Bryn Terfel Jones CBE is a Welsh bass-baritone opera and concert singer. Te… Read Full Bio ↴Bryn Terfel Jones CBE is a Welsh bass-baritone opera and concert singer. Terfel was initially associated with the roles of Mozart, particularly Leporello, but he has expanded his repertoire to include heavier roles, including Wagner.

Bryn Terfel Jones was born in Pantglas, North Wales, the son of a farmer (he knew of another Welsh baritone named Delme Bryn-Jones, so Terfel chose Bryn Terfel as his professional name). Terfel had an interest in and talent for music from a very young age. A family friend taught him how to sing, starting with traditional Welsh songs. After winning numerous competitions for his singing, Terfel moved to London in 1984 and entered the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, from which he graduated in 1989, winning the Gold Medal. He came in second behind Dmitri Hvorostovsky in the Cardiff BBC Singer of the World Competition the same year, though won the Lieder Prize.

In 1990, Terfel made his operatic début as Guglielmo in Così fan tutte at the Welsh National Opera, and later in the same season he sang the title role in The Marriage of Figaro, a role with which he made his debut with the English National Opera in 1991.

Terfel made his United States début as Figaro at the Santa Fe Opera. In 1992, he made his Royal Opera House, Covent Garden début as Masetto in Don Giovanni, with Thomas Allen in the title role. Terfel's international breakthrough came when he sang Jochanaan in Strauss's Salome at the 1992 Salzburg Festival. Terfel went on to make his début as Figaro at the Vienna State Opera. That year, he also signed an exclusive recording contract with Deutsche Grammophon, and returned to the Welsh National Opera to sing Ford in Falstaff. In 1993, he recorded the role of Wilfred Shadbolt in The Yeomen of the Guard, by Gilbert and Sullivan. Terfel has said that he would like to record "an album of Gilbert and Sullivan arias."

In 1994, Terfel sang Figaro at Covent Garden, and made his Metropolitan Opera début in the same role. He also sang Mahler's Eighth Symphony at the Ravinia Festival under the baton of James Levine. However, back surgery in 1994 (and again in 2000) prevented him from performing in several scheduled events. In 1996, Terfel expanded his repertoire to include Wagner, singing Wolfram in Tannhäuser at the Metropolitan Opera, and Stravinsky, singing Nick Shadow in The Rake's Progress at the Welsh National Opera.

In 1997, Terfel made his La Scala début as Figaro. In 1998, Bryn had a recital at Carnegie Hall which included works by Wolf, Fauré, Brahms, Schumann, Schubert, and others. In 1999, Terfel performed in Paris the title role of Don Giovanni for the first time. That year, Terfel also debuted in the title role in Falstaff at the Sydney Opera House for Opera Australia and then performed the same role at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Bridge Over Troubled Water
Bryn Terfel Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

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

Just 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 of your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
Oh, if you ever 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 over troubled water
I will lay me down

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bryn Terfel's rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" convey a heartfelt message of support and comfort during difficult times. The song begins by acknowledging the struggles and hardships that one may face, whether feeling down, homeless, or overwhelmed. However, the singer promises to be there as a source of solace and empathy, offering their support and taking a stand against the darkness and pain that surrounds. The imagery of a bridge over troubled water is used as a metaphor, symbolizing the singer's willingness to lay themselves down in order to provide stability and strength for the person in need.

As the song progresses, the focus shifts to addressing a "silver girl" who is encouraged to sail on and embrace her shining moments. The lyrics suggest that her dreams are on the verge of realization, and the singer assures her that he will be there as a friend and supporter, sailing right behind her. The bridge symbol is repeated, emphasizing the commitment to be there as a pillar of support, ready to lay himself down once again, just like a bridge over troubled water.

Overall, the lyrics of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" speak to the universal need for compassion, understanding, and support during difficult times. It reminds listeners that even in moments of darkness and pain, there are individuals who are willing to be there as a bridge, providing comfort and strength when needed.

Line by Line Meaning

When you're down and out
In times of despair and hardship

When you're on the street
When you feel lost and abandoned

When evening falls so hard
When darkness surrounds you

I will comfort you
I will provide solace and support

I'll take your part, oh, when darkness comes
I will stand by your side during difficult times

And pain is all, is all around
When suffering engulfs you completely

Just like a bridge over troubled water
Similar to a sturdy structure that offers stability in tumultuous situations

I will lay me down
I will sacrifice myself for your well-being

Sail on, silver girl
Continue your journey, my dear

Sail on by
Keep moving forward

Your time has come to shine
Now is the moment for you to excel