The American folk duo Simon & Garfunkel is known to the Russian-speaking audience, first of all, for the songs Sound of Silence and Mrs. Robinson. However, in the extensive discography of Paul Simon (Paul Simon) and Art Garfunkel (Arthur Gurfunkel) there are many other, no less wonderful compositions. Let us recall the no less delightful work Bridge Over Troubled Water (“Bridge over troubled water”).
Bridge Over Troubled Water Story
In The Making of Bridge Over Troubled Water, a documentary about the history of the composition, Paul Simon said:
I have no idea how she got there. She appeared suddenly. It was one of the most amazing moments in my career as a songwriter. I remember thinking, “This is a lot better than what I usually write.”
It is widely believed among Simon & Garfunkel fans that the song was influenced by the Negro spiritual Mary Don’t You Weep by Claude Jeter and The Swan Silvertones. Their version of the song contains the line “I’ll be a bridge over deep water if you trust in my name” in the lyrics.
Music historian Anthony Heilbut confirms this view. He even claims to have witnessed how Paul Simon personally handed Jeter a check for a thousand dollars with words of gratitude.
Bridge Over Troubled Water was originally in G major and consisted of two verses. But the producer found it too short, and Simon added another verse. Paul insisted that Garfunkel sing it, although he did not agree for a long time. Therefore, arranger Jimi Haskell translated the song into the key of E-flat, suitable for Art’s voice.
What is Bridge Over Troubled Water about?
In the words of the composition, the author promises someone to always be there in difficult times. Most likely, the composition is dedicated to Peggy Harper, Simon’s wife, whom he met in 1969. She began to gray prematurely, which explains the phrase “silver girl” (“silver girl”).
However, there are several other interpretations of the meaning of the song, including drug suggestions, references to The Swan Silverstons, and so on.
Release and achievements
The Bridge Over Troubled Water was first partially introduced to the general public on November 30, 1969, when an excerpt from it sounded on the Song of America television show on CBS. The song was played in a video about John F Kennedy, Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King.
At the end of January 1970, she released the first single from the album of the same name. A month later, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed at the top for six weeks. The song also reached the top of the charts in Canada, the UK, France and New Zealand.
In 1971, Simon & Garfunkel reaped a whole crop of Grammys with their Bridge Over Troubled Water album and its title track. They received awards in the nominations “Song of the Year”, “Record of the Year”, “Album of the Year”, “Best Contemporary Song”, “Best Vocal Arrangement” and “Best Sound Engineer”. Rolling Stone ranked Bridge Over Troubled Water number 48 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Clip Bridge Over Troubled Water
Below you can watch the online music video for the song Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel.
Cover versions
A huge number of covers have been recorded for the song. In the seventies different musicians sang it so often that it became the subject of numerous jokes. Famous performers of Bridge Over Troubled Water include Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Linda Clifford, The Jackson 5, Roberta Flack, Johnny Cash and others.
Here’s what Paul Simon had to say about the Elvis version:
He sang it well, but it would be nice to hear him do it in a gospel style, because he released so many gospel albums and was a good white gospel singer… He didn’t really add anything new to the song. It’s not nearly as significant as Aretha Franklin’s recording. I’m just glad that Elvis Presley recorded one of my songs before he died.
Interesting Facts
- The conflicts between the members of Simon & Garfunkel are said to have come to a head while working on the song Bridge Over Troubled Water. As you know, after the release of the album, the duet broke up.
- Subsequently, Paul Simon regretted that he did not want to perform the song himself, which he repeatedly told the press.
- In 2008, Simon sued a music watch company for using the song in their products without permission.
Bridge Over Troubled Water Lyrics
Simon and Garfunkel
When you’re weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes, I’ll dry them all
I’m on your side, oh, when times get rough
And friends just can’t be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
When you’re down and out
When you’re on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I’ll take your part, oh, when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Sail on silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
Oh, if you need a friend
I’m sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Bridge Over Troubled Water Lyrics
Simon and Garfunkel
When you’re exhausted and depressed
When tears fill my eyes, I’ll wipe them all away
I’m there when things get tough
And there are no friends around
Like a bridge over stormy waters
I will reach out
Like a bridge over stormy waters
I will reach out
When you are weak
When you’re on the street
When it’s so hard for you in the evening
I will comfort you
I’ll be by your side when the darkness comes
And everything will be filled with pain
Like a bridge over stormy waters
I will reach out
Like a bridge over stormy waters
I will reach out
Swim on, silver girl
Swim on
It’s time for you to shine
All your dreams are on their way
Watch them shine
Oh if you need a friend
I swim right behind
Like a bridge over stormy waters
I will calm you down
Like a bridge over stormy waters
I will calm you down
Bridge Over Troubled Water chords
CFC
When you’re weary, feeling small
F Bb FCFCFCF
When tears are in your eyes, i will dry them all;
CG Am GFC
I’m on your side. when times get rough
C7 FDG
And friends just can’t be found
C7 FF#dim C A7sus A7 F
Like a bridge over troubled wa-ter
E7 Am
I will lay me down.
C7 FF#dim C A7sus A7 F
Like a bridge over troubled wa-ter
G9 G7 C
I will lay me down.
When you’re down and out
CF
When you’re on the street
Bb FCF
When ever-ning falls so hard
CFCF
I will comfort you.
CG Am G
I’ll take your part.
C
when darkness comes
C7 FDG
And pain is all a-round,
C7 FF#dim C A7sus A7 F
Like a bridge over troubled wa-ter
E7 Am
I will lay me down.
C7 FF#dim C Am F
Like a bridge over troubled water
Am E7 Am D7
I will lay me down.
F Am F Fm CF
CFCF
CF
Sail on silver girl
C
Sail on by.
F Bb FCF
Your time has come to shine.
CFCF
All your dreams are on their way.
CG Am G
See how they shine.
C
If you need a friend
C7 FDG
I’m sailing right be-hind.
C7 F Fmaj7 D9 C Am F
Like a bridge over troubled water
E E7 Am D9
I will ease your mind.
CF Fm C
your mind
Download Bridge Over Troubled Water
On Blimey you can not download the song Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel in Mp3. You can listen to the composition and watch online clips in good quality. You can find sheet music, tabs and backing tracks on music sites that distribute such materials.
