Richard Cory by Simon And Garfunkel - Lyrics and Translation

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Richard Cory

Simon And Garfunkel

Richard Cory

Song bySimon And Garfunkel

in AlbumOld Friends

Richard Cory

They say that Richard Cory owns one half of this whole town,

With political connections to spread his wealth around.

Born into society, a banker's 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 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 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.

LanguageEnglish

Translated byAllen Morningstar

About this Song

Richard Cory by Simon & Garfunkel is a narrative song that tells the story of a wealthy and envied man named Richard Cory, who seems to have everything but tragically ends his life. The song contrasts Cory's outward success with internal despair, highlighting themes of wealth, envy, and the elusive nature of happiness. The poignant moments include the juxtaposition of the narrator's admiration and envy of Cory's lifestyle against the shocking revelation of Cory's suicide, which underscores the central message that material wealth and social status do not guarantee fulfillment or happiness.