I last played this one in 2023, during Simon & Garfunkel Week here on Filosofa’s Word. I was searching for a song tonight … not something upbeat, but something … something that embodies where we are today, here in the U.S., but yet gives hope for a brighter tomorrow. We are about to enter ‘troubled waters’ and I only hope we can all find a bridge that will help us over them. This time I am including a 2nd version, one that Clive brought to my attention by Artists for Grenfell, done as a tribute to the 72 people who died and 70 who were injured as a result of the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017. It is truly beautiful and I hope you will watch it.
Did you know that Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel met in grade school when they both appeared in a production of Alice in Wonderland. Paul was the White Rabbit and Art was the Cheshire Cat. They began recording together in high school as Tom and Jerry — yes, as in the cartoon cat and mouse.
Simon and Garfunkel split up in 1970, and Garfunkel went on to become a math teacher at a private school in Connecticut.
The album, Bridge Over Troubled Water, was the last the duo recorded together before their breakup, and it remains, to this day, the biggest selling album ever for Columbia Records. Paul wrote the title song, although Art Garfunkel sang it alone. It was one of the few songs to top the US and UK charts at the same time. It was #1 in the US for six weeks, #1 in the UK for three.
In 1971, this won five Grammy Awards: Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Best Contemporary Song, Best Engineered Record, and Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalists. The album also won Album of the Year. Just about everybody and their brother has tried to jump on this bandwagon with a recording of their own, including Elvis Presley, Mary Blige & Andrea Bocelli, and Aretha Franklin.
In June 2017, a charity version was recorded by Artists For Grenville, a group comprising 50 well-known British vocalists and musicians. They were collected together by Simon Cowell to record a charity single to raise money for the families of the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017. The song immediately climbed to #1 on the UK singles chart.
Bridge over Troubled Water
Simon & Garfunkel
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 (ooo)
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
Songwriters: Paul Simon
Bridge over Troubled Water lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
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I still have the original album. What a great song!
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I love this one. It is beautiful. And the “I’m sailing right behind” never fails to uplift. When the song came out, it was a tough year, so the lyrics were timely for me, and Art Garfunkel’s (and now his son! Have you heard them together yet? The Garfunkels.) voice is splendid. Thanks, Jill!
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No, I haven’t heard them together, and didn’t even know Art had a son!!! I’ll check it out! Did you listen to the Grenfell one? It brought tears to my eyes. Glad you enjoyed the music, my friend!
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🌉🌉🌉
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I always loved this song. There aren’t many by Simon and Garfinkle together that I didn’t like. I wish I coulc say the same about Paul Simon after he went solo, but he lost me as a fan at that time, especially after I read something he said about Art. Won’t repeat it but it sure diminished Paul in my mind.
Different subject: Tony passed away Friday night. He is at peace now and soon I will accept it and be able to move on. Thank you so much for all the good wishes and mostly for being my friend.
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I didn’t keep up much with either of them once they split up. I’ll have to try to find what Paul said about his longtime partner, though it will probably raise my hackles.
I wondered … I was thinking just last night that I hadn’t heard from you for a few days and figured perhaps Tony had died. Yes, my friend, he’s no longer in pain, but I know it’s hard for you nonetheless. Love and big tight hugs to you, dear friend. 💖
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This song never misses to give me goosebumps. The deep lyrics together with this composition and their performance… Goosebumps!
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I agree … it is a song deep with meaning. Did you listen to the Grenfell version? It moved me to tears!
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I listened to it after I wrote this comment. It moved me to tears too! So full of emotion and the video does the rest. That one touches the heart on a very soft spot.
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Agreed!!!
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Perfect song for today, dear friend! 🩵
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Thank you, dear friend! I’m glad you thought so, too. We’ll get through this … we’ll walk across that bridge and spit on the troubled waters!
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YES!! 😊
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I’m not in a good place today … and this doesn’t even help me. I know all the meaning behind the song … again, one of my faves!!
But my heart and soul are dormant, in pain!! I’m concerned, worried and plain scared!!
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Take care, doc. The worst that can happen is the world falling apart and all life dying. I don’t think even Trump has enough power to do that. So as long as we can say “Life can get worse,” we have not reached rock bottom. It’s not THAT far to get back on track, no matter how gelpless we feel. The sun will still rise tomorrow…
So can we!
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TY!! I sure hope you’re correct!! 🤨
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I mustadmit I take the long view — but the longer the view the better the chance of success for real people. Republicans are our new dinosaurs, they just don’t know it yet, but they can feel it coming.
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I don’t think any of us who have a brain and remember how to use it are in a good place today. But hang in, my friend, try to find some peace for at least part of each day. Know that you are much loved … and that somehow, with love and passion and determination, we will get through this and come out stronger on the other side!
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Pingback: ♫ Bridge Over Troubled Water ♫ (Redux) | Ned Hamson's Second Line View of the News
Thanks, Ned!!!
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I always loved the S&G version but the Grenfell one knocked it out of the park for me. Thank you for playing it. I used to work in that area, knew the locations in the video, went to meetings in that community centre and drove past the tower countless times, though I had retired a few years before the fire. I can’t watch it without tears, even 7+ years on.
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I fully agree … in fact, I actually like the Grenfell one better than S&G, and that is saying something! It still brings me to tears, though, as it did the first time I heard it … even more so for you, I’m sure, since you have a more direct connection.
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It still feels very raw, especially as so much still needs to be done to rebuild the community.
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Jill, WOW! The assorted artists singing it for the victims of the Grenfell Tower offer a powerful rendition. Then, it is further catapulted by the kids singing part of the chorus as well as the rap artists offering added context. Well done. Keith
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Thanks, Keith, but Clive deserves the credit for bringing it to my attention! It is powerful … it brought a tear to my eye a couple of times. In fact, I think I like it better than S&G’s!
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Everyone needs a Clive. Well done.
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True! 🙂
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Agreed! Aren’t we lucky to have him!
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I know how popular this song is, and I don’t want to spoil the party. But I do think it is rather dreary, to be honest.
Best wishes, Pete.
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You’re right … it is … and that was my main purpose in playing it today, given what today brings here in the U.S. I was looking for a song that was sad, yet offered a ray of hope.
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