Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel - Essay Example

June 2, Song Analysis: Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel The Sound of Silence, reportedly written by Paul Simon, catapulted to fame due to the lovely melody and the lyrics of the songs that seem to convey a hidden meaning. Sung by Paul Simon and partner Art Garfunkel, the Sound of Silence was noted to be originally sung in the 1960s, a time when folk music was at its popularity. As such, it was sung in a style of a narrative discourse, where a guitar was the only accompaniment, to the lonely overtones.

The current analysis hereby aims to present the meaning of the lyrics through the figures of speech and rhetorical elements that are implicitly used. The figures of speech were evident as one evaluates the lyrics. For one, the title of the song was repeated as the last line of every verse, except the fourth (where the word ‘silence’ was the only one mentioned). Repeating these words mean giving emphasis to the main idea, which could be deduced as a form of submission. When a person refuses to say anything, opting to stay silent, there are two meanings that could be construed: either submission or vehement refusal to accede.

In the song, it was evident that the course of action was submission through the words that say “And no one dared, Disturb the sound of silence” (Garfunkel lines 20-21). At a time when there were changes that the young people wanted to enforce in society, like some kind of breakaway or further means for personal expression, Simon & Garfunkel has relayed the message that deep inside, people wanted change but could not do anything except to be submissive to the rules of society. This was also corroborated through the lines: “People talking without speaking, People hearing without listening” (Garfunkel lines 17-18).

These lines prove some form of comparison where people apparently exist like puppets, truly exhibiting the silent submission to social norms dictated by demands of the times. Another form of figurative language is the use of symbols. In the first line, the writer called ‘darkness’ his ‘old friend’; which could symbolize that he is a loner where his only companion is the perennial company of a dark and lonely room. Within this setting, his reflective mood has led him to realize that there is a feeling of anxiety and unrest that dwells through manifesting the presence of “a vision softly creeping, Left its seeds while I was sleeping” (Garfunkel lines 3-4).

There is also symbolism in stating a ‘neon god’ which allegedly “people bowed and prayed” (Garfunkel line 29). This could mean that people have focused on working towards achieving material things through the products of industrialization. And therefore, the writer heeds the warning revealed by the prophets that there is actually more to life than blind consumption and material wealth. The writer also effectively wrote the lyrics in a structured manner that uses rhymes and patterns. For one, there were exactly seven lines per verse; and only in the third and fourth lines in every verse end in rhyming words.

Likewise, as earlier noted, the use of the title at the end of each verse, emphasizes the main idea in the song. A figure of speech through the use of metaphors and similes were also evident that provides emphasis and implied form of comparison: “my words, like silent raindrops fell” (Garfunkel line 26) to indicate that words dissipate like raindrops and are not imbibed or taken into action. Another instance proving its application is: “my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light” (Garfunkel line 9), which could mean that the vision of people had been focused on material wealth or products of the developing world.

Finally, the song has generated successful appeal from the audience due to the simplicity of the words but the depth of the meaning provided. The writer was trying to persuade people to be likewise reflective as he indicated that “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" (Garfunkel lines 22-25). He would have wanted to use the song as a medium to incite change through evoking the listeners’ emotions.

The ultimate meaning was enjoining everyone to seek the truth, to find what is most important in life, to break away from the pattern of submissiveness, and to realize that the sound of silence could be chronic and lead to one’s demise, if left irresponsibly unchecked. Work Cited Garfunkel, Simon &. "Sound of Silence." Sound of Silence. By Paul Simon. 1966.