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
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
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
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

• Paul Simon wrote this song about providing comfort to a person in need.  It started out as a modest Gospel hymn but became more dramatic as he put it together.
• Art Garfunkel sang this alone on the album, although he thought Simon should have sung it.  Says Simon, Many times I’m sorry I didn’t do it.
• Clive Davis at Columbia Records is the one who heard the commercial appeal of the song, and insisted they market it like crazy and use it as the album title.
• This song was included on the 2001 Columbia Records benefit CD, God Bless America.  Proceeds from the disc went to the Twin Towers Fund.
• The first time this song was broadcast on TV was a special called Songs of America.  Clay Aiken released this as his first single right after the show.
• Bridge Over Troubled Water was the last album Simon & Garfunkel released before they split up.  It is the biggest selling album ever for Columbia Records.

See what happens when I visit YouTube.  I haven’t watched the following video for a long time.  It is nearly 13 years old, but it shows a young man with an amazing talent.