Clear Channel Memo Top Ten: Bridge Over Troubled Water (#6)

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Oh, boy. As I’ve said all month long, there are songs that ended up on the Clear Channel Memorandum list that are understandable, and some that probably made it to the list because of the title or a line in the song. And then there’s the “what the HECK??????” songs. This is one of those. #6: Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon & Garfunkel Maybe it’s because Paul and Art didn’t get along? Funny story: my first-ever college class attendance came in 1980. I was in DC, visiting a friend who was attending American University. She had one class she had to attend on the Monday I was there, so I went with her. It was American Popular Music. Interestingly enough, the song the professor was discussing that day was this one. In the course of the lecture he mentioned that this song had subtle religious overtones. I buy that, because, right before he said that, I leaned over to my friend and said, “This could be construed as a religious song.” Whether you see it that way or not, this is an incredible song of comfort, love, and friendship. It’s one of Simon’s songwriting masterpieces (if not the masterpiece), and Garfunkel’s voice is simply exquisite. (Funny story: recently Simon said he thought he should’ve sung this. Paul? NO.) One of the great classics of American music, period. Bridge Over Troubled Water Written by Paul Simon Recorded by Simon & Garfunkel From Bridge Over Troubled Water, 1970 Sail on, silver girl: