Sounds of Silence

DESCRIPTION: "Hello darkness, my old friend, I've come to talk with you again." The sleeping singer sees a vision that is held within the "sound of silence." He sees many people not speaking. He warns against the silence
AUTHOR: Paul Simon
EARLIEST DATE: 1964 (recording, Simon and Garfunkel)
KEYWORDS: nonballad
FOUND IN:
REFERENCES (2 citations):
Averill-CampSongsFolkSongs, p. 550, "Sounds of Silence" (notes only)
DT, SOUNDSIL
NOTES [64 words]: There have been a number of attempts to "explain" this song, including claims that it refers to the death of John F. Kennedy, even though a version was apparently in existence before his assassination. Paul Simon has talked about its origin, although in somewhat contradictory ways, but apparently never really explained it. It seems rather introspective for a scouting song, though! - RBW
Last updated in version 6.3
File: ACSF550S

Go to the Ballad Search form
Go to the Ballad Index Song List

Go to the Ballad Index Instructions
Go to the Ballad Index Bibliography or Discography