Richard Cory (song)

Infobox Song
Name = Richard Cory
Type = Song
Artist = Simon and Garfunkel


Background = Orange
Released = January 17, 1966
Recorded = March 1964 and
December 1965
Genre = Folk-rock
Length = 2:57
Label = Columbia Records
Producer = Bob Johnston |

"Richard Cory" is the seventh track from the American folk-rock duo Simon and Garfunkel’s second studio album, "Sounds of Silence". The song was based on the poem of the same title written by Edwin Arlington Robinson.

Plot

The song tells the tale of a Richard Cory from the perspective of one of the men that works in his factory. The factory worker is envious of the advantages and enjoyments available to Cory, believing him (Cory) to be a satisfied man. The last verse of the song ends similarly to the Robinson poem: "Richard Cory went home last night and put a bullet through his head." The chorus repeats again after this verse, reinforcing the irony of the factory worker's admiration.

Lyrics

They say that richard cory owns one half of this whole town,
With political connections to spread his wealth around.
Born into society, a bankers only child,
He had everything a man could want: power, grace, and style.

But I work in his factory
And I curse the life I'm living
And I curse my poverty
And I wish that I could be,
Oh, I wish that I could be,
Oh, I wish that I could be
Richard Cory.

The papers print his picture almost everywhere he goes:
Richard Cory at the opera, Richard Cory at a show.
And the rumor of his parties and the orgies on his yacht!
Oh, he surely must be happy with everything he's got.

But I, I work in his factory
And I curse the life I'm living
And I curse my poverty
And I wish that I could be,
Oh, I wish that I could be,
Oh, I wish that I could be
Richard Cory.

He freely gave to charity, he had the common touch,
and they were grateful for his patronage and thanked him very much.
So my mind was filled with wonder when the evening headlines read:
Richard Cory went home last night and put a bullet through his head.

But I, I work in his factory
And I curse the life I'm living
And I curse my poverty
And I wish that I could be,
Oh, I wish that I could be,
Oh, I wish that I could be
Richard Cory.

Personnel

* Paul Simon: joint lead vocal, guitar
* Art Garfunkel: joint lead vocal
* Glen Campbell: guitar
* Hal Blaine: drums

Covers

The song was covered by Wings during their 1975-1976 Wings Over The World tour (available on the 1976 album Wings Over America). Denny Laine sang lead.

The song has also been covered by Van Morrison, Them, The Back Porch Majority, and Yami Bolo.