About the song
“The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel is a timeless classic that resonates deeply with listeners, particularly those who cherish the evocative power of music from the 1960s. Originally released in 1964, this iconic song was written by Paul Simon, one half of the legendary folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel. The track was part of their debut album, “Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.,” and though it initially did not achieve significant commercial success, its haunting melody and poignant lyrics soon captured the public’s imagination.
In 1965, the song was re-released with electric instrumentation, propelling it to widespread acclaim and leading to its inclusion in the duo’s second album, “Sounds of Silence.” This version struck a chord with a generation experiencing the turbulent social and political changes of the 1960s. “The Sound of Silence” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1966, marking a significant breakthrough for Simon & Garfunkel.
The live performance of “The Sound of Silence” from “The Concert in Central Park,” held in 1981, is particularly memorable. This historic event, attended by over 500,000 people, showcased the enduring appeal of Simon & Garfunkel’s music and their ability to connect with audiences across generations. The concert was later released as a live album, preserving this extraordinary moment in musical history.
Paul Simon’s introspective lyrics in “The Sound of Silence” reflect themes of alienation and the struggle for authentic communication in a rapidly modernizing world. Art Garfunkel’s harmonizing vocals complement Simon’s haunting delivery, creating a song that is both melancholic and profound.
“The Sound of Silence” remains a beloved classic, a testament to Simon & Garfunkel’s enduring legacy in the world of music. It continues to be celebrated for its lyrical depth and emotional resonance, making it a favorite among fans old and new.
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 silence
In restless dreams, I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone
‘Neath the halo of a streetlamp
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 silence
And 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 shared
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 silence
And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming
And the sign said, “The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls
In tenement halls”
And whispered in the sounds of silence