The Sound of Silence
Paul Simon with The Jessy Dixon Singers and Urubamba 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.
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
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 opening line "Hello darkness, my old friend" in Paul Simon/Musicfire.in's "Sound of Silence," is an indication of the relationship between the singer and the quiet, the darkness that surrounds him. In the following lines, he says he is coming back to discuss a vision he had once - this is an allusion to the idea that the only way the singer can communicate with his inner thoughts, insights, or instincts is through silence. He realizes that this silence, this darkness is prompting ideas to stem in his sub-conscience even when he is asleep.
In the second stanza, the singer talks about walking through the streets, where he is met with a sudden burst of brightness because of neon lights that light up the night, but the brightness is only superficial. Around him, people are talking but not being heard, writing songs without sharing them - this is an indication of the lack of communication people have with each other, thus leading to shattered relationships because nobody is communicating.
The third and final stanza, the singer realizes that his attempts to reach out and teach people about the importance of communication and connection has failed as his words have fallen on deaf ears. The people are busy praying to the neon gods they have created, and instead of listening to his advice, are listening to signs that have been put up, indicating that the prophetic messages of life are all around us but being ignored.
Overall, "The Sound of Silence" is a commentary on the need for communication in a world that is becoming increasingly distant and disconnected from each other. It highlights the importance of recognizing the value of silence and introspection but also emphasizes the need to use that insight to connect and share with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Hello darkness, my old friend,
I am acknowledging darkness as a familiar presence in my life and seeking comfort in it.
I've come to talk with you again,
I am intentionally choosing to engage with and explore the emotions and thoughts associated with darkness.
Because a vision softly creeping,
I am experiencing a slowly unfolding, almost imperceptible inner vision or idea.
Left its seeds while I was sleeping,
This vision has planted something in my subconscious mind, and I have only become aware of it upon waking.
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence.
This vision is still present and impacting me, and is manifesting itself in the quiet, contemplative space I am in.
In restless dreams I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone,
Even in my dreams, I am experiencing a sense of isolation and uncertainty in a challenging and restrictive environment.
'Neath the halo of a street lamp,
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
I am physically cold and uncomfortable, and seeking protection and concealment from my environment.
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silence.
An abrupt and jarring stimulus has disturbed my peaceful state of mind and interrupted the calmness of the background space I am in.
And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more.
People talking without speaking,
People hearing without listening,
I am becoming acutely aware of the inauthenticity of communication and relationships, and the prevalence of superficiality and disconnection in human interaction.
People writing songs that voices never share
And no one dare
Disturb the sound of silence.
Expressing oneself honestly and being vulnerable is difficult and frightening, so people often create and consume art that is safe and avoids confrontation or criticism.
"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."
I am frustrated by the ignorance and passive acceptance of the status quo, and am trying to call attention to the danger and harm of inaction and complacency.
But my words like silent raindrops fell,
And echoed
In the wells of silence
Sadly, my message was ineffective and unnoticed, and the impact of the quiet, unacknowledged message resonates in the emptiness of the surrounding space.
And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon God they made.
Instead of addressing the underlying issues and taking action, people cling to the superficial symbols and trappings of society and rely on empty rituals and symbols for comfort and guidance.
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.
Despite the lack of direct communication and the unacknowledged message, the underlying truths and insights are slowly and subtly becoming a part of the collective consciousness, and manifesting themselves in the subtle and pervasive backdrop of life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PAUL SIMON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind