Bridge Over Troubled Water, the celebrated song by Simon & Garfunkel, is a compass.
Whatever you’re trying to find, look for . . .
- loyalty . . . I’m on your side
- compassion . . . I will comfort you
- encouragement . . . Sail on silver girl
- vision . . . All your dreams are on their way
- companionship . . . I’m sailing right behind
. . . and you will thrive over troubled water.
Untold millions recall the song’s August 1970 release as it inspires hope.
Last Christmas, our family watched the CBS special, Homeward Bound: A Grammy Salute to the Songs of Paul Simon.
We found three treasures in what Stevie Wonder calls “one of the most beautiful songs ever written.”
1. The bridge of loyalty
Oh, when times get rough And friends just can't be found Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down
Nothing rewards our survival like the bridge of loyalty.
- Loyalty to God
- Loyalty to family
- Loyalty to community
Loyalty is hard to find. Folks who stand by your side in . . .
- plenty or want
- vigor or grief
- glory or dishonor
And when there is no one around, an old proverb inspires us.
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24
In my darkest moments, when I feel alone, I run to my hiding place.
“Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” Psalm 32: 6-7
Sow the seeds of loyalty to God every day and His presence will comfort you.
2. The bridge of compassion
Paul Simon was influenced by a 1958 gospel hit, “Mary Don’t You Weep.”
Recorded by the Swan Silvertones, the song’s line, “I’ll be a bridge over deep water if you trust in my name,” inspired Simon.
“I think that must have subconsciously influenced me and I started to go to gospel (chord) changes.” Paul Simon interview/Dick Cavett/1970
Bridge Over Troubled Water sets aside personal gain and reaches across to others.
Simon eventually met up with Silvertones’ lead singer Claude Jeter and wrote him a check.
Watch the love everywhere as Stevie Wonder performs the song in December 2022.
Stevie Wonder and Ledisi performed Bridge Over Troubled Water in the 2022 CBS TV special
3. The bridge of encouragement
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” turned 53 in January of 2023.
Maybe this classic ballad can help us reach past ourselves.
After all, the happiest people in the world are bridges.
Folks who make it their life mission to be a connector.
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
What does the song mean to you?
I have been called during the cold weather to work at a homeless shelter – To use a business term, these people are on the death line. This is a model I am going to use at the next opportunity to serve – Loyalty (Commitment) – I’ll get you a coat. Compassion – love them. Encouragement – This is a tough one – God bless seems so hollow, maybe I will pray for you…
Thanks for your thoughtful comments Jeff. Your last comment about encouragement reminds me of “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood,” which I watched countless times with my girls in the 80s. His style was to come alongside and love kids by simply being present at the moment. Judy and I just watched the inspiring movie starring Tom Hanks. Thanks again.
January 1970 was the release date. I checked and remember because in May 1970 I did the youth service sermon at First Pres Church in Princeton New Jersey with that theme and my sisters played the song. It was a time when both the University and High School were on strike and the community was divided.
Steve, what a memory! What an experience for you, your sisters and those in attendance. Thanks for sharing that inspirational moment.
I am happy to learn that Paul Simon wrote a check to Claude Jeter. That hasn’t happened much. Great story!
An honorable man indeed. Thanks for sharing Christine!