About the song
Introducing “The Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel, a hauntingly beautiful masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on the landscape of folk rock music. Penned by Paul Simon, one half of the iconic duo, this introspective ballad captures the essence of existential reflection and societal disillusionment, resonating with listeners since its release in 1964.
Originally featured on their album “Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.,” “The Sound of Silence” gained widespread acclaim upon its re-release with electric instrumentation, reaching the top of the charts and solidifying Simon & Garfunkel’s status as musical pioneers. Its ethereal melody and poignant lyrics struck a chord with audiences, earning it a place in the pantheon of timeless classics.
The rendition of “The Sound of Silence” from “The Concert in Central Park,” a landmark performance by Simon & Garfunkel in 1981, captures the essence of the song’s enduring appeal. Against the backdrop of the iconic New York City skyline, Simon & Garfunkel deliver a stirring performance that showcases their unparalleled vocal harmonies and musical prowess.
Throughout its history, “The Sound of Silence” has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success, earning top positions on music charts and inspiring countless covers and reinterpretations. Its universal themes of isolation, alienation, and the search for meaning continue to resonate with audiences across generations, solidifying its place as a quintessential anthem of the human experience.
As you listen to “The Sound of Silence,” you’re transported to a realm of introspection and contemplation, where the echoes of silence reverberate with profound meaning. Whether you’re revisiting this classic or experiencing it for the first time, Simon & Garfunkel’s timeless masterpiece promises to leave an enduring impression on your soul.
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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 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 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
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of silenceFools, 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 forming
And the sign said
The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls
And whisper’d in the sounds of silence