Legend also played the piano on Lauryn Hill's 1998 song "Everything is Everything" and sang background vocals on Jay-Z's "Encore" and Alicia Keys' "You Don't Know My Name". Legend frequently cites gospel, R&B, and hip hop music as his main musical influences.
Legend released his critically acclaimed and Billboard Top Ten second album, Once Again, in October 2006. Produced by Raphael Saadiq, Kanye West and will.i.am, it is again a mixture of gospel and classic soul showcasing his extraordinary voice, particularly on "Show Me".
Grammy Award Wins:
*2005 Best New Artist
*2005 Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: "Ordinary People"
*2005 Best R&B Album- Get Lifted
*2007 Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: Heaven
*2007 Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group: Family Affair
Neo-soul singer and pianist John Legend combined the raw fervor of contemporaries Cody ChesnuTT and the burning precision of D'Angelo. Born John Stephens, Legend was a child prodigy who grew up in Ohio, where he began singing gospel and playing piano at the tender age of five. Legend left Ohio at 16 to attend college in Philadelphia, and it was there that he first found a larger audience. Not yet out of his teens, Legend was tapped to play piano on Lauryn Hill's "Everything Is Everything" in 1998. After completing college, he moved to New York, where he began to build a loyal following playing in nightclubs and releasing CDs that he would sell at shows. He also became an in-demand session musician, playing and occasionally writing for a wide array of artists, including Alicia Keys, Twista, Janet Jackson, and Kanye West. It wasn't until West signed the young talent to his new label that he adopted the Legend name with 2004's Solo Sessions Vol. 1: Live at the Knitting Factory. Get Lifted, his first studio album, was released later in the year. On the strength of enduring single "Ordinary People," the album reached the Top Five of the Billboard 200. This led to three Grammy Awards: Best R&B Album, Best R&B Male Vocal Performance, and Best New Artist. Once Again, which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and number one on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, followed in October 2006. Live from Philadelphia, sold exclusively at Target stores, was a successful stopgap release that predated October 2008's Evolver.
Bridge Over Troubled Water
John Legend Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And 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, can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Yeah, yeah
When you're down and out
Oh, 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, all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Yeah, yeah
Sail on silver girl, yeah
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All of your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
And if you ever need a friend
Look around, I'm sailing right, right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Yeah, yeah
I will lay me down
In the first two stanzas of "Bridge Over Troubled Water," John Legend expresses his unwavering support and comfort for someone who is feeling weary, small, and in need of emotional assistance. Through his lyrics, he conveys a deep sense of empathy and solidarity, promising to be there for the person in times of trouble. He acknowledges the difficulty in finding reliable friends when things get tough, but assures that he will be a reliable and stable presence, like a bridge that can be depended upon for support and relief in challenging times.
The lyrics evoke a sense of compassion and dedication as the singer vows to lay themselves down as a symbol of sacrifice and strength, likening themselves to a bridge that spans over troubled waters, offering solace and protection. The imagery of laying oneself down suggests a willingness to put aside personal needs and desires to provide comfort and stability for another, highlighting the selflessness and unconditional love embodied in the act of support and care.
As the song progresses, the tone shifts to a more uplifting and hopeful message as the singer encourages the person to "Sail on silver girl" and assures them that their time to shine and fulfill their dreams has arrived. The metaphorical image of sailing on emphasizes the idea of moving forward and overcoming challenges with resilience and grace. The singer's promise to always be there as a guiding presence, even when needed as a friend, reinforces the idea of enduring support and companionship through life's ups and downs.
In the closing lines of the song, John Legend reiterates his commitment to easing the person's mind and laying himself down as a source of strength and comfort. The repetition of the phrase "I will lay me down" reinforces the singer's unwavering devotion and willingness to provide unwavering support and care, no matter the circumstances. Overall, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" serves as a poignant reminder of the power of empathy, compassion, and solidarity in helping others navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life.
Line by Line Meaning
When you're weary
During times of fatigue and exhaustion
And feeling small
Feeling insignificant and unimportant
When tears are in your eyes
Experiencing sadness and distress
I will dry them all
I will provide comfort and support
I'm on your side
I am here to support you
Oh, when times get rough
In challenging situations
And friends just can't, can't be found
When others are not there for you
Like a bridge over troubled water
Acting as a source of strength and stability during difficult times
I will lay me down
I will sacrifice myself to help you
When you're down and out
Feeling hopeless and defeated
Oh, when you're on the street
In a desperate situation
When evening falls so hard
When darkness and challenges seem overwhelming
I will comfort you
I will provide solace and reassurance
I'll take your part
I will stand up for you and support you
And pain is all, all around
When suffering surrounds you
I will ease your mind
I will bring peace and calm to your thoughts
Sail on silver girl, yeah
Continue on your path, shining brightly
Sail on by
Keep moving forward
Your time has come to shine
It's your moment to succeed and thrive
All of your dreams are on their way
Your aspirations are becoming reality
See how they shine
Witness the brilliance of your achievements
And if you ever need a friend
If you require companionship and support
Look around, I'm sailing right, right behind
I am there, quietly supporting you
Yeah, yeah
An affirmation of support and dedication
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Paul Simon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Arnel Tampos
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
Marta Stefańska
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.
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 silvergirl,
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.
Mary Tini
@John Legend Kia Orana
WOW Meitaki Maata meaning Thankyou so Much
truly appreciate it💖
Unfortunately we are preparing for Our 200 years of Christianity here Rarotonga Cook Islands 🇨🇰 In July 🌺 💖
I've dedicated myself to thus supporting
My Church in Ma Community 💖🌟💖
Once again Thankyou Abundance 🌟
But I know there are others who would love to come too ur concert .
Well Deserve to be VIP GUEST 🥰
So would like to give thus opportunity someone who soooo loves your music
And would Brighten there day💖🥰💛
Nikki
This is so beautiful I’m crying. I lost my mom 9-11-18. She was a professional piano player. She played this and we would sing together 🎹🎹🎹🎹🎵🎵🎵🎵 thank you ❤️
John Legend Fanpage
I am very thankful to my fans and their love they shed for me, I will keep working hard and try fulfilling all their expectation towards me.
Are you one of my great fans out there?
symmetricalastic
I love your voice been a fan since you started the voice
Salvatore LaBarbera
Very uplifting song. Color purple soundtrack is great two.
Jacky Blanchard
This song was also an ultermite all-time favourite of mine since childhood thanks for reviving it again Mr Legend
John Legend
Thank you guys for the lovely likes and comments on my official page I appreciate, it's great to know I have such a devoted fan. 💜 how long have you been a Fan?
BB
Beautiful cover from John Legend…it really has that signature soulful, old school flavour that makes his music special 💛
John Legend Fanpage
I am very thankful to my fans and their love they shed for me, I will keep working hard and try fulfilling all their expectation towards me.
Are you one of my great fans out there?
John Legend
Thanks for your lovely likes and comments on my official page I appreciate, it's great to know I have such a devoted fan. 💜 how long have you been a Fan?
Sophia Mitte
I just heard this song. This song touched my heart and soul… I had a birthday yesterday - I thought I wouldn’t see a year ago. John Legend’s music 5:50 helped carry thru my battle with cancer. God Bless and thank you , John!!