In February 1970, the legendary duo Simon and Garfunkel stormed the UK charts with their iconic song “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, a track that would not only captivate millions but etch its place in music history forever. This single shot to No.1 on the UK chart, triggering a phenomenon as the album remained on the charts for over 300 weeks — an extraordinary feat — returning to the number one spot eight separate times, and spending a colossal 41 weeks at No.1. Their final studio album, aptly named Bridge Over Troubled Water, marked the peak of their career and stands tall as one of the world’s best-selling albums of all time.
Behind this timeless masterpiece lies a story as dramatic as the tensions that shaped it. Paul Simon penned this poignant ballad while Art Garfunkel was filming in Europe for the black comedy Catch-22, a project starring Alan Arkin. By this time, the duo’s partnership was fraying, with tensions mounting, and as their fifth and final album reached audiences, Simon and Garfunkel themselves had already drifted apart.
In a candid 1972 interview with Rolling Stone, Paul Simon revealed a deep regret: insisting that Art Garfunkel perform the song solo inadvertently spotlighted Garfunkel while pushing Simon into the shadows. Strikingly, Garfunkel was initially reluctant to take the lead vocal, believing the song suited Simon better. Yet, decades later, listeners find it impossible to imagine anyone but Art giving life to this beautiful anthem.
The song’s construction itself tells of collaborative artistry. Initially, Simon presented a version with only two verses. Garfunkel persuaded him to write another, resulting in the hauntingly beautiful third verse inspired by Simon’s then-wife, Peggy Harper, who had first noticed her grey hairs — a tender moment immortalized in the line, “Sail on, silver girl.” The album’s recording journey stretched from New York, where the first two verses were laid down, to a studio in Los Angeles where the final verse was added.
Paul Simon also drew inspiration from the 1958 gospel song “Mary Don’t You Weep” by the Swan Silvertones, which contains the line, “I’ll be your bridge over deep water if you trust in me.” This spiritual connection deepened the song’s powerful metaphor and emotional resonance.
The album sold over 25 million copies worldwide, securing its spot among the globe’s top-selling albums. Beyond the iconic title track, fans revel in classics like “The Boxer,” “The Only Living Boy in New York,” “Cecilia,” and “El Condor Pasa (If I Could)”, each carrying the soul of the duo’s genius.
Fans can still immerse themselves in the magic via the official music video available online, witnessing the timeless appeal of this musical bridge that spans generations.
As the haunting lyrics echo, “Like a bridge over troubled water, I will lay me down,” the song remains a poignant symbol of solace, friendship, and unwavering support through life’s darkest moments. Art Garfunkel’s voice continues to comfort weary souls, proving that some songs transcend time and sorrow, forever standing as monuments of hope and endurance.