Discussion:
Meaning(s) behind "Mrs. Robinson"
(too old to reply)
dave
2004-08-04 17:45:19 UTC
Permalink
I'm an avid deconstructor of pop lyrics.

I enjoy finding suggestions of meaning even in seemingly senseless lyrics.
I know enough about the subconscious mind and the creative process to
believe that NO artistic gesture can be meaningless-- things do not come
ex nihilo, they always come from SOMETHING.

Which brings me to my current object of scrutiny, "Mrs. Robinson" by Simon
& Garfunkel.

Of course, the quick 'n' easy answer is that the lyric is about Anne
Bancroft preying upon Dustin Hoffman-- end of story.

But I'm talking about the lyrics themselves, not the film in which they
were sung... And the lyrics do not, to my mind, imply *anything* at
all about an adulterous, May-December romance.

Simon obviously had something else in mind. Anyone care to re-read the
lyrics and postulate a fresh interpretation?



Best, DAVE

--
david lincoln brooks,
designer/tutor
fabsox grafix & web, inc.
boerne, tx usa 78006-2332
j***@jolomo.net
2004-08-04 20:49:35 UTC
Permalink
Post by dave
were sung... And the lyrics do not, to my mind, imply *anything* at
all about an adulterous, May-December romance.
Correct, sir. ISTR it was just a bunch of word fragments Simon had
laying about on top of an infectious guitar groove. Obviously, part
of it was supposed to be cynical political stuff

Going to the candidates' debate,
Laugh about it,
Shout about it,
When you've got to choose,
Any way you look at it you lose

Then perhaps something about joyful childhood memories, like baseball,
not being as fulfulling anymore which he blames directly on DiMaggio.

The beginning tells it all. He doesn't have anything but a character's
name so he's like a doctor with a new patient

"a little something for our files"

Then he just tacks on a bunch of random stuff
--
Joe Morris ***@gmail.com
Live music in Atlanta http://jolomo.net/atlanta/shows.html
Rose___
2004-08-05 02:55:02 UTC
Permalink
Post by dave
I'm an avid deconstructor of pop lyrics.
But I'm talking about the lyrics themselves, not the film in which they
were sung... And the lyrics do not, to my mind, imply *anything* at
all about an adulterous, May-December romance.
Simon obviously had something else in mind. Anyone care to re-read the
lyrics and postulate a fresh interpretation?
Best, DAVE
I mentioned this once before: Paul Simon has stated that at the time
The Graduate was being filmed, he was in the process of writing the
song.
He was in fact thinking of calling it Mrs. Roosevelt. He asked Mike
Nichols which title he preferred. Nichols went for Mrs. Robinson
instead.
My guess is that the political references in the song don't have much
to do with the film, except maybe to the extent that youth versus age
was considered automatically political at the time.

R
MSP
2004-08-05 15:41:33 UTC
Permalink
Dave--

I've had the same question.

I've assumed that the song is vaguly about carting Mrs. Robinson off to the
Funny Farm because of her crazy involvement with the young Dustin Hoffman.
At Chez Looney she is invited to "stroll around the grounds until you feel
at home ..."
(Now, wouldn't the story be different if Mr. Robinson (played by Bill Wyman)
was involved with his son's fiancee? No Funny Farm. Maybe they's call the
movie American Beauty just to confuse Dead fans.)

MSP
Post by dave
I'm an avid deconstructor of pop lyrics.
I enjoy finding suggestions of meaning even in seemingly senseless lyrics.
I know enough about the subconscious mind and the creative process to
believe that NO artistic gesture can be meaningless-- things do not come
ex nihilo, they always come from SOMETHING.
Which brings me to my current object of scrutiny, "Mrs. Robinson" by Simon
& Garfunkel.
Of course, the quick 'n' easy answer is that the lyric is about Anne
Bancroft preying upon Dustin Hoffman-- end of story.
But I'm talking about the lyrics themselves, not the film in which they
were sung... And the lyrics do not, to my mind, imply *anything* at
all about an adulterous, May-December romance.
Simon obviously had something else in mind. Anyone care to re-read the
lyrics and postulate a fresh interpretation?
Best, DAVE
--
david lincoln brooks,
designer/tutor
fabsox grafix & web, inc.
boerne, tx usa 78006-2332
scroob
2004-08-22 09:54:43 UTC
Permalink
Post by dave
Simon obviously had something else in mind. Anyone care to
re-read the lyrics and postulate a fresh interpretation?
"Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?" was enough to inspire the
reclusive Jumpin' Joe to confront Simon in a restaurant complete with
expletives and threats of a lawsuit.
Al Cabrone
2004-08-22 13:34:08 UTC
Permalink
Post by scroob
Post by dave
Simon obviously had something else in mind. Anyone care to
re-read the lyrics and postulate a fresh interpretation?
"Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?" was enough to inspire the
reclusive Jumpin' Joe to confront Simon in a restaurant complete with
expletives and threats of a lawsuit.
That would be "Joltin' Joe." :-) Interesting, if DiMaggio really was upset
by the lyric. He obviously didn't understand that he was being used as a
symbol for things that were good in the past. The song, generally, is about
the hypocrisy of what is now being called "the Greatest Generation" that was
being exposed and confronted in the 60s.
Mister Charlie
2004-08-22 15:55:52 UTC
Permalink
Post by Al Cabrone
Post by scroob
Post by dave
Simon obviously had something else in mind. Anyone care to
re-read the lyrics and postulate a fresh interpretation?
"Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?" was enough to inspire the
reclusive Jumpin' Joe to confront Simon in a restaurant complete with
expletives and threats of a lawsuit.
That would be "Joltin' Joe." :-) Interesting, if DiMaggio really was upset
by the lyric. He obviously didn't understand that he was being used as a
symbol for things that were good in the past. The song, generally, is about
the hypocrisy of what is now being called "the Greatest Generation" that was
being exposed and confronted in the 60s.
Joe WAS upset at first because he thought he was being used in a mocking
way, not in the iconic way Paul intended. Once Simon explained it to
him he was mollified.
dave b.
2004-08-22 16:18:07 UTC
Permalink
What about:

"Keep it in the pantry with your cupcakes.
Most of all you've got to hide it from the kids."

What must be hidden from the kids? Is it marijuana or LSD? Do
"cupcakes" have a sexual symbolism... or do they suggest hashish
brownies perhaps?

Is "goo-goo-g'joob" an allusion to the Beatles' "I Am The Walrus"?

If so, what might that mean?


Dave B.
Post by dave
Simon obviously had something else in mind. Anyone care to
re-read the lyrics and postulate a fresh interpretation?
Al Cabrone
2004-08-22 16:49:25 UTC
Permalink
Post by dave b.
"Keep it in the pantry with your cupcakes.
Most of all you've got to hide it from the kids."
What must be hidden from the kids?
Whatever it happens to be. That daddy is an alcoholic. That mom is fucking
the milk man. That mom got pregnant and that's why mom and dad got married.
That dad is embezzling from his company. Whatever it happens to be that
you're hiding.
Post by dave b.
Is it marijuana or LSD?
Don't think so, but alcohol could be right in there.
Post by dave b.
Do "cupcakes" have a sexual symbolism...
If you want them to.
Post by dave b.
or do they suggest hashish brownies perhaps?
Probably not.
Post by dave b.
Is "goo-goo-g'joob" an allusion to the Beatles' "I Am The Walrus"?
Perhaps
Post by dave b.
If so, what might that mean?
That the walrus was Paul....Simon? That Simon had heard the Beatles' song?
That Simon was paying tribute to the Beatles? That Simon thought it was a
cool sound? That it had nothing to do with the Beatles?
Brett A. Pasternack
2004-08-22 19:21:20 UTC
Permalink
Post by dave b.
Is "goo-goo-g'joob" an allusion to the Beatles' "I Am The Walrus"?
If so, what might that mean?
Isn't it "Coo-coo-ca-choo"?
GBlueOwl
2004-08-23 02:41:19 UTC
Permalink
Post by Brett A. Pasternack
Post by dave b.
Is "goo-goo-g'joob" an allusion to the Beatles' "I Am The Walrus"?
If so, what might that mean?
Isn't it "Coo-coo-ca-choo"?
I'm pretty sure it was a deliberate "shout out" to the Beatles & "Walrus". If
Simon is saying "Coo-coo-ca-choo", it's only because that's what he thought
Lennon was saying.

Brian
Lou Pecora
2004-08-22 23:06:26 UTC
Permalink
Post by dave b.
"Keep it in the pantry with your cupcakes.
Most of all you've got to hide it from the kids."
What must be hidden from the kids? Is it marijuana or LSD? Do
"cupcakes" have a sexual symbolism... or do they suggest hashish
brownies perhaps?
I remember being told it was MRs. Robinson's diaphram. Remember back
then that was a big No No. Is this the real reference? Beats me.
Post by dave b.
Is "goo-goo-g'joob" an allusion to the Beatles' "I Am The Walrus"?
Yes
Post by dave b.
If so, what might that mean?
Good question.

-- Lou Pecora (my views are my own)

They laughed at Galileo. They laughed at Newton.
But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown. -- Carl Sagan
Michael Black
2004-08-22 23:56:51 UTC
Permalink
Post by Lou Pecora
Post by dave b.
"Keep it in the pantry with your cupcakes.
Most of all you've got to hide it from the kids."
What must be hidden from the kids? Is it marijuana or LSD? Do
"cupcakes" have a sexual symbolism... or do they suggest hashish
brownies perhaps?
I remember being told it was MRs. Robinson's diaphram. Remember back
then that was a big No No. Is this the real reference? Beats me.
But did you hear it from Paul Simon, or did some guy give you his
interpretation?

It's fine to ponder, and discuss, what various lyrics mean. Indeed,
they often tell something about the person interpreting. But unless
a songwriter actually admits something specific, then it really is
all just conjecture.

We just heard that "cupcake" has certain symbolism. It's not an
erroneous interpretation, but neither is it no more or less valid
than anything else.

Michael
Post by Lou Pecora
Post by dave b.
Is "goo-goo-g'joob" an allusion to the Beatles' "I Am The Walrus"?
Yes
Post by dave b.
If so, what might that mean?
Good question.
-- Lou Pecora (my views are my own)
They laughed at Galileo. They laughed at Newton.
But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown. -- Carl Sagan
Al Cabrone
2004-08-23 00:23:13 UTC
Permalink
Post by Michael Black
But did you hear it from Paul Simon, or did some guy give you his
interpretation?
And certainly, diaphragms are stored in the pantry!
Lou Pecora
2004-08-23 14:03:04 UTC
Permalink
Post by Al Cabrone
Post by Michael Black
But did you hear it from Paul Simon, or did some guy give you his
interpretation?
And certainly, diaphragms are stored in the pantry!
Precisely because it's the last place anyone would look! Diabolical,
huh?

-- Lou Pecora (my views are my own)

They laughed at Galileo. They laughed at Newton.
But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown. -- Carl Sagan
JGM
2004-08-23 14:27:46 UTC
Permalink
Post by Lou Pecora
Post by Al Cabrone
Post by Michael Black
But did you hear it from Paul Simon, or did some guy give you his
interpretation?
And certainly, diaphragms are stored in the pantry!
Precisely because it's the last place anyone would look!
It was Garfunkel who sang from his diaphragm; Simon was more nasal.

JGM
I'm JGM, and I approved this message.
Bob Roman
2004-08-23 21:14:33 UTC
Permalink
Post by JGM
Post by Al Cabrone
And certainly, diaphragms are stored in the pantry!
It was Garfunkel who sang from his diaphragm; Simon was more nasal.
Simon seemed a bigger fan of the rhythm method.

Bob Roman
Brian Cantin
2004-08-24 04:41:14 UTC
Permalink
Post by Bob Roman
Post by JGM
Post by Al Cabrone
And certainly, diaphragms are stored in the pantry!
It was Garfunkel who sang from his diaphragm; Simon was more nasal.
Simon seemed a bigger fan of the rhythm method.
Is that why so many of his lyrics were pregnant with meaning?
Lou Pecora
2004-08-23 14:02:25 UTC
Permalink
Post by Michael Black
But did you hear it from Paul Simon, or did some guy give you his
interpretation?
Right. You need a reference. Well, it came from my college girlfriend
in the late 60's. Or was it my room-mate at that drunken kegger party?
Well, it wasn't Paul Simon. Sorry.
Post by Michael Black
It's fine to ponder, and discuss, what various lyrics mean. Indeed,
they often tell something about the person interpreting. But unless
a songwriter actually admits something specific, then it really is
all just conjecture.
Absolutely, but I thought a good one since it involve Mrs. Robinson's
on-screen behavior.
Post by Michael Black
We just heard that "cupcake" has certain symbolism. It's not an
erroneous interpretation, but neither is it no more or less valid
than anything else.
Well, yeah, 'cupcake'. There's an unmentionable. But was it creme
filled? Yeah, there ya go. That's the key.
Post by Michael Black
Michael
-- Lou Pecora (my views are my own)

They laughed at Galileo. They laughed at Newton.
But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown. -- Carl Sagan
Taliesyn
2004-08-23 03:00:08 UTC
Permalink
Post by Lou Pecora
Post by dave b.
"Keep it in the pantry with your cupcakes.
Most of all you've got to hide it from the kids."
What must be hidden from the kids? Is it marijuana or LSD? Do
"cupcakes" have a sexual symbolism... or do they suggest hashish
brownies perhaps?
I remember being told it was MRs. Robinson's diaphram. Remember back
then that was a big No No. Is this the real reference? Beats me.
Post by dave b.
Is "goo-goo-g'joob" an allusion to the Beatles' "I Am The Walrus"?
Yes
I thought it was 'coo, coo, ca-choo' in "Mrs. Robinson."

I think they mean two different things. Let me look them up
in my Dictionary of Silly Speak...

-Taliesyn
2nz
2004-08-23 06:53:56 UTC
Permalink
Subject: Re: Meaning(s) behind "Mrs. Robinson"
Date: 8/22/04 9:00 PM Mountain Daylight Time
Post by Lou Pecora
Post by dave b.
"Keep it in the pantry with your cupcakes.
Most of all you've got to hide it from the kids."
What must be hidden from the kids? Is it marijuana or LSD? Do
"cupcakes" have a sexual symbolism... or do they suggest hashish
brownies perhaps?
I remember being told it was MRs. Robinson's diaphram. Remember back
then that was a big No No. Is this the real reference? Beats me.
Post by dave b.
Is "goo-goo-g'joob" an allusion to the Beatles' "I Am The Walrus"?
Yes
I thought it was 'coo, coo, ca-choo' in "Mrs. Robinson."
I think they mean two different things. Let me look them up
in my Dictionary of Silly Speak...
"Goo goo g'joob" is what Humpty Dumpty
said in Joyce's "Finnigan's Wake" before his great fall.




What A Friend We Have In Cheeses.
dave b.
2004-08-23 13:39:01 UTC
Permalink
A pretty high-minded allusion for Dr. Winston O'Boogie, don't you think?
Who was hitting the ol' "Lucy In The Sky" pretty hard at this juncture...

This discussion is precisely the brainstorm I had hoped to foment... Of
course it's true we are all free to impose whatever meaning we like upon a
song lyric, but still it's interesting the connections and folklore that
have arisen from this seemingly inocuous lyric. To think most lyrics
sort of wash in one ear and out the other, day after day...

Where did I read that David Bowie scissors out random buzzwords from
current magazines and newspapers, tosses the scraps into the air and
weaves a lyric based upon whatever emerges? [This would explain a lyric
like "Young Americans"]

I am reminded of the Brazilian songwriters of the 1970's who used to couch
their dissidence and subversion against the then-reigning fascist regime
with very symbolic and carefully worded lyrics that could penetrate the
state censors...

Dave B.
Post by 2nz
"Goo goo g'joob" is what Humpty Dumpty
said in Joyce's "Finnigan's Wake" before his great fall.
What A Friend We Have In Cheeses.
Lou Pecora
2004-08-23 13:57:38 UTC
Permalink
Post by 2nz
"Goo goo g'joob" is what Humpty Dumpty
said in Joyce's "Finnigan's Wake" before his great fall.
Yikes. That book scares me. You really read it? All of it?

-- Lou Pecora (my views are my own)

They laughed at Galileo. They laughed at Newton.
But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown. -- Carl Sagan
Lou Pecora
2004-08-23 13:56:03 UTC
Permalink
Post by Taliesyn
I thought it was 'coo, coo, ca-choo' in "Mrs. Robinson."
I think they mean two different things. Let me look them up
in my Dictionary of Silly Speak...
Yes, it is. I listened to it again and I was wrong. Maybe just S&G
scat (just a little :-) ).

-- Lou Pecora (my views are my own)

They laughed at Galileo. They laughed at Newton.
But they also laughed at Bozo the Clown. -- Carl Sagan
DannyKewl
2004-09-27 07:09:20 UTC
Permalink
"Hide it in a hiding place. where no one ever goes.
Put it in you pantry with your cupcakes.
It's a little secret, just the Robinsons' affair.
Most of all, you've got to hide it from the kids.

Coo coo ca-choo, Mrs. Robinson ..."

Perhaps she was just being told to put her "little secret" away for the time
being, in much the same way as you may at times have been told (or told
someone) to "put your beliefs (or opinion) in your back pocket" when going
into a situation where sharing your opinion may not be warranted, or may
cause confrontation", or when you're done with work or school and want to
relax and not be bothered by work or school problems/studies, you go home
(or a bar, or get high) and "put your mind away on a shelf". "Coo coo
ca-choo" is probably a nonsensical greeting, he could have substituted
"scooby-shooby-doo" and it would have the same meaning.


--
Post by dave b.
"Keep it in the pantry with your cupcakes.
Most of all you've got to hide it from the kids."
What must be hidden from the kids? Is it marijuana or LSD? Do
"cupcakes" have a sexual symbolism... or do they suggest hashish
brownies perhaps?
Is "goo-goo-g'joob" an allusion to the Beatles' "I Am The Walrus"?
If so, what might that mean?
Dave B.
Post by dave
Simon obviously had something else in mind. Anyone care to
re-read the lyrics and postulate a fresh interpretation?
---
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