Simon and Garfunkel's Bridge Over Troubled Water

Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water”

One of the most landmark records of the late 60’s (precisely 1969-1970). It was also the high point of Simon and Garfunkel’s career, complete with Artie Garfunkel setting a huge benchmark vocally with his soaring tenor vocal lines that are floating above the orchestral tidal wave that could very well represent the classical music of the pop music movement. It’s reminiscent to the art song in classical literature. It has all of the elements—a very quiet hymn-like first verse with just the piano accompanying it; the rather triumphant second verse that finds Garfunkel putting in a little vibrato to add an endearing quality to the mix; and finally the climax. At this point, you’re off to the races, complete with big, cushy orchestral drums that were in retrospect slowed down to open up their sound. You have the piano still there leading the charge. The strings slip in with a majestic E-flat chord. The bass guitar comes in the next bar to further solidify the verse’s permanence. This is followed by Simon and Garfunkel’s voices harmonizing together: “Sail on, Silvergirl. Sail on by…” The record lifts off like a rocket and you are in flight from here on out. The verse climaxes with Garfunkel going out on a high limb and opening up the throat to deliver those high tenor notes and vocal acrobatics that will make for a pop hit every time. The very essence of the line, “Like a bridge over troubled water, I will ease your mind” is meant as a plea to trust your friend that your worries will be assuaged. Garfunkel tells of the song being like Jesus coming down and saying “I will be with you when your hurting and in pain and you can take sustenance [in me]. It could very well be the secular version of Jesus dying for the sins of mankind and comforting them. It was originally intended as a two verse song, but Garfunkel suggested a third verse to make it stand out, to really make it sing. We are glad he did. It has sold millions worldwide and continues to set a high benchmark for singers everywhere.