Buck-O-Nine has released several albums including Songs in the Key of Bree, Barfly, Twenty-Eight Teeth, and Libido.
Currently Buck-O-Nine still plays shows for fun. They have re-connected with the positive, fun vibe that the band originated from.
Silence
Buck-O-Nine Lyrics
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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
'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 dare
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 whisper'd in the sounds of silence.
The lyrics to Buck-O-Nine's song "Silence" can be interpreted as a commentary on the struggle to communicate effectively and the isolation that can result from a lack of genuine connection. The singer begins by addressing darkness as an old friend, indicating a familiarity with solitude and introspection. The vision referred to in the second line suggests that the singer has had a revelation or realization while unconscious, which has left a lasting impact on their consciousness. This vision represents a truth or insight that has been ignored or suppressed.
As the singer navigates through their restless dreams, they find themselves in lonely streets, surrounded by a sense of detachment from others. The description of the halo of a street lamp and the need to turn up the collar to protect oneself from the cold and dampness signifies a sense of alienation from the world. The sudden intrusion of a neon light further emphasizes the contrast between the isolation and the overwhelming presence of superficiality and noise.
Observing the people around them, the singer notes their tendency to talk without truly communicating, hear without really listening, and write songs that lack true depth or meaning. This criticism highlights the prevalence of surface-level interactions and the avoidance of genuine connection. The singer, feeling compelled to address this issue, expresses frustration and urges people to recognize the harmful nature of silence and ignorance. However, their words go unnoticed and fade away like silent raindrops, echoing through the metaphorical wells of silence.
The final verse reveals the consequences of this lack of understanding and meaningful communication. The people, represented as bowing and praying, worship a false idol, which is symbolized by the neon god they have created. The flashing sign serves as a warning, reminding them that true wisdom lies in the words of the prophets written on the ordinary street walls and apartment buildings. The sounds of silence, in this context, represent the voice of truth that often goes unheard.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello darkness, my old friend,
I am familiar with the feeling of darkness, and I address it as an old companion.
I've come to talk with you again,
I have approached the darkness to engage in conversation once more.
Because a vision softly creeping,
A subtle and haunting vision is slowly making its way into my consciousness.
Left its seeds while I was sleeping,
While I was unaware, the vision implanted its ideas in my mind.
And the vision that was planted in my brain
The vision that took root in my thoughts
Still remains
Still persists
Within the sound of silence.
Existing within the absence of noise.
In restless dreams I walked alone
In my agitated dreams, I wandered without companionship.
Narrow streets of cobblestone,
Navigating through tight pathways made of uneven stones.
'Neath the halo of a street lamp,
Underneath the illuminated aura of a streetlight.
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
I protected myself from the chilly and moist weather by adjusting my clothing.
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
Suddenly, my eyes were overwhelmed by the intense brightness of a neon sign.
That split the night
That divided the darkness of the night.
And touched the sound of silence.
And impacted the prevailing silence in that moment.
And in the naked light I saw
In the unfiltered brightness, I witnessed
Ten thousand people, maybe more.
An enormous crowd, possibly exceeding ten thousand individuals.
People talking without speaking,
Individuals engaging in conversation but lacking meaningful communication.
People hearing without listening,
Individuals perceiving sounds but not truly comprehending or paying attention.
People writing songs that voices never share
Individuals composing music that fails to express their true thoughts and emotions.
And no one dare
And nobody has the courage
Disturb the sound of silence.
To disrupt the prevailing quietness.
"Fools" said I, "You do not know
"Ignorant individuals," I proclaimed, "You lack understanding
Silence like a cancer grows.
Silence, like a malignant disease, spreads and intensifies.
Hear my words that I might teach you,
Listen to my words so that I can impart knowledge upon you.
Take my arms that I might reach you."
Accept my help and guidance so that I can connect with you.
But my words like silent raindrops fell,
However, my words descended upon them unnoticed, like quiet drops of rain.
And echoed
And reverberated
In the wells of silence
Within the depths of the prevailing silence.
And the people bowed and prayed
And the people humbled themselves and engaged in prayer.
To the neon god they made.
To the fabricated deity represented by the neon sign.
And the sign flashed out its warning,
And the sign illuminated to convey its cautionary message.
In the words that it was forming.
Through the words it was assembling.
And the sign said, "The words of the prophets
And the sign proclaimed, "The teachings of those who predict
Are written on the subway walls
Are inscribed upon the walls of subway stations
And tenement halls."
And within the halls of overcrowded apartments."
And whisper'd in the sounds of silence.
And subtly murmured among the prevailing quietness.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Paul Simon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind