Presley was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, and relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, with his family when he was 13 years old. His music career began there in 1954, recording at Sun Records with producer Sam Phillips, who wanted to bring the sound of African American music to a wider audience. Accompanied by guitarist Scotty Moore and bassist Bill Black, Presley was a pioneer of rockabilly, an uptempo, backbeat-driven fusion of country music and rhythm and blues. In 1955, drummer D. J. Fontana joined to complete the lineup of Presley's classic quartet and RCA Victor acquired his contract in a deal arranged by Colonel Tom Parker, who would manage the singer for more than two decades. Presley's first RCA single, "Heartbreak Hotel", was released in January 1956 and became a number one hit in the United States. With a series of successful network television appearances and chart-topping records, he became the leading figure of the newly popular sound of rock and roll. His energized interpretations of songs and sexually provocative performance style, combined with a singularly potent mix of influences across color lines during a transformative era in race relations, made him enormously popular—and controversial.
In November 1956, Presley made his film debut in Love Me Tender. Drafted into military service in 1958, Presley relaunched his recording career two years later with some of his most commercially successful work. He held few concerts however, and guided by Parker, proceeded to devote much of the 1960s to making Hollywood movies and soundtrack albums, most of them critically derided. In 1968, following a seven-year break from live performances, he returned to the stage in the acclaimed television comeback special Elvis, which led to an extended Las Vegas concert residency and a string of highly profitable tours. In 1973, Presley gave the first concert by a solo artist to be broadcast around the world, Aloha from Hawaii. Years of prescription drug abuse severely compromised his health, and he died suddenly in 1977 at his Graceland estate, just 42 years of age.
Presley is one of the most celebrated and influential musicians of the 20th century. Commercially successful in many genres, including pop, country, blues, and gospel, he is the best-selling solo artist in the history of recorded music. He won three competitive Grammys, received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36, and has been inducted into multiple music halls of fame.
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Elvis Presley Lyrics
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When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them all
I'm on your side
Oh, when times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Yeah, like a bridge over troubled water
Oh, 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
I'll take your part
Oh, when darkness comes
And the pain is all around
Yeah, like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Oh, 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, oh, behind
Yeah, like a bridge over troubled water
I, I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Elvis Presley's song Bridge Over Troubled Water is a powerful message of support and comfort to those who are feeling lost, alone and hopeless. The lyrics tell of a friend who is willing to be a support system during times of struggle and darkness. The repetition of the phrase "When you're weary, feeling small" coupled with the lines "I will dry them all" and "I'm on your side" emphasize that the friend is also empathetic and understanding, reassuring the listener that they can count on them.
The song's main metaphor of a bridge over troubled water symbolizes a shelter for those who are hurting. By comparing himself to a bridge, the friend communicates that he is strong enough to hold the weight of the listener's problems and carry them over to a place of safety. These words provide a sense of comfort, reminding the listener that they don't have to face their problems alone. The song's final verse addresses a specific "silver girl" who is encouraged to "sail on" and "shine" as all her dreams are coming true. Presley sings "if you need a friend / I'm sailing right behind", once again emphasizing the message of support and reassurance to those in need.
Line by Line Meaning
When you're weary, feeling small
When you're tired and feeling insignificant
When tears are in your eyes
When you're crying and feeling emotional
I will dry them all
I will comfort you and wipe away your tears
I'm on your side
I'm here to support you
Oh when times get rough
When things are difficult
And friends just can't be found
When you don't have anyone else to turn to
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will be a source of stability and support for you
I will lay me down
I will be there for you no matter what, even if it means sacrificing myself
When you're down and out
When you're feeling low and have nothing to rely on
When you're on the street
When you're homeless and have nowhere to go
When evening falls so hard
When the day ends on a difficult note
I will comfort you
I will provide you with comfort and support
I'll take your part
I will be on your side and support you in any way I can
Oh when darkness comes
When you're faced with difficult times or negative feelings
And pain is all around
When you're surrounded by suffering
Sail on, silver girl
Keep going, you strong and resilient woman
Sail on by
Continue on your journey through life
Your time has come to shine
It's your turn to succeed and flourish
All your dreams are on their way
You're on the path to achieving your goals
See how they shine
Your dreams are beautiful and bright
Oh if you need a friend
If you need someone to support you
I'm sailing right behind
I'm here to support you and be there for you
I will ease your mind
I will provide comfort and ease your worries
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Paul Simon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Queen71373
I dedicate this beautiful and heart felt touching song. To all the people on the island of Maui, Hawaii.
My heart and prayers are with all of you.
And believe and be strong. God's Bridge Over Troubled Water, is pouring down blessings and protection over the island.
For the people that have passed away, and any other's, you are all now within God's Hands. With eternal peace, that surpasses all understanding.
Thank you Father God.
Amen 🙏🏻
Blessings and Love 💫 💞
From Lynette
Illinois, USA 🇺🇸
August 10, 2023
@rebeccamoulding134
When you're weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I will dry them 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
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
@nolyn97
And on the 8th day … God made Elvis Presley 🌹⭐️
@kampilar_ph
I'm teenager but I love his music, oldies are really goodies. I keep loving and listening to you Elvis👑❤
@martincork6913
And that ladies and gentleman is the king
@imnotwendy743
And that ladies and gentleman is the king of comments
@johannesjanen5183
And i thought its John Lennon.
But you're right.
@carlfernandes1275
Who now sings for the King of Kings
@spencergillard4862
Quote John Lennon " Before Elvis there was nothing" no singer has ever impacted generations both musical and spiritually as Elvis❤
@nickdemunnik5584
John Lennon was a psychopath but he was right
@bethanyalexander810
May God be my bridge ...I aren't finding any other one - in fact God has been the only bridge i have EVER had ! Beth Our Lass X
@j.s.4886
In my opinion that's the most beautiful cover version of this song! A masterpiece!