Paul Mauriat (Marseille, 4 March 1925 – 3 November 2006 in Perpignan) was a… Read Full Bio ↴Paul Mauriat (Marseille, 4 March 1925 – 3 November 2006 in Perpignan) was a French orchestra leader, specializing in light music. Mauriat grew up in Marseilles and began leading his own band during the Second World War. In the 1950s he became musical director to at least two well-known French singers, Charles Aznavour and Maurice Chevalier, touring with them respectively. Mauriat composed the music for several French soundtracks (also released on Bel-Air) including Un Taxi Pour Tobrouk (1961), Horace 62 (1962) and Faites Sauter La Banque (1964). Many of Mauriat's recordings are recompositions of other composers' songs and music. Mauriat relied heavily on strings and synthesiser to create interesting music. The arrangements are usually very bright and busy with sensible use of the percussive section to deliver a grand style of performance. In his 70s and 80s live concerts, Mauriat often used singers to provide backing for numbers such as Penelope, Love is Blue and the World Melody section he arranged for his 1980 and 1982 concerts.

Bridge Over Troubled Water
Paul Mauriat Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

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 lyrics to Paul Mauriat's song "Bridge Over Troubled Water" speak of a deep compassion and empathy for those experiencing hard times. The song begins by acknowledging the pain and suffering of being "down and out" and "on the street," and promising to "comfort" and "take your part" during those moments. The lyrics also recognize that the darkness and pain can be all-encompassing, and yet, the singer will be there, like a bridge over troubled water, to "lay me down" and provide a sense of stability and support.

The second verse shifts its focus to the wandering "silver girl" who has "dreams" and is navigating her way through life. Here, the lyrics offer encouragement and the promise of being a friend. The repeated refrain of "just like a bridge over troubled water" serves as both a reminder of the singer's support and a reassurance that this kind of stability and comfort can be found as a constant source, just as a bridge provides stability over turbulent waters.

Overall, the lyrics of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" are a beautiful reminder that we all need support during difficult times, and that being there for each other is the greatest gift we can give.

Line by Line Meaning

When you're down and out
When you are feeling sad, dejected and helpless

When you're on the street
When you feel lonely or lost, having nowhere to go or find respite

When evening falls so hard
When the day comes to a difficult end and there's no solace in sight

I will comfort you
I will provide you emotional support, solace, and strength when you feel like giving up

I'll take your part, oh, when darkness comes
I will stand by you and fight for you even when the situation is grim and hopeless

And pain is all, is all around
When suffering and agony seem to be omnipresent and unbearable

Just like a bridge over troubled water
Just like a well-constructed bridge over a tumultuous body of water that provides safe passage, I will help you cross over these painful and challenging phases

I will lay me down
I am willing to go out of my way and offer my complete support and comfort to you

Sail on, silver girl
Continue your journey of life, keep chasing your dreams, and embrace your inner strength and endurance

Sail on by
Move forward and leave behind all the pain and negativity from the past

Your time has come to shine
The time has arrived for you to showcase your talents and abilities to the world

All of your dreams are on their way
All the dreams that you have envisioned will soon become a reality

See how they shine
Observe how brightly and splendidly your dreams are materializing

Oh, if you ever need a friend
In case you ever feel lonely, vulnerable or in need of support

Look around I'm sailing right behind
I am your friend and constant companion, ready to support you in any circumstance

I'll be there to lay me down
I will be there to offer my full support and comfort to you, just like a bridge over troubled water

Like a bridge over troubled water
Just like a bridge that provides safety and support over tumultuous waters, I will offer my complete support and assistance to you

I will lay me down
I will do everything in my power to support and assist you even if it comes at a personal cost to me

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Paul Simon

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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