paul simon
The song was first recorded on 9th of November 1969, and released 26th of January the following year as the title track for the album, as well as a successful single. The album became the duo's fifth and last studio album. They split up their tight collaboration; starting as "Tom and Jerry" in 1957, both aged sixteen and performing folk/folk-rock music based on especially vocal harmonies, like the legendary Everly Brothers. Simon then concentrated on his solo career as a "world music" singer/songwriter, and Garfunkel kept on as an actor and renowned vocalist - his very special voice and bright intonation made him famous, if not wealthy. The duo have had frequent reunions since they departed, but never released new material.
The album release was not praised by music journalists. The sound was often called "Spectorized" and overproduced. No wonder why; it differed notably from their famous album "Bookends", and it was by will. Producer Roy Halee was influenced by "The Wall of Sound", as well as the duo wanted progress. As well as the public. The album remained CBS' best-selling album ever until Michael Jackson pestered the world with "Thriller" in 1982. Not a surprise. "Bridge over Troubled Water" contains more favourites than the title song, like "The Boxer", "Cecilia", "El Cóndor Pasa" and so on; no dead meat.
My approach to the song is rather recent. A classmate brought the album to a high school music lesson in '71, and I immediately bought it myself. I almost wore the vinyl record out, but found it unsuitable for myself to adapt. This year, almost a life afterwards, Bonnie Tyler passed away, and I decided to dig down what ELSE than her famous hits she had recorded. She had recorded this one, live and in studio, and what a VOICE! What a SOUL! What a SONG!
Simon originally wrote it in G major key. It just dropped down on him; the lyrics are not typical for Paul Simon songs, and he wanted Art to sing it solo. He also wanted it piano gospel style, and Larry Knechtel made it. Producer Roy Halee insisted on the key E flat to match Garfunkel's voice better, and Art insisted on making a third verse ... and so it was. And here it is. I brought it back home to G key, to comfort my own voice, and probably most other throats.
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 silvergirl
sail on by
your time has come to shine
all your dreams are on their way
see how they shine
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
For the following CHORD section, fullscreen/horizontal mobile is recommended.
G ...Cadd9 when you're weary G ...E7 feeling small C Am7 D7 when tears are in your eyes G ...Cadd9 I will dry them all G D7 Em D I'm on your side D7 G Gmaj7...G7 when times get rough G7+9 C A D7 and friends just can't be found D6 D7 C A7 G E7 like a bridge over troubled water C Cdim7 Em I will lay me down D6 D7 C A7 G Bm like a bridge over troubled water C D7 G I will lay me down [outro last two lines on final verse] D6 D7 C A7 Bm Em like a bridge over troubled water C D7 Em ...Cmaj7...G I will lay me down
