The History of Simon and Garfunkel
Simon and Garfunkel were a folk rock duo consisting of singer-songwriter Paul Simon and singer Art Garfunkel. They formed the duo in 1957 and released their first album in 1964. They were known for their harmonies and their socially conscious lyrics.
The Story Behind The Sound Of Silence
The Sound of Silence was originally released in 1964 on Simon and Garfunkel’s debut album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. The song was written by Paul Simon and is about the lack of communication in society. It became a hit in 1965 after it was remixed with electric instruments and re-released as a single. It went on to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The Lyrics To The Sound Of Silence
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 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 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 share
And 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
And tenement halls
And whispered in the sounds of silence
The Meaning Behind The Lyrics
The Sound of Silence is a commentary on the lack of communication in society. The first verse describes the speaker’s relationship with darkness and how it is always there. The next verse describes a dream where the speaker is walking alone in a city and is struck by the lack of communication between people. The third verse describes the speaker’s attempt to reach out to people and teach them, but his words fall on deaf ears. The final verse describes the people’s worship of material possessions and the warning that the words of the prophets are being ignored.
The Legacy Of Simon And Garfunkel
Simon and Garfunkel were one of the most successful duo’s in music history. They created timeless classics such as Mrs. Robinson, Bridge Over Troubled Water, and The Boxer. Their music continues to be played on radio stations and TV shows today. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.
