englishSoul, Folk, Pop

Bridge over Troubled Water Lyrics

by Artists for Grenfell

Lyricist: Simon & Garfunkel

27 views • Published on Sep 27, 2026

Bridge over Troubled Water Lyrics

Yeah, I don't know where to begin So I'll start by saying I refuse to forget you I refuse to be silenced I refuse to neglect you That's for every last soul up in Grenfell Even though I've never even met you Cuh that could've been my mum's house Or that could've been my nephew Now, that could've been me up there Waving my white plain tee up there With my friends on the ground trying a see up there I just hope that you rest and you're free up there I can't feel your pain but it's still what it is Went to the block just to chill with the kids Troubled waters come running past I'ma be right there just to build you a bridge, yo When you're weary And feeling small When tears are in Your eyes I will dry them all I'm on your side Oh, when times get rough And a friend 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 So much pain in my heart My community's moving me Choose to gleam as we're facing the dark When you're down and out, hmm When you're on the street When evening falls so hard I will comfort you Yes, I will And I'll take your part, oh When darkness comes, oooh And pain is all, all around Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay, I will lay me down Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down

Meaning of Bridge over Troubled Water

“Bridge Over Troubled Water,” performed by Artists for Grenfell, is a profoundly moving testament to solidarity and grief born from the devastating 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London. The raw emotion of the track immediately establishes itself not as a detached observation, but as a deeply personal pledge of support directed towards the victims and survivors – individuals the singer admits he’s never met yet feels inextricably linked to through shared humanity. The repeated refrain, “I will lay me down like a bridge over troubled water,” isn't just a lyrical device; it’s an invocation of unwavering commitment, a promise to offer solace and stability amidst unimaginable trauma. The song’s narrative unfolds with a poignant sense of empathy, acknowledging the potential for this tragedy to have affected anyone – “that could’ve been my mum’s house” – highlighting the universality of vulnerability and loss. The artist's message transcends simple charity; it’s an assertion of community spirit and a refusal to allow grief to be silenced or forgotten. The imagery—the "troubled waters," the "white plain tee" waving from the burning building, the comforting act of drying tears – powerfully conveys both the immediate devastation and the enduring need for connection. Musically, the song builds with an urgent sincerity, driven by a repetitive, almost hypnotic beat that mirrors the cyclical nature of grief and the persistent desire to offer support. Ultimately, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” is not just about one building’s collapse; it's a universal anthem for resilience, compassion, and the enduring strength found in human connection when faced with overwhelming adversity – a reminder that even in darkness, bridges can be built.

Tags:

artists for grenfellgrenfell tower tragedysorrowfulfolkremembrance

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