About the song
Background of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon & Garfunkel
- Inspiration: The song’s title and concept were inspired by the gospel group the Swan Silvertones’ song “Mary Don’t You Weep,” which has the line “I’ll be your bridge over deep water if you trust in my name.” Paul Simon credited the group’s singer Claude Jeter for the inspiration.
- Composition: Simon wrote the song on guitar but later switched to piano to capture a gospel feel better suited for Art Garfunkel’s vocals. Interestingly, it was the first song completed for the album but the last one recorded.
- Recording: The gospel influence is especially evident in the piano part, played by session musician Larry Knechtel. It was initially just two verses, but Garfunkel felt it needed more and requested a third verse, prompting Simon to write additional lyrics.
- Context: The song was written during a turbulent time in the US, marked by the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy, racial tensions, and the Vietnam War.
Themes in “Bridge Over Troubled Water”
- Offering Support: The central theme is the idea of being there for someone during difficult times, acting as a “bridge” to help them navigate troubled waters.
- Facing Challenges: The lyrics acknowledge the existence of struggles and uncertainties (“Sail on silver girl”).
- Hope and Perseverance: Despite the challenges, the song offers a message of hope and encouragement (“Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down”).
- Faith: The gospel influence suggests faith can be a source of strength.
- Open to Interpretation: The lyrics are open-ended, allowing listeners to apply the song’s message to their own experiences.
Even though written during a specific time period, the themes of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” resonate with people facing difficulties across generations.
Video
Lyrics
When you’re weary, feeling smallWhen tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all, allI’m on your side, oh, when times get roughAnd friends just can’t be foundLike a bridge over troubled waterI will lay me downLike a bridge over troubled waterI will lay me down
When you’re down and outWhen you’re on the streetWhen evening falls so hardI will comfort youI’ll take your part, oh, when darkness comesAnd pain is all aroundLike a bridge over troubled waterI will lay me downLike a bridge over troubled waterI will lay me down
Sail on silver girlSail on byYour time has come to shineAll your dreams are on their waySee how they shineOh, if you need a friendI’m sailing right behindLike a bridge over troubled waterI will ease your mindLike a bridge over troubled waterI will ease your mind