upon. And that is what the song “Mrs. Robinson” is about.
Her character is complex, as is the way she thinks about her past and the future. Nowadays, we might view it differently and find a certain sympathy for her. The song, of course, carries no insight into the situation she faces or the actions she undertakes in the film.
I wonder when Paul Simon was writing it, whether he had a clear understanding of what the film was about. Or, perhaps, he just got the briefest of an outline after the song had been accepted.
Want To Learn The Meaning Behind Other Songs?
Well, check out our thoughts on The Meaning Behind “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, The Meaning Behind “Summer of ‘69” by Bryan Adams, The Meaning Behind “When Doves Cry” by Prince, The Meaning Behind “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond, and The Meaning Behind “Lola” by The Kinks for more interesting song analysis.
The Meaning Behind “Mrs. Robinson” by Simon & Garfunkel – Final Thoughts
A mystery answers the question. We can look at the meaning behind “Mrs. Robinson” and see nothing of that meaning in the film. They appear to be too different things.
But, what we have is a song that seems to indicate hope for anyone in a situation where they are facing big personal problems. Perhaps, in that scenario, learning to “help yourself” is the most important thing. And the song certainly gets that meaning across.
Until next time, happy listening.
