About the song
“Bridge over Troubled Water” is the fifth and final studio album by the American folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, released in January 1970 by Columbia Records. Following their work on the soundtrack for “The Graduate,” Art Garfunkel ventured into acting with “Catch-22,” while Paul Simon focused on songwriting, with the exception of the track “Bye Bye Love,” originally by Felice and Boudleaux Bryant and famously performed by The Everly Brothers.
Produced by Roy Halee, the album marked a significant shift from the traditional folk sounds of their previous work, “Bookends.” Instead, it incorporated a diverse array of styles, including rock, R&B, gospel, jazz, world music, and pop. After Garfunkel completed his acting project, he returned to recording, contributing to a collection of 14 songs. However, three tracks were eventually cut from the final release. The decision to include a twelfth song led to some controversy, resulting in the final album featuring 11 tracks. Despite these challenges, the album was considered both “the least effortful and most ambitious” of their career.
Released on January 26, 1970, “Bridge over Troubled Water” saw multiple reissues and remasterings, including a 40th-anniversary edition in March 2011 with additional DVDs, a television program, and documentary content. Various editions have included bonus tracks, such as the 2001 release featuring renditions of “Feuilles-O” and “Bridge over Troubled Water.”
Despite its critical acclaim, Simon & Garfunkel decided to part ways and end their contract with Columbia Records early in 1970. Garfunkel pursued an acting career, while Simon continued his musical journey, both eventually releasing solo albums. The album includes two of the duo’s most successful songs, “Bridge over Troubled Water” and “The Boxer,” both of which are listed in Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” With impressive commercial success, the album topped charts in over ten countries, won two Grammy Awards and four other honors for its title track, and sold over 25 million copies. It also earned a place on several “greatest albums” lists, notably ranking 51st in Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.”
Video
Lyrics
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
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 Silver Girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine (See how they shine)
If you need a friend (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
I will ease your mind.