Simon & Garfunkel: Bridge Over Troubled Water

"Bridge Over Troubled Water" was released in 1970 by Simon & Garfunkel, part of their fifth and final studio album. Art Garfunkel sang lead vocals on this gospel-inspired ballad, while Paul Simon wrote the song. It symbolizes support and comfort during hard times, becoming one of their most famous hits. The duo's harmonious collaboration, despite personal tensions, led to timeless music, deeply rooted in the folk-rock movement of the 1960s. Their work, marked by poetic lyrics and complex harmonies, significantly influenced contemporary music.

"Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel, which emphasize support, comfort, and overcoming adversity, supports the the resilience and communal spirit following the Baltimore port accident on March 26, 2024. Just as the song offers solace and a promise of unwavering support during tough times, the response to the accident could symbolize a community coming together to navigate and overcome a shared challenge.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, part of the city's beltway system and opened in 1977, is named in honor of Francis Scott Key, the author of the United States' national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." Key wrote the anthem after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. The bridge symbolizes Key's connection to Baltimore and commemorates his contribution to American history and patriotism.

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge, a deadly disaster that's disrupted a major transit route along the east coast, has also shut down a large section of the Baltimore port.

The port is just a fraction of the size of large ones in the U.S. like Newark or Long Beach, Calif. But it plays an outsized role in auto imports and is economically significant to Maryland, in the densely populated Mid-Atlantic region. More than 52 million tons of foreign cargo, worth some $80 billion were transported out of the port last year

Baltimore handles more vehicle imports and exports than any other U.S. port. Last year, nearly 850,000 cars and light trucks passed through. The Port of Baltimore is the top American port for the import and export of autos and light trucks, as well as wheeled farm vehicles and construction machinery. It was the 13th consecutive year that Baltimore led all U.S. ports in the import of cars and light trucks. Other top imports include sugar and gypsum.

Breaking out the trade, $23 billion of the port’s total $55.2 billion of imports in 2023 were autos and light trucks. Around $4.8 billion of the port’s exports were motor vehicles.

There could also be disruptions to coal supplies, as well as to gasoline availability in the Baltimore area, since some ethanol comes in by barge and rail.

Some industries — like wood, construction machinery and steel or aluminum — will be more affected than others. The loss of the bridge as a roadway disrupts a key commuting route, and the Chamber of Commerce warns it will likely disrupt commercial activities.

If exporters choose not to wait until the waterway reopens, they could face increased trucking and rail rates if volumes are rerouted by truck or rail to alternate ports like Norfolk, or New York/New Jersey.

Top exports out of Baltimore include coal, natural gas, aerospace parts, construction machinery, agricultural components and soybeans. It is the second-busiest port for coal exports

The port that's now partially blocked is a major employer, supporting more than 15,000 jobs directly and 140,000 jobs indirectly. Those jobs provide some $3.3 billion in personal income, $2.6 billion in business revenue and $400 million in tax revenue.

Attacks in the Red Sea and drought in the Panama Canal have already complicated global shipping. A disaster that shuts down an American port only adds to the disruptions.

The song "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel offers solace and support, symbolizing a bridge of hope during challenging times. The incident's aftermath likely saw a rallying of community and efforts to restore access, echoing the song's message of solidarity and resilience.