First Listen - "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon and Garfunkel
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- Опубліковано 22 бер 2023
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We played this song at my Mother's funeral. She lived in severe pain from Chrons disease most of her life. She had 9 major operations to remove pieces of her intestines that caused the blockages and were too inflamed to repair, she felt this song was sent to her by God to let her know he would he would be that "bridge over troubled water" for her.
It is so hard not to get a lump in your throat when you hear this music and those lyrics! Oh my! I'm 70 and I still get a tear in my eye. Never grows old! Again,thank you Syed for all of these beautiful song of my youth!
I'm 71 and had this album played ever track on repeat through head phones and just let the music take me where ever it led.
A Grammy for Best Song and Best Album of the Year. No argument here, it's truly iconic music.
also Record of the Year
What year? 1970?
@@davidantonacci9525 yes
Iconic relates only to images. It means 'like an image'.
I'm 67, and it was my mother's favorite song.😢 I have always been 🎉big Paul Simon fan. "Boxer" should be next
Thanks for choosing this song today.
This song showcases Art Garfunkel's vocals brilliantly. Garfunkel was often thought as being in the shadow of Simon's writing. The music has a strong gospel music feel to it. I just love it the message of helping those facing misfortune when we can.
Pink, REM, Beatles, S&G .. each generation needs a comfort anthem.
Garfunkel's voice premier and Simon's poetry. Back in the day, this was an anthem! Grammy winner.
Paul Simon ranks right there with Dylan as one f the greatest writers of his generation. At one time the album (Bridge Over Troubled Waters) was the biggest selling album ever.
I definitely recommend checking out their live performance of this song from the benefit concert they gave in Central Park in NYC in the early 80s. Garfunkel absolutely knocked it out of the park (no pun intended) that evening. Brilliant performance.
It is definitely a very powerful and beautiful performance...
I was there that night with about half a million other people. Once Art got into the first verse, that huge crowd fell absolutely quiet and attentive until the end, then erupted into deafening cheers. It was electric.
A reaction to that entire concert would be welcome.
As a NYC native... This was the first song to come across the radio after the 9/11 attacks.. Has such a deep..profound meaning my heart
I believe this is one of the most beautiful songs ever. Art Garfunkel was named #17 best voice of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.
Paul Simon's Magnum Opus .. absolute masterpiece.
Legendary session drummer Hal Blaine deserves the credit for that crashing drum sound. The producer achieved the sound by placing Blaine on a ramp near an elevator shaft and having him play two large tom-toms. This sound can also be heard on "The Boxer."
Love me some Hal Blaine
Yup. Hal "Bombastic" Blaine: He knew how to make it sound big.
Hal's a bonafide legend of course, but Roy Halee probably deserves quite a bit of the credit for the overall sonic landscape of most of S&G's records.
This is a brilliant point you brought up! This song is over 50 years old. Synthesizers and autotune weren't used. Bands and producers had to figure out how to make the sounds they wanted to hear and voices were real! I love stories about how songs and sounds were made back then.
The live version at Central Park is amazing. It’s not better, it’s just gobsmacking to see him sing this live.
I think the Live 1969 album and the Carnegie Hall album are the best live renditions. It's peak Simon and Garfunkel.
I say it is better. Very emotional version, especially at the end when he pumps his fist because he knows he nailed it.
@@danielsullivan5063 yeah, he still had it.
"Sail on silver girl" - Paul's then wife was upset to find a grey hair! This was Paul telling her she still had plenty of time to fulfil her dreams.
I am pretty sure that it has a double meaning - he is using that image in a wider sense.
The powerful sounds you reference are evocative of waves crashing violently -- troubled water at its worst.
In the midst of this, your mind is eased.
Those crashes that you describe as explosions, always sounded to me like huge waves crashing on the shore. Fabulous.
I think more than almost any other song, this is a culmination of Paul's fantastic writing and Art's immaculate voice.
Incredible song.
Paul Simon heard the phrase ”Bridge Over Troubled Water" in a Baptist Church hymm and was inspired to write the song.
I don't know if it was written for a specific person or maybe the city of New York which was an inspiration for many of his songs.
Who cannot love and and be moved by this beautifully written and performed work of art?
it doesn't surprise me that inspiration came In a hymn or church. I will lay me down is kind of what Christ says in the NT. I will lay down my life for my sheep. Great song all these years.
Paul Simon “50 ways to leave your lover “ is one of the most perfect tracks I’ve ever heard.
Those "explosions" in my opinion were always interpreted by me as the sounds of waves crashing against the rocks...unless they are just intended to be percussive "exclamation" points. Garfunkel's vocal delivery to my ear was the true stunner of this track as he had previously just been a harmonizer on most of their records and here he becomes the lead voice with Paul doing the backing vocal.
I thought it was waves too!
Art, from an article I read, literally supported a friend of his who lost his eyesight. That's a true friend.
Paul Simon's gospel-inspired song was famously covered by both Elvis Presley and Aretha Franklin in splendid fashion, as well as by countless others.
This isn't just a song -- it's a musical event.
I loved all of this stuff growing up and Garfunkel has the sweetest voice. But now that I'm older and have been around music for a long time and played in bands and stuff, I have become convinced that the 1970 Vegas performance by Elvis Presley of this is the most amazing version of it I have ever heard. And believe me it's been covered a ton. Most of us learned how to play it and sing it when we were young.
And in fact somewhere around that time, I think maybe a 1969? Or maybe it was 1970 or 71, but Paul Simon lived in New York and he went to see Elvis perform at Madison Square Garden, and Elvis did that version of it except that the one you should watch on UA-cam is from Vegas in 1970, but after watching that, he basically threw up his hands and said, well, that's Elvis's song now!
Another great S&G song with great lyrics is "I Am A Rock"
This song epitomises why they were so good together the clever, beautiful song writing and one of the best interpreters of songs there has ever been in Art Garfunkel, the perfect duet
Paul Simon is a songwriting legend and Art Garfunkel has the voice of an angel.
I'm 60 and have never been able to listen to or sing this song without tearing up.
Syed your soft melting side will love this. On regular rotation in our house through the 70s.
Most comforting and encouraging songs I ever heard. I lost friends and family and this song comforted me. Beautiful song.
The first time I heard this song, I was in Junior High School, and it remains one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Garfunkel masterpiece with Simon's brilliant writing.
There Are A Select Few Classics That TRULY & PERFECTLY Exprees What TRUE Friendship Means,, And This One Sits Right At The Top Of That List.
Simply one of the all-time greatest songs in the last half-century. It's up there with very few others in the rock era.
Art’s pacing is divine. And Paul knew how to write for this very voice.
The combination of Simon's songwriting and Garfunkel's vocal interpretation combined to make this a masterpiece. So much to praise about it. The poetry and music, the strong powerhouse voice fading to just above a whisper. All of the elements are outstanding on their own and could make the tears well up, but Wow!
This came out when I was a teenager, and I had a friend going through some stuff. I think it helped her get through it in pretty good shape, still able to smile. "Sail on silver girl, sail on by." Who still writes such amazing, lilting lyrics?
You have to watch this song from their performance in Central Park!
You must watch them perform this song live in Central Park some 40 years ago, absolutely stunning 😎
These were unlikely songs written purposefully in the middle of the civil rights era with the Vietnam war in the background. I'm 60... it was chaotic, possibly more so than today. I think they were sort of holding the torch for the message of the 60s... peace and brotherhood, simple friendship to fight the war mentality. A few icons of the 60s died in 1970 and people thought the era was ending on a mixed note... S&G were witness to the whole thing and seemed to want to hang on to it.
@Rob Wealer, I agree, I've always thought Simon was speaking to the mood of the country at the time.
One of my favorites and at age 71 it still gets me. Art Garfunkel was most excellent in this track and always.
The Wrecking Crew is providing a lot of the instrumentation and the sounds that create that epic feeling come from “The Wall Of Sound” that were used extensively on that whole album. The entire album is a masterpiece. They used all kinds of experimental sounds that Simon continued to do throughout his career as a solo artist. Despite their conflicts there’s no denying that the combination of their voices and the harmonies they found are timeless. I was happy when they did the Central Park concert that Simon had Art sing “An American Tune” which he recorded as a solo artist but I always thought of Art singing it when I heard it. As far as I am concerned, that tune should be our national anthem. It captures the love of the lofty dream of being American in a country that bears the scars of our history and wonders what will become of us as we are all just ordinary people that form the backbone of our nation. I have found great comfort in this song as well. Do listen to more of their catalogue with an open mind for the appreciation of how adventurous they are in production as well as song writing
you 1000% need to react to Simon and Garfunkel - Bleeker St. (1964 demo version), the vocal harmonies are simply magnificent and all they recorded along with was a guitar.
This has got to be one of the most beautiful renditions of a song ever.
Great reaction. The album is sonically stunning. Love the highly original "Only Living Boy in New York", "El Condor Pasa" (beautiful rendition of a Peruvian trad. song?) and "the Boxer" of course. I recall a documentary on the production of the album....they used a lot of innovative techniques to produce a range of sound effects.
A memory that has stuck with me from years ago is of Garfunkel appearing as a solo artist on The Tonight Show. After he sang, Johnny Carson commented about how much feeling or emotion came through and how moving it was. It was very rare, that Carson showed a more emotional side of himself.
Paul Simon is a poet. His writing is so brilliant in "The Boxer" and "America", as well.
"American Tune" as well - so beautiful and poetic.
If this was the only song Art ever sang he'd still be a legend.
"Bridge over Troubled Water" is a bona-fide 20th century classic. Simon & Garfunkel released it in January of 1970. It quickly went to #1 in the U.S. charts and stayed there for two months before stepping aside for The Beatles "Let it Be". It went on to win the Grammy award for Song of the Year. The "Bridge Over Troubled Water" album was the last album they made together. This song was all over the radio when I was a really little kid, so hearing it always takes me back to very fond memories of my late mother. Art Garfunkel's singing on the song is wonderous. Aretha Franklin's cover draws out the gospel touches as only she can, while Elvis Presley preserves the song's fragility in his 1970 recording. But that gets lost in the 2015 version produced with the Royal Philharmonic.
Art Garfunkel has one of the most hauntingly beautiful voices I've ever heard.
I'm pretty sure the sound that you're hearing is a snare drum, run through layers of reverb. It's also present in their song "The Boxer" so I think it could be a way of encapsulating the idea of freedom.
The gospel-tinged piano part by Larry Knechtel is a perfect platform for Garfunkel's vocal performance. Interesting side note is that Art and the producer had to convince Simon that the song needed a third verse. Simon wrote the final verse in the studio and it made the song take off like a rocket.
Art Garfunkel has one of the purest most beautiful voices that ever came out of the folk rock era. I love Bridge Over Troubled Water! And if you're interested in exploring his range and experiencing that unique sweetness of tone he has (and Paul's amazingly poetic lyricism), I highly recommend this performance of their song "For Emily, Wherever I May Find Her" ua-cam.com/video/-HQ2j-SGBZk/v-deo.html
About Art Garfunkel, Rob Jones wrote in 2016, "So few singers in an English-speaking pop context are able to sing a line that is both gloriously optimistic and devastatingly sad at the same time with such precision. This is not to mention his pivotal role as producer and arranger on Simon & Garfunkel albums, of which not many people are aware." His vocals on the Albert Hammond/Hal David song "99 Miles From LA", prove that he can insert so much subtle emotion and that made a hit for him on his solo album, Breakaway. I think one of my older sisters must have bought that album. I LOVE his version. It's all full of "The Feels".
The original song ended without the sail in silver girl verse. They thought the song was lacking, or their manager did. They went back and wrote the last verse, to give the song a sense of completion. It’s the only chorus where they say “I will ease your mind” rather than “I will lay me down.”
Art's voice is so gentle, yet strong. What a beautiful testament to friendship. I still listen to Simon and Garfunkel CDs in my car.
If you have anyone in your life who would lay themselves down for you, you are lucky, don't take it for granted!
They're not explosions... they're the waves...of troubled water... listening to this song again... I'm crying as always...
A few of L.A.'s famous Wrecking Crew session men played on this track, recorded in NYC. Larry Knechtel performs piano, with Joe Osborn playing bass guitar and Hal Blaine on drums. And, to think, Simon was upset when producer Tom Wilson overdubbed other instruments to "Sound of Silence" without his approval just a few years before this.
We should all be thankful Paul convinced Art to sing this. Angelic vocals
This song came out when I was 6 years old and it played a lot on the radio throughout my childhood. I would stop playing with my toys, coloring, or whatever I was doing to listen. It still draws me in today and reminds me of simple times. Those explosions made me think of thunder or lightning of a storm, which would cause the water to be troubled.
The whole album is pretty much flawless in terms of songwriting and especially production...right there with Pet Sounds and Sgt Pepper's imho
I really like this entire album. Each time I hear one song, I want to hear them all again. Bridge over troubled water has (for anyone who grew up in a certain king of church) unmistakable elements in common with religious music. In addittion, the depth of love it takes to lay yourself down when someone is at thier lowest is a divine, christ-like trait..so powerful.
My Song for the Asking and The Boxer along with this song are ones with alot of depth and beauty too.
I also like the somewhat unorthidox song styles in this album. Highly reccomended to listen to as an album.
Art Garfunkel deserves all the praise he gets for this track - his voice is sublime!! Not to take anything away from Paul Simon as a fantastic songwriter, and good singer in his own right.
The combination of these two is perfection! Too bad they can't check their egos at the door!
Simon & Garfunkel "A Hazy Shade Of Winter"
Saw them do this in a 4000 seat auditorium designed for a symphony. The last vocal Art put his mike down and blasted the crowd
Another 1 I got introduced 2 around 9. 1 of there best!
'The Boxer' also uses explosions to great effect (also from this album). Another epic song from this team.
One of the greatest songs of all time. Art Garfunkel sings it brilliantly. Aretha Franklin does a great version. Look at Paul Simon’s stuff is fantastic.
The noises you heard the deep bang is actually a filing cabinet thrown into an empty lift shaft recorded by hanging a microphone down there.
These two were top notch on every level.
In the hardest of times, in the cruelty of life, this song sends much needed comfort. And hope.
This dynamic lead to so many groups breaking. Simon has the words but couldn’t create the sound Art did. Same with Pete Townsend and Roger Daltrey, Roger waters and David Gilmore etc
As always, I love your thoughtful reaction. This song can often get tears in my eyes, especially when I'm going through a rough patc in my life. The last verse was dedicated to Paul Simon 's girlfriend at the time. That "explosion" sound effect is a reverb on the drums which is also used to good effect on another S&G classic entitled "The Boxer" which I think you'll like.
The Silver Girl lines is about Paul's wife/girlfriend, who was feeing bad about her hair turning grey. This was a way for him to comfort her. In fact, the entire song must be one of the most comforting songs ever written
This song is a soaring tribute to friendship and love. Art Garfunkel’s voice is pure perfection!!!!!
The new 2023 -2024 Paul Simon documentary covers this song, the break up and Paul stating that his own mother told him his singing voice was good but Art’s voice was FINE. Art’s voice singing Paul Simon’s song is perfection.
One of the greatest songs ever written
Absolutely love your stuff. I was 13 when this came out and it blew my mind. The pleasure I take from watching you discover my era of music from Dylan 'to infinity and beyond' is immeasurable. Enjoy it all my friend. Enjoy it all.
It was such an instantly recognizable masterpiece that it was taught in my music class in 8th grade a few months after its’ release. She wasn’t my favorite teacher but it was sure cool that she was handing out lyric sheets for us to do a deep dive into it. Must have been the first poem I ever connected with.
Just a beautiful song with great singing! Just deep friendship heartfelt sentiment nobody writes this way anymore beautiful!
About the best song ever written ❤
I used, and still, even though she is over 40, to call my daughter my silver girl from this song.
IMHO, Paul Simon is 2nd only to Bob Dylan as a musical and lyrical genius. And Art had the voice of an angel, their harmonies were unmatched. To me, those crashes mimic the crashing of waves in the ocean, reinforcing the sailing and bridge metaphors.
Great song about a Heroin User and their pusher talking about comforting them with Drugs.
Sail on Silver Girl. Silver girl refers to Needles. All your dreams are on their way. I’m sailing right behind you. See how they shine. Once you get high you’ll be on Cloud nine shining.
When friends just can’t be found Drugs will help you cope with the pain of loneliness.
Oh well, that's just a great song from a lyrical and melodic standpoint with a feel of enlightenment and hope and showing that Art Garfunkel is one of the best singers from his generation.
I love how deeply you understand this song. I have seen others review this song and they actually asked what is this about, or don’t get this. Makes me a little concerned for the heart of the world.
The piano arrangement written and played by Larry Knechtel also won a grammy.
When Hearing This Song For The First Time,, MANY People Get Emotional,, Cry,, Or A Little Of Both.
Watch the live version from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary concert. Art brings it home at the end such that even Simon has to applaud.
We felt that way about each other. We were all in a wave bleeding into each other's wounds back then during Vietnam
An amazing song that only Paul Simon could write and only Art Garfunkel could sing.
I love how he lets his silver girl take the lead.
It's interesting to put this song in the context of the year it was made 69/70. Gospel (or gospel-style) was having a moment, with this song, The Beatles "Let It Be," The Band's "Makes No Difference," and more. It fit right in there.
Paul Simon's "Late In The Evening" and S&G's "I am A Rock"
They did “Late in the Evening” at the concert in Central Park. I love watching it because they actually smile a little and seem to be enjoying themselves.
This is one of the greatest records of all time - I also LOVE Aretha Franklin's cover, like going to church.
Absolutely magnificent. Someone suggested The Boxer next, and I second that emotion. Great reaction.
Some songs go beyond being "classics" to being "landmarks". This is one of them. Burying the drums so deep in the mix to become those explosions (it was "The Boxer" you were thinking of, BTW), which become surf crashing on the shore. The last verse was written quite some time after the others - Paul didn't think there was enough in the song and that it needed an extra verse.
I have concern… where in the world do go from here in this genre… this was the pinnacle, imo. So glad it hit for you!
Explosions were a theme running through many of their songs. The Boxer highlighting them to the fullest.
One of the most covered songs EVER!
Kudos to famous studio musician Larry Knechtel for his brilliant invention of and performance of the piano on this. Elvis did a version of this in performance but I always felt it was over the top and not in the character of the song as it was meant to be conveyed, soft, gentle where needed ...contemplating and empathetic, with emotional high and lows. It's not an opera, it's a feeling and a story to be told, not about the singer. When wanting to her bridge Over Troubled water, accept NO substitutes...Art Garfunkel's performance here is the REAL DEAL. Without him...no Grammy....