About the song
“The Sound of Silence,” originally titled “The Sounds of Silence,” is a seminal song by the American folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, penned by Paul Simon. The track’s journey from a modest beginning to iconic status reflects a remarkable story of rediscovery and transformation in the music industry. Initially recorded as an acoustic piece in March 1964, the song was part of Simon & Garfunkel’s debut album, *Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.*, released in October 1964. Despite the album’s lukewarm reception and poor sales, the song would soon embark on an unexpected journey to stardom.
The turning point for “The Sound of Silence” came in 1965, when the song began receiving airplay on radio stations in Boston and Florida. Recognizing its growing popularity, producer Tom Wilson took the initiative to remix the track by adding electric instruments and drums, transforming it from its original folk-acoustic sound into a more dynamic folk rock anthem. This remixed version was released as a single in September 1965, catching Simon & Garfunkel by surprise as they were not informed of the changes until after the release.
The impact of the remix was profound. The song surged to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the week ending January 1, 1966. This success prompted Simon & Garfunkel to reunite and quickly record their second album, which was aptly titled *Sounds of Silence* to capitalize on the song’s newfound success. The remixed version was included in this follow-up album, marking a significant shift in the duo’s career.
Further cementing its place in pop culture, “The Sound of Silence” was featured prominently in the 1967 film *The Graduate*, and its soundtrack album included the song, increasing its reach and influence. The song also appeared on the 1968 Mrs. Robinson EP, alongside other tracks from the film, enhancing its legacy.
Internationally, “The Sound of Silence” achieved top-ten status in several countries, including Australia, Austria, West Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands. Recognized for its cultural and historical significance, the song was added to the National Recording Registry in the Library of Congress in 2012, alongside the rest of the *Sounds of Silence* album.
Over the years, “The Sound of Silence” has become a quintessential example of classic folk rock, celebrated for its haunting melody and introspective lyrics. It has been featured in numerous compilations, beginning with the 1972 album *Simon and Garfunkel’s Greatest Hits*, and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, underscoring its enduring impact and relevance in the music world.
Video
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 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
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”