# In 1970, Paul Simon released one of his greatest songs. Even he couldn’t explain where it came from

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-1970-paul-simon-released-one-of-his-greatest-songs-even-he-couldnt-explain-where-it-came-from/
- Published: 2026-11-10T19:35:50+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-10T20:37:47+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/1970-paul-simon-released-one-of-his-greatest-songs/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Simon said the song’s inspiration arrived suddenly.
- Garfunkel helped shape its three-verse arrangement.
- Its title was inspired by a gospel lyric.

## Summary

Paul Simon said he could not explain where the inspiration for ‘Bridge over Troubled Water’ came from, describing its arrival as sudden and startling. The song became one of Simon and Garfunkel’s best-known recordings, and its promise of comfort is central to its lasting impact.

Simon wrote two verses, while Art Garfunkel suggested adding a third and helped shape the arrangement with pianist Larry Knechtel. The title drew on a line from the Swan Silvertones’ gospel song ‘Mary Don’t You Weep’; Simon discussed the song’s mysterious beginnings in a 2011 documentary.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.