The Sound of Silence
The Awakening Lyrics

Hello darkness my old friend
The singer is greeting the darkness that has become ingrained in them, likely due to depression or isolation.

I've come to talk with you again
The singer is reaching out to their old friend, darkness, in an attempt to face and understand their feelings.

Because a vision softly creeping
The singer is haunted by a vision, perhaps a dream or a realization of some sort, that has come to them slowly and softly.

Left its seeds while I was sleeping
The vision has a lasting impact and has planted some seeds, an idea or inspiration in the singer's mind even while they were sleeping or unaware.

And the vision that was planted in my brain Still remains Within the sound of silence
The vision persists and will not go away, staying within the sound of silence, possibly referring to the singer's own thoughts or the stillness of the world around them.

In restless dreams I walked alone
The singer is feeling lonely and isolated, walking through dreams or thoughts that bring them no comfort.

Narrow streets of cobblestone
The setting is old and worn, with narrow and uncomfortable paths.

'Neath the halo of a street lamp
The singer is standing in the light of a street lamp, possibly symbolizing a need for illumination or guidance.

I turned my collar to the cold and damp
The singer is doing all they can to protect themselves from the cold and discomfort of the environment around them.

When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light That split the night And touched the sound of silence
The neon light, a modern and bright interruption amidst the darkness, signifies a departure from the silence that has been present, forcing the singer to confront the noise and chaos of the world around them.

And in the naked light I saw
In a state of vulnerability and openness, the singer saw clearly.

Ten thousand people, maybe more
The world is bustling with people, perhaps overwhelming and saddening the singer with its vastness and lack of genuine connection.

People talking without speaking People hearing without listening
The communication between people lacks authenticity and true understanding, with people simply talking and hearing without really engaging or listening in a meaningful way.

People writing songs that voices never share And no one dares Disturb the sound of silence
People express themselves through art, but even then, their voices are not truly heard and understood. Meanwhile, there is a reluctance to disturb the silence that is present, perhaps out of fear or unease with confrontation.

"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."
The singer attempts to shake people out of their complacency and ignorance, recognizing that silence can be like a cancer, eating away at them without realizing. They urge others to actively listen, learn, and connect.

But my words like silent raindrops fell And echoed In the wells of silence
Unfortunately, the singer's attempts to make a connection and share their message have fallen flat and were unnoticed, echoing within the silent void.

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
Despite the singer's efforts, people have ultimately turned to false idols and material possessions, with even the neon sign having more of an impact than the singer's words. The warning that flashes on the sign, identifying the prophets and their message written on the unremarkable subway walls and tenement halls, is only barely heard and whispered in the sound of silence.