As a little girl, I spent hours listening to my Mom's and my Aunt Phyllis's record albums. I grew up with Leonard Cohen, the Beatles, the Stones, Janis Joplin, Johnny Cash, the list goes on. Simon & Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water was (and is) one of my favourite songs in the world. The message of a friend who walks beside you, who lifts you up, who offers encouragement and unconditional support through times of trouble, really speaks to my heart. When my daughters were little, I used to sing this song to them as we had our bedtime cuddle in the rocking chair. It's also one of the few songs I can play on the piano (I can't play it very well, mind you, but I can play it...at least well enough to make myself happy!)
I was reminded of the song this morning as I read an email from a friend of mine...so I am listening to it now while holding her in my heart with love and prayer:
♥ ♥ "If you need a friend ... I'm sailing right behind" ♥ ♥
Full lyrics:
Bridge Over Troubled Water
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.
Comments (15)
My mom still has that LP!
Posted by Jerry | February 18, 2009 8:58 PM
Posted on February 18, 2009 20:58
Jerry, how cool! I must check my mom's basement and see what LPs are still kicking around her place.
Posted by Anne | February 18, 2009 10:13 PM
Posted on February 18, 2009 22:13
Anne, I used to love that song -- I was a big S+G fan in the 70s (after they broke up, of course!) I'm always behind the trends, I didn't get into Johnny Cash until about the time he died!
Posted by sandrac | February 18, 2009 11:11 PM
Posted on February 18, 2009 23:11
I love this song. Brings back nice memories.
Posted by girasoli | February 18, 2009 11:31 PM
Posted on February 18, 2009 23:31
I bought a CD recently that was Simon & Garfunkel's greatest hits-it is wonderful. I knew almost all of the songs on it, and on a long drive I had the day I bought it, I sang along the entire time(and I don't usually sing-I'm no good). I love Bridge Over Troubled Water.
Posted by Cindy Ruth | February 19, 2009 3:24 AM
Posted on February 19, 2009 03:24
I grew up in that era and a few years ago went to a concert to hear Art Garfunkel. Amazingly he sounded much the same as he did years ago in concert. A very beautiful voice.
Posted by Barb Cabot | February 19, 2009 3:41 AM
Posted on February 19, 2009 03:41
Sandra, I too am usually a latecomer to the trendy scene. My Aunt Phyllis was always cutting edge though (partly through listening to the CBC!)
girasoli, I always think it's so cool how songs bring back memories :)
Cindy Ruth, I think I have that same CD! It's fantastic, isn't it?
Barb - awesome!! I have heard that Art's still got it, how wonderful that you had a chance to see him.
Posted by Anne | February 19, 2009 8:23 AM
Posted on February 19, 2009 08:23
Anne
Interesting that this song comes to mind for you - another indication of Kindred Spirit, I think. I used to sing this song alot when I played my guitar more frequently and it was one of those pieces that helped me call to mind the spirits of those who surround me on my journey.
Valerie
Posted by Valerie | February 19, 2009 9:13 AM
Posted on February 19, 2009 09:13
Valerie, that is so cool to know this song speaks to us both. And you better get practicing, because now that I know you play this song on your guitar, I shall expect you to play it for me (perhaps this summer in Newfoundland!)
Posted by Anne | February 19, 2009 9:28 AM
Posted on February 19, 2009 09:28
Hi Anne, music and lyrics combined has an amazing way of touching our hearts and comforting us.
Wonderful post Anne. Thank you for writing it.
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | February 19, 2009 9:35 AM
Posted on February 19, 2009 09:35
My pleasure Kathy! It really is amazing just how comforting songs can be, isn't it?!
Posted by Anne | February 19, 2009 9:38 AM
Posted on February 19, 2009 09:38
Barb, we also saw Art Garfunkel in concert a few years back - could we have been there together? And here's the age thing, Jerry's mom might have the LP, but I am pretty sure we do as well.
Posted by Marcia | February 19, 2009 3:14 PM
Posted on February 19, 2009 15:14
Oh Marcia, wouldn't that be cool coincidence if it WAS the same concert Barb mentioned? (Serendipity seems to be running rampant lately, so it wouldn't surprise me!)
Posted by Anne | February 19, 2009 3:26 PM
Posted on February 19, 2009 15:26
"Bridge" is a great song! I have always loved it!
Posted by nancyhol | February 20, 2009 11:49 PM
Posted on February 20, 2009 23:49
Nancy, I agree! The dynamics are awesome too, I love the way it builds to that great crescendo at the end.
Posted by Anne | February 21, 2009 9:00 AM
Posted on February 21, 2009 09:00