Richard Cory Lyrics
[Verse 1]
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
[Chorus]
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
[Verse 2]
The papers print his picture
Almost everywhere he goes
Richard Cory at the opera
Richard Cory at a show
And the rumor of his party
And the orgies on his yacht!
Oh he surely must be happy
With everything he’s got
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
[Chorus]
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
[Verse 2]
The papers print his picture
Almost everywhere he goes
Richard Cory at the opera
Richard Cory at a show
And the rumor of his party
And the orgies on his yacht!
Oh he surely must be happy
With everything he’s got
[Chorus]
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
[Verse 3]
He freely gave to charity
He had the common touch
And they were grateful for his patronage
And they 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”
[Chorus]
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
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
[Verse 3]
He freely gave to charity
He had the common touch
And they were grateful for his patronage
And they 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”
[Chorus]
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
About
Genius Annotation
The lyrics of this song are a reworking and expansion of a poem by the same name, written by Edwin Arlington Robinson.
The song tells the tale of a Richard Cory from the perspective of one of the men who 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. A shocking difference, however, is that Simon & Garfunkel repeat the chorus once again after this final verse.
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
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- 7.Richard Cory
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Credits
Produced By
Written By
Release Date
January 17, 1966
Richard Cory Covers
Richard Cory Translations
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