Aretha Franklin - Bridge Over Troubled Water (Official Lyric Video)

Watch the lyric video of Aretha's cover of Paul Simon's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" first released as a single in March 1971. The single was certified gold by the RIAA and went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1972. This longer album version was released on the 1971 compilation 'Aretha's Greatest Hits.'
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Performers:
Lead Vocals, Acoustic Piano, Electric Piano: Aretha Franklin
Tenor Saxophone: King Curtis
Guitar: Cornell Dupree
Bass Guitar: Chuck Rainey
Organ: Billy Preston
Drums: Ray Lucas
Backing Vocals: The Sweet Inspirations
Written By: Paul Simon
Produced By: Jerry Wexler, Tom Dowd, Arif Mardin
Watch all of Aretha Franklin’s official videos here lnk.to/ArethaFranklinVideosID
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Stay In Touch with the Queen of Soul…
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⭐ Instagram / arethasings
Lyrics:
(Don't trouble the water)
I won't (leave it alone)
(Why don't you, why don't you, let it be?)
Um hum hum
(Still water run deep... yes it do)
I know that
(Whoa-o-o-yeah)
If you only believe
(Don't trouble the water)
Said I wouldn't (leave it alone)
(Why don't you, why don't you, let it be?)
Umm (still water run deep)
Yes it do
(Yes it do whoa-oh-ho yeah), if you only believe
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, is all around
Just like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
(Like a bridge)
Just like a bridge
(Over troubled) over troubled water
I will lay me down
Sail on silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All of your dreams are on their way
(See how they shine?)
Ooooh and if you ever need a friend
(Need a friend)
Look around, I'm sailing right behind
Just like a bridge
(Bridge (over) over (troubled) water
I'll be there to lay me down
(Like a bridge)
Like a bridge over (troubled water) troubled water
I will lay me down
Ooooh I'll be your bridge
Yes I will
(Don't trouble the water)
Said I wouldn't
(Leave it alone)
Well (why don't you, why don't you, let it be?)
Uh-huh (still water run deep)
I know that
(Yes it do) yeah (oh-oh-oh yeah)
Still water (don't trouble the water)
Yeah
(Leave it alone, why don't you, why don't you, let it be)
Talking bout still water
(Still water run deep)
You know they run deep
(Yes it do) uh-huh (oh-ho-ho-yeah)
Well I'm gonna be your bridge yeah!
(Don't trouble the water)
The troubled water (leave it alone)
Oh!
(Why don't you, why don't you, let it be?)
Come on come on
Walk out on me
(Still water run deep)
Oh
(Yes it do)...
*******************
An icon of 20th and 21st century music, the voice of the civil rights movement, and the undisputed Queen of Soul-there is only one Aretha Franklin. In her incredible six-decade career, Aretha evolved from teenage gospel star to reigning pop and R&B diva, recording classics like “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “Chain Of Fools”, “Think” (lyrics by Aretha Franklin), definitive versions of the songs “Respect” and “I Say a Little Prayer”, and global hits like “Freeway Of Love,” “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)”, and “A Rose Is Still A Rose.”
Altogether, 112 of her singles reached the charts, with 20 No. 1 R&B singles, the most ever by a female artist. She won 18 Grammy Awards (including the first eight trophies for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance) and, out of recognition for her for indelible contribution to American music and culture, received both the Presidential Medal Of Freedom and a Pulitzer Prize.

[@georgespec4030]

Who is here 2024? Let's represent.❤

[@jannejames7224]

ME!!!!!

[@bounceshoestore9310]

Here in 2024. This always makes me think of my Daddy. He had all of Aretha's old albums and this is my favorite song.

[@thiagogoncalves3504]

Up

[@BrianaCornelius]

Heyyy!!

[@jared4034]

Stuck here. Doesn't get much better

[@TIMELESSGOSPELSONGS]

This song is SO TIMELY for my family and I! My 13 year old sister has cancer, and Sunday I had gotten a call from my parents asking to gather all of my siblings to come and say our goodbyes🎶🎶… We prayed, we asked for a miracle, and here we are 5 days later and my sister has made a MIRACULOUS recovery and doctors are in AWE!

[@anthonyforrest5191]

God is still performing miracles in 2024.

[@dannellwilliams2076]

GOD IS GOOD🙌🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💐💐

[@mzmotorcity6427]

Amen!! 🙏🏼❤🙏🏼❤️

[@TopOldSchoolSongsofALLTIME]

Dear God, I pray that the person reading this will be strengthened with all Your glorious power so that he/she will have all the endurance and patience needed to navigate the life.. May they be filled with joy, always thanking you, guide their faith in you. In Jesus Name. Amen

[@vickyserr]

Thank you ❤

[@Royal89621]

Thank you Amen

[@barbara-ann6049]

The grace be granted to you and your loved once.

[@sharonjones5463]

Love & blessings..thankyou for being so thoughtful..❤️🙏🏿

[@BOSSHOGG69]

Amen!!!

[@stevewilliams8944]

This is vastly different from Paul & Al's version. Aretha took this song to church and it was never the same again - once that magnificent voice SANG those lyrics you hear and feel a touch of heaven. ❤ No one will ever come close to doing it as great as this.

[@Millicent_Kgaladi]

I used to play this song in my room volume on full blast, my Father would grab his chair and sit by my window, his head down enjoying his beer. He taught us beautiful music and now it is the only music we resonate with. May your soul continue to rest in peace Tate❤️❤️

[@nelishuping6269]

I am here in 2024❤ “just like a bridge over troubled water”

[@lynnmusically7578]

Aretha at her very best on this track!❤❤❤

[@warrenmcgrier8209]

Paul Simon wrote this song for Aretha ... Her soul soars on this one...❤❤❤

[@Iris-zd3hd]

2 geniuses of song.

[@jessiem276]

NO, he didn't.

[@sweetlady3651]

Amen

[@joshnjoshgaming]

@@jessiem276 google it lol, he did write it. idk about FOR arethra,

[@tinabyers1619]

My husband plays this song for me every anniversary. We have been together 12 years. God bless you Aretha Franklin!!!

[@LoneRanger-et7gq]

God bless your union.

[@jhaychylla]

I remember, back when I was a very, very young child...Aretha Franklin was the rave...she was bigger than Whitney Houston and her music was in heavy rotation. The song that hooked me was: Chain, Chain, Chain...Chain of Fools. Of course, I was not able to understand what the song was about, but I was diggin' that hook: chain, chain, chain. (LoL). She was embedded in my memory from the start and I pray that she is greatly rewarded for what she did, through her long career, as not only a singer, but a pianist, to bring smiles and comfort to so many. (We have Eternal Love for you Aretha; rest in peace Queen)....btw, I am a song-writer and background singer. I learned a lot by first attentively listening to and then blending in with MANY singers, like her background singers, over the years. I was not raised up in a gospel musical family, but I was introduced to it by singers like Aretha, which lead me to others like Sam Cooke and the great one: Thomas Dorsey, from right here in Chicago. Well, as you can tell, I'm long winded...lol. I just wanted to say thank you for reminding me just how blessed we were to have Aretha in our lives. T.y. for this selection: Bridge Over Troubled Waters. Peace.

[@juliabrown4398]

Thank you sir for your talent. I hear you and all this songs is a remarkable memory of her and others artists. But nobody can replace Aretha Franklin voice lol and you say that right about chain chain chain chain a fool.😂🤣👍🏾❤ i love that song.and natural woman, i love singing her hit song which is all of them.. now they all are up in heaven smiling and singing and my late mom and dad is with them all. God bless you sir. 👍🏾✌🏽💕💞🙏🏽

[@PatriciaPageMosaicArtsCrafts]

Omg thanks for that memory, we were really privileged to have such icons to hear and admire👍❤🎵🎶❤

[@frannymcclendon1768]

This Lady of Soul will never be forgotten. I was loving the Chain chain chain song also. Her piano skills were something else! I also loved "Daydreaming." Her voice was like no other. It reminds me of Gospel Music. I can go on and on. She was a genius!

[@elijaheelhajjbey7844]

I think this is a great tribute to her and I wish everyone can see it or hear it. Play on my brother play on

[@iniakalitoni3405]

How can she be bigger then whitney Houston when Whitney wasn't even on the scene yet??. Lol. When Whitney broke out she ended everyone's reign and careers

[@WandaSwain-iu6nx]

This song means soooo much to me. Bridge Over Troubled Water was the theme song at my 1971 High School graduation at Booker T. Washington in New Orleans, Louisiana. My sister and I graduated together. She was a teen mom but proudly graduated with hopes of becoming a nurse Two years later she and her two year old son were killed in a head on collision. I was 3 days from my delivery date but proudly graduated and have earned a Masters Degree. We practiced the song for weeks before graduation. Bridge Over Troubled Water has sooo much meaning to me. I TRULY LOVE the song.❤

[@critislong4338]

O, so sorry for your loss, I am a 1970 of Booker T Washington here in Montgomery Al,my only baby girl came into this world in 1972, congrats to you ,I love this song also,a message ,trulyBe ever so Bless

[@laurabi8539]

I am sorry for your loss. Your story touched me. May your sister's memory be a blessing!

[@victoriaodili-akpom4019]

So sorry, may their souls rest in peace amen 🙏🏾

[@jannejames7224]

So sorry for your loss, but glad you were greatly blessed.

[@lenorahharris5822]

Aretha was a great gift from our Creator, and I truly Thank Him! Her music blesses me no matter what mood I’m in, there’s a song from Aretha to comfort. I will forever love and miss you my Sister. RIP 😢

[@happyswim1836]

So true. Bless you. Hope all goes well for you.

[@zemaria17]

The piano section in the beginning sounds more beautiful each time that I listen to it.

[@Bobby-um7pn]

Bobby I listen to her song all day long

[@lorettajones6003]

That was Aretha playing the intro

[@Reggaefin1]

Pure love

[@MrVuvu]

And that organ floating underneath, her singing, the backing vocals... Beautiful arrangement all round

[@earnestinehamilton9760]

Bridge over trouble water, Aretha Franklin 2024 still love it 💕

[@corneliusedwards7107]

My Aunt was a singer and she loved Aretha Franklin.She passed away 4 months ago and I just wanted to hear one of her favorite songs.R.I.P.Aumt Candy

[@alexanderhernandez5509]

God bless you and yours I’m so sorry for your loss ✨🤍✨ stay strong you wonderful soul ✨🤍✨

[@user-zn8uf7jl5e]

My name is Rachelle and my grandmother swore by this song when I hear it I break down so hard.I love you mama you are truly an angel 😇

[@destinyhaspurpose]

Bless u. I know what u feel'n frfr. I was Incarcerated when this song open up my soul. ❤

[@user-ho5wk1ft5w]

Bridge over troubled water is sooo touching to my soul. I keep listening to it over and over and singing right alone. It touches my soul with the holy spirit. I can't get through it without shouting and praising him, oh what a blessing and what an anointed voice Mrs A.Franklin had, a gift from GOD

[@jackfeathers4385]

She is with you always no matter what. Smile when you feel her near because that is what she would want. ..your happiness❤

[@Jean-savedbygrace]

I shocked at how many people don't know that Aretha plays the piano on this song. I read some comments on the live video and many people were surprised to see her playing the piano.

[@katharinenoble1682]

I love that, thanks for sharing. Good to learn new things. 8)

[@kyrawalker1155]

My grandma passed in 2015. When I go through hard times, I listen to the song she wanted sung at her funeral. ❤ It hurts alot but I know she wants me to be the best me, i can be ❤😇

[@deboraslay9494]

Jesus Jesus … we played this at my Mothers funeral during her viewing 💙

[@DeeD478]

God bless you Kyra & Debora 🙏🏽💔

[@mcleo9935]

Amen watching in 2024,,Like a,Bridge over troubled water🙏

[@_e5tars_984]

This song came when I was so weak. This song makes me remember that I still have a way in God. I believe she is really happy in heaven

[@lutherwilliams8429]

ALL HAIL THE QUEEN OF SOUL!!! MAY SHE LIVE ON IN OUR HEARTS SOUL AND SPIRIT🌹

[@HelpImstuck-nh4es]

One of the Best Songs ever!

[@kelvendyson1508]

I think of my mom when I hear this. My mom is 79 years young and this makes me think of mom raising me and my and sister. Single mom raising two kids on the west side of Chicago! Making those sacrifices to put food on the table, clothes our backs, teaching us right from wrong, keeping a clean home, helping us with our homework, praying to God!! She did the damn thing!! I have a soft spot in my heart for those single moms staying in the fight and not giving up!! She's my mom and I love her dearly!! I cherish now when I see her and we sit and talk as mother and son and you know what, if something is troubling me...she knows!! But she doesn't pry. She says, 'you're my son, I know if something is bothering you, but you're a grown man and I know you'll work it out". I hug my mother when our visit is done and I'm leaving, man, that mother's hug!! Yeah!

[@noir_sirena]

God bless your Mom!

[@johnjones2015]

I had the same type of Mom but we lived on the South Side of Chicago, and She just turned 80 in January.

[@1010QUEEN7]

You are so blessed to have a beautiful woman of God for your mother your comment tell the story of real love from a real mother ❤❤❤

[@sheilapalmer224]

This is a masterpiece

[@saneleshongwe3208]

i miss those days when everything was genuine and true ,may her soul rest in peace. i call this real music because even in 40 yrs to come such songs will still rock that particular generation.

[@RenitaPollard-xd1wm]

TRUTH TRIUMPH 2024. BUILD THAT BRIDGE 🌉 WITH THE TRUTH MIGHTY ANGEL'S PROTECT US. ❤ APPRECIATE Y'ALL'S

[@cherylallison4166]

Tell it girl!! Miss Aretha has a voice given by God! God rest her soul and thank you for all of the wonderful music!

[@spirituallifecoachinginsti7207]

THE GREATEST.....FEMALE SINGER.......FOREVER...........!!!!! I REALLY MISS HER ON TV - CONCERTS.........SAW HER SO MANY TIMES.......ALWAYS GREAT....!!!!

[@charleeceejay8543]

Queen Aretha bridged this one all the way back to her church roots with effortless perfection, as usual.

[@eras8758]

Aretha embodied out collective souls, joy and sorrow .Through her songs we discovered ourselves that no matter the hurt , we were as still capable of laying ourselves down like the " bridge over troubled waters" I'm of an an advanced age but her songs cut through the fog. R.I.P sister A. F

[@Robert8455]

Feeling it in 2023. Thank you Aretha for this gem. I think it will live on as long there is electricity to pump this into my mind.

[@suzannehiggins1053]

My mother introduced me to Aretha Franklin when I was a little girl in the sixties and I have loved her ever since. I love Chain of Fools and Rock Steady and all the gospel songs. My mother is no longer alive but I can find her in the songs of Aretha.

[@rik4369]

Thanks Suzanne!

[@Alhejandro.]

Lord give us a confort inside of our souls ✋🏻🤚🏻

[@bobbiehubbard579]

Amen

[@kelzah]

My all time favorite song. She calls GOD in the room when she sings. RIH Queen

[@tinabyers1619]

This song has been with me during some of the hardest times in my life.. Praise God.. The Queen of Soul..

[@NjorunsDream]

God this version is so beautiful 😭

[@beamonlawrence8216]

This is music at its finest even this new generation can adore Aretha ❤

[@angelamccall1850]

Beautiful lady in voice and soul …just a beautiful soul gone before us ..Detroit strong

[@marilynsmith5036]

She was the BEST. NONE can match her chops.

[@glen5332]

The saxophone at 4:19 builds the tension, then at 4:37 in her live performances is where the back and forth with the musicians the background vocals and her singing and piano playing probably went on for another 5 or 6 minutes. Had to be there!

[@djbrown4938]

Thank you Aretha. Thank you Paul. Thank you God!

[@michelepringle7726]

"I love,love love this rendition"❤️

[@nomsamkhize2241]

This is one of the "Best combination of instruments ...then the voice"...then the Lyrics... I love this... SUPERB.🔥🔥

[@FrankArcadio]

Every time I would see Queen Mother Re in concert she would always sit down and tickle them ivories while singing this tune… To this day I’ve still never heard anyone play the keys like that 🎹 or sing 🎤 this particular song quite like our Queen does… This is why she is the Undisputed Queen of Soul 👑 and in my eyes she will always be the greatest vocalist to have ever walked this earth 🌎 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽 GOD bless the legacy and the music of our Queen Mother 👑👑👑

[@seenarookard6479]

I will always love theQueen Mother of music My mother went toBalptist Conventiion to perform on lwas Aretha age l enjoyed it so much May God Bless Aretha and my Mom the late Frances MooreTwo Song Birds that inspired me God isMarvelous

[@DLynetteG]

Agree 100%

[@kennethmonts2728]

Still the Queen thru eternity.

[@cheyannebronzell8413]

This song gives me so much Peace!! I agree...there should be so many more comments here. The Queen of Soul makes my heart smile so big and bright. Her voice is unmeasurable!! We miss you Aretha!! Rest Well Queen. 💞💞💞

[@mariebrown7302]

I love this song.My mom just pass May 13th 2022 this year.I say moma no more bridges to cross.No more trouble waters to cross.You're safe sleep peacefully my child of God.I still mis her and cry by myself listing to this song.But no more trouble waters and no more bridges to cross.

[@telfairgraves5146]

Aretha was so talented I love this song

[@yvonnedillard4294]

Beautiful song Aretha sang this song.Yesss when u are down it hurts but God is awesome no matter what u going through 🙏.This song 💕 is beautiful.

[@Ehud-yk5oo]

Psalm 121

[@patrickndei1717]

Still waters run deep... perfect description of Aretha's music

[@user-rx9pd7je4u]

Queen of soul with such a powerful anointing on her voice to uplift and heal the troubled soul ❤.

[@sabinamarciniak7552]

I have the utmost respect for the REAL Queen of soul. Love this lady so much she's like an old friend as her music has been in my life since birth ❤

[@DeloresBuchanan-dy9mi]

The undisputed Queen of Soul : Aretha Franklin !

[@tonywoodard9738]

This song is so touching!! It don't get no better than this!! BLESS you my sister! My god we are so blessed to still be able to here blackness in the lovely voice of our queen!!

[@queenaqueena5803]

Simon and Garfunkle wrote this hoping Aretha would remake it.

[@rlo829]

We are blessed to have Aretha. . Her voice and soul transcends all colors, all borders, all bias. ..

[@wilbertkendal2524]

STFU........Rest in black power ARETHA!!!

[@shannonvanderhoof4810]

Amen!!! 🌿🖤🕊

[@rachellisette9183]

The Queen always sings it best...no matter the song 🙏🏼💙🦋

[@Bobby-um7pn]

Love that song in Jesus name

[@abatorrobbincoker5251]

I just love this Lady's singing.

[@sheilapalmer224]

She was a powerhouse

[@mashilelekgothoane1377]

My sister introduced me to Aretha Franklin songs when I was still a little girl ,I have lived her ever since.

[@phillipkali4438]

This song is a masterpiece.

[@mamusuconteh-jones5274]

One of her best of bests she will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my dear Aretha.

[@toekneemariett]

Wow I so remember this song it always touches the depth of my soul and brings me to happy tears. Grew up on Aretha. She will never die as long as we keep playing her timeless music💜🎤🍷🎧😊🌹

[@etheldeloris]

So many memories... What a jewel! She still reigns!

[@Vanguard.Blackrock.State.]

I am Japanese.but I love her music. This is perfect.

[@yohantheman]

this is real gospel...

[@projahson3]

QUEEN OF THE SOUL 👑 ARETHA FRANKLIN all the way .. skyrocketing 🚀🚀🚀🚀

[@sophiahylton5778]

Deep song am surely makin my morning right now

[@lydiarichardson2193]

What a Voice

[@busisiwezondi3388]

I just missed my sista so much (RIP)when I hear the sound of Aretha

[@jamesjones1996]

I'm sure she is looking down as you listen to Aretha.

[@nicolenunes3739]

the lyrics are my days through..

[@robinplayer6068]

Nothing but the best ! Music for the soul

[@Iris-zd3hd]

I believe this song written by our very talented Jewish brother Paul Simon... took Aretha back to her gospel roots.

[@leeannenewman8791]

I Truly "Felt" & needed to hear this tune this morning🌞& Aretha Franklin is certainly the Women who can touch my spirit with the way she makes a song go,i mean,she gives those words "real life," & i always "feel" those words when Aretha's singing,& i wish to give so Much Gratitude for sharing with us❤ To everyone🌝 here,I'm hoping that you all enjoy a truly Blessed day💕🌈💯

[@laurietheiw]

What a magnificent gospel version of this song.

[@eugeneewings9522]

Every thanks giving the Queen would invite the homeless to her home for thanksgiving what a Great lady 💘 you always Rip Queen

[@michaeldennistooley4271]

Absolutely gorgeous knocks the original out in my opinion. I love you all ever much, if we live another day or decades to come nothing is better than music at it's finest let us remember💜🙏☮️

[@ruthiemspangenberg3363]

This a great song and my lady Aretha has given it her soul to it but never took the original soul out of it Its has very powerful lyrics but no one can deliver the Simon & Garfunkel version. You're talking about two I mean three great genuine artists. I feel you though. Aretha moves my soul like no other artist.

[@junewebb-baptiste2409]

@@ruthiemspangenberg3363 I love both. There is always something special about an original recording

[@edwinbell3255]

A Beautiful Performance Indeed

[@erskinepadmore1325]

Comments are important for I listened for the 1st time to this thrilling version of my favourite song with thorough pleasure. However the comments which emphasized the piano intro & other details encouraged me to examine WHY I'd enjoyed it the1st time making the next listen even more thrilling. Thank you for deepening the joy I experienced (while listening repeatedly )because of your candid respectful comments!

[@sheilapalmer224]

She was unique

[@irisn.garcia5883]

No words.......from HER VOICE to GOD'S ears......

[@Espina907]

She and George not waiting anymore. Love 💖 is FOREVER🥰💞

[@KarlaHafdahl]

a magnificent singer

[@threed35954]

Can listen to the intro over and over

[@rodneytownsend1133]

Thank you 😢

[@ivonnefischer1359]

❤

[@skhumbuzogamedze6106]

❤❤❤❤

[@famousfeather6904]

It was a Thursday morning I heard the news about The passing of this One.. my first day if rehab... Thru the trouble God bless the memories and this message. . . His Amazing Grace fortunately for us to have this one here. For Always... Yours Truly Famous... Thankyou Alcoholic Anonymous 📘... I have 1 year 17 days 4 months thats #503 days...they say... Don't forget our days for every mountain... Yes Lord He Seen us thru... Hallelujah ✋🏾🙏🏾

[@eaadams3862]

Hallelujah. Amen 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@edithcoleman5397]

The Queen of Soul! Ms. Aretha Franklin❤

[@lasharncampbell8698]

This song reminds me of my dad. God bless his soul. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊😅😅😅

[@user-qr7ox7jq7h]

The beautiful game brought me here

[@arturogutierrez767]

I love this song, few make me feel like this❤

[@adegoadego2219]

Powerfully done😢😢 strikes my soul, beautiful musical healing reaching deep, deep,deep down, thank universe!!!!!!❤❤❤❤

[@Von2hott]

Oh my God I loved Aretha from the first time my Aunt Alice bought this Album home when I was seven (7) years old I was outside and heard the music I was entranced BT the piano then when the saxophonist intro into the song I was Floored Aretha was her Favourite Lady and she became mines and have been my Queen if Soul every since and Noone can ever touch her . But my other Lady is B Beyonce they are Truly Magnificent

[@nadeemfakier3196]

Timeless,Soothing and a reminder of the artists that worth every thought of being classy and brilliant!!

[@sheilapalmer224]

She was pure

[@margarettemullings2527]

NOTED❗

[@edgarmarquez7554]

The one and only Queen 👑

[@gizzyguzzi]

I didn't know she covered Paul Simon. Woman had some pipes for sure!