Bridge Over Troubled Water - The Official Simon & Garfunkel Site

About the Song

In the realm of music, few songs have achieved the enduring power and universal resonance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by the iconic duo Simon & Garfunkel. Released in 1970 as the title track of their fifth and final studio album, this masterpiece has transcended the boundaries of time and genre, becoming an enduring symbol of hope, comfort, and the profound connection between human beings.

From the opening notes, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” casts a spell of tranquility, its gentle melody and poignant lyrics weaving a tapestry of emotions that resonate deeply with the listener. Paul Simon’s masterful songwriting is on full display, as he paints vivid imagery of troubled waters, weary souls, and the yearning for solace and connection.

Art Garfunkel’s soaring vocals, imbued with an ethereal quality, perfectly capture the song’s essence of vulnerability and hope. His voice, a beacon amidst the emotional turmoil, guides us across the metaphorical bridge, offering a sense of solace and the promise of brighter days ahead.

The song’s lyrics, deceptively simple yet profoundly evocative, speak to the shared human experience of hardship and resilience. “Bridge Over Troubled Water” acknowledges the depths of despair that can engulf us, but it also offers a beacon of hope, reminding us that we are not alone and that there is always the possibility of finding solace and connection in the midst of darkness.

The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its ability to transcend cultural and generational boundaries. It has been covered by countless artists, from Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin to Elton John and Stevie Wonder, each interpretation adding their unique touch to this timeless masterpiece.

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” remains a cornerstone of popular culture, appearing in countless films, television shows, and commercials. Its presence in these diverse mediums serves as a reminder of the song’s universal appeal and its ability to touch the hearts of people from all walks of life.

In conclusion, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” stands as a timeless testament to the power of music to heal, inspire, and connect. Its message of hope and resilience resonates as deeply today as it did when it was first released, offering solace and companionship to those navigating the troubled waters of life. Simon & Garfunkel’s masterpiece is a true gift to humanity, a song that will continue to touch hearts and inspire generations to come.The Boxer — Simon & Garfunkel's hit was a cry of frustration — FT.com

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Lyrics: Bridge over Troubled Water

When you’re weary, feeling small,
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all
I’m on your side
Oh when times get rough
And friends just can’t be foundLike a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me downWhen 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 aroundLike a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me downSail 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

You Missed

MINNIE PEARL WALKED ONSTAGE AT THE GRAND OLE OPRY FOR 50 YEARS WITH A $1.98 PRICE TAG ON HER HAT — AND THEN ONE NIGHT, SHE JUST COULDN’T ANYMORE. Here’s something most people don’t think about with Minnie Pearl. That price tag hanging off her straw hat? It wasn’t random. Sarah Cannon — that was her real name — created it as a joke about a country girl too proud of her new hat to take the tag off. And audiences loved it so much that it became the most recognizable prop in country music history. For over fifty years, that tag meant Minnie was here, and everything was going to be fun. So imagine what it felt like when she couldn’t put the hat on anymore. In June 1991, Sarah had a massive stroke. She was 79. And just like that, the woman who hadn’t missed an Opry show in decades was gone from the stage. But here’s what gets me. She didn’t die in 1991. She lived another five years after that stroke, mostly out of the public eye, unable to perform, unable to be “Minnie” the way she’d always been. Her husband Henry Cannon took care of her at their Nashville home. Friends visited, but they said it was hard. The woman who made millions of people laugh couldn’t get through a full conversation some days. Roy Acuff, her old friend from the Opry, kept her dressing room exactly the way she left it. Nobody used it. The hat sat there. She passed on March 4, 1996. And what most people remember is the comedy. The “HOW-DEEE” catchphrase. The big goofy grin. What they don’t remember is that Sarah Cannon was also a serious fundraiser for cancer research. Centennial Medical Center in Nashville named their cancer center after her — not after Minnie, after Sarah. She raised millions and rarely talked about it publicly. There’s a story about the very last time Sarah tried to put on the hat at home, months after the stroke, and what her husband said to her in that moment — it’s the kind of detail that makes you see fifty years of comedy completely differently. Roy Acuff kept Minnie Pearl’s dressing room untouched for years after she left — was that loyalty to a friend, or was he holding a door open for someone he knew was never coming back?