Michael W. Smith (born October 7th, 1957) is an American singer, author, so… Read Full Bio ↴Michael W. Smith (born October 7th, 1957) is an American singer, author, songwriter, guitarist, and keyboardist.

Since his first solo project in 1983, Smith has become one of the most popular artists in the contemporary Christian music world, while also finding considerable success in the mainstream. Smith has frequently topped both Christian radio and Billboard charts and is often listed as one of the top keyboardists in rock and roll in Keyboard Magazine. Smith has sold more than 13 million records and has had 29 #1 hit songs. By 2005, he had garnered 14 gold records and 5 platinum records, 40 Dove Awards, an American Music Award and 3 Grammy Awards. He was also named one of People magazine's most beautiful people.

The Glory Songfacts reports that recorded with a 65-piece London orchestra, Glory is Christian musician Michael W. Smith’s seventeenth studio album and his second instrumental record. It was released November 22, 2011. His first instrumental album was Freedom, which was released November 21, 2000.

Bridge Over Troubled Water
Michael W. Smith Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When you're weary feeling small
When tears are in your eyes I'll dry them all 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 ooh
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
Yeah yeah

Overall Meaning

In Michael W. Smith's interpretation of Simon and Garfunkel's classic hit "Bridge Over Troubled Water," the lyrics offer comforting words for someone who is going through a tough time. The song starts by declaring support for someone who is feeling low and weary, offering comfort and help through the challenging times. The lyrics suggest that despite feeling lonely and vulnerable, the singer will be a bridge over the troubled water and will lay himself down to help the other person get through.

As the song continues, the lyrics emphasize the depth of the support that the singer is offering. He continues to promise to be there for his friend even when the situation is at its worst, offering comfort and reassurance when pain is all around. The third verse of the song switches from a first-person point of view to a third-person perspective, addressing "Silver Girl" and offering her words of encouragement, that her time has come to shine and that her dreams are on their way. Lastly, no matter what, the singer will be there as a friend to ease their mind and help them overcome their troubles.

Overall, the lyrics are about the power of friendship and support during difficult times. The metaphor of a bridge over troubled waters suggests that such support can offer a path for someone to get through the hardest of times.

Line by Line Meaning

When you're weary feeling small
When you feel tired and insignificant

When tears are in your eyes I'll dry them all all
When you cry, I'll comfort you and wipe away your tears

I'm on your side oh when times get rough
I'll stand by you when things get 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'll be a source of support and stability for you

I will lay me down
I'll do whatever it takes to help you

When you're down and out
When you're in a bad situation

When you're on the street
When you're homeless or in a difficult situation

When evening falls so hard
When the day is hard to bear

I will comfort you ooh
I'll be there to ease your pain

I'll take your part oh when darkness comes
I'll support you in difficult times when others won't