My Gen X Playlist: Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon and Garfunkel

My grandfather was the glue of the family. He was a kind man and the family was drawn to him. He always smiled and was continuously positive despite a number of challenges in his lifetime. He had long bushy eyebrows that extended pretty far out. I’m glad he never trimmed them. It was part of his sweet demeanor when he smiled.

I saw a lot of him in my father. The saying the apple not falling too far from the tree has some truth to it. My father could be a little tough when we were younger, but as he got older, he softened into a replica of my grandfather. At my father’s service, I gave a eulogy and it began, “My dad loved people, and people loved my dad.” It was so true.

The other day, I was reading Rebuilding Rob’s blog and he discussed being strong enough to be gentle. It occurred to me that described both my father and grandfather. He is right – one can be both strong and gentle. It’s not an either or proposition. Sometimes it even takes a little bit of courage to show a compassionate side. Toxic masculinity may disagree, but that’s OK. I’ve long stopped listening to their voices. Compassion, grace and kindness. The world could benefit from a little more of these.

I mentioned in another post that my brother introduced me to Van Morrison one summer back from college. That same summer as I dug through his CD collection, I also discovered Simon and Garfunkel. I may have heard a song or two on my mom’s car radio as a kid, but after listening to a number of amazing tracks one after another, I became an instant fan. Bridge Over Troubled Water feels like the theme of strong enough to be gentle.

Paul Simon wrote this about providing comfort to a person in need. It started as a modest gospel hymn but became more dramatic as he put it together. . . Simon said, “I have no idea where it came from. It came all of the sudden. It was one of the most shocking moments in my songwriting career. I remember thinking, ‘This is considerably better than I usually write.”

– Songfacts

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

I think the lyrics speak for themselves.

–

For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

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