The 1970 classic folk-rock album, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by the iconic folk duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, is considered one of the best albums of the duo’s discography and its genre respectively. Unfortunately, this masterful album would be the duo’s last, as they split up to pursue their own interests. Art Garfunkel carried on with a career in film, and Paul Simon continued to work with music.
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” is one of the best selling albums of all time due to it winning album of the year at the 1971 Grammy Awards, and is nothing short of iconic in American pop culture.
The album varies in genre and sound from track to track, with songs ranging from classic to folk-rock to world music and even gospel. The album as a whole offers a diverse and extremely diverse listening experience unlike most if any folk album of the time.
There are three songs I have chosen that truly encapsulate the diversity of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” The first of which appropriately being the title track and the first song of the album. It is certainly not what one would expect from an album that aligns closer with classic and folk-rock elements as it is undeniably gospel, with Garfunkel’s vocals backed by piano and an assortment of strings. While gospel is not particularly a genre I am fond of, I cannot doubt that this song is absolutely remarkable in its composition of layered string and piano pieces along with Garfunkel’s soaring triumphant vocals.
In a time concerned with so much political and social turmoil, it is no wonder the song connected with so many Americans at the time, the song is reassuring and compassionate with Garfunkel singing, “Oh, when times get rough /And friends just can’t be found /Like a bridge over troubled water /I will lay me down.” I love the little addition of the line, “I will lay me down” as it adds a layer of self sacrifice for others in time of need, it is so simple, yet so powerful and is a great addition to an even greater opening track.
The next track I wanted to highlight is possibly my personal favorite off the album, “The Boxer.” The production value of this track is absolutely outstanding for the time and even by today’s standards. This tune showcases the folky, classic rock elements of the duo and uses reverbing percussion and vocals along with acoustic guitar. There truly is just something magical about the layered vocals and reverberating sound that stands out to me, the sound is wonderfully contemplative and beautiful.
The subject matter of the song is just as powerful as the composition as it tells the story of a poor impoverished boxer, struggling to find his way in New York City with lines such as, “Then I’m laying out my winter clothes /And wishing I was gone, going home /Where the New York City winters aren’t bleeding me /Leading me, going home.” The city has taken its toll on the boxer and he constantly yearns for a return home. This line really describes the hostility of New York City and how hard it is for the boxer to get by while he misses the home he once knew.
However, even though the boxer’s situation is hard and taxing on his being, he perseveres as is revealed by my absolute favorite set of lyrics of the song:
“And he carries the reminders
Of every glove that laid him down
Or cut him till he cried out
In his anger and his shame
‘I am leaving, I am leaving’
But the fighter still remains.”
There is just something so raw and humanly vulnerable about that last set of lyrics that sticks with me. The image of a constantly beaten down boxer that has been worn down to the point of quitting, yet still remains is nothing short of inspiring and wonderfully tops off this remarkable and memorable folk ballad.
The final song I wanted to mention is “The Only Living Boy in New York.” This song was written by Paul Simon, who was staying in New York while Art Garfunkel was filming down in Mexico.
“Tom, get your plane right on time /I know your part’ll go fine /Fly down to Mexico.”
The lyrics are a direct reference to Garfunkel’s absence as he is referred to as time, and his role along with his filming location are directly referenced.
The following lyrics confirm Simon’s isolation later in the song when he writes, “And here I am / The only living boy in New York.”
Even though Simon misses his friend and feels isolated, the song continues and finishes on a more positive and thoughtful note as Simon encourages Garfunkel to “let your honesty shine,” and goes to show that even though he is struggling with feelings of extreme isolation and longing, he still wants his friend to succeed. The song is harmonic with Simon’s vocals floating along with the acoustic guitar and melodic background tracking and vocals.
The song is also a personal favorite of mine as it was the first Simon and Garfunkel song I ever heard, so it holds a special place in my heart, and the purpose and story of the song are so powerful to me and really highlight the extent and intimacy of the two’s friendship.
Of course there is so much more to this downright iconic, and essential to a folk/classic rock fan, album than just three songs so I would recommend that one embark on the wonderful, sonically pleasing journey that is “Bridge Over Troubled Water” to see what stands out and resonates with them the most. This album has stood the test of time and will most likely maintain that status for years to come. It truly is something special.