Simon and Garfunkel’s Sounds of Silence was first heard in 1964, but did not gain great attention until 1966. I remember wondering about the disparity between the lyrical music and the confusing, disturbing lyrics. Speaking of disturbing, a new version came onto the scene in 2015, from a heavy metal band, Disturbed. Some people have expressed outrage at this version.
Well, it does project a different air entirely but what should we expect? It’s a different time. From 1964 to 1966 we saw bombings in other countries, an attempt to control who could vote through testing, attempts to legalize marijuana, civil unrest from integration, attempts at immigration reform, really bad television programming, and…and…hmmm maybe not so very different after all. See for yourself: Timeline 1964-1966
The Disturbed version of Sounds of Silence is, in my opinion, more blatantly powerful. There’s an excellent music video but I think the live performance of the singer and the music is even more intense:
“People talking without speaking; people hearing without listening.”
The more things changes, yep, the more they are the same.
On the writing front, I’m done with the first messy draft of A Question of Trust. Phew! Now I need to pick a book to launch with NaNo. Any suggestions?
For some serenity, I’ll share this evening’s sky. Peace out.
Mona Karel Author 
The Sounds of Silence is one of my all-time favourite songs. I think some of the power of the message comes from the lyrical music. It’s as though we’re being conned into thinking this is a nice song. Until we take the time to listen to the words.
I tried listening to the Disturbed version, but it didn’t work for me. I’m not judging, just making a statement. And on a similar note to SoS, Strawberry Fair from the same singers and movie, is a bit the same. A gentle folk song with a much deeper meaning.
And… nice sunset
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I think the Disturbed version is more in your face. No chance of misinterpretation, no subtle message. Just BLAM look at what we’re doing to ourselves.
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