Bridge Over Troubled Water
Garfunkel Lyrics


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When you're weary, feeling small,
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry
Them all,
I'm on your side. 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.
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.
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.

Overall Meaning

In the song "Bridge Over Troubled Water," Simon & Garfunkel offer hope to those feeling downtrodden or alone. The lyrics describe a relationship in which one person is a source of comfort and support for the other, promising to be there for them through thick and thin. The repeated metaphor of a bridge serves to highlight the magnitude of the difficulties the singer's friend is facing, using the strength of the metaphorical bridge to symbolize the emotional support the singer offers.


The first verse offers a vivid picture of what the friend is going through - feeling weary and small, with tears in their eyes. The singer has empathy for these feelings and offers to be a shoulder to cry on, to be there through tough times. The refrain of "like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down" is both a declaration of support and a metaphorical representation of what that support entails. A bridge is sturdy and stable, offering safety and security in the face of danger. By promising to "lay down" like a bridge, the singer is telling the listener that they will be there to offer just such safety and security.


In the second verse, the singer again paints a bleak picture of the friend's situation, describing them as "down and out" and "on the street." But the promise of support and comfort is still there, this time with the added vow to take the friend's part. The bridge metaphor is reprised, reinforcing the idea that no matter what kind of darkness or pain the friend encounters, the singer will be there to help them cross safely.


The final verse is the one that often sticks in listeners' minds, with its poetic image of a "silver girl" sailing off to fulfill her dreams. Here, the singer takes on the role of cheerleader, telling the friend to go out into the world and shine. But the comfort and support remains: the singer promises to be there if needed, again referencing the bridge in reassuring language. The final line, "I will ease your mind," brings the song full circle, reminding the friend that they are not alone in facing the trials of life.


Line by Line Meaning

When you're weary, feeling small,
When you are exhausted, and everything seems beyond your control,


When tears are in your eyes, I will dry Them all,
When you're crying, I will be there to comfort you and wipe your tears away,


I'm on your side. When times get rough
I am there for you, supporting you through difficult times,


And friends just can't be found,
When you can't rely on friends,


Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down.
I will become a bridge for you, taking on your burdens and difficulties so that you can find peace,


When you're down and out,
When you're feeling hopeless and have nowhere else to turn,


When you're on the street,
When you're alone and vulnerable,


When evening falls so hard I will comfort you.
During the dark of night, I will be there to bring you comfort and solace,


I'll take your part.
I will be your protector,


When darkness comes And pain is all around,
During difficult times when everything seems bleak,


Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down.
I will take on your burdens and be there for you no matter what,


Sail on silver girl,
Keep moving forward, even when faced with obstacles,


Sail on by.
Continue on your journey, despite any setbacks you may encounter,


Your time has come to shine.
It's your time to find success and happiness,


All your dreams are on their way.
All your hopes and dreams are coming true,


See how they shine.
Look at how bright your future is,


If you need a friend I'm sailing right behind.
If you need someone to lean on, I will be there right behind you,


Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind.
I will be your support system, easing your worries and fears,


Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind.
I will always be there for you to lean on and to provide comfort,




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Paul Simon

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@JessieLJohnson22Yeshua

Fun fact: "Bridge Over Troubled Water is a gospel phrase which Paul took from a gospel group. It was in a Baptist church hymn. He liked the phrase and he used it." The song, which reached Number 1 in 1970, was written by Paul Simon, but it was Art Garfunkel who sang lead vocal so brilliantly."

Verse Matthew 14:22 - 33

"And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God."

Love You guys, may you have peace and love, and healing. Stay true to our groom, and our Father, our King, our First Lover whom loved us First.

Pray "Through the intercessions of our most Holy Theotokos and of all our saints" And pray to Jesus to protect you, and then you will have a whole army protecting you. God Loves You. You are protected and he will provide for you just surrender yourself to God and surrender all your fears and worries, and pain unto him and He will save you.

Amen



@nl095641

When you're weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I'll 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



@guillemdaura8946

[Verse 1]
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

[Chorus]
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

[Verse 2]
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

[Chorus]
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

[Verse 3]
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

[Chorus]
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind



All comments from YouTube:

@user-nq1md3zq8e

Quite possibly one of the best songs ever written. The words touch me every time

@TerriPfeiffer-vl7uh

🩷

@zorak1997

I've been a fan of this song for decades and only recently learned from an interview Simon did that the song was originally written with only the first two verses, inspired by some American gospel Simon had heard. The album's producer told Simon to add on another verse and give it a bigger ending. Simon's wife at the time was upset at discovering her first white hair and Simon wrote the third verse "Sail on silver girl" as a joking reaction to a white hair. I still love the song, but when that third verse starts part of me laughs knowing that this emotional song of support to those in distress was written partially in jest.

@abstract5249

Every comments section on every video of every pop song says it's one of the best songs ever.

@thomaschandler4769

A FLAWLESS MASTERPIECE SIR❗ OUT OF THE HUNFREDS OF THOUSANDS OR MILLIONS OF OLD ROCK SONGS THIS HAS TO BE IN THE TOP 5... NO LESS❗ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS, SUBLIME, PERFECTLY SUITED FOR ALL OF LOVES VISSISITUDES❗ NUFF' SAID.

@nuffzed2001

Proof that it doesn’t matter if it’s 1960 , 20060 or 60, it’s still the journey inside and out in our time here

3 More Replies...

@johnrowland3105

Quite possibly the best song ever written on the human condition.

@who7063

.....?

@hananyehia1815

It is in the list of 100 best songs ever
And it is beautifull
But the best is probably Bohemian Rhapsody or Imagine or Stairway to Heaven

@yvonnepaul1196

Angels in heaven are applauding...

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