Bridge Over Troubled Water-Rare Demo

[ctwomey]

These lyrics are beautiful, but I'm glad they were changed. The new, more familiar lyrics make the song more universal. 

[GordonMorrice]

Best piano-led song ever?

[vskochhar]

This is Art at its ..er His finest!

[StradMan37]

Beautifully sung - Artie just pours his entire self into his vocals, and his sweet voice reaches straight down, into the listener's heart.

Thanks so much for bringing back a bit of my youth, blizzking!

[hawleybeach]

There has been no discussion anywhere of why the verses were changed. To me 1960s America was perhaps too conservative for Folk singers to be singing about sleeping with someone ...

[tripleJ1955]

@hawleybeach Too conservative?? You must not be familiar with the lyrics to "Cecilia" which is on the Bridge Over Troubled Water album.

Making love in the afternoon with Cecilia

Up in my bedroom (making love)

I got up to wash my face

When I come back to bed

Someone's taken my place

[hawleybeach]

@doubleJ1955, Point taken. Unlike you, I probably didn't buy these albums on Vinyl when they first came out so I didn't realise Cecilia was on the "Bridge Over Troubled Water" album ...

Must admit, you've made a very good point though :)

[hawleybeach]

Verse #3: Sail on silver girl, Sail on high Your time has come to shine ...Put your faith on me And let it shine I'll see the sun Upon your bedroom blinds Like a bridge over troubled waters Let it be your guide Like a bridge over troubled waters Let it be your guide

[hawleybeach]

The first point I would like to make is that the last two verses are changes from the released version ... not just Verse #3. Verse #2 here is: 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 in darkened rooms When pain is all you find Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind

[caggles1]

Wow. It's amazing to hear this version, this kind of thing is gold dust for fans. Where did come across it?

[PhysicsProf1]

I heard this demo years ago and have been searching for it forever. Thanks so much for posting! ! ! !

[67jkerr]

One of the first songs I ever sang live. Hadnt a clue abt what key till the keyboard guy told me B flat. Still sing it in B flat. Had no complaints so far!!

Hail Hail

[alt1962]

@67jkerr its Eb....

[liveandlet007]

Thank you.

[thesoulcrew]

this was my dads funeral song. what a lovely song it is. it will always be in my heart.

[salsachameleon1]

Wow! One more lyric, doesn't get better than this! love it! most amazing song since amazing grace! sail on! <3

[BOMBOVA]

precious song, from "their" collection, interpretation of God's voice to us. very special.

[radiance65]

Moved me to tears. That was a spiritual experience. What an inspired post!

[jonahlevin67]

Gorgeous! By the way it's obviously Art Garfunkel singing. If you think it's Paul,you must also believe Paul was the main vocalist on the released version. This is more of an attempt to arrange the song in the studio than it is a demo. Paul recorded the demo with his voice and guitar well before this particular studio 'version'.

[xterra43]

great piano playing... and yes it is Art, but Paul wrote the song.

[D4rKsideBob]

God like!

[justcalljon]

Great song..and it's Arts...not Pauls, or Arethas, or Evas, or Clays, or Michael W's...sail on silver girl...

[ZupaDub]

this is a beautiful simplistic rendition of a best song.... thanks for allowing us to listen by posting it...

I feel by hearing this i am listening to the birthing, of this one of Mr Simons greatest, amongst so many...

privelidged..

[LeftyPhil01]

Paul did a solo demo on guitar and this is not that version. It's obviously Art.

[TheDomPavic]

who ever said this is paul singing is not healthy, art is the singer, paul simon insisted art sings it

[faustus999]

this is my favourite song, ive never heard a song that was better written or sang. it is SUBLIME.

[scorpdewd]

Not going to get swept up in the hoopla here about whether its Art or Paul, I always loved this song because it evokes memories of those we loved and still love, and that basest of feelings to give help to those in need of our love and help. Whether here in the US, Haiti, and now Chile, this song's message points to a time when Americans were less selfish, less self-absorbed...its time to listen again, reflect, and act. Its time again to be part of that bridge.

[roderick1943]

Roderick in England, for "bridge" read heritage. I speak English not German thanks to Roosevelt and Congress,since music is the only Universal language may this music spread the word, not all is bad in the US of A .

[paparmp]

1970, senior in high school when this song hit the billboard. My girlfriend and I dubbed it "our" song. That girl is now my wife of almost 38 years and it is still our song. It is an absolutely timeless classic and brings back so many happy memories. Also to anyone that thinks this is Paul singing....wrong. It is the very distinctive voice of Art Garfunkel.

[aaag25]

Come on people! this is obviously Art singing. Paul and Art have very dinstinctive voices, and unless you're very unfamiliar with S&G's music, I just don't see how you could think Paul's singing here. Paul's version is good too but sounds nothing like this

Anyway, I think I like this version a little bit more than the original. I like the softer ending.

[5556665012008]

this is pauls voice. hes just singing in a differant key

[pie0my]

Guys, debate is over. It's Art. Paul's version with the falsetto is in the key of G, and can be found on the Paul Simon 1964-1993 compilation. If you go to All Music Guide you can hear a sample. Very different from this. I know that people will continue to argue about this, because some people are just really stupid.

[aburayogore]

泣ける

[magicalaurie]

Beautiful. I like that verse alot. "I see the sun..." very very nice. Gives great insight into the origins and development of the song. Thanks very much for putting this up. :)

[Dawisk]

Just so everyone knows there is a demo version of this song with Paul sining falsetto, and it sounds NOTHING like this. This is obviously Art. If you can find me one other example of Paul singing like this I'd love to hear it as it is totally not his vocal style.

[Dawisk]

The demo version with Paul appears on his "1964-1993" Album for the record.

[inogi339]

I think this version sung by Paul~

[sdwinddreams]

Such a lovely song.

Perfect for hearing, such as when personal issues in one's life seem to be deteriorating.

God bless

[Losteryt]

yeah people who say its Paul are correct, if you research about it, it actually tells how Paul sang this in falsetto and rewrote the 3rd. So yes it is amazing that him and Art sound so similar but then again I just think its the mark of 2 great voices and a great group in general.

[Musicsmoke]

ZUCHT!!!

Mister Garfunkel, can you confirm this???

Thanx in advance!

[jblbny]

Ok, ok its Art.

[herten91]

It's Art!

[Musicsmoke]

But jblbny; what are your resources??

[Musicsmoke]

it's Paul, it's Art, it's Paul, it's Art....... indeed, I think we should listen more S & G... I already did.... but now I think I've got the clue;

there voices must sound quite similar..... probably that's one of there 'X-factors'.... two voices together, sounding quite the same, often sound better than two totally different voices....

Yes jblbny, it could also be Paul.... that would explain why he's singing second voice in the last verse; that's usually Paul's job I guess.

[Leonmitch]

No maybes...it IS Art Garfunkle solo all the way through..

[Chrisdrumz]

Anyone who thinks it's Paul singing needs to listen to more Simon And Garfunkel.

[Musicsmoke]

More:

Somebody wrote she/he didn't like the melody change in the last verse. well, it is not a melody change, he starts singing second voice.... (yes, that's a difference).

Last but not least; listen to my version on my channel... you'll find out that I mixed some parts of the 'original' lyrics with this version. Also, I'm working on a new, own version (without using the shadows 'backing' me), in which I probably will use some more lyrics of this version. One thing; don't expect I can sing...

[Musicsmoke]

I also think it's Art... but probably it confuses some people that there isn't the usual big reverb on his voice.... @ hispoetforever; wait, this really doesn't sound like a live performance.... this sounds like a try-out in the recording studio...

Actually, I said it's Art.... but it seems like the voice is changing in the second verse?? Are they both singing parts of the song??

[jblbny]

The first time I heard this version I thought right away it was Paul, especially the from the first verse. I've done some research and apparently the demo version was sang by Paul in falsetto..and this sounds like Paul singing in falsetto.

[cutis1000]

This is Art singing, not Paul!! Definitely! jblbny, get a new pair of ears!

[jblbny]

Its definitely Paul on vocals here. I was surprised he could hit the high notes like Art. Great version!

[hispoetforever]

Sounds like a live performance at a sold-out concert. I'm applauding. The music, the lyrics, the warm voice, the quality sound - everything!

Did I read on your profile that you live in "hell"?

Well, the entire world news sounds like hell.

THANK YOU for this rare glimpse of heaven.

[NunoGraca18]

The "original" one is better, but this music has a better sound quality than the ones found on the youtube and on the internet of the other version.

[evil3722]

I have the same box set.dude u actually cant tell the difference between pauls and arts voice? remarkable

[marklennon1985]

one of the best, if not the best, piano intro to a song ever! only song that makes me feel really emotional...

[Skrecken]

Apart from the melody change at, "sail on silvergirl, sail on high", I like this version better than the "official" one. Great!

[GermanOperaSinger]

Speechless....he was one of the greatest songwriters of all time.

[valentiv]

qan jo era jovenet, me la pelaba al terrat de casa tot escoltant aquesta melodia ... eren temps de sequera, vet aqí. ara me la pelo de la torre estant i mirant al mar ...

[Dizzydog214]

Blizzardking,

Thanks for posting this fine version. A song about genuine friends and silver dreams.

[evil3722]

This is Paul Simon...not art garfunkel...singing it the way he wrote it.

[rinksie]

Nope! it's a demo included on the Simon and Garfunkle box set and is definately Art's vocal.

[pkweavile]

Yes. This is definitely Art.

[mollygirlies]

This demo has a special meaning for me-thanks

[TheReboundingWorld]

Teresa Teng does the best rendition of this song.

[eaglesonofwill]

what an incredible posting! dunno how u found this but it is amazing.. thank you.

[bigratfink65]

Some songs are timeless.. and will remain meningful forever

[HighSpeedSpoon]

I thought the execution was superb but the 3rd verse was not as powerful a conclusion poetically as the original. Nevertheless: Well done! - And thank you.

[lyon69france]

" Bridge over Troubled Water " by Simon & Garfunkel is a nice memory to me !

I was given this LP in July 1970 for my birthday ... by the nice family I was staying with ... in Portishead, Somerset, England.

And I did like that LP !!

Getting such a present ... from Hosts who hardly knew me ... was thoughtful and unexpected ... and being taught ... good table manners and habits ... in the English way ... very educative and interesting !

I still recall everything ... with pleasure !

July 09.

[Doug19752533]

i like the alternate 3rd verse, sang it (and played it, im a pianist-LOVE the piano here) for a potential girlfriend

[martymefurst]

The piano was Larry Knechtel, a prolific LA session musician who passed away August 20

[LVEMEDO]

PERFECT

[funkstagazza]

i have a tape of paul singing this solo as he wrote it with his brother eddy.

[Eaglesbabysuperbowl1]

they played this for harry the k at his viewing

[iv0r007]

Isn't this version on the cd: "Bridge over Troubled Water [Bonus Tracks] as a bonus track?

[colmo1992]

Yes it is. It's a lovely version, but not that rare at all! :P

[ghillier]

This is'nt just a song - it's a religious experience. What a masterpiece.

[radabaughxi]

This is easily the most amazing song in the world... more definitive is that it helps those of us with GAD get thru it. But the last comment from MCJOEYD, if it's real, leads me to hope that romance and fate are real and if it's the right wayt to be, then I hope it happens... for love, for time, for fate and for "God".

[MCJOEYD]

NICK VIVIEN IF YOUR OUT THERE.... its Lorna... Jean's little sister ... who has never forgotten you... and Never will... in MAYFIELD..... the happiest days ofmy life... and how ive missed you, over the many... many many years.... and this reminds me of you and jean... so. so ... much.....x

[joeybgale]

For the last forty years, this has given me hope and inspiration when I have been at the very bottom.....And again, today, when i am searching to direction, there it is, once again, giving me hope and direction.

Truly a God-given inspiration.Thank you Paul Simon.

[elmsol]

Very nice song. Great voice. Thanks for sharing.

[forestgumpaed]

forestgumpaed .... they certainly set the standard, with what i describe as the ultimate love song....just beautiful...

[hopper433]

I didn't expect the change of words..

That is cool!

The only song they got a grammy for, and the only one Paul Simon did not sing in at all..

[deanchong79]

this song is really special i love it

[buzzaldrinforever]

Simon is a genious

[leffo11]

I agree with you but there is one other person there. Art Garfuncal. What a voice.

[dandy6971]

brilliant Paul Simon has real talent

[PETEtownsend19]

dont be stupid this song is pure class

[Peter212a]

Squabbling over two fantastic versions of an incredible song elucidates how petty minded you are. Just appreciate both versions of the song and stop being such a baby.

[bccb2010]

En nydelig og spesiell sang..

Very strange to listen to this song after hearing the original 1000 times and then the words is different in this one.

[throovest]

Like the undeveloped piano. Works really well like this

[ScooterJohn93]

bloody gorgeous

[loneeagle79]

Awsome song, I agree how do make a video out of something as great as that!

[ordepix]

I've got the collection box recently and there are some rare bonus like this. After all these years and I still get myself surprised!!!. Thanks for post it!

[gerden238]

Sublime! Et cette voix magnifique... Merci pour l'envoi.

[naptownsleeper]

great shit.. too bad there no music today to compare it to

[ngawanggnawagn]

everytime i hear this song i get goosebumps all over me...... such a soul stirring song........ thanks

[LincolnFerland]

He obviously says "bedroom blinds"

[pirbird14]

Such purity of voice! What happened to that in later years?

[mwebber69]

i have this disc : 1972 i remember

[drumsagogo1960]

that is soooo much better than super heavy reverb and drums.(don't get me wrong, i'm a drummer) some songs should just be acoustic. imagine the moonlight sonata with the'wall of sound' blech.

[sdwinddreams]

@drumsagogo1960

What a lovely way to express your feelings about this song. So very true.

[SmellNoelle]

Thank you very very much for posting i think songs should be able to change and evolve w/o people getting out of sorts! Ty

[cindyd100]

Thank you so much for posting this amazing version. I'm stunned. Excellent!!!!!!!!

[StijnTV]

I understand "Upon your bedroom land..." altough land doesnt rhyme with guide..

[chefdude65]

bedroom light

[simonpaul3]

I love S&G I love all their songs and I love this demo version

[AnthonyBlunt]

Classic song. Thanks for posting!

[davidpar2]

nice

[Dharmarider]

1st of all, Thanks A LOT for Postin' it, friend! My "lecture" of what changed in the lyrics is right below :)

Please, correct me if you're listening to somethin' different, ok!?

[Shevek57]

I hear:

"in darkened rooms

when pain is all you find"

and

"I'll see the sun

upon your bedroom blinds"

[liddlebigguy]

i agree

[GrissomLovesSara]

@Shevek57 You hear this because you are CORRECT. It's bedroom blinds - insinuating that he'll be in her bedroom presumably making love when he sees the sun. It's not bedroom lights. How can you see sun upon a bedroom light? What exactly is a bedroom light? That doesn't even make sense (in English anyway) And it's also in darkened rooms. People sit in darkened rooms when they are sad. English, it's obviously a dying language when people can't even figure out simple, clearly enunciated lyrics

[PhysicsProf1]

@GrissomLovesSara LOL...so few people speak it properly anymore......

[Dharmarider]

"...I'll take your part In darkened realms And pain is all you find Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind Sail on Silver Girl, Sail on high Your time has come to shine Put your faith on me And let it shine I'll see the sun Upon your bedroom lights Like a bridge over troubled water Let it be your guide"

[simonpaul3]

Thanks for this text I love Simon& Garfunkel

You're fantastic Thanks:)

[djangoman2008]

B - you are too cooooollll!

[ijsschots]

I love rare versions!!! Also this nice one!!

[malmissa]

excellent

[LuckyLadybug66]

Thank you so much for posting this! It's another beautiful version of this amazing song. Do you have the lyrics for the different third verse? I can't quite make out some of the words.

[flowerchild617]

this song is so beautiful.

the other amazing ones are:

the boxer

the sound of slience

i am a rock

[scales1020]

nice!Great job!thanx for sharing!!!!

[dreyfoostheatra]

thankyou!!!

[ilovradio]

Thank you Blizzard. I love hearing the different ways artists have in finishing or polishing their creation. It gives you a different perspective. An appreciation really... for the changes. Like McCartney's "Scrambled Eggs"... turning into "Yesterday"! I've taken Scrambled Eggs and turned it into a novelty breakfast song. lol Having actually sung "Bridge", lol seems like yesterday lol. I'd never heard this version. Thanks again.

[sissyfuss]

thank you so very much for posting this blizzard. i have absolutely everything paul and arty did together and individually,so to here this is such a treat. ilisten over and over to this. bridge over is my all time favourite song so many thanks to you

[WEXTRAP]

NICE JOB!!!....VERY GOOD!!!!

[kaye789]

fantastic song always makes me cry ha ha

[colibri1]

Always makes me cry, too, since I was a kid hearing it in '69 or '70.

[ellendapimp]

I just love them:)<3

[1jaymo10]

Wonderful. Thanks for sharing it:)

[doglover1322]

which one is which??

[KittyKatty92]

Art Garfunkel is the taller one

[doglover132]

thanks lol

[KittyKatty92]

no problem :)

[whitedevil2]

are you serious?

[jphoenix001]

thanks for sharing

[C4Toalla]

Believe the late Larry Knechtle plays the piano on this version and the original released version??.....believe he also played on many Rolling Stone sessions, and the boogie woogie piano, on the Johnny River's cover of 'Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu??...thanks in advance

[koalashley]

Did you rip it off the archive vid from the Old Friends Tour DVD or did you get it off of "SIMON & GARFUNKEL: The Columbia Studio Recordings 1964-1970"?

[Theblizzardking]

It was a bonus track on a re-released version of bridge over troubled water.

[Theblizzardking]

I think this is the only youtube video with this version of the song.