Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Simon & Garfunkel Lyrics


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When you're weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes, I will 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
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

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel convey a message of support and compassion. The song begins by addressing someone who is feeling small and weary, and offers comfort by promising to be on their side and dry their tears. The line "And friends just can't be found" suggests that the person may feel alone or isolated, but the singer is offering to be a bridge of support, a connection between the person and hope.


The chorus repeats the metaphor of a bridge over troubled water, emphasizing the idea of protection and shelter. The singer offers to lay down and be a support for the person in times of trouble, a metaphor that suggests the singer is willing to sacrifice themselves to help the other person. The second verse continues this message of support, offering comfort in times of darkness and pain.


The song's final verse is slightly different in tone, addressing someone specific: the silver girl. This could be interpreted as a reference to a young girl with silver-colored hair, or more metaphorically could be a reference to someone who is experiencing a difficult transition in their life. The final lines offer the same message of support and comfort, promising to be a friend and support in difficult times.


Line by Line Meaning

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


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


I'm on your side, oh, when times get rough
I'm your supporter when things are difficult for you


And friends just can't be found
When you can't find anyone to rely on


Like a bridge over troubled water
I'm your support system during trying times


I will lay me down
I will put myself on the line for you


When you're down and out
When you're feeling low and helpless


When you're on the street
When you have no place to call home


When evening falls so hard
When the night is particularly tough


I will comfort you
I'll be there to give you relief and ease your pain


I'll take your part, oh, when darkness comes
I'll be there to support and defend you when things get tough


And pain is all around
When suffering seems to be everywhere


Sail on silver girl
Keep moving forward, my dear friend


Sail on by
Don't get stuck in one place, keep going


Your time has come to shine
It's time for you to show your talents and strengths


All your dreams are on their way
Your aspirations are coming true and will soon be realized


See how they shine
Your accomplishments will shine bright and clear


Oh, if you need a friend
If you ever need someone to talk to or support you


I'm sailing right behind
I'm always here for you and will follow your lead


I will ease your mind
I'll be there to help alleviate your worries and burdens




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

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

@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.

@026safety

One of my most cherished memories is my Mom singing this by candlelight during a power outage. We were poor and my Dad left us. I will forever be grateful for that memory.

@markcowley7599

You were more rich than most people could ever dream of ❤

@agsspr

Aww, what a lovely memories. Bless all mom`s.

@eeluk

I’m not crying!

@genesmith1876

That is truly a great memory and very touching!

@sistercharlotte8988

@@markcowley7599 AMEN!= to that!

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