Simon & Garfunkel – The Sounds of Silence

Sounds of Silence - Wikipedia

About The Song

The Sounds of Silence is a song by American folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, released in 1965. It is one of their most famous and influential songs, and is considered to be a classic of the folk rock genre.

The song is a lament about the alienation and communication problems of modern society. The lyrics describe a world where people are unable to communicate with each other, and are surrounded by silence. The song’s chorus is a chilling plea for people to open up and communicate with each other:

Hello, darkness, my old friend I’ve come to talk with you again Because a vision softly creeping Left its seeds while I was sleeping And the vision that was planted in my brain Still remains within the sound of silence

The song’s music is simple but haunting, with a haunting melody and a sparse arrangement. Simon’s vocals are full of emotion, and Garfunkel’s harmony vocals add a haunting dimension to the song.

“The Sounds of Silence” was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has since been covered by many artists, including Art Garfunkel, Joan Baez, and Disturbed.

The song has also been used in many films and television shows, including The Graduate, Midnight Cowboy, and The Simpsons. It remains one of the most iconic and influential songs of the folk rock genre.

Interpretation of the song

“The Sounds of Silence” can be interpreted on many levels. On one level, it is a lament about the alienation and communication problems of modern society. The lyrics describe a world where people are unable to communicate with each other, and are surrounded by silence.

On another level, the song can be seen as a commentary on the Vietnam War. The war was raging at the time the song was written, and many people were feeling alienated and isolated by the conflict. The song’s lyrics can be interpreted as a call to action, urging people to wake up and speak out against the war.

The song can also be seen as a more personal reflection on Simon’s own feelings of alienation and isolation. Simon was a shy and introverted person, and he often felt misunderstood by others. The song’s lyrics can be seen as an expression of his own feelings of loneliness and despair.

Regardless of its interpretation, “The Sounds of Silence” is a powerful and moving song that has resonated with listeners for generations. It is a reminder to cherish our loved ones, to communicate with each other, and to stand up for what we believe in.

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Lyrics

Hello darkness, my old friendI’ve come to talk with you againBecause a vision softly creepingLeft its seeds while I was sleepingAnd the vision that was planted in my brainStill remainsWithin the sound of silence
In restless dreams I walked aloneNarrow streets of cobblestone‘Neath the halo of a street lampI turned my collar to the cold and dampWhen my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon lightThat split the nightAnd touched the sound of silence
And in the naked light I sawTen thousand people, maybe morePeople talking without speakingPeople hearing without listeningPeople writing songs that voices never shareNo one daredDisturb the sound of silence
“Fools” said I, “You do not knowSilence like a cancer growsHear my words that I might teach youTake my arms that I might reach you”But my words like silent raindrops fellAnd echoed in the wells of silence
And the people bowed and prayedTo the neon god they madeAnd the sign flashed out its warningIn the words that it was forming
And the sign said, “The words of the prophetsAre written on the subway wallsAnd tenement hallsAnd whispered in the sounds of silence”

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