Sail on, silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
-Paul Simon
In 1969, the famous singer/songwriter Paul Simon gave us quite possibly one of the most beautifully written songs of all-time titled Bridge Over Troubled Water. The following year, the man with whom he harmonized so well, and the other half of the famous duo, Art Garfunkel, recorded the track, giving the world a true masterpiece. When you get a chance, press play and give it a listen.
The primary function of most bridges is to help us avoid treacherous travel, particularly over water. Come to think of it, the picture up top of Cleveland’s iconic Detroit-Superior Bridge did just that when the Cuyahoga River caught fire on June 22, 1969—not one of the city’s finest moments! Of all the bridges in Cleveland, it’s easily my favorite. When you consider the attributes of this oft-photographed Cleveland overpass, and combine them with Simon’s poignant lyrics, there’s a compassionate blueprint for all of us to follow that can certainly make this world a better place.
Completed in 1917, The Detroit-Superior, also known as The Veteran’s Memorial Bridge, was at one time the largest steel and concrete-reinforced bridge in the world. The fixed, high-level span has always been a sign of strength to Clevelanders, particularly the steel arch, which adds a beautiful aesthetic and was something I always asked my parents to drive under as a kid whenever we were heading downtown.
Like that beloved Cleveland landmark, all of us must be able to stand strong in the face of life’s challenges—of which there seems to be no shortage. At times, we are called to provide a way over the “burning rivers” that others are facing, and to be there for them in the face of the ridicule, pain or humiliation they are dealing with as a result of those terrible events in their lives. Like the Detroit-Superior, we need to be stout and dependable for our fellow travelers on the road of life, something Paul Simon gets more specific about with his powerful lyrics.
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
In a society where more and more folks are out for themselves, where empathy seems to be a dwindling commodity, and technology has created the ultimate cult of me, it’s hard not to look at people who have failed and say, “well, they made their bed” or “they need to own it.” We don’t have much sympathy for others at times.
The word “karma” is a term we often use, and, don’t get me wrong, at times there’s some irony and humor in the little things that befall others, particularly if someone has been highly critical of how you or others have dealt with a similar situation—like parenting teenagers! A solid dose of humility is good from time to time! Unfortunately, there are people who take way too much glee or pleasure when someone crashes and burns, haughtily proclaiming that individual’s struggles as deserved—they almost revel in it. These folks probably need to listen to this powerful song a few times.
Maybe instead of feeling better about ourselves when someone else has failed or fallen, we can just be there for them, particularly when it’s the result of their inability to get out of their own way. We don’t need to give advice or say “I told you so!” This can be hard to do, especially if it’s someone who has hurt us in the past. When folks stumble, we have to try and be a hand up for them because, as Mr. Simon reminds us, all too often “friends can’t be found.” We can then hope and pray that they learn from their actions or mistakes—but, the closer someone is to us, the harder it sometimes becomes to both let them fail and then be there to pick up the pieces.
The song ends with a hopeful flourish, and it’s hard not to feel it.
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
It’s a reminder that when things go badly, the sun will come up tomorrow, and we are still worthy of being loved. Our time will “come to shine,” and our goals are still attainable despite what we are going through. Happiness, contentment, and peace are all possible thanks in most part to those who have been there to pull us up, and helped to make us whole again. But it can’t be a one-way street, we have to be that powerful Detroit-Superior Bridge for others. If we make it our number one goal, then those we know and love will be a “Bridge Over Troubled Water” for us when we are “weary and feeling small.”
Of course, there was another somewhat famous musician you may have heard of who covered this song—Elvis Presley. And while it’s probably not be a popular opinion, I believe his version with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is the absolute best, particularly that last stanza where Elvis reaches a level of emotion that brings us in as only his voice can. Add in a gospel choir, and it’s a downright spiritual experience! Take a moment and listen.
This weekend, maybe try and be a bridge for someone who needs a hand getting through a difficult time or crisis. There’s no role more important in this world. Our willingness to help—or “lay me down” as the song goes—could just be what saves someone. Bridges are truly beautiful.
-Tommy O’Sionnach
Thanks Dave! Hope you are well!
Very well written, Tommy!