Bridge Over Troubled Water
Quincy Jones Lyrics
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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
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
In these lyrics, the singer is offering comfort and support to someone who is going through a difficult time in their life. The use of the metaphor of a bridge over troubled water paints a vivid picture of offering a stable pathway over rough and tumultuous times. The repetition of the line "I will lay me down" emphasizes the gravity of the promise being made—the singer is pledging to be there for the other person, in both good times and bad.
The second verse takes a turn towards acknowledging the strengths and potential of the person facing difficulty. The "silver girl" is encouraged to continue on her path towards success and fulfillment, with the singer promising to be there as a friend and source of support if needed. The use of the phrase "your time has come to shine" is particularly powerful, offering a message of hope and optimism for someone who may be struggling to see their own worth.
Overall, these lyrics are a beautiful expression of empathy and compassion, with the singer offering themselves as a source of stability and support for someone in need. The use of the metaphor of a bridge over troubled water is particularly effective, painting a vivid picture of strength and grounding in the midst of chaos.
Line by Line Meaning
When you're down and out
In moments of despair and hopelessness,
When you're on the street
When you have nowhere to go and nothing to rely on,
When evening falls so hard
When the night becomes overwhelming and difficult,
I will comfort you
I will offer the support and solace you need,
I'll take your part, oh, when darkness comes
I will stand by you and be your ally, even in the most challenging times,
And pain is all, is all around
When you are surrounded by suffering and hardship,
Just like a bridge over troubled water
I will be like a strong, sturdy bridge to help you cross over your troubles and difficulties,
I will lay me down
I will humbly offer myself to help you, even if it means sacrificing my own comfort and well-being,
Sail on silver girl
Keep moving forward, even when things are tough like silver being refined by fire,
Sail on by
Move on with your life journey and don't look back at the past,
Your time has come to shine
It's your moment to let your inner light shine and succeed,
All of your dreams are on their way
Your aspirations and goals are within reach and will come true,
See how they shine
Your dreams and potential are bright and beautiful,
Oh, if you ever need a friend
If you ever desire companionship or support,
Look around I'm sailing right behind
I'm always nearby and will help you when you need it,
Just like a bridge over troubled water
I'll serve as a source of strength and stability when you need it most,
I'll be there to lay me down
I'll be there to help you overcome your obstacles, even if it means sacrificing my own well-being,
Like a bridge over troubled water
Just like a bridge, I'll still be there to support and guide you,
I will lay me down
I will do everything in my power to help you, even if it means sacrificing my own comfort and security.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Paul Simon
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