Miss Minto’s Musical Moment – Number 53 – Bridge Over Troubled Water

Miss Minto’s Musical Moment – Number 53 – Bridge Over Troubled Water

https://youtu.be/4G-YQA_bsOU

This song was first released in 1970 by the group Simon & Garfunkel.
The singers are Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel.

Lyrics
When you’re weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all, 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

Songwriters: Paul Simon

In the spring of 1969 racial tensions were erupting across the United States of America. Martin Luther King had been assassinated. Paul Simon was trying to come up with some soothing words that fitted the situation. He got stuck after the first few lines until he heard a gospel singer sing: I’ll be your bridge over deep water and he decided to use that idea as the main part of the song.

https://youtu.be/YfERNyz7wnQ

This is the Scottish Symphony Orchestra playing Bridge Over Troubled Water in lock down conditions. The instruments first play in sections: woodwind, strings, brass.
It starts with a solo oboe and then a solo clarinet. When the woodwind come in next there are cellos playing pizzicato (plucking the strings) then there are violins and violas with a snare drum, flutes and brass, cellos, double bass and French horns.
When the whole orchestra plays you can see a set of wind chimes.

NB: During online learning I have been producing Miss Minto’s Musical Moments. These are freely available for use with pupils and are suitable for primary aged children. Some will appear on TES and some on the Facebook page for Notable Songs Ltd. Search using: “Miss Minto’s Musical Moments”. There are several dozen “Musical Moments”!