Bridge Over Troubled Water

Did you ever have a song that seems to carry significance at many different times in your life?

I remember when I first heard Simon & Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" back in 1970. My childhood sweetheart (he gave me my first kiss when I was about 6 years old), had just broken up with me. He and I lived about 3 hours apart and neither of us could drive at the time. It was my first experience with rejection and a broken heart. I remember listening to the song over and over.

Now, once again, this song soothes something in my soul. I wonder why that is. Is it because of that distant memory of how it soothed me back in my teens? Perhaps it is the words:

When you’re weary, feeling small,
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all;
I’m on your side. 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.
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 silvergirl,
Sail on by.
Your time has come to shine.
All your dreams are on their way.
See how they shine
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.