About The Song
Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sounds of Silence” is a classic folk song that was released in 1964. It is a haunting and thought-provoking song about the inability of people to communicate with each other, and the dangers of indifference and silence in the face of injustice.
The song begins with Simon addressing the darkness as his old friend, and asking to come talk with it again. This sets the tone for the song, which is a solitary and introspective reflection on the state of the world.
Simon then sings about how people are talking without speaking, and hearing without listening. He also sings about how people are writing songs that voices never share. This imagery suggests that people are not truly communicating with each other, and that their words are empty and meaningless.
In the chorus, Simon sings about how no one dares to disturb the sound of silence. This suggests that people are afraid to speak out against injustice, or to challenge the status quo. They are content to remain silent, even when they know that something is wrong.
The second verse of the song is even more bleak than the first. Simon sings about how fools say that silence like a cancer grows. He also sings about how his words fall like silent raindrops, and echo in the wells of silence. This imagery suggests that Simon’s message of hope and change is falling on deaf ears.
The song ends with a warning, as Simon sings about how the people who bow and pray to the neon god that rules our lives will be the first to go. This suggests that those who are complacent and indifferent to the world around them will be the ones who suffer the most in the end.
“The Sounds of Silence” is a powerful and moving song that continues to resonate with people today. It is a reminder that we need to communicate with each other honestly and openly, and that we need to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult.