Songexplainer

Great. Here's a breakdown of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel. --- ### Background: "Bridge Over Troubled Water" was released in 1970 and became one of Simon & Garfunkel's most iconic songs. It drew inspiration from gospel music, and Paul Simon has mentioned in interviews that he was influenced by a single line from a gospel song by the Swan Silvertones. --- ### Lyrics and Analysis: **"When you're weary, feeling small,"** *This line sets the empathetic tone of the song, acknowledging the struggles and vulnerabilities that everyone faces.* **"When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all;"** *This is a promise of unwavering support and care. The singer is committed to comforting and being there for the listener, no matter what.* **"I'm on your side, oh, when times get rough"** *Again, this line emphasizes loyalty and a promise to be there during challenging times.* **"And friends just can't be found,"** *This touches on the feelings of isolation and loneliness one might feel during hard times.* **"Like a bridge over troubled water"** *The central metaphor of the song: a bridge provides a safe passage over obstacles or dangers. Here, the "troubled water" symbolizes difficulties or challenges in life.* **"I will lay me down."** *The singer is willing to sacrifice or offer themselves as a support system, much like a bridge.* --- **"When you're down and out,"** **"When you're on the street,"** *These lines further delve into the idea of facing hardships and feeling defeated or marginalized.* **"When evening falls so hard,"** *The "evening" here can be symbolic of the later, more challenging times in one's life.* **"I will comfort you."** *Reiterating the promise of support and care.* --- **"I'll take your part, oh, when darkness comes"** *The singer is willing to stand by the listener, even in the most challenging times represented by "darkness."* **"And pain is all around,"** *An acknowledgment of the universal experience of suffering.* --- **"Sail on silver girl,"** *The "silver girl" refers to Paul Simon's wife at the time, Peggy Harper, who had noticed her first gray hairs and was upset about it. Paul wrote this line as a comforting message to her.* **"Sail on by."** **"Your time has come to shine,"** *Encouragement and a message of hope, suggesting that better times are ahead.* **"All your dreams are on their way."** *Reassurance that one's aspirations and dreams will come true.* **"See how they shine."** *Emphasizing the brightness and potential of the future.* --- ### Summary: "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is a song of empathy, support, and unwavering commitment to being there for someone during their toughest times. Paul Simon has crafted a message that is both personal and universal, drawing on gospel influences to create a song that resonates with listeners across generations. Many of Simon & Garfunkel's songs touch on themes of friendship, support, and the human experience, making "Bridge Over Troubled Water" a testament to their ability to capture the depth of human emotion. --- Note: Unfortunately, I cannot provide direct links to YouTube or Vevo videos. However, I recommend searching for "Simon & Garfunkel Bridge Over Troubled Water lyrics" on YouTube to find a suitable video with lyrics included in the title.