Bridge over troubled water
Aretha & Otis Lyrics
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I won't (leave it alone)
(Why don't you, why don't you, let it be?)
(Still water run deep, yes it do)
I know that
(Whoa-o-o-yeah)
If you only believe
Said I wouldn't (leave it alone)
(Why don't you, why don't you, let it be?)
(Still water run deep)
Yes it do
(Yes it do' whoa-oh-ho yeah)
If you only believe
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, is all around
Just like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
(Like a bridge)
Just like a bridge
(Over troubled) over troubled water
I will lay me down
Sail on silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All of your dreams are on their way
(See how they shine?)
Ooh and if you ever need a friend
(Need a friend)
Look around, I'm sailing right behind
Just like a bridge
Over troubled water
I'll be there to lay me down
(Like a bridge)
Like a bridge over (troubled water) troubled water
I will lay me down
Ooh I'll be your bridge
Yes I will
(Don't trouble the water)
Said I wouldn't
(Leave it alone)
Well (why don't you, why don't you, let it be?)
(Still water run deep)
I know that
(Yes it do) yeah (oh-oh-oh yeah)
Still water (don't trouble the water)
Yeah
(Leave it alone, why don't you, why don't you, let it be)
Talking 'bout still water
(Still water run deep)
You know they run deep
(Yes it do, oh-ho-ho-yeah)
Well I'm gonna be your bridge yeah!
(Don't trouble the water)
The troubled water (leave it alone)
Oh!
(Why don't you, why don't you, let it be?)
Come on come on
Walk out on me
(Still water run deep)
Oh
(Yes it do)
The lyrics of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding can be interpreted as a message of support, comfort, and friendship. The repeated line "Don't trouble the water, I won't leave it alone" suggests a sense of commitment and loyalty. It's a plea to not disturb or disrupt the harmony in a troubled situation. By saying "let it be," the singers are urging acceptance and allowing things to settle naturally.
The line "Still water run deep, yes it do" expresses the idea that calm and quiet waters often conceal depth and complexity. This can be interpreted metaphorically, suggesting that people should not make assumptions about others based on surface appearances. The singers acknowledge this depth and complexity by saying "If you only believe," emphasizing the importance of having faith and understanding.
The following verse talks about being there for someone during difficult times. The imagery of a bridge over troubled water symbolizes offering support and being a comforting presence. The singers promise to lay themselves down, indicating their willingness to sacrifice and provide a foundation for the other person to rely on. This metaphor highlights the importance of offering support and solace in times of darkness and pain.
The second part of the song focuses on encouraging someone, referred to as "silver girl," to shine and pursue their dreams. The singers assure that they will always be there as a friend, offering support and following closely behind. The metaphorical bridge is now extended to the idea of being a guide and supporter, someone who helps another person navigate the challenges of life.
In summary, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is a song about being a source of comfort, support, and friendship for someone going through difficult times. It emphasizes the importance of not disturbing the harmony, recognizing the depth of others, and offering solace during moments of darkness. The imagery of a bridge symbolizes providing stability and support, while also encouraging someone to shine and pursue their dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
(Don't trouble the water)
Please refrain from causing any disturbances or disruptions
I won't (leave it alone)
I will not ignore the situation or turn a blind eye
(Why don't you, why don't you, let it be?)
Why not allow things to unfold naturally without interference or control?
(Still water run deep, yes it do)
Quiet or calm individuals often possess great depth or complexity
I know that
I am aware of this fact
(Whoa-o-o-yeah)
Expressing agreement or affirmation
If you only believe
If you have faith or trust in something
When you're down and out
During times of hardship or adversity
When you're on the street
When you find yourself without shelter or support
When evening falls so hard
When darkness and difficulties become overwhelming
I will comfort you
I will provide solace or consolation
I'll take your part
I will support and defend you
Oh when darkness comes
During times of despair or sorrow
And pain is all, is all around
When suffering seems to encompass everything
Just like a bridge over troubled water
Similar to a structure that spans challenges and provides stability
I will lay me down
I will sacrifice or position myself beneath the difficulties
(Like a bridge)
Comparable to a bridge
Just like a bridge
Similar to a bridge
(Over troubled) over troubled water
Above or spanning the tumultuous situation
I will lay me down
I will sacrifice or position myself beneath the difficulties
Sail on silver girl
Continue to move forward, metaphorically referring to a woman
Sail on by
Keep progressing, avoiding obstacles
Your time has come to shine
This is your moment to succeed or be noticed
All of your dreams are on their way
Your aspirations are gradually being fulfilled
(See how they shine?)
Observe the brilliance or radiance of your dreams
Ooh and if you ever need a friend
In case you require companionship or support
(Need a friend)
Require a person to be there for you
Look around, I'm sailing right behind
Search your surroundings, I am following closely
I'll be there to lay me down
I will offer myself as a source of strength or stability
Ooh I'll be your bridge
I will serve as a connection or support for you
Yes I will
Affirming my commitment to fulfill this role
(Don't trouble the water)
Please refrain from causing any disturbances or disruptions
Said I wouldn't
Stated that I would not
(Leave it alone)
Avoid interfering or getting involved
Well (why don't you, why don't you, let it be?)
So, why not allow things to unfold naturally without interference or control?
(Still water run deep)
Quiet or calm individuals often possess great depth or complexity
I know that
I am aware of this fact
(Yes it do) yeah (oh-oh-oh yeah)
Indeed it does, expressing agreement or affirmation
Still water (don't trouble the water)
Quiet individuals (the status quo) should not be disturbed
Yeah
An exclamation expressing agreement or enthusiasm
(Leave it alone, why don't you, why don't you, let it be)
Avoid interfering or getting involved, so things can occur naturally
Talking 'bout still water
Discussing the concept of calm, undisturbed individuals
(Still water run deep)
Quiet or calm individuals often possess great depth or complexity
You know they run deep
These individuals truly possess significant depth or complexity
(Yes it do, oh-ho-ho-yeah)
Indeed they do, expressing agreement or affirmation
Well I'm gonna be your bridge yeah!
I am determined to provide support and connection for you
(Don't trouble the water)
Please refrain from causing any disturbances or disruptions
The troubled water (leave it alone)
The tumultuous situation should not be interfered with
Oh!
Exclamation denoting surprise or intensity
(Why don't you, why don't you, let it be?)
Why not allow things to unfold naturally without interference or control?
Come on come on
Encouragement to proceed or take action
Walk out on me
Abandon or reject me
(Still water run deep)
Quiet or calm individuals often possess great depth or complexity
Oh
Exclamation expressing surprise, delight, or emphasis
(Yes it do)
Indeed it does, expressing agreement or affirmation
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Paul Simon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MasakoMusic
Great track with lovely image...thank you for sharing!!
@carrienixon6663
Beautiful Ballad.
@waldomirocamargo1385
beautiful thanks
@least_512
Bought Fireball Whiskey to take Valium -- Lol-Hahaha but - PIZZA WINS Every Time. Troubled Day..
@JediMasterMelsyo
I didn't hear Otis at all...
@louisvandeliefvoort3731
Thanks