Troubled Waters
Duke Ellington & His Orchestra Feat. Ivie Anderson Lyrics

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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 song "Troubled Waters" by Duke Ellington & His Orchestra featuring Ivie Anderson is a beautiful expression of empathy and support. The lyrics talk about being there for someone when they are going through a difficult time. It begins with the singer saying that they'll be there for the person when they're down and out and when they're on the street. The singer promises to comfort and take the person's part when they feel like darkness is all around and pain is all they can feel. The imagery of a bridge over troubled waters is particularly striking, emphasizing that the singer is there to provide stability and support even when everything else is chaotic or uncertain.

The second verse is particularly uplifting, with the singer encouraging the person to sail on and telling them that all of their dreams are on their way. The chorus repeats the bridge imagery, with the singer laying themselves down like a bridge over troubled water to show their support. The song ends with the singer telling the person that they'll always be there for them, sailing right behind them like a friend.

Line by Line Meaning

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

When you're on the street
When you feel like you have nowhere to turn

When evening falls so hard
During the darkest times of the day

I will comfort you
I will be there to provide emotional support

I'll take your part, oh, when darkness comes
I will fight alongside you when things get tough

And pain is all, is all around
When suffering and heartache seem to be everywhere

Just like a bridge over troubled water
I am here to provide stability and support

I will lay me down
I am willing to make sacrifices to be there for you

Sail on, silver girl
Keep moving forward, even in tough times

Sail on by
Continue to push through obstacles

Your time has come to shine
This is your moment to succeed