About the Song
Originally written by Paul Simon and famously recorded by Simon & Garfunkel in 1970, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” has been covered by many legendary artists—but few renditions carry the quiet strength and tenderness of Perry Como’s version. Included on his 1970 album It’s Impossible, this performance captures the soul of the song in a way that only Perry Como could: with warmth, restraint, and deep emotional grace.
Known for his effortless baritone and relaxed style, Perry was never one to oversing or dramatize. Instead, he let the lyrics speak, allowing the heart of a song to rise gently through every phrase. In “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” this approach works beautifully. He doesn’t just sing support—he becomes it. His voice is the bridge. Steady, calm, unwavering.
At a time when the world was experiencing political unrest and cultural upheaval, Perry Como’s interpretation offered a soothing balm. Where the original version had soaring highs, Perry’s is grounded—more like a soft hand on the shoulder than a grand declaration. And that’s what makes it so enduring. Sometimes, the most powerful comfort doesn’t come in the form of big gestures, but in the quiet promise of someone simply saying: “I’ll be there.”
Though it wasn’t released as a single, Perry’s version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” has long held a special place in the hearts of fans who remember what it felt like to listen to music that comforted without preaching, that soothed without spectacle. It’s the kind of recording that becomes more meaningful with time—especially for those who have walked through a few storms of their own.
In a world that still feels uncertain, Perry Como’s voice remains what it always was: a steady presence in the noise. And in this song, he gives us a reminder that no matter how high the waters rise, we are never alone.
cuong