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Bridge over troubled water

I am enjoying an opportunity I have had today to view a couple hours of the Democratic convention. At one point, Paul Simon performed before the delegates, singing "Bridge over troubled water." Unhappily, Art Garfunkel was not with Paul. And, unhappily I suppose, Paul's ability to hit the high notes has been lost. [Sigh. We all get older.]

Political podcasts and commentators, generally, were appalled by Simon's performance and dumbfounded as to the sense of having the singer perform at the DNC. What connection was there between Simon and the convention? None, that anybody would think of.

But "Bridge Over Troubled Water" is a great song with lyrics that are all about homelessness ... well, that and troubled times for housed people, too.

Here are some of the lyrics:

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

Below, audio from the time the song was first released, in 1969. Simon and Garfunkel singing "Bridge Over Troubled Water" together.


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