UK Votes for Simon & Garfunkel’s Classic as Top Song of Hope

On January 15, 2024, UK for UNHCR announced that Simon & Garfunkel’s iconic song Bridge Over Troubled Water has been chosen as Britain’s favourite song of hope, coinciding with Blue Monday, often regarded as the most depressing day of the year. This decision follows a nationwide vote where over 1,000 participants selected songs that resonate with the theme of solidarity for refugees this winter. The campaign emphasizes the ongoing challenges faced by displaced individuals worldwide.

Receiving 10 percent of the public vote, Bridge Over Troubled Water emerged victorious in the #Hope Hit competition, part of the UK for UNHCR’s Hope on Repeat initiative. This campaign aims to highlight the struggles of refugees, particularly families from Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine, who are spending this winter away from their homes.

The 1970 classic, written by Paul Simon, outperformed other notable tracks, such as Stand By Me by Ben E. King, which secured 5.7 percent of the vote, and Imagine by John Lennon, which garnered 5.3 percent. The campaign encourages individuals to reflect on how music can foster connection and empathy.

Music as a Unifying Force

UK for UNHCR collaborated with Dr. Norbert Meyn from the Royal College of Music to investigate the role of music in promoting solidarity. Research indicates that 73 percent of respondents believe music has the power to unite people across different cultures.

Reflecting on his own experiences, Smajo OBE, a Bosnian public speaker and researcher, shared, “I was welcomed with open arms to the UK and Newcastle in 1994. At first, I felt out of place. But one song changed everything. My classmates and teacher sang it in Bosnian to make me feel at home.” His testimony highlights the profound impact music can have on individuals facing displacement.

In addition to the voting campaign, Hope on Repeat features a series of five podcasts hosted by British poet Sophia Thakur. These podcasts, named The Guardian’s podcast of the week, delve into the personal stories of those who have been forcibly displaced, providing a platform for their voices and experiences. The podcasts are available for listening at unrefugees.org.uk/hope.

Empathy Through Music

Ukrainian film director Mariia also contributed to the campaign, stating, “No matter the language, music has the power to make people feel something. It conveys the basic emotions of humanity.” Her perspective underscores the universal nature of music as a means of expressing solidarity and compassion.

For those interested in exploring the stories behind the chosen Hope Hits and supporting refugees this winter, more information can be found at unrefugees.org.uk/hope. The **Hope on Repeat** campaign continues to serve as a reminder of the resilience of individuals facing adversity and the power of music to bring people together in times of need.