About The Song
“The Sound of Silence” is a timeless folk song by Simon & Garfunkel, released in 1964. Renowned for its introspective and evocative lyrics, the song delves into themes of isolation, alienation, and the overwhelming nature of modern society. The opening lines, “Hello, darkness, my old friend,” immediately set a contemplative tone, inviting the listener to share in the narrator’s solitary musings.
The song’s haunting melody and simple instrumentation create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. The lyrics explore the paradoxes of human existence, contrasting the cacophony of the world with the silence within the individual’s mind. The narrator longs for connection and meaning, yet feels overwhelmed by the indifference and noise of the surrounding environment.
“The Sound of Silence” has become a cultural touchstone, resonating with audiences across generations. Its timeless message of introspection and the search for meaning has solidified its place in the annals of popular music history.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the 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 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.”