Mrs. Robinson by Simon & Garfunkel (Doug Sings)

In April 1970, Paul Simon was asked by Dick Cavett about the meaning of the lyrics to “Mrs. Robinson.” His answer — clearly unrehearsed, and ending with a very wry look — makes for a genuinely funny moment. Simon explained that it was pleasurable to write in a stream-of-consciousness style, because what’s in your mind often turns out to be relevant, even if it doesn’t seem so at the time. He said he wrote the line “Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio…” without really knowing why, then later asked himself what it meant. His answer? “Well, it means something…it will mean…something.” Fun fact: although “Mrs. Robinson” was featured in the 1967 film The Graduate, the full recording we know and love arrived in 1968 on Simon & Garfunkel’s masterpiece Bookends. Guitar player note: that famous opening riff sits over a primary rhythm guitar part, with the bass line doing its own important work underneath. I’ve folded some of that bass movement into the rhythm guitar, so this is very much a one-guitar translation of a layered recording. Website: douglasmitchell.ca TikTok: @dougsingsacoustic IG: @douglasmitchell_