I Am A Rock
Garfunkel Lyrics

A winter's day
The scene is set during winter when everything is drab and dreary.

In a deep and dark December
The weather is sombre, reflecting the mood of the poet.

I am alone
The singer is isolated and withdrawn from society.

Gazing from my window to the streets below
The poet is looking down on the outside world from the safety of his own space.

On a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow
The snowfall blankets the city, creating a serene environment.

I am a rock
The poet emphasizes his self-imposed solitude and emotional detachment.

I am an island
The poet reiterates his unwillingness to seek company or form personal relationships.

I've built walls
The poet has constructed a mental and emotional fortress to protect himself from others.

A fortress deep and mighty
The structure is meant to be impenetrable and formidable.

That none may penetrate
The artist doesn't want to let anyone in or become vulnerable.

I have no need of friendship, friendship causes pain
The singer avoids forming friendships because they only lead to heartache and pain.

It's laughter and it's loving I disdain
The poet rejects the idea of feeling joy or connection with others.

Don't talk of love
The singer dismisses the notion of love even being present in his life.

But I've heard the word before
The concept of love is not entirely foreign to the singer, but he chooses to ignore it.

It's sleeping in my memory
The memory of love is dormant and buried deep inside the poet.

I won't disturb the slumber of feelings that have died
The poet refuses to awaken any dormant feelings that may cause him emotional pain.

If I never loved I never would have cried
The poet believes that avoiding love is the key to avoiding emotional pain.

I have my books
The poet seeks solace and comfort in reading and intellectual pursuits.

And my poetry to protect me
The poet uses his own poetry as a personal shield against emotional vulnerability.

I am shielded in my armor
The poet has mentally armored himself to prevent others from getting close to him.

Hiding in my room, safe within my womb
The artist feels safe and protected within his own personal space.

I touch no one and no one touches me
The poet strives to maintain emotional distance from others, denying himself the potential for deep personal connections.

And a rock feels no pain
The poet wants to be as emotionless as a rock, avoiding the possibility of feeling pain.

And an island never cries
The poet cannot be emotionally affected or moved by others, he is like an island in that regard.