and it is a masterpiece, too. It makes no apologies for copping Robinson's poem (in another video of that same '63 performance Garfunkel actually gives the poet credit).

The song also stresses (even more than the poem) the bitterness and envy of those who covet Corey's wealth, but cannot imagine how he also lives a life of quiet desperation.

"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--Richard Cory."

and in that glorious harmony those two could so effortlessly produce...

"the rumors of his parties, and the orgies on his yacht,
he surely must be happy, with all the things he's got"

...pretty powerful stuff.