Neurologist Reacts to Disturbed’s 'Sound of Silence'

[@Jacksavage5469]

Hello, I'm 69 years old, so growing up in the 70s I listened to this song hundreds of times, however my son , who listens to DISTURBED with his son talked me into listen to this version know that I didn't like Disturbed. So I gave in and listened, about 3 times. I kid you not this was the FIRST TIME I truly UNDERSTOOD what the song really meant, ALL BECAUSE OF THE WAY HE SANG IT. Actually cried it hit me that hard because I it took me so long to see it and REALIZE it is still is happening today. Maybe NOW, others will hear it too!!😢😢😢😮😮😮

[@roguesorcerer1145]

echoed feelings and understanding

[@ukbusman]

Well said my friend.

[@davidmarino1913]

Absolutely.

[@salamanca1954]

I'm 70, and I have no use for the Disturbed version. That said, if it speaks to you, it speaks truly. God bless. May you and I be in heaven an hour before the devil finds out we're dead.

[@davidclarkson6029]

Still remember Art Garfunkel..His voice was magic..so many memories..

[@GeneralLao]

As a survivor of Child abuse and major depression, i have always turned to music to keep me from committing suicide. I did seek professional help 13 yrs ago for depression, and i went from a 10 to a 0 and never looked back. My life today if full of music and gratitude, I now have inner peace and serenity, been sober for 30 years this Dec 22. But for the Grace of God there Go I.

[@YachtMaestro]

To quote "C&C Music Factory" from one of their songs... "The Music is my Life!"

[@catpaladin1]

Music and literature keep many of us alive and not alone.

[@richardromine]

So glad you are doing better! I have a similar background and have struggled for years with mental health. Music has also been a life saver for me. A year or so ago, after listening to a KZbin reaction video on this very song (which i loved!), the next recommendation was a reaction video about a Welsh artist named Ren, singing 'Hi Ren'. I was absolutely floored, I've never been that emotionally impacted by a song. If you haven't already heard of him, I would highly recommend listening to him, you won't be sorry. I think he is the most talented artist, songwriter, storyteller of this generation. Best of luck to you!

[@kenasplund6952]

Everyday hope to get there. But Everyday and night is hard not to give up and feel nothing , because you're tired of feeling nothing...

[@SteveCoronado2]

The live version is phenomenal especially when you know that Dave was under the weather for the show.

[@J2GUnlimited]

Disturbed's live version of this on Conan is just as amazing to watch.

[@ChefBeagz]

I actually disagree with this statement...it's still good, but David was sick so they required him to use an auto-tune, giving his voice a somewhat tinny sound in his higher registers, and he hates auto-tune.

[@markbrinson6090]

@@ChefBeagz He did not know till after the song and he was pissed.

[@module79l28]

Any live version but that autotuned garbage. The one from Houston, with Myles Kennedy sharing vocals with David, is by far the best live version I've seen.

[@davidsloniker7418]

Listen to pentatonic version

[@wildwilly3530]

Autotune? - yes (but very little). Was he sick? - yes. Worth watching the Conan live version? - absolutely. The performance was ridiculously good. The full orchestra. The guy on that big drum. And of course the voice. Just powerful stuff. Check it out, I guarantee it will be worth your time. Also check out Disturb’s “Down with the Sickness” to see what this band normally does! 😮

[@da40flyer]

The original S/G version was a warning. This was the anger that we didn't listen to the warning.

[@rorybisson756]

i was literally about to type that but yours was the very 1st comment in the section, so thank you for saying it for me.

[@lawrenwimberly7311]

Agreed

[@allenjohnstone9945]

And were still ignoring it. Luckily I'm old so my time is coming to a close. Sadly my children can't say the same.

[@YachtMaestro]

Yep, I've read it as being... S&G = Mother telling toddler to go to bed D = Mother 2 hours later. Lost her sh*t

[@stevegibson1147]

Add in the Pentatonix version which agrees that we didn't listen, but shows hopefulness that maybe we can still come back.

[@VinceEmbry]

The last shot of the musicians crossing the bay to join the writers is quite powerful. Fixing the divide.

[@CarolSonderegger]

I remember when this was a hit for S&G. When they played Disturbed's version i was driving with radio on just to have "some noise" & I was listening to a rock station. It took me second to realize what song they were playing then I realized who was singing. I had to pull into a parking lot & just listen. Before I knew it tears were falling & I was covered in goosebumps. It wasn't until not long ago I saw the video & had the same response. I have watched this so many times now & I am always moved by it. Thank you for your reaction. It is one of the best I have seen.

[@danakissmgrits2624]

The world is smaller, but the distance between us is greater than ever before. The whispered warnings of Simon and Garfunkel becomes the battle call of Disturbed

[@davidmarino1913]

This was illustrated in the movie Contact. We have all of this technology to bring us all closer together, yet that very same technology is isolating us more and more.

[@Rel1369]

I so love the way you described the difference of the 2 versions.

[@williamgrissom1995]

Very well said! 😎👍

[@tomwende5529]

I'm always a little envious of people who are hearing this song for the first time. :-) I enjoyed your perspective on it, thanks.

[@JohnSmith-tk9oy]

I always think of this song when I see people at a cafe or something and all have their phones up looking through social media instead of being social with each other. "People talking without speaking, people hearing without listening" seems to represent how "social" media has affected our behaviour towards eachother.

[@GoodWoodWorks-le4cd]

Music can and will unite. One needs to discern causiously, with whom they chose to unite with in the days going forward.🙏🕊

[@spikedaniels1528]

According to Wikipedia, this David Draiman version (as of September) has had over one billion views on KZbin. Thank you.

[@robertwolf5917]

You are BANG on with each thing you’ve said. God bless you and your family. I love seeing your soul come through in your message when you talk

[@seth5361]

I heard someone say, that Simon and Garfunkel was the song of our youth and Disturbed’s version is for us as adults. It resonated with me. Great reaction and insight.

[@Crazael]

The version I usually see is that the Simon and Garfunkel version was a warning about the future and the Disturbed version an angry accusation for ignoring the warning.

[@kenanderson2002]

David Draiman (the man singing) admitted about a year ago or so I guess, that he was contemplating unaliving himself. A lot of very talented musicians fell victim to it in the previous several years: Chris Cornell, Chester Bennington and even deeper, Robin Williams. There are more people alive right now than there's ever been, yet we are more alone now than we ever were. He actually stopped a live concert to have a heart-to-heart about substance abuse and unaliving yourself. It was one of the most beautiful and powerfully RAW emotional connections I've ever seen. He asked people if they have or had substance abuse issues, knew people who did, or wanted to unalive themselves or if they were impacted by it. Then he said if you answer yes, raise your hand. Then he said now look around you right now: YOU ARE NOT ALONE!" It's pretty difficult to comprehend that almost EVERYONE had their hand raised and you could hear voices in the background of people crying and people telling strangers that they loved them. How Draiman was able to connect people like that was divine, for lack of a better word.

[@Roy_Gaber]

This version of the song will leave you thinking of your thesis. We head down an unknown, but we feel safe, and then our minds explode into a foray of people saying what heir hearts have always wanted to say, ahhhh. In response to your narrative initial: I always speak to who I am, at least I think I do, to do otherwise is degrading to myself, and a shunt to others who do not know me (yet). My parasympathetic nervous system is always active, to a detriment to me at times, but I think this is my creative side, my muse if you will. The psyche is so very cool.

[@ThePloppy]

I've just found your channel and I'm sorry I don't know your name. I'm 52 now but when I was 13 I was diagnosed with Syringomyelia, due to a syrinx on my spine next to my brainstem. It caused all kinds of problems throughout my life but I've been a guitarist and musician since I was 9 and something you said about the stimulus of music helps. I was told I'd be in a wheelchair by the time I was 40. Well, I do use a cane now but I'm far from a wheelchair. Recent visits to my neurosurgeon have let me know that the syrinx has healed up and no more fluids are entering my column near my brainstem. But damage has been done throughout my body. I can't play instruments like I did but I feel when I do it helps. Thank you for this video.

[@josephmallard9053]

Your reaction was wonderful. As a man who is looking and trying to find the quiet and truths within from whatever the source., Your analysis was spot on. Music is so powerful and can bring so many deep feeling and connections and maybe even homesickness and longing for places and people that we are just feelings and hunches. Longing for a home we don't remember but sense has always been there. Thank you.

[@YachtMaestro]

And it's often so powerful to dissect a song one would not normally associate with a deeper message... only to find it so. For example... Five for Fighting's "Superman". At first glance, a catchy song... but FAR deeper once you dive into the lyrics, as is the case with most of their songs.

[@RoGueNavy]

Draiman brought a massive amount of emotionality to an already moving song.

[@karentony3397]

Thank you for your great reaction to this video! Goosebumps every time. Luv from Australia ❤️🎼❤️🎼❤️

[@jeffm1896]

For me, the song has always been about the emptiness of the struggle/obsession for material things/power/etc. at the expense of human connection/feeling.

[@vaughncollar8014]

There are 4 top choices of this song: Simon & Garfunkel: the original, the first warning. Pentatonix: the follow up warning. Disturbed: anger that you ignored the warning Geoff Castelucci: sadness that we ignored the warning This version, and even more so the live version done on Conan, are so powerful.

[@falsemcnuggethope]

The studio recording by Simon & Garfunkel has flaws, I think their live recordings are much better.

[@Capohanf1]

That verse, "People talking without speaking, people hearing without listening." SO DESCRIBES the Internet. The original "Neon God" in the Simon and Garfield was the Television. The new Neon God is the LCD Screen of the Laptop. And have you heard/seen Johnny Cash's "Hurt" video?

[@leeswhimsy]

I believe that Music, Dance, Laughter, really any form of ART uses a universal language that can break down barriers and bring people closer together. Absolutely.

[@jonathanwetherell3609]

Musical empathy seems to be on a spectrum. Those (like me) at one end, highly empathic, shivering and crying. Towards the other end those that never seem to do much except, maybe, be aware of the beat.

[@JimWilliams-t5f]

I have been listening to reaction videos since the Covid lockdowns. I wasn't sure what drew me to them except that I found myself feeling shared emotions during each reaction. There was great comfort in watching someone react the same a I was, wether it be sorrow, joy, awe or fear. Your reaction to Disturbed's version of "Sound of Silence", and the followup explanation of our nervous system helped me to confirm why I am drawn to these videos. In Ren's video "Ren", his reminding us that we should not forget that we are "All human beings", makes me feel like I am connected to both reactors and performers and that has had both a calming and healing affect on me. Thank You. PS I liked the Conan version a little bit more than the video production.

[@Grace-jr2tv]

This is the #1 best song reaction of any kind that I’ve seen. I’ve watched hundreds and hundreds!

[@josephsmith9059]

I'm 72 yrs old and remember in 8th grade in Middle River Jr High School when This song came out it had a message only if you listened to it a few times you got the meaning of It ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@tonygallagher6989]

In recent memory, there was a time where we all faced an invisible threat and were told to stay away from others. It's easy to join the dots from there to how people are currently interacting or not interacting with each other. There's a quite noticeable lack of trust.

[@DeepCuts101]

I'm in my 60's, grew up listening to S&G, and I've always believed that Paul Simon was one of the great American songwriters/poets of the 20th century.

[@nickrr5234]

I sometimes think that I'm wasting time when listening to reaction videos. Well, this time I also learnt some stuff! Thanks.

[@falsemcnuggethope]

Also, you got validation for watching other reaction videos as well. It can be good for your parasympathetic nervous system. ;)

[@jimbickel4001]

The video's silence at the opening says it all without saying anything...The Sounds of Silence. Incredibly powerful...just like the performance.

[@jareddegraw8719]

At 13:00 you touched on something I find incredibly fascinating. This sympathetic response to the emotional state of groups enjoying the same media. I've listened to the song so many times, I love this song. But I found myself becoming slightly emotional listening to it this time again as I realized that you were also emotional while listening. Almost immediately after you touched on that phenomenon and I had the light bulb come on. This happens to me so often and I never understood it and it's really cool.

[@rmlewis6648]

I want to thank you Neurogal MD for your deep dive on this song. Everything you explained I can totally relate to. Thank you so much. Now I understand why this song touched me so much.

[@Starrynightdiner]

Thanks for your insight ❤ if you haven’t done it already, i highly recommend Jonny Cash’s cover of Nine Inch Nail’s song Hurt. I think you will be moved. The video is so poignant.

[@erictighe1683]

I was going to recommend the same.

[@tonyharmon8512]

His Swan song, saying goodbye to his life. He made this his own and gave us a song for the ages.

[@charlesbryson7443]

I believe Trent Reznor said “the song is his now”, or something to that effect.

[@timbrom]

I'm an anthropologist, with particular interest in paleo anthropology. Early in the video you touched on something I think is fundamental to the issues we face in the wealthy, generally settled west. The world for which we are evolved, physically, mentally and emotionally doesn't exist for most of us. We are still the maximally evolved ape of 200,000 years ago, and very poorly prepared for what we face now. Humans are stunningly good at adaptation, uniquely so I would say, so perhaps we can transcend our current predicament, but we need time. Music, and also comedy, seem to be universal ways of bonding. I have seen reactions to this track and others, from as disparate people as Afghani tribesmen, Sub-saharan Africans, Europeans and Americans and the response is always the same.

[@shanebond4434]

Disturbed -The Sound of Silence video has over 1 BILLION views in 8 YEARS. 1 Billion seconds is equal to 32 years. This means, that more than three, almost four people, had to click play, every second of every day for 8 years. WOW!!!

[@rohncynthiafalter8029]

Brilliant analysis. Thank you. The only things I’d like to add is to your comments about the flashy things we worship and how they lack meaning. As human beings we are made to worship. And when we don’t focus our worship intentionally, we worship the distractions, and it’s a lonely journey of worship when it is unfocused, and unintentional. We all worship something, or someone.

[@WilliamBell-g5g]

Doc. I am a veteran I suffer from PTSD and this song speaks to me because this is what I feel on the inside.

[@Draco83449]

Your analysis is spot on. Texting, emails, chats! when did we stop talking. Dave's voice and the band deliver with a little anger to highlight the message. Love your reaction and breakdown. Stay safe. 😎

[@Ken-jw2nw]

I love that you are talking about this right now. This is so apropos right now. I think this song is so appropriate for the times. I fully agree with all you are saying about the nervous system not being able to handle the times. I love that you are bringing this to people's attention. Thank you for this.

[@johntiggleman4686]

Your commentary on the media reminded me of the song "Dirty Laundry" by Don Henley. Especially the repeated lines "kick 'em when they're up, kick 'em when they're down." I first heard Disturbed's cover about 8 years ago, and was completely blown away. If I remember correctly, the "neon god" was a kick against Television. Television has been instrumental in the breakdown of society. Years back, people gathered on their front porches to chat, or talked over the fence. But now, kids, and adults are mesmerize by their cell phones/tablets...my grandsons are addicted to their phones, and it is disheartening. But the last year, their parents have been weaning them away from them. But enough of that. Great review and commentary on the autonomous nervous system. I recently read about the stress hormone cortisol. Very interesting what it does to the body and nervous system.

[@Saje3D]

I will never understand how Simon and Garfunkel predicted social media like this.

[@Glittersword]

I pictured it as the ones with the instruments had no actual music to play and the ones writing the music had no one to play their music. Sort of like monks who have taken a vow of silence. They have not even heard the song they have penned. A gift for both sides.

[@Cindy2Lou2]

I know the song, and I really enjoyed watching your face and the micro-expressions that came across it. Slightly widening eyes, furrowing of the brow, clenching of the jaw, a head tilt, eyes subtly watering at the end. Almost every reviewer I've watched has the exact same reactions at the same points in the song, which I find not surprising, but kind of amazing. We really are alike on a primal level.

[@arronknox2884]

i have epilepsy. one day i had a massive seizure, and was placed in a medical coma for about a month. during the recovery phase, i couldn't really use my hands or walk. i am a huge metal head, and music is life. i would get mad when my mom would try to put my ear buds in and it wasn't done right. my drive to listen to music and get back in the mosh pit again, is what sped up my healing process.

[@HossLUK]

You definitely gotta react to Geoff Castellucci's version next. He's a bass singer with the A Capella group "Voiceplay," and his version is considered to be a part of the 3 great covers of the original.

[@donutwindy]

I've heard this song a thousand times but never really listened to the words until this version. I can't believe the irony.

[@c1ph3rpunk]

My mom was an OG folksy hippie in the 60’s, I got to grow up with the music of that era via her. Got to see many of them live, including Simon & Garfunkel. Them and John Denver are the ones I remember the most. But the version, still, no matter how often I hear it sends chills down my spine and makes the hair on my arms stand up. It’s truly chilling in an amazing way. As for news, I generally stopped watching it a decade ago until … 2020. I had to stop watching again, the negativity is just too much now.

[@cat793cdumpy]

The song We are the world , which was done to raise money for people in Africa is the best example of pulling people together for a cause that was to help impoverished African people. This song featured the best of the best in the pop and soul music industry and was acclaimed world wide. Quincy Jones put this together and it was a masterpiece.

[@Tipps72]

I really like this version, never heard this version before & it’s been many years since I’ve heard the original.

[@richardpellis]

A phrase I think you were looking for comes from the late Dr. Steven Covey, "Communication is mutual understanding." A simple but powerful phrase with deep meaning, and something we lack in current society. Not just the US, but around the globe.

[@kathleencastillo9937]

I'm so pleased to see a neurologist commenting on the life experiences we all have. ❤

[@mwl0316]

Out of the 35 or 40 reactions I’ve watched of this version I must say I enjoyed this one the most because you are spot on with the psychological interpretations of the words and visuals of this version.. very cool 👍

[@CaddyJim]

Should have watched the LIVE Version. It's not often a LIVE performance that is better than the Studio, but this is one of those times

[@suemoore6445]

Disturbed is a unique metal band, which David Draiman joined in 1995. Because of his incredible voice (originally trained to become a Jewish Cantor, as his father and grandfather were before him). In his 20s, he chose a different path. His metal voice is definitely different than most of other metal bands. In the last ten years they’ve created several nonmetal songs, Hey You, Hold On to the Memories, Don’t Tell Me…They address addiction, death , divorce…their catalog log is so diverse. I’ve learned to truly appreciate their music, the individual members of the band, and emotions they stir. Actually have a ticket to see them live in May! I understand it’s quite an emotional experience! Oh, I’m a 75 year old that appreciates great performances and am eclectic in my taste in music. Spans 65 years.

[@stormr6968]

He starts off in a quiet resigned place. Then moves on to being willing to try and change. He moves on to joining the world and being willing to try. He puts himself out there and is ignored. Finishing with the frustration and resignation that no one is listening or care. Too many people can feel like this in the current times.

[@rickwelch8464]

The end of the video with them bringing the instruments to the people who had written the songs so they can both finally make music together is powerful.

[@reneeville]

So grateful that you reacted to this. I found it a few months ago and was totally enthralled with everything about it. It seems to me that Paul Simon wrote this for this band to cover… especially in the cultural climate today.

[@ChristysChannelYall]

At 13:17 you said something that resonated with me. I’m 52 and when I was young in the 80’s-90’s we used to frequently go to concerts to hear the music in person. There was no social media and streaming and such. I remember being happier then as it was such an awesome experience we would all have together, no distracting phones. Interesting considering how you are explaining it. This is a great reaction video. New sub here.

[@donaldk.macbaird5248]

You should watch when he sings this on Conan it brought this 72 year old Marine to tears,I herd this the year before I went into the Marines ,I was 16 at the time and went into the Marines in Oct of 1969 right after my 17 th birthday.

[@justafreethinker]

Absolutely awesome reaction and explanation; especially from a neurological/bodily reaction side of things, well done Doc. When music moves you, you absolutely know it, and when you actually let it wash over you, it can be life altering.

[@rustyreese4006]

You are right about the news and social media. I stopped watching TV 22 years ago. I have never felt more relaxed. I also never had a desire for things like Facebook or Twitter. I watched everyone I know that used those platforms constantly complaining about comments. They also projected that anger on everyone around them at the time. I don't hang around anyone that starts this anymore. At first I was amused by it, but quickly realized how toxic it was.

[@terryhopkins1466]

I am also a senior survivor. I love the song, but I am fascinated with the reason for your musical quest. I have found this same pursuit to be quite therapeutic emotionally and even physically. One suggestion that I offer is to include Acappella groups. The whole experience created with just the human voice enhances the whole neuro bond effect. I would suggest Pentatonic's version of this same song. It is similar in structure to this performance, but the hormonies and multiple voices seem to expand and enliven the communication...at least for me.

[@xenontouchstone]

This version is in the same category as Johnny Cash and his version of Hurt, they took the original and made it their own.

[@jeffstevens4262]

For me, this incredible video depicts a post-apocolyptic scenario in which the survivors have lost virtually everything and the band are having to re-introduce music to them, which has long since been forgotten. David Draiman's voice really is a thing of joy and wonder. Such a powerful and emotional message delivered so beautifully. I know Paul Simon himself has said how much he liked and appreciated Disturbed's superb cover of his amazing song from way back in the '60's. 🙋‍♂

[@mlong1958]

This is great. The live version from the Conan show is legendary.

[@gregorystalcup557]

I love your analogy. It confirms things I thought of this song. I'm a 68 year old man, I've lived life and always sought the knowledge of when bad idea things happen, what is my fault in that situation, so they never happen again. Music is a great teacher for me. I'm a classic rocker, but the music that got my soul in how to live in this world is Neil Young. One song told me who the right woman to be my wife would be. After 2 failed marriages, I dedicated myself to listening to the lyrics of music, where I could find and feel wisdom in life. I remained alone for 22 years, thinking I am meant for solitude seeking only wisdom and knowledge. The end of my last marriage was 1982, when I was 25. I learned how to play Neil Young s music and it was the song "Like a Hurricane" that taught me the characteristics of the right partner for me. Didn't think she existed, so, it was a nice dream I loved feeling. To my disbelief, I meet a woman on line when I was 46, I lived in AZ and she lived in Oregon. It was safe, I felt, to let her know the deepest parts of me. We talked more over 9 months, when it dawned on me, I was learning her true self to. Still, never wanting to take that chance, I resided in myself that she would always be only a fanciful cyber friend, nothing more. Long story short, it didn't work out that way. She traveled to me, just for a visit but, when I really seen her eyes, it was like living that song as if that song was only a prophecy for me. That was in 2003 and we've been happily married ever since. Just wanted to share that with you, that music is more powerful than we give it credit for. Also, would like you to analyze that song to hear what your thoughts are.

[@secretarts]

Simon & Garfield wrote a warning to the world, Disturbed came and gave a hard reminder to the same problem, and then Pentatonix gives a version that speaks to the hope for tomorrow of the same song. So much power in the words of the poet that decades later we still need that message.

[@hobbnoch]

The best Coversong ever !😮

[@cmorrow74]

11:59 It’s nice that scientific research has shown evidence that music brings people together, but it’s unnecessary. All you have to do is go to a concert and look around. The people in the crowd come from all walks of life, all different political views, moral perspectives, religious backgrounds, and social status, and no one cares about any of that in the moment. They’re united in their love of the music, in the fact that it resonates with each of them on some level, and it connects people in ways that nothing else can. Music truly is the great unifier.

[@neurogalmd]

You're absolutely right-there’s something really magical about the way music can bring people together, regardless of background or beliefs. Science just puts a label on it, but the experience itself says it all. Thank you for sharing this insight!

[@DrJ4712]

New sub here! Your reaction was beautiful! But what really hit home for me was your 6:40 explanation of the nervous system and fight or flight. I'm 63 and a retired, disabled veterinarian. I had to quit work at 50 and go into a nirsing home for 3 1/2 years to get put back together, and now I have developed polyneuropathy on top of everything else. I feel now like the world is running over me and moving too fast. All the cacophony, money, and technology, the neon gods. I was a part of that, but now I can't keep up. So I bought a little house in Northern Minnesota on 5 1/2 acres, surrounded by hundreds of acres of forest and groomed trails. I am currently transforming my yard into native prairie and wildflowers. I can't wait to get up everyday and walk out my back door and into the woods with my 2 dogs and work in the yard!🥰 I take pictures of mushrooms and wildflowers and this is how I have chosen to take care of what's left of me!😂 I'm purposely tuning out all the politics and noise and taking care of my mental health. It might seem simple or boring but it's what I have to do and I am happy!😁 Living on the parasympathetic side of my nervous system. I think my family doesn't understand but I'm glad to know that what I'm doing is actually a real thing! Sorry to drone on but you really struck a cord with me. Thanks!😊❤ I'll be back for more reactions!🙂❤

[@Skydiver5KP]

This is my first time seeing one of your videos. I have always loved this song and David Draiman. I have autism and severe PTSD but am also a musical savant. Music has enabled me to communicate more effectively with the world around me. I agree with you that music is the universal language because it brings people together. Thank you for sharing your insight and for reviewing such a great song!

[@suevick637]

I have loved this song since Simon & Garfunckle. I heard this version when it first came out and from day one, this version has been my favorite. ❤ I loved your reaction as well. I am 67 and know a lot about the human mind, from both book study and observations. You explain this so well.

[@corvincray]

Music is one of the things that is helping me through my battle with cancer. When I am having a bad day there are songs for that, feeling depressed there are songs for that, etc... It is so amazing how much music can not only heal and our minds but help heal our bodies as well.

[@neurogalmd]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I completely agree - music has such a unique ability to meet us exactly where we are, whether it’s lifting us up or helping us process difficult emotions. I’m so glad it’s been a source of comfort and healing for you during your journey. Sending you so much love and positive energy as you continue to fight this battle-you’ve got this ❤️🎶

[@roberttaylor3699]

My son suffers from schizophrenia and music is the only thing that seems to quiet the voices.

[@angelaolson2025]

Music is my favorite therapy 😌! Thank you ❤

[@danielblackwulf9466]

There is a version on KZbin using the combat footage from recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and it is very powerful, especially for Veterans like myself. My war was Vietnam but the imagery and association is the same. When you combine the visual with the audio it forms memory chains that can last a lifetime. Associative memory, as in association to sounds, visuals and olfactory sources do produce emotional chains and those emotional; chains can directly affect the body's responses. They can also affect PTSD (this is something I know all to well from personal experience. When I first heard this version of Sound of Silence I had a deep emotional reaction and the ball started rolling down the dark PTSD path. Luckily I know how to stop this. After I ran through this song several times I found I could handle it. The processes of the mind can be controlled if we calm down and step away from the panic. To each of us this song means something different and Dr Neurogal you explained it very very well.

[@janw491]

I get chills everytime I hear this . I get tears when I hear ‘ hold onto memories’

[@crescentconstruction4298]

Great reaction. Never met Draiman, but we bought his old place in Austin. He left all the furniture. We've since sold it but I kept his bed and desk. That place, and his stuff always had good energy.

[@theguru143]

I'm very glad you reacted to this song in particular. It's one of my favorite songs and versions of all times and it always gets to me. Throughout my life I always wondered if something was wrong with me because I didn't cry with a family member's death, or a break-up, or other various situations where most people would cry. BUT, saying that, I will easily cry to a beautiful song with meaningful words, especially if it is sung by a child with an amazing voice such as certain talent shows. Music is able to strike directly at my emotions in a way that life experiences cannot.

[@cssweatman]

Thank you not only for your take on the song but also the neurological insight. I have no musical ability (or singing ability, though I wish I did), but I have always loved music. There are songs and even pieces of music that speak to me on a mental level-i.e., they prompt me to think more deeply about things. There are songs and even pieces of music that speak to me on an emotional level-i.e., strike cords within that no deep thinking could ever touch. And then there's this version of the song from Disturbed. It accomplishes both. Every time I hear it. While the S/G version, to be sure, is moving to hear; the Disturbed version grabs the deep pathos of the song and brings it to the surface for all to see and experience-if not own up to.

[@playfootba1]

I always thought this song told about a variety of problems, from deafness to poverty and so on. Growing up half deaf it was helpful to hear someone sing about the hardships of being deaf but I talked to some people and they didn't see that in the song. Too many years have those who live with the sound of silence been ignored and sometimes ridiculed.

[@futurenavigator1193]

Es ist klasse, da gibt es nichts zu sagen, aber nur bei dem Original kommen mir immer noch die Tränen.

[@IndigoNoetic]

Freakin’ chills galore, the voice, the imagery, the power.

[@williamgrissom1995]

Im glad you did listen to this version. Because it is the best version and singer that I've ever heard sing this song. His voice and the way he sung it, brought the song to a whole new level that seems to bring much more meaning to it. For me at least. It's almost like the song was meant for him to sing it. Smh in wonder.

[@chadhammond9756]

You're a breath of intellectual fresh air in a world of dumbed down noise. Thank you so much for your insight, thoughts and wisdom.

[@hanifmusa9182]

Anna ., initial sampling of your reactions has transported you to most favorite ..... * Psychoanalysis and your visual introspection assures my mental acuity ., *. Please continue .

[@carlmartin1]

Resonant frequency combined with meaningful words is a "human brain/feeling connector." Watching your facial expressions while listening mimics mine and the minds (brains) of others. Thanks for sharing this video. In my opinion, most people are unable to be authentic, fearing what others may think of them.

[@frankmerris8821]

Great reaction. Another video with a great meaning is a new song by NIGHTWISH called LANTERLIGHT. A song about life. Its become my favorite song in my 63 years

[@StormIamthe]

I always find it interesting how strongly I empathize while watching a reaction video. It seems to allow us to share, connect and bond with someone else who is experiencing the song for the first time. I would really like to recommend a singer to you who evokes some of the strongest emotions with her voice, inflections and interpretations. Angelina Jordan. I am not sure which song to recommend since she has HUNDREDS of amazing covers, and each one of them, I FEEL so much more connection to the lyric than the original. I think a place many reactors start is with "I Put a Spell on You" or "Bohemian Rhapsody". It will pull you down into the rabbit hole of wanting and needing to hear more more more. She won Norway's Got Talent at age 7. (currently she is almost 19) Thank you for the great reaction on this video. I enjoyed the glimpse into the understanding of our nervous system's response to our world.

[@hopcat500]

Since you are a Neurologist I would appreciate your reaction to "Wrong Side of Heaven" by Five Finger Death Punch. I'm an older Veteran who served back in the Vietnam War Era and we were called "baby killers" and spat upon when we came home. Most Veterans back then kept quiet about their service and society just wanted to forget the war and us. I was a Medic and enlisted during a very unpopular time to save lives, not take them but the hostility towards us kept us in silence for at least 10 years before people began to think of all the hell veterans had experienced and a few Veterans came forward publicly to tell their stories and seek help. Even the Veteran's Administration was little help and there was no thought of the mental effects Veterans were living with. This song and video portray more current Veterans and the song and video are powerful. Please check this out and thank you for what do!

[@BerraLJ]

He opens his eyes on the word Vision, i did not see that someone else pointed that out in a comment, but pretty cool. Listen to Jinjer Pisces and there you have a voice, or 2 to react to :)

[@thatswhatisaidCA]

I've just found you. Subscribed! This song gives me shivers every. single. time. Thank you for the excellent analysis and info.

[@peterwilson7532]

Phew! So many chills down my spine during that rendition. Brought tears to my eyes, just incredible. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@StewartBuchanan]

I would suggest that you react to the Sting cover that Disturbed did, If I ever lose my faith in you… The video that goes along with this is just so deep.

[@willeymiller4760]

I really like your reaction to this. Whats scary is that it is still relevant today you would think that by now it would have changed but I guess its like the saying says we are doomed to repeat history. I like the way you broke down this whole thing. Thank you for this reaction

[@henline.robert]

Ok, first time watching your channel. You are now my favourite. I truly enjoyed your reaction and how you teach while listening. Thank you.

[@dmgallibond469]

I appreciate the perspective you bring to music reactions, Anna. Big group singalongs are fun, and your discussion of the prosocial aspects of the parasympathetic nervous system makes a lot of sense. It might explain why you find so many people singing along to music at everything from college football games to church services to crowds at a parade. Obviously in your reaction to this song, you are implying that the act of listening to the same piece of music (not necessarily singing along) can also have an impact on the brain and the parasympathetic nervous system. I did a quick scan and see a few music reactions--if you are looking for other bands that might be interesting to hear from the perspective of their impact on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, I would be curious about your thoughts on the music of Pink Floyd ("Comfortably Numb" live at Pulse is one that many reactors rave about), Rush ("The Spirit of Radio" is very accessible for non-hardcore fans), and Led Zeppelin (take your pick--it's hard to find a bad Led Zeppelin song IMO). Pink Floyd and Rush both have very philosophical lyrics that take a contemplative examination of their subject matter. Led Zeppelin's lyrics can be sometimes trite and sometimes filled with innuendo, but there are other songs like "Stairway to Heaven" which are filled with all sorts of imagery if not deep philosophical contemplation. For my ear, with those bands it's often the melodic textures and orchestration that pulls me in and sweeps me along moreso even than the singing.

[@DarrellW_UK]

This really spiked my interest, I actually found this song by this artist a few years ago - it’s helped me a lot (Along with Ren Hi Ren); it’s given me the incentive to not listen to any news headlines or watch the news on TV, I was getting obsessive about it and worried about what was going on, it had a really bad impact on my life, mostly anxiety and loss of sleep. Since I’ve banned news I’ve been so much better!