"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. Art Garfunkel's singing on the song is wonderful.
I know I’ve said this at least a thousand times but I am beyond grateful that I am blessed to be a Boomer and remember all this fabulous music from the 60s and 70s. No such thing as “auto-tune” (whatever that is); just pure talent from the best of the best. My parents had to deal with car radios cranked up to the max when we kids forgot to turn down the volume, and our transistor radios blasting on the rare occasions we were actually at home! Ah, “those were the days, my friend, we thought they’d never end…”
Aretha Franklin so loved this song that she covered it on her iconic Amazing Grace gospel album. When you think about it, it could be Jesus or God talking in those lyrics.
@@TheDivayenta As a Christian who is old enough to remember when the song came out, I always thought it could be about the teachings of Jesus Christ to love others more than yourself and to serve others, and lift up those in need be they strangers or not by feeding, clothing, sheltering, and giving medical aid in His name's sake as we are told to do in Matthew Ch.25.
@@RicoCosta317yes. I always bristled when people tried to say this is about god. It’s about who we can be for each other. It doesn’t take divine intervention for us to care for one another.
I grew up listening to Simon & Garfunkel & had a lot of their records. Absolutely loved them & their harmonies. You won't find a bad song. They have had so many hits such as "Mrs. Robinson", "The 59th Street Bridge Song", "Homeward Bound", "Kathy's Song", "Scarborough Fair", "At The Zoo", "Cecilia", "America", "I Am A Rock", "El Condor Pasa" etc. Paul Simon went on to have a huge solo career with lots of great songs.
This song always reminds me of my father. He very seldom cared for anything that I was listening to but when he heard this one he asked me who it was and it became his favorite song.
Art Garfunkel’s voice is really like nothing else I’ve ever heard. Nowadays, it’s like you’re going through a seriously devastating time. And you can’t reach anyone to talk about it.
A very perceptive review of Billboard's #1 song and album of 1970. Paul Simon's brilliant songwriting and Art Garfunkel's amazing vocals combined to make a masterpiece. Sad that they broke up afterwards over Garfunkel's acting career. You may want to do reactions to the rest of the album: "The Boxer", "Cecilia" and "The Only Living Boy in New York" are all excellent. I appreciate that you listen to entire songs from beginning to end before giving us your thoughts. Keep up the good work!
Paul Simon is one of the all time great singer/songwriters and when paired with Art Garfunkel's immense voice they are second to none. Try my favourite "Kathy's Song".
Your quiet listening without talking was perfect. I could see the effect the words, harmonies and instruments impacted your very being. I could see you see the " picture" in your mind as your soul soared between the natural and spiritual realms with this song. I also wondered with the " bridge," how many different bridges are imagined, and depending on the " type" of bridge envisionalozed, the different meanings for the bridges.
One of the most Iconic songs ever. The Choir Boy Voice of Garfunkel has great lyrics and music and is more than impressive. Thank you for always playing a diverse collection of songs on your channel. Your commentary is always heartfelt and unique.
OLD FRIENDS/BOOKENDS Studio version please. Bookends at the end, if it doesn't make you cry then nothing will. Had me in floods of tears the first time I listened to it on here. The words are so true. ❤
I still say it's one of the top 5 most flawless vocal performances of all time. Art Garfunkel's majestic rising vocal at that long held ending note is just exquisite.
Watch the video of Elvis singing this song live in 1970. Paul Simon was in the audience for that, and afterwards he said “How the hell am I supposed to top that?”.
Musicians like these 2 are really few and far between. All these years gone by and I feel the same when I hear this one. All good. (I always pictured a beautiful arched stone bridge😊)
I greatly appreciate that you run through the entire songs, instead of breaking at often the most emotional moments. I so dislike when others do that. Such a great song, hit me hard today.
There are many great versions of this song, both live by them, and covered by others, but this studio version is still my favorite. The arrangement and production was spot on.
Love this song by these two great singers, which they started singing in the 60’s. I bet that seems old to you, right? JM Boy? They sang quite a few songs together thru the years…thank you, buddy!👍💜
That song was number 1 on the charts in a dozen countries. It was also the best selling album of 1970 in the US, UK, and Australia. It even beat the Beatles final Album.
This is their masterpiece. I know everyone says its Sounds of Silence, but this one takes the poetry of SoS and brings orchestral genius. This is the quintessential Simon & Garfunkel.
Probably one of the purest, most beautiful vocal performances ever recorded. Art Garfunkel was blessed bu God with an amazing voice and Paul Simon's poignant lyrics only add to the song. This whole album is filled with beautiful songs.
If you liked this, you might also like "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" by The Hollies (a British band from around the same era as Simon and Garfunkel)!
Just seeing the name Simon in the title means 'turn it up' to me🎶👏 With or without Art Garfunkel, Paul Simon is an artist who never fails me💞 And I still think you should check out this ultra charming 90s video by his wife, Edie Brickell: ruclips.net/video/iqL1BLzn3qc/видео.html
You sooooo got this song. Everything that you said was intelligent and so insightful. . . I lost my bridge three years ago when my saintly father left this earth. My waters have been troubled ever since. . .
I was in the audience at the September 19, 1981 concert in Central Park. I grew up in Manhattan, so walking to Central Park only took 10 minutes. The concert was THE event of the year in NYC and it sold out fast. There was no assigned seating, you had to get there early to get a good spot. Luckily it was a very loud show, so even those who couldn’t see the band could hear them. It was the happiest public event I ever went to in NYC, the band had broken up in 1970 and no one ever expected them to get back together, so this was a BIG deal. It was filmed by HBO so you can watch the whole thing, which is fortunate because they sounded perfect. When they played “Bridge Over Troubled Water” it was extremely emotional, and the fact that 500,000 people went totally silent during the song was very impressive. You can watch the full concert on youtube.
great job breaking down the lyrics, when you see the lyrics on paper and like add separation to the line breaks, you get the "bridge over troubled waters" metaphor better like you did. "I will lay me down" "like a bridge over" "troubled waters" Keeping you above the depths, above the danger of the rushing waters"
So many artists that time started to come out with these incredibly epic songs with clear spiritual content it definitely felt to some of us at the time that there was something close to us culturally that we were almost touching some kind of apotheosis. That moment faded, but none of us ever forgot it, and the music always reminds us And one day it will return
Now you should do Elvis 1970 live version of this song, if you haven’t already seen it. It’s magnificent!!! Simon was in the audience and said something to the effect of “How am I going to top that?”
May I suggest reacting to this song on their Live 1969 album (ruclips.net/video/GYKJuDxYr3I/видео.html). That's because it's the first time the audience is hearing the song (which is now a classic). The thunderous applause at the end of the song from people hearing it for the first time is something to behold and be heard. Check it out. I'm enjoying your reactions as a younger person than me to all of these classic pieces of music. Keep it up. Thank you.
Song recommendation JM. This masquerade by George Benson. You can check out this from his Midnight Special appearance when it became a hit in the 70s. Or more recent in concert. But you must hear it live. The combination of Benson’s voice and guitar is classic!
Paul Simon is a genius & Garfunkel voice .......................
As I understand it, Art did much of the work on this piano arrangement. He did a lot more than just sing well.
The lyrics are HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL! Thank you SO much for reacting to this Sir! Peace and Blessings to you and yours.
A classic by Simon and Garfunkel at its best. Never gets old.
"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. Art Garfunkel's singing on the song is wonderful.
I know I’ve said this at least a thousand times but I am beyond grateful that I am blessed to be a Boomer and remember all this fabulous music from the 60s and 70s. No such thing as “auto-tune” (whatever that is); just pure talent from the best of the best. My parents had to deal with car radios cranked up to the max when we kids forgot to turn down the volume, and our transistor radios blasting on the rare occasions we were actually at home! Ah, “those were the days, my friend, we thought they’d never end…”
Growing up then was the best. I don't care what anyone thinks, we had the best music ever to grow up with...
Graduated high school in 1970. Great times
@@Sweetrose333 I graduated in 71
This came out when I was 8 , It made me emotional then and it makes me emotional now !
Aretha Franklin so loved this song that she covered it on her iconic Amazing Grace gospel album. When you think about it, it could be Jesus or God talking in those lyrics.
Or less supernaturally, just people who care about other people. ❤️
All interpretations work! It’s why Aretha loved it so.
@@TheDivayenta As a Christian who is old enough to remember when the song came out, I always thought it could be about the teachings of Jesus Christ to love others more than yourself and to serve others, and lift up those in need be they strangers or not by feeding, clothing, sheltering, and giving medical aid in His name's sake as we are told to do in Matthew Ch.25.
@@jamesferris4573I use to listen to this with my grandma on the way to church. She loved this song and it will always remind me of her.❤️
@@RicoCosta317yes. I always bristled when people tried to say this is about god. It’s about who we can be for each other. It doesn’t take divine intervention for us to care for one another.
We all need a friend like this. Recognize how lucky you are if you have a friend that you KNOW has your back in the dark nights of the soul.
And thank you for not interrupting this beautiful composition.
Great reaction. I can't remember not knowing this classic song.
I grew up listening to Simon & Garfunkel & had a lot of their records. Absolutely loved them & their harmonies. You won't find a bad song. They have had so many hits such as "Mrs. Robinson", "The 59th Street Bridge Song", "Homeward Bound", "Kathy's Song", "Scarborough Fair", "At The Zoo", "Cecilia", "America", "I Am A Rock", "El Condor Pasa" etc. Paul Simon went on to have a huge solo career with lots of great songs.
You forgot one of my all time favorites "AMERICA"
Also, "Sound Of Silence".
Art's voice and Paul's songwriting, their harmonies - some things are just meant to be.
Well put..lol
I like you because you do not interrupt the song.
I agree with you 💯%.
I second that 👍🏼
This song always reminds me of my father. He very seldom cared for anything that I was listening to but when he heard this one he asked me who it was and it became his favorite song.
If you watch the live at Central Park… Art Garfunkel nails these vocals…. With his hands in his pockets…
I was there in 81 I was 19. Such a great show 🎉🎉
He says that he never knew what to do with his hands
I still cry and gets chills every time... since it came out
"The Boxer" has always been my favorite. You have a light in you that is undeniable, Sir. Shine on you crazy diamond!
My all time favorite song~~~❤
Art Garfunkel’s voice is really like nothing else I’ve ever heard.
Nowadays, it’s like you’re going through a seriously devastating time. And you can’t reach anyone to talk about it.
A very perceptive review of Billboard's #1 song and album of 1970. Paul Simon's brilliant songwriting and Art Garfunkel's amazing vocals combined to make a masterpiece. Sad that they broke up afterwards over Garfunkel's acting career. You may want to do reactions to the rest of the album: "The Boxer", "Cecilia" and "The Only Living Boy in New York" are all excellent. I appreciate that you listen to entire songs from beginning to end before giving us your thoughts. Keep up the good work!
Aren't you glad you did this song.... We are.
Paul Simon is one of the all time great singer/songwriters and when paired with Art Garfunkel's immense voice they are second to none. Try my favourite "Kathy's Song".
Your quiet listening without talking was perfect. I could see the effect the words, harmonies and instruments impacted your very being. I could see you see the " picture" in your mind as your soul soared between the natural and spiritual realms with this song. I also wondered with the " bridge," how many different bridges are imagined, and depending on the " type" of bridge envisionalozed, the different meanings for the bridges.
The "Bridge" is a reference to Jesus.
@@jack-1955
Thank you.
@@JaquelineGoodspeed You're very welcome. Makes more sense now, doesn't it? 😉
You cannot go wrong with these guys. Writing, instrumentals, voices, melodies, endless talent. Where has the time gone?
Art Garfunkel had the voice of an angel. This was one of the best songs ever recorded.
Well put..
One of the most Iconic songs ever. The Choir Boy Voice of Garfunkel has great lyrics and music and is more than impressive. Thank you for always playing a diverse collection of songs on
your channel. Your commentary is always heartfelt and unique.
This song is a masterpiece. Many have covered this, but nobody has come close to this amazing performance.
True, altho Elvis did nail it pretty well ...
Brings a tear to my eyes each time. ❤😢
THIS IS A RARE, PERFECT SONG 🕊️ As if God's speaking from the Heavenlies, "I AM here, I AM Always here, just call My Name." 👑💖🙏
OLD FRIENDS/BOOKENDS Studio version please.
Bookends at the end, if it doesn't make you cry then nothing will.
Had me in floods of tears the first time I listened to it on here.
The words are so true. ❤
I still say it's one of the top 5 most flawless vocal performances of all time.
Art Garfunkel's majestic rising vocal at that long held ending note is just exquisite.
Great reaction..
I know right..im soeechless, too!!
AMAZING ..
OUR music rocked the world!!!!!!!
I can hear my mother "Dotty" playing this record and singing along in perfect harmonies with Art, like they were the same voice.
Watch the video of Elvis singing this song live in 1970. Paul Simon was in the audience for that, and afterwards he said “How the hell am I supposed to top that?”.
🎶 Sail on silver 🎶 🙌🏼
Loved your reaction to this beautiful tune.
You've got good ears.
No one will come close to doing this song better!
Musicians like these 2 are really few and far between. All these years gone by and I feel the same when I hear this one. All good.
(I always pictured a beautiful arched stone bridge😊)
I love love this song since it was new! Listening to Simon and Garfunkel and reviewing my notes at the end of a school day was the best! 🌝
They will always be the best!!
Art Garfunkle's voice is that of an Angel;s. Beautiful isnt enough to say.
This song is in the discussion for one of the greatest songs ever written and performance.
Add Simon and Garfunkles "El Condor Pasa" to your bucket list.... You'll be glad you did.
The perfect combination of genius writing by Simon and the magnificent voice of Garfunkel.
As good as it gets.
I greatly appreciate that you run through the entire songs, instead of breaking at often the most emotional moments. I so dislike when others do that. Such a great song, hit me hard today.
Love the fact that you appreciate such and eclectic variety of music. Thank you.
This song makes me cry every time I hear it.
SEE!.... I told ya. This is one of those MUST HEAR for any Reactor.
There are many great versions of this song, both live by them, and covered by others, but this studio version is still my favorite. The arrangement and production was spot on.
One of the best songs reacted to by one of the best reactors. Thanks again!
THEIR SIGNATURE SONG !
Love this song by these two great singers, which they started singing in the 60’s. I bet that seems old to you, right? JM Boy? They sang quite a few songs together thru the years…thank you, buddy!👍💜
That song was number 1 on the charts in a dozen countries. It was also the best selling album of 1970 in the US, UK, and Australia. It even beat the Beatles final Album.
This is their masterpiece. I know everyone says its Sounds of Silence, but this one takes the poetry of SoS and brings orchestral genius. This is the quintessential Simon & Garfunkel.
Probably one of the purest, most beautiful vocal performances ever recorded. Art Garfunkel was blessed bu God with an amazing voice and Paul Simon's poignant lyrics only add to the song. This whole album is filled with beautiful songs.
Great reaction
One of the most beautiful songs ever written and sung!
One of the most beautiful songs ever written.
If you liked this, you might also like "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" by The Hollies (a British band from around the same era as Simon and Garfunkel)!
A girl I knew was abducted and murdered. They played this song at her funeral. "Sail on Silver Girl".
Are you going too Scarborough Fair?
Probably the most beautiful song ever ❤❤❤
Paul wrote it and Art sang it with the voice of an angel>
Just seeing the name Simon in the title means 'turn it up' to me🎶👏 With or without Art Garfunkel, Paul Simon is an artist who never fails me💞 And I still think you should check out this ultra charming 90s video by his wife, Edie Brickell: ruclips.net/video/iqL1BLzn3qc/видео.html
Pure Heaven to listen to!
Beautiful song. We all need a friend like that in our lives❤
You sooooo got this song. Everything that you said was intelligent and so insightful. . . I lost my bridge three years ago when my saintly father left this earth. My waters have been troubled ever since. . .
You make great points!
I believe they won more than one Grammy award for this
Yes, thank you! The music is beautiful, but the lyrics are so moving. ❤
MASTERPIECE!
I haven't made it listening without tears...form the first verse
This is a classic.
Art singing this song solo at the concert in central park is even better in my opinion. But the lyrics that Paul wrote is incomparable.
I was in the audience at the September 19, 1981 concert in Central Park. I grew up in Manhattan, so walking to Central Park only took 10 minutes. The concert was THE event of the year in NYC and it sold out fast. There was no assigned seating, you had to get there early to get a good spot. Luckily it was a very loud show, so even those who couldn’t see the band could hear them. It was the happiest public event I ever went to in NYC, the band had broken up in 1970 and no one ever expected them to get back together, so this was a BIG deal. It was filmed by HBO so you can watch the whole thing, which is fortunate because they sounded perfect. When they played “Bridge Over Troubled Water” it was extremely emotional, and the fact that 500,000 people went totally silent during the song was very impressive. You can watch the full concert on youtube.
well done, sir. This is why I subscribe to you.
Great reaction I can see that you feel the beauty and emotion of the lovely song.
great job breaking down the lyrics, when you see the lyrics on paper
and like add separation to the line breaks, you get the "bridge over troubled waters"
metaphor better like you did.
"I will lay me down"
"like a bridge over"
"troubled waters"
Keeping you above the depths, above the danger of the rushing waters"
Thank You again. On The House, again.
Like some have said - the Live in Central Park version is just stunning with Art's vocals. Almost 500,000 showed up lol!
❤I always turn up the volume on this one. I lost my older sister 6 years ago. This was one of her favorites. I miss her like crazy. ❤
So many artists that time started to come out with these incredibly epic songs with clear spiritual content it definitely felt to some of us at the time that there was something close to us culturally that we were almost touching some kind of apotheosis. That moment faded, but none of us ever forgot it, and the music always reminds us And one day it will return
brilliant
P.s. thats how you fuckin make music!!!
Sounds a lot like a parent talking to their children.
I so appreciate your discernment. Wonderfully reviewed sir.
Thank you!
Now you should do Elvis 1970 live version of this song, if you haven’t already seen it. It’s magnificent!!! Simon was in the audience and said something to the effect of “How am I going to top that?”
Doesn't get any prettier than this!
Watch this song from their concert in Central Park. Art sounds amazing! It’s my favorite version.
Wonderful reaction and explanation. You are very introspective and getting what the song is all about. It always soothes me when times are rough.
Late sixties I was lucky to see then in concert. Sat in a box seat right over their heads. What a show!😊
I appreciate how you take in the song...Good journey :) Peace!
☮️💙💙💙🔥🔥😎
May I suggest reacting to this song on their Live 1969 album (ruclips.net/video/GYKJuDxYr3I/видео.html). That's because it's the first time the audience is hearing the song (which is now a classic). The thunderous applause at the end of the song from people hearing it for the first time is something to behold and be heard. Check it out. I'm enjoying your reactions as a younger person than me to all of these classic pieces of music. Keep it up. Thank you.
You should watch Art sing this at their Concert at Central Park in 1981. There was 500,000 people at that concert.
As a mother this is how I feel for my children
You have done one Harry Chapin song. I highly recommend two more: Mr. Tanner and Sniper. Sniper (studio version) is like no song you have ever heard.
Great Reaction bro.
You nailed it.
Mrs. Robinson-lyrics video ❤❤❤ from The Graduate movie
Scarborough Fair❤
Song recommendation JM.
This masquerade by George Benson. You can check out this from his Midnight Special appearance when it became a hit in the 70s. Or more recent in concert. But you must hear it live. The combination of Benson’s voice and guitar is classic!
Have you listened to American Tune from S&G concert in Central Park? Beautiful and relevant.