Soft Rock Music

The song was written by Paul Simon and released in 1970 as a single as well as on the fifth and final album of the duo Simon & Garfunkel titled Bridge Over Troubled Water. After this, they split up. Simon continued as a singer and songwriter, while Garfunkel pursued an acting career. Anyway, the story is that Simon was inspired by “Old Man River” by The Righteous Brothers.  In 1970-71 the song went to #1 in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, U.S. Billboard Best Selling Soul Singles, U.S. Billboard Easy Listening, Canada, France, the U.K., and New Zealand. It was #2 in Australia, Ireland, and Spain. It was in the top five in eight other countries. So far as accolades go, the song won five Grammy Awards in 1971 and is on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” There have been numerous covers, including those by Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, and Linda Clifford, among many others.

Simon and Garfunkel were one of the most popular folk groups in the 1960s. Although they parted in 1970, there have been many reunions since then.

Here are the lyrics to “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkel:

“When you’re weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes, I’ll dry them all (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 (ooo)
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”

If you are interested in reading about and listening to other songs by Simon and Garfunkel: “The Sounds of Silence,” “The Boxer, and “The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy).”

For More 70s Tunes

The System has daily featured music from all sorts of genres of 1970s music. You’re welcome to listen to any of the 40+ selections in The System. Thank you for stopping by. Hope you enjoyed “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkel.