Bridge Over Troubled Water: An Allegory of Love

Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Waters is one of my all time favorite songs and in particular I love this version from their 1981 concert on the Great Lawn of Central Park in New York City. The imagery of a bridge over troubled water (picture raging rapids) as an allegory for being there to support another through a hardship captures the ideals of love and compassion perfectly.

Below is a video of Art Garfunkel signing Bridge Over Troubled Water, which Paul Simon wrote, during the 1981 Central Park concert followed by the lyrics. Before watching I just want to make two points about how to think of this song which can, hopefully, deepen its impression:

• First, the song is clearly about supporting and comforting another person when they’re going through a particularly difficult period, however I want to suggest that we should keep this desire to be compassionate alive to help in even “smaller” difficulties another may have. These are much more common. So a gentle hug, a supportive word or a little surprise could serve as a bridge over say, a babbling brook.
• Second, again the song is about you being there for another but it can also be interpreted as the divine - God, the soul, spirit - being there for you when you are going through a tough time. The soul is always there for you. You continually have at your disposal the divine’s wellspring of love, compassion, wisdom and serenity. This is the true bridge to the eternal.

Lyrics to Bridge Over Troubled Water:

When you’re weary, feelin’ 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.
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, Oh when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind

Sail on silvergirl, sail on by
Your time has come to shine, and 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
Like a bridge over troubled water,
I will ease your mind.