Paul Simon wrote “Bridge Over Troubled Water” in early 1969, completing the melody and initial verses with unusual speed while staying at a Los Angeles house on Blue Jay Way. The song’s title and core concept were inspired by a line improvised by Claude Jeter, lead singer of the gospel group The Swan Silvertones, in their 1958 recording of “Oh Mary Don’t You Weep.” Simon later acknowledged this debt by personally handing Jeter a check and featuring him on Simon’s 1973 solo hit “Take Me To The Mardi Gras.”
Although Simon originally envisioned the track as a “little hymn” with just two verses, Art Garfunkel and producer Roy Halee convinced him to expand it into an epic anthem. The third verse, featuring the line “Sail on, silver girl,” was written specifically for Simon’s then-wife Peggy Harper, referencing her first gray hairs. Simon insisted Garfunkel sing the lead vocal despite his own regret later that he should have performed it, a decision that became a point of tension as their partnership frayed.
The recording process, which began in August 1969, utilized the elite session musicians known as the Hollywood Golden Trio, including pianist Larry Knechtel and drummer Hal Blaine. Arranger Jimmie Haskell transposed the song from G major to E-flat major to suit Garfunkel’s voice, while the production employed Phil Spector-style “Wall of Sound” techniques, including a string section and drums played in an echo chamber. Released in January 1970, the song topped U.S. and U.K. charts and won five Grammy Awards in 1971, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year.
[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
