In honor of Bette Midler and her recent induction into the Kennedy Center Honors, to be televised Dec 22, Ben Folds plays “Boxing”, the only song of his covered by another artist, Ms. Bette Midler.
Ben Folds Jumping For Joy
Bette Midler Is Boxing On Bathhouse Betty
Video: Ben Folds performs the song “Boxing” as a tribute to Kennedy Center honoree Bette Midler, who was the first to cover one of Ben’s songs.
Video: Bette Midler sings “Boxing” by Ben Folds on “Bathhouse Betty”
Live Audio: Bette Midler Sings “Boxing” on Divine Miss Millennium Tour 1999-2000
‘Boxing’ Lyrics
The song was inspired by Ben Folds' father's love of boxing and is written from the perspective of Muhammad Ali about the indecision of whether or not to quit boxing professionally. The hypothetical monologue is addressed to Howard Cosell, the famous sports announcer who covered boxing matches of that era. Bette Midler covered the song on her 1998 album Bathhouse Betty
Boxing (written by Ben Folds) Howard, the strangest things Have happened lately when I Take a good swing And all my dreams They pivot and slip. I drop my fists And they're back, laughing. Howard, my intentions Become not to lose what I've won. Ambition has given way To desperation and I, I've lost the fight from my eyes. Boxing's been good to me, Howard. Now I'm told, You're growing old. The whole time we knew A couple of years I'd be through. Has boxing been good to you? Howard, now I confess I'm scared and lonely and tired. Everyone says I'm made of clay, That I've had my day, That I'm not cut out for this. I just know what to say. And I say, Boxing's been good to me, Howard. Now I'm told, You're growing old. The whole time we knew A couple of years I'd be through. Has boxing been good to you? Well, sometimes I punch myself Hard as I can. Yelling, nobody cares! Hoping someone will tell me how wrong I am, Howard. Boxing's been good to me, Howard. Now I'm told, You're growing old. The whole time we knew A couple of years I'd be through. Has boxing been good, Has boxing been good, Has boxing been good?
