Sound of Silence
Simon & Garfunkel
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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 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
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Written by: Paul Simon
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Original Release"Sound of Silence" was recorded in March 1964 and first released in October 1964 on Simon & Garfunkel's debut album, "Wednesday Morning, 3 AM".
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Chart SuccessAfter its release as a single in September 1965, the song reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
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LyricsPaul Simon wrote the song when he was just 21 years old. The lyrics have been interpreted as a poignant criticism of materialism and lack of communication in society.
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Name ChangeThe song was originally titled "The Sounds of Silence," but was later renamed "The Sound of Silence."
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Graduate FameIt was famously used in the 1967 film "The Graduate," starring Dustin Hoffman, enhancing the song's prominence and acclaim.
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Re-recordingThe version of the song released as a single and featured on the duo’s second album is not the original recording. Producer Tom Wilson reworked it, adding electric guitar and drums without the knowledge or input of Simon and Garfunkel.
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Hall of FameIn 2013, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by a diverse range of artists including Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, and more recently, the heavy metal band Disturbed.
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ReunificationDuring their various periods of separation as a duo, Simon & Garfunkel have frequently reunited to perform "Sound of Silence" for special occasions and tributes.
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Pop Culture ImpactThe song's title and lyrics have been frequently referenced in popular culture, including books, movies, and television shows. They have become a symbol of introspection and societal disconnect.
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Citation
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"Sound of Silence Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 5 Jun 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/8186274/Simon+%26+Garfunkel/Sound+of+Silence>.
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