在保羅·西蒙獨立創作完歌曲《寂靜之聲》(Sound of Silence)後,他繼續嘗試獨立創作歌曲,受福音鋼琴的影響,他創作出了一首成熟的歌曲,但他感覺該曲不像是他的風格的歌曲。而後,他將該曲交由成員阿特·加芬克爾在負責主要的演唱部分。歌詞則想表達人們在遇到困難、灰心失意的時候,其實並不孤單,因為朋友們會伸出援手,全力相助。
歌曲歌詞
When you're weary, feeling 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 lay me down.
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down.
Sail on, Silver girl.
Sail on by.
Your time has come to shine.
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.
歌曲鑑賞
《Bridge Over Troubled Water》具有濃郁的古典氣息,純淨且大氣,西蒙和加芬克爾組合的歌聲有動人心魄的感染力。該曲帶著很明顯的民謠風格,保羅·西蒙的嗓音鬆弛自然,阿特·加芬克爾的歌喉柔美純淨,具有一種脆弱的美感。