About the song
Simon & Garfunkel, a renowned American folk rock duo, left an indelible mark on the music industry in the 1960s. Comprising singer-songwriter Paul Simon and singer Art Garfunkel, they captivated audiences worldwide with their harmonious vocals, thought-provoking lyrics, and iconic songs. With a career spanning over two decades, Simon & Garfunkel’s music has stood the test of time, earning them a place among the greatest artists of all time.
The duo’s journey began in elementary school in Queens, New York, where they first met in 1953. As teenagers, they formed the group Tom & Jerry, releasing their debut single “Hey Schoolgirl” in 1957. Although it was a minor success, it laid the foundation for their future collaborations. In 1963, they regrouped as Simon & Garfunkel, signing with Columbia Records and releasing their debut album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.
However, it was their 1965 re-release of “The Sound of Silence” that catapulted them to fame, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This breakthrough led to the release of their second studio album, Sounds of Silence, and a nationwide college tour. Their subsequent albums, including Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966) and Bookends (1968), solidified their position as one of the most successful folk-rock duos of the 1960s.
Simon & Garfunkel’s music was not only critically acclaimed but also commercially successful. Their songs, such as “Mrs. Robinson” and “Bridge over Troubled Water,” topped the charts worldwide, and their albums sold millions of copies. The duo’s music was also featured in the iconic 1967 film The Graduate, further increasing their exposure.
Despite their artistic success, Simon & Garfunkel’s relationship was marked by turmoil and disagreements, ultimately leading to their breakup in 1970. Paul Simon went on to pursue a successful solo career, releasing acclaimed albums such as Graceland (1986), while Art Garfunkel explored acting, appearing in films like Catch-22 and Carnal Knowledge.
The duo has reunited several times over the years, with their 1981 Central Park concert attracting an estimated 500,000 people, one of the largest concert attendances in history. Simon & Garfunkel’s legacy extends beyond their music, with their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and their ranking as one of the greatest duos of all time by Rolling Stone.
Throughout their career, Simon & Garfunkel have won seven Grammy Awards and have sold over 100 million records worldwide, cementing their status as one of the most successful music artists of all time. Their music continues to inspire new generations of fans, and their legacy serves as a testament to the power of harmony, creativity, and collaboration.
Video
Lyrics
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 silenceIn restless dreams I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone
‘Neath the halo of a street lamp
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silenceAnd in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never share
No one dared
Disturb the sound of silence“Fools” said I, “You do not know
Silence like a cancer grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you”
But my words like silent raindrops fell
And echoed in the wells of silenceAnd the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was formingAnd the sign said, “The words of the prophets
Are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls”
And whispered in the sounds of silence