FIRST TIME HEARING! Simon & Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Water | REACTION 

The voice of Art Garfunkel.. Honestly, it is something.

This is the original version since Paul Simon wrote it.

You are aware Simon & Garfunkel wrote this, yes? "Silver Girl" is a reference to Simon's(?) girlfriend at the time - finding her first silver hair, & him telling her how lovely he'd always find her. ♡

No Contest!!! S&G everytime!!!!!!!! It's not a version it's their SONG!!!!!!

Elvis is amazing... but no one will ever do this song better than Simon and Garfunkel.

You are hearing one of the finest singers ever to be recorded. Art Garfunkel has total command of his voice here---pitch, tone, everything. Maybe one of the finest vocal performances ever captured. Add Paul Simon's poignant lyrics, and you'll understand why 53 years later, people are still being moved by this unique and singular piece of music.

NO ONE sings this better than Art Garfunkel. It might be the best vocal performance ever put on tape.

Art is definitely 100% better. This original is unbeatable.

Okay, Seph, I am glad you reacted to the original version. I am totally bias-free because I am an Elvis and an S&G fan. Simon and Garfunkel created a masterpiece (one of many). Their music stands out because it`s so original and different. Nobody sounds like them. When I listen to them, I feel like being in the twilight. For me, they sound asexual, almost angelic. I wouldn`t change one single note, because it`s pure perfection as it is. Elvis fell in love with a finished masterpiece. He took it, played with it, and changed it for his own frame. But before Elvis could use it, S & G had to write and create it. For me, Elvis` version is a different song. It touches me deeply because I know so much about his personality. I don`t think that he created "a better version" of the song. I find that he and his musicians created a different version that sounds beautiful, and unbelievably personal. With his unique voice that oozes sex appeal, Elvis adds masculinity, which is nonexistent in the original. Since we know what a generous man Elvis was, and how he liked to help people, every word has a deeper meaning and weighs far more than any other version. In addition, Elvis sings and performs it with incredible passion and conviction, which gets me every time when I listen to him. S & G`s version touches me in another, different way, but still on an emotional level. In short, I love both versions and both for different reasons :)

After Paul wrote it he called art while he was in la trying to be a movie star and said he wrote a song that was ‘considerably ’ better than he usually wrote, art said , you sing it Paul, but he said , no , only you can ,, I wrote it for you!!

let us not forget....song was release 53 years ago...musicians today could learn a lot from the musicians from back in the day

I love this version much more.

My Dad who lived and breathed Elvis even said that is the only way to listen to this song. Art Garfunkel’s voice is so soothing and so powerful

I saw them in concert during the too short time they were together. I bought and still listen to their album so often. "The Boxer" is my favorite of their songs. I dearly love Elvis and every song he does. I don't compare him to anyone. I love both versions. They're like two different songs and why would I make one second best when they're both superb? They're both top winners. No loser here!

I hope they fulfilled your expectations since they're the original artists of the song 😅 Paul Simon was the one who composed it and Art Garfunkel's voice is just goosebumps-inducing 🥲

This is Simon and Garfunkle's song.... they are owners of this on every level.

Paul Simon wrote this. It’s his original with Art Garfunkel main vocalist.

Back in the 60’s we loved this and made no comparison to Elvis at the time. It was S&G and we gave up tears and goosebumps.

Elvis puts so much into his songs . Elvis is breath taking.

My ultra religious Grandmother would only allow one current pop song to be played in her home and this was it. You can see why.

I guess we don't need anyone else's opinion. Paul Simon said it himself...... “When I first heard Elvis perform ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, it was unbelievable. I thought to myself: ‘How the hell can I compete with that?'”.

I've never heard Elvis' version.....but this version is what I heard first before others. This version is just soooo spiritual n effortless. It gives me a lonely cold feeling tho, but I think that's the point of the song.

Paul only had first two verses written and art and producer convinced him to add the third!! After they recorded what Paul had written.. game changer

The original. The best.

It's marvelous yet thrilling that after 54 years since this immortal classic was first released, it touches the hearts of those who listen for the first time.🥰

Your creativity is unmatched! WARNING I will never stop watching you!😊💚

Elvis is Elvis, and no one can say it isn't wonderful. This is better, and the piano and percussion take to yet another level.

Have not watched this yet, but I guarantee they don't make you cry like Elvis did! I LOVE your warning sign.

upon first hearing this version you are like, "Song, where have you been all my life?".

Just to make the old saying true that music is subjective, I prefer the original . Art has the sweetest voice I have ever heard. I like Elvis, but I love these guys. Different strokes and all that.

That's the real deal! ;)

Magical.

blessings to you !!! so beautiful

@Seph-Plays the best I can sum up the difference is that S&G's version is a gorgeous, beautiful piece of music that Art Garfunkel is singing to a generic "someone" but not to me specifically. Elvis' rendition is a highly personal experience, coming from the depths of his soul to pierce your heart, as if he is singing it directly to you...and your body vibrates with the recognition that he truly meant every word/note he sang...which renders his version transcendent.

I never liked this song til I heard Elvis sing it same with Sweet Caroline never cared for this song then Elvis sang it and I thought ok I can deal with this song. I’m glad u listened to the words it is a beautiful song. TCB⚡️

It is so beautuful Garfunkel had the voice of an angel and Simon wrote a very beautiful song its pretty much a gospel song and maybe that's what drew Elvis to it and he brought thdt out even more I love their version but Elvis version makes me cry in a good way you can hear God speaking to you in Elvis's version!

Elvis always chose songs that he knew would mean something and that he could put his stamp on. Songwriters loved him asking to cover their songs as they knew he would make them stand out. Simon and Garfunkel were so peaceful and calm in their style. The loved Elvis’s version so much so that Paul Simon said himself, “ how the heck can we beat that?” 👌💕🕺

This is the original !

I like Al Yankovich version lol But seriously I prefer Elvis version.. it gets me more at the heart strings

Seph,I’m not sure if you know that when Elvis sang it in Las Vegas that Paul Simon was in the audience and that he said that once Elvis covered it then he heard it the way that it should have been sung!

Masterpiece!

How can you possibly compare this original of 1970, ( the year speaks for itself) to a cover by Elvis? And not know it. If you listen to their catalog, all originally written, you will see the difference between artist and performer. They did this in one take, btw, no digital of course.

We Elvis fans love his personal voice. There is no voice like Elvis. He is genre of his own. Do we understand the greatness of those who made songs this great and witch he chooce to sing? Yes we do! Elvis was singer, not writer! Just like every great singers are! Opera singers don't write their songs. They sing!❤🇫🇮

Hello, I prefer the original version by Simon and Garfunkel. But i apreciate your vlog. From France, have a good day ☀️

I haven't heard the Elvis version, I know it exists, but this song is so emotional and special I can't hear anyone else sing it but Art. You should also listen to the live version in central park.

Just yes.

This is beautiful and it is their song. I was in college when it came out. But it is also a studio production with multi-track recording, sound balancing etc. So to compare this song to Elvis's live version, they should both be live performances. Elvis sings it better live.

Elvis had his niche, no comparison to S&G. They have voices that are heaven sent

I'm sure you know by now that this song was written by Paul Simon. Theirs is not a cover - theirs is the real thing.

Actually Simon after hearing Rlvis version actually said how can that be topped. He loved it plus w Elvis covering it ..this song brought a lot more royalties..still getting royalties

Actually Paul Simon wrote it

Seph, I first want to thank Paul Simon for writing such a wonderful song. Second, I think they do a beautiful version of it doing what they did best-that kinda folksy/hippie laid back vibe -very beautiful! But like Bruce Springsteen said, Elvis has this ability to do a song that enables the song to take on a sort of life of its own-like become what it was meant to be. That’s how I feel about many of the songs Elvis did-because of his ability to merge all genres of music the song feeds off all of them inside him somehow and then comes through him transformed into something it didn’t even know it could become, and in the end it becomes something from another world. It isn’t that the Simon Garfunkel version isn’t good-it is beautiful-but through Elvis it becomes extraterrestrial.♥️

I’m biased nothing like elvis

I'm 68. Didn't know Presley covered it.

Paul Simon made a record named Graceland in 1986 and went full circle, now he is singing about Elvis. But my favourite track on that record is a duet he does with Chevy Chase named You Can Call Me Al, really funny music video to that earworm.

Love this. Try the version from the Live in Concert Park show where it is just Art.

Competing a live version to an album version is unfair. Both version are great in different ways.

I think you will find this video of Paul Simon talking about what influenced him to write the song “Graceland”. He became very emotional while standing at Elvis’ grave. “ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UGnCn_EH-Ek.html

Paul Simon wrote the song. This is the original.

I re-read some of these comments Seph and I think you drew in a bunch of Elvis haters - you know, the ones who never listened to anything other than jailhouse rock and who don't like rock and roll and think that's all Elvis ever did.

A great reaction Seth. It's a beautiful song and I love Elvis's version and the S&G original equally. They each have different amazing qualities!

8:03 Simon and Garfunkel has the best version of this song. 😊 I think even Garfunkels Live version from Central Park is better than Elvis's version as well.!!

The most beautiful song ever written. Simon wrote it. Later when he let Elvis sing it he said; oh man, how could I ever contend with that. He truly appreciated how Elvis handled and sang his song. Who doesn’t? Only ”tootie fruity” was better by little Richie.

They wrote it-not Elvis

I would like to recommend some songs for you from some Swedish bands that you might like.... Beagle - The Things That We Say Takida - Curley Sue Stakka Bo - Here We Go Priest - History in Black Tiger Lou - The Less You Have to Carry Kent - Dom andra (this one is in swedish but i bet you're gonna like it)

It's a bit of an odd inversion when one hears and grips onto a cover version of a song first. Then when the original is finally heard, it somehow feels deficient. But in this case, I knew the original well and only heard Elvis's version after watching your reaction. I hear them as equally powerful and half expected you to well up into tears as the song progressed to the vocal crescendo in the chorus. It's interesting that this version didn't start to resonate with you until the third verse when Paul and Art were harmonizing. Funny comment about Art looking like he has a giant mustache. I'll never look at that cover photo the same way again.

This is a great song, i prefer the live version from central park, the buzzing of the crowd is awesome

Two things : this is their song , Elvis covered it well .and the word is "THAN " not then

Heard Elvis do righteous brothers live remarkable all versions of righteous bros where recorded versions!

S&G = ethereal and beautiful.❤ Elvis = emotional, raw, beyond beautiful.❤❤❤

This is the original version. Elvis's was a cover of it.

If you want to hear a stunning natural counter- tenor (highest tessitura range for a male singer to possess) you might like Bobby Hatfield of The Righteous Brothers. Bobby Hatfield was my very first crush when I was a pre- teen. Gawd, I was seriously in love with that man. "Ebb Tide" by The Righteous Brothers, Bobby Hatfield sings that one by himself. If you want to hear Bill Medley do a solo, then I highly recommend "I Just Wanna Make Love To You"- it has a bit of spice to it so consider that your fair warning 😀👍 Great reaction, Seph and I totally agree with you 💙 Peace ✌, blessings 🙏, & all my love 💖 to you & yours, Seph, and also to everyone else here 💕

And if you can overtake and beat this classic hit on stage you are something else!!!❤🇫🇮

I have listened to it still not anything like the original copies are not the same

This guy prefers the elvis version omg is he having a laugh this is there song mate

Elvis is good...but Simon and Garfunkel are so high above this bridge...masterpiece for sure and sensitivity is amazing...

Nobody sang it better than the originators of the song. Elvis was a close second. But the original is flawless.

I loved this version in 1969, just an ethereal sound. However, I now prefer the power and passion Elvis delivers. Paul Simon, the writer, attended a Las Vegas concert and lamented, how can we ever compete with that. Enjoyed both of your Bridges reactions.

Beautiful version, but for me only elvis makes me cry. ❤️❤️❤️

Compliments to Simon & Garfunkel for a great song. Elvis heard its potential and took it to another level, creating a soulful masterpiece.

To answer your question, yes this version is way better

Can you call it “this version”? It’s the one and only original.

Nope, Apples and Oranges.

Elvis 1000%!!!!! There both so differently done.. Simon and Garfunkel are extremely talented, dont get me wrong, but nothing or no one compares in my eyes. ❤ Oh yeah Seph, Even Elvis doesn't sing it the same. Lol If u want, check out another Elvis version live in 1972!!!! Goosebumps and I see the love & respect with him & Estelle from the Sweet Inspirations. It's incredible!!!!

This was my favourite version.... until I heard the live cover from Elvis in Las Vegas. Absolutely no comparison whatsoever! Another level! Art's voice lacks depth and power. I give Elvis 10/10 for this cover! ⚡🤗🥇🙋🏻‍♀️

Lovely version of one of the best songs ever written. Can't say I don't like it, but . . . . . . Elvis!!!!

Very lovely...but Elvis version just takes me to heaven and back...crying all the way...thanks Seph for your reaction...I have a lot of catching up to do with your Elvis reactions since I am a new sub but I will catch up...I hope.😉⚡️🎶

They did a good job presenting this song to the public, but definitely, Elvis' version kills it. Elvis most often acquired a song and took it to the highest possible realm.

No contest for me. I prefer the masculine, magical, powerful, emotional voice of Elvis. He is inimitable and ineffable. 💖💖💖

Music is not a damned contest, it is an art, and an art of interpretation. Depends on which conveyance of the message of the song you like , and your media brainwashed personal musical preferences and prejudices from birth. I choose the original for the calm in Art Garfunkel's perfect performance, and then his grand conclusion as the song builds. Larry Knechtel's piano invention he worked so hard to perfect to make the song what it became, is often overlooked...the man was brilliant, it really makes the song work on such a high level. The orchestra slow build arrangement was stellar. Others butcher it with their own chord banging. Elvis' version is great for Elvis Fans [I am one] but it comes across to me as soooo Elvis in Vegas that I cannot accept it as either inferior or superior, and frankly he did not improve the song one iota. He did a different take on it, but not superior or inferior over the original. Without Simon, there was no song like this. What is America's addiction to comparisons and competition spilling over into music...it's a cultural need to compete rather than create...it's not a sport folks. While on vacation, I heard a little girl of 8 years old, at a city market playing violin after 2 years of lessons, carefully trained, but intuitive as to interpretation. She had great tone, was IN TUNE on every note, and used vibrato on simple little melodies. She has the burning desire to play violin. America won't appreciate it enough. They're too busy talking about last night's game. She was raising money to get a full sized good violin with her family there. If she can play THAT WELL at that age on a student cheap violin, she deserves better. I gave her 100 bucks because I was a music teacher. I wouldn't pay that much to see Elvis [alive] or anybody else over this little girl's musical future. In the USA, you'll never see a weed growing in a high school football stadium, but you'll cut a school music program over competition called sports. That's the real Bridge Over Troubled Water when it comes to music.

It is good, but sorry, when Elvis does a song, it's his own. As paul said when he heard Elvis, he said, what am I supposed to do now? . Thanks Seph, this wasn't a hard question.

I love Elvis singing, but no way does he touch Simon and Garfunkel, the original.

Props to Elvis, but no one does it better than S&G.

The original is not bad. But, with Elvis singing this song it's a transcending experience.... totally captivating and heart wrenching. Nobody else has been able to achieve that, in my opinion. Maybe I'm biased, but I'm not alone in thinking that ☺️

The original is the best version. The king is still the king though too.

Beautiful song but Elvis brings tears to my eyes. The piano sound in Elvis’s version is beautiful.

THIS IS THE ORIGINAL , ELVIS ONLY COPIED IT.

Elvis makes Simon & Garfunkel sound like choirboys, although they were great. It’s not fair to compare mere mortals with Elvis!

This is good but Elvis is much better. More emotion in Elvis version. Elvis voice is higher and stronger.