Simon & Garfunkel, The Sound of Silence - A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction

#virginrock #thesoundofsilence
After listening to this one, my first response was: Why ever did I take so long to get back to this band?! Well, here we are, and what a masterpiece! You can expect me to try out more of their music more quickly in the future!
Here’s the link to the original song by Simon & Garfunkel:
• Simon & Garfunkel - Th...
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Amy Shafer, LRSM, FRSM, RYC, is a classical harpist, pianist, and music teacher, Director of Piano Studies and Assistant Director of Harp Studies for The Harp School, Inc., holds multiple degrees in harp and piano performance and teaching, and is active as a solo and collaborative performer. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she teaches privately, presents masterclasses and coaching sessions, and has performed and taught in Europe and USA.
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Credits: Music written and performed by Simon & Garfunkel
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[@jefferytheis4157]

This is hardly a new insight, but Amy is the best "reactor" in the business. I've known and loved these various songs all my life, but she always gives me new insights, understanding, and appreciation

[@user-bz6mn3tu8k]

A tad verbose at times, but still very engaging and insightful

[@fuzzylogicent]

"Scarborough Fair" is a masterpiece among masterpieces. A traditional song reimagined with gorgeous harmonies.

[@nigeltown6999]

Paul Simon became persona-non-grata in many UK Folk Clubs for copywriting, what was, a 'traditional' folk song.

[@richardlovell4713]

A traditional song for which Paul Simon fraudulently claimed songwriting credits. Many of us have never forgiven him for doing that, but others have done similar.

[@kdmathesen]

I’ll second that recommendation, false copyright or not.

[@fuzzylogicent]

@@kdmathesen Apparently PS did acknowledge the copyright mistake. Unfortunately the man who taught him the song never got a dime bc his manager screwed him out of his rights. Typical.

[@doglover31418]

@@fuzzylogicent Martin Carthy taught that song to two young Americans. Paul Simon simply copied and published. Bob Dylan wrote Girl from the North Country.

[@charlieismydarlin7199]

Bridge Over Troubled Water next please, you will be mightily impressed!

[@hongfang2348]

Their most covered song, and one of the most covered in history.

[@svac01]

Absolutely!

[@oicejas]

Yes! Also Aretha Franklin’s cover is beautiful.

[@Pjaypt]

And after this one (obligatory!) I'd suggest For Emily (Whenever I May Find Her), the live version that comes on their Greatest Hits compilation!!! Garfunkel really had an angel's voice 🥹

[@lynby6231]

Yeah and Art Garfunkel sings it better than anyone, I would like Amy to do “ The only living boy in New York”

[@strathman7501]

"The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls / And tenement halls" Spine-tingling stuff. Thank you Paul Simon.

[@philproffitt8363]

Rush paid tribute with "studio wall" / "concert"...great poets inspiring other great poets.

[@pauld.cullenjr.7934]

Bridge Over Troubled Water - probably their masterpiece.

[@SteveMenardDesignDXM]

This is their original version (1964), without a full rhythm section and 12-string electric guitar. The more popular version, with full instrumentation, was released in 1966.

[@wayne_twentyfive]

And the more popular version was more popular for a good reason .. It was FAR superior .. This version is pretty, but the 1966 version sends a shiver up my spine .. Wish Amy had reacted to that one instead.

[@rayjennings3637]

@@wayne_twentyfive It all depends on what one is brought up with. The original version reflects the words in a way that the orchestrated version cannot and that's the one I first heard. The other one is too 'pop' style for me and it was the sales figures for the single that required a more intense 'cover'.

[@johnsilva9139]

Okay. It definitely sounded more spare then I remembered. Didn't realize there was an earlier version.

[@dago87able]

a more rocking one indeed, in any case.

[@kuriouskaren234]

This is definitely the first draft version. Good, but not great...yet

[@cellevangiel5973]

The sound of Silence is not a song. It is a monument, one of a kind.

[@WindmillChef]

agreed

[@therealpbristow]

Why not both? =:o}

[@louise_rose]

It sort of captures the meaning of a minute of memorial silence, precisely by not mentioning what the shock or fear was about (the song was written in the aftermath of the JFK assassination).

[@john-531]

I consider Paul Simon to be one of the best song writers of the time, right up there with Dylan, Lennon, and McCartney. His lyrics are poetry and his music is brilliantly written.

[@BTURNER1961]

this is high quality 20th century literature that also happens to have musical accompaniment including one of the finest voices in rock or folk history

[@sixslinger9951]

To think Paul wrote this at age 21! Incredible and genius.

[@paulolapa3040]

And Conor Oberst wrote "A Perfect Sonnet" with the age of 18 or 19 (The band is "Bright Eyes")

[@doglover31418]

Joni Mitchell was 21 when she wrote Both Sides Now, the ultimate song of experienced life.

[@papercup2517]

As 14 year-olds, back in 1966, my class demanded of our music teacher we be allowed to sing this latest 'pop' song in place of the much less interesting 'classical' one we'd been allocated, for our intraschool singing competition. Pop music was then not seen as something to be taken at all seriously, by adults. Our teacher, a classically trained former professional singer was shocked at first but after we'd persuaded her to at least look at it, she saw the merit in the song, and relented. Just another of those small, joyous acts of rebellion that characterised the 1960s, for me. Back then, that 'neon god' might have been the endless glow of people's television sets, or the flash and flicker of garish advertising signs, or brightly lit, noisy amusement arcades. But since someone else on YT pointed it out, I've always thought there may have been something truly prophetic in Simon's lyrics. He could have been talking about today, with everyone sitting all day or walking around zombie-like, absorbed in their various illuminated screens, oblivious to the outside world in this strange new form of 'worship', scrolling, talking and texting others non-stop, while real communication between humans at any meaningful level sometimes seems to have disappeared altogether.

[@Chumgeyser]

Paul Simon is the GOAT of song writing.

[@pascal6871]

The older it gets, the more relevant it becomes. I dont have appropriate words to describe this incredible piece

[@gizmo5925]

This is S & G's very first recording of this song, as it was put on their first album "Wednesday Morning 3 AM," which was completely acoustic. The song was rereleased on their next album "The Sounds of Silence." I think it was exactly the same track, but now backed up with electric guitar, bass, and drums. That recording was the hit, not the one you present here, but I love that first recording for its uncluttered sound. You were probably aiming to listen to the hit record, but I'm glad you listened to this one instead.

[@johnwest7993]

Years ago my mother, who was raised on classical music and the big band sound, told me she "didn't like the music that kids were listening to these days because it was all just a bunch of screaming." (early Beatles.) So I put on this for her to listen to. She sat there listening, not saying a word till the end. Then she said, "Play it again."

[@JacoWium]

My experiences echo yours. I can still hear my dad saying, "Now that the Beatles are popular shouting is considered art." Another phrase I had to endure from my oldest brother, like when I used my paper delivery money to buy a 7-single, was: "No one's going to remember that song in five years" before being reminded that the works by Mozart & Beethoven and co are still known and will always be cherished. Well, here we are today! To be fair to my family though, they mellowed significantly over the years and came to love some of the contemporary music I introduced them to (including Simon & Garfunkel albums, of course).

[@thorneto2742]

As someone who listens to extreme metal the idea of the Beatles being considered screaming is hilarious

[@louise_rose]

@@thorneto2742 It's impossible to recapture the feeling that the Beatles, during their first years of mainstream success, were considered sloppy, uncivilized and uncouth by some people. but that was it. They were perceived as "too childish", too unsophisticated and the like.. .In a fun interview I read, with Gene Simmons of all people, he recalled how the early Beatles had inspired him to dare to be outrageous (though he admitted that he would take it to a whole new level!).

[@fredinaz]

I appreciate how thoughtful this analysis is. I grew up listening to S&G, but your comment about the internet grabbed my brain, as it’s perfectly synonymous with Paul’s lyrics. There is now so much information/entertainment/noise available online, yet we are becoming more disconnected as humans. The neon light of commercialism has only grown since then. Fewer people actually listen to each other even though they are “shouting” at millions of people on “social media.”

[@helenespaulding7562]

Scarborough Fair/ Canticle should definitely be a listen. Probably the only canticle you will hear in popular music. Exquisite

[@grahamtravers4522]

Yes ! THAT is something else ...

[@kaddishcombattants]

Yes, and you could listen Aurora's version for Great Covers: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnanpJJphat8g68si=5XB82WO5y4kEsQWP

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

@@kaddishcombattants inLOVE Aurora! Both as a songwriter and performer, and I love many of her covers. Bowie’s Life on Mars, Massive Attack’s Teardrop, The Beatles’ Across the Universe. Especially Teardrop. I will watch the link you posted. Thanks.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

@@kaddishcombattants yes….that is VERY cool!! 😁

[@henryimmler8329]

Definitely "Scarborough Faire/Canticle! I would love to hear your analysis of "Canticle " in particular!

[@BTURNER1961]

Next on your Simon and Garfunkel list has to be 'Bridge over Troubled Waters' Trust me, it's a very simple but profound poem about platonic love and loyalty. Nobody has ever regretted listening to that.

[@Beatles4Sale.]

Paul Simon was the first to be awarded the Gershwin Prize, the highest praise given in the U.S. to any artist. The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song is an award given to a composer or performer for their lifetime contributions to popular music. This group is the most successful duo of all time. They only made five albums. You would enjoy doing a reaction to all five. Even if you don’t react to their music in this way, you will still react to many of their songs. Bridge over Troubled Water was the number one billboard song from 1970. That’s the one I would react to next in their catalogue. You really can’t do wrong with any of their music.

[@peterliljeholmen5703]

Paul Simon was also awarded the Polar Music Award in 2012 in Stockholm. During the price ceremony the Swedish group First Aid Kit made a fantastic cover/impression of Simon&Garfunkel song ‘America’. That would also be great cover to cover by Amy! I think America is clearly one of their best songs!

[@JacoWium]

@@peterliljeholmen5703 Agreed. As with Dylan and Cohen (and several other artists and bands), there are a whole bunch of true masterpieces that sadly have to sit in the shadows of their best-among-the-greatest tunes, now that more and more decades are passing and young generations have to sift through so much more music. "America" is certainly one of several of S&G's songs that deserve to sit alongside Silence/Troubled-Water/Boxer as a monument of the singer-songwriter era.

[@ronueberschaer1752]

Now it’s time for Amy’s Cut to review The Graduate - one of the best movies with a great soundtrack.

[@LeeKennison]

Agreed! She could combine a Simon & Garfunkel Special Weekend here with a review of the Graduate on Amy's Cut.

[@mightyV444]

Great suggestion! 😍👍

[@galtman5263]

Paul Simon is an amazingly under appreciated songwriter. "50 ways to leave your lover" is one of the best chord progressions ever written. "Feelin' groovy" is also a must!

[@wendywoodruff2871]

Paul Simon appeared on the first season of Saturday Night Live in a turkey suit singing Still Crazy After All These Years. The look on his face was priceless. 😅

[@DayGloClam]

If you want to listen to a devastatingly beautiful song by S & G I recommend, ‘I Am A Rock, I Am An Island.’

[@Vlasko60]

Yes, that is THE song of theirs that I most relate to.....still.

[@SteveKarmesin]

Really, a whole series just on Paul Simon would keep me interested as long as you were willing to do it.

[@walterstevens8676]

Hear hear!

[@walterstevens8676]

I'd love to hear Amy's reaction to some of the songs on the Graceland album

[@TombHermance]

Thank you again. Your perspective was a revelation. I’ve loved this song for many years, but as usual, you gave me a new appreciation. I adore this channel. Cheers!

[@SirWussiePants]

One of my absolute favorite songs. The imagery Simon and Garfunkel evokes is pure poetry put to music. Not to mention their voices. While both went on to release songs after they went their own separate ways the magic was never there afterwards. They were like a chord - 2 notes that are fine alone but together they made magic.

[@evanleehome2178]

This version was actually on their first album, Wednesday Morning 3 a.m. Following that album's release, their producer brought in session musicians and added drums, electric bass and electric guitar to the acoustic & vocal track. The single was a big hit and released again, this time on the album, "The Sound of Silence'. It was their first folk rock album.

[@randybass8842]

More so than "The Boxer," this was an iconic song that defined a good portion of the 1960s. It was smack in the middle of the decade, so it was neither an introduction nor a finale to the decade. Simon and Garfunkel had many iconic songs that were such a large part of the folk music scene at the time. "Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme" is another that deserves a listen.

[@ididthisonpulpous6526]

As a pair the two of them made some kind of alchemy with their voices. Both are individually great singers, but together... Man they just were something magical! I don't think that is can be replicated again, such a great group!

[@therealpbristow]

The closest thing I know of recently, in terms lf "vocal compatibility", is the surprising combo of Tina Dico(w) with her husband, Helgi Johnsson. Because Tina's voice sits at the low end for female singers, and Helgi's is so high and light, they can do these marvellous tight harmonies in which Helgi sounds almost like a second Tina. Although his pitch is not quite as stable as hers! =:o}

[@sallypursell1284]

I always especially enjoy the drone harmonies in this song. A place to rest, mentally and emotionally.

[@helenespaulding7562]

In the mid 60’s I was in college, and S&G were on my turntable as much as The Beatles, if not more. You could do much worse than to have their albums playing in your home….some of the most beautifully harmonic songs created in popular music

[@lynby6231]

Such a beautiful song, their harmonies are second to none.

[@LeeKennison]

So happy you have returned to Simon & Garfunkel with one of their classics. Loved your reaction. I've been wanting you to do this for sometime, particularly since you enjoyed "The Boxer" so much. Paul Simon is a songwriting genius, both with Garfunkel and in his solo career. You had many great observations on the poetic lyrics, voices, and music. Their voices harmonize so well together, and the stereo mix does a great job in separating Paul's lower voice from the higher angelic vocals of Garfunkel. Good comparisons and contrasts with the Beatles songs you are listening to, which are contemporary with this release. I loved your observation on our posting comments to your videos as being the modern day equivalent of writing on the subway walls and tenement halls. There are so many great poetic lines in this song, including these "words of the prophets" lines in the last verse. Other great poetic lines and images include, "Left its seeds while I was sleeping / And the vision that was planted in my brain / Still remains". Such a poetic way of expressing the creative power of the subconscious while dreaming. I think the neon god represents our worship of the modern cultural things and technology, losing our connection with our more basic creative sides and becoming disconnected with each other. It also does a good job of conveying the image of walking through the late night streets of New York City as he contemplates these ideas and vision planted in his dreams. I'm really glad you enjoyed this so much. Hopefully we get a Simon & Garfunkel Special Weekend soon, so you can continue to explore their music. This could be in conjunction with reviewing the Graduate on Amy's Cut, for which they did the soundtrack. I'm really looking forward to Disturbed's version tomorrow. Another masterpiece, particularly when combined with the video.

[@vytallicaq.6881]

Be sure to watch "The Graduate" on your movie channel Amy. Great 60's movie, with this and other great S&G songs on the soundtrack.

[@T-bone1950]

S&G were a fantastic and memorable duo in their time. The album Bridge Over Troubled Water should be in everyone's collection. When Paul went solo he experimented with many different styles, all of which are worth a listen. You should give a listen to Graceland, You Can Call Me Al, Late In The Evening, Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes. You'll be able to appreciate his genius.

[@gerrydantone6834]

This was one of your best reactions to one of the greatest works of art in rock and music history. Enjoyed it immensely. If someone were to say Simon & Garfunkel were the best American group ever, and this was the best song ever, they could be right. You will not find a better song lyrically.

[@leonardoglesby1730]

Sound in the bathroom = organic echo I have been listening to Simon & Garfunkel since 1964. I am always happy for new ears to be introduced to the music of my youth.

[@Sindraug25]

Our neon gods today are our cell phones.

[@randybass8842]

Electronic culture in general. That has not changed as it has evolved.

[@bighenry6633]

Whenever I listen to Simon & Garfunkle I more often than not have to listen 4 times: firstly as normal, then once each through each of the left and right speakers/earphones, and finally both together again. Art Garfunkle had one of the most beautiful voices, and it is complemented so well by Paul Simon's voice. Others by the pair you should listen to include "The Only Living Boy In New York" "America" (David Bowie did a fantastic cover of it at the concert for 911, so listen to that), "Wednesday Morning 3am", "For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her" and of course "Bridge Over Troubled Water." You'll love them all.

[@musopleb]

The live version of For Emily.... chills

[@oenthusiast]

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel met in school when they were 11 years old. They began singing together quite soon. So by the time their first album came out, they had had about 10 years of practicing their close harmonies very intensively. So it's not surprising that they sounded so natural doing it, except of course for doing it so perfectly, which isn't natural at all. More like semi=supernatural.

[@dianecourtney2724]

As beautiful as this song is it is spare and clean even though it swells with emotion. Simon is one of my favorite composers. Thank you Amy 🌷 You express what I feel about this song.

[@wandajames143]

So,etching about Simon and Garfunkel always reminds me of that Sunday night feeling that school is the next day. This feeling of grey sadness and gloom

[@SeppoHiltunen]

The lyrics of this "Sound of silence" reminds me of another masterpiece of Simon&Garfunkel, song titled "The Dangling Conversation". Beautiful poetry, beautiful musical expression, and it goes directly to many peoples experiences, in trying to reach another person, touching the thougts of others.

[@zeppelinmexicano]

Those two were GREAT as a duo. Amazing subtleties and control over the ebb and flow, and over the instruments.

[@rayname908]

Art Garfunkel's college roommate, Sandy Greenberg went blind. Garfunkel read aloud & helped his friend adjust to life without vision. Art called himself "Darkness" as he tried to uplift Sandy, who wanted to quit school. So Art took Sandy into New York & pretended he had to leave him to get home alone. After Sandy reached the Times Square subway stop, Art spoke. Letting his fiend see that he could live in the city and continue school. Paul Simon claims he wrote it about sitting on the toilet but his long history of erasing Garfunkel's important contribution to the team could explain why he would not include this as inspiration. BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS is the finest single of the 70s. Can't wait to see your reaction & especially your analysis !

[@fredinaz]

I’m a big music fan, and I’ve always credited S&G (especially Paul) with writing very sophisticated examples of pop music. Whether it was the use of complex chords, unique time signatures or their beautiful harmonies (which weren’t just singing in 3rds above the melody), figuring out what was going was like an early introduction to music theory! 🙂

[@drawyrral]

You haven't lived until you listen to This Mortal Coil's version of Song to the Siren.

[@31carrier]

Thanks I enjoyed that video You bring peace and calm when you mention Music is a gift of life

[@monsterhog1118]

I've always loved Paul Simon

[@ozanpress]

I was 17 in the uni abroad when I first encountered their music. Back then, I didnt know English at all, though I enjoyed listening their albums and loved each song of them. I am so happy that I have found out about them back then becaue when I listen to them now every song takes me back to those days. And their music and voices so good that I feel the same way I felt back then, even though I didnt understand the lyrics in the past. ❤

[@terrycox1247]

You should listen to the original "pure" folk version recorded solo by Paul Simon on his "Songbook" debut album, as performed in numerous British folk clubs when he was living and touring here. He had recorded it as a duet with Art Garfunkel too on the Wednesday Morning 3am album, again a "folk" version. I believe it was while he was here that Art contacted him with the news that the record label had overdubbed it with a studio rhythm section without their knowledge, and released it as a single, and that he should ".. come home quickly, we're a hit!"

[@Eduardo-Ferreira1982]

Simon went to England after they split. He recorded his first album there. Then, because of the Folk rock version being a hit, they reunited. A blessing for all. Thus, The producer there at Columbia, can be considered a God. He re joined the waters.

[@shiva1742]

I am about their same age so I remember this so very well. It still gets to me. This is in the era when all songs were only about 2:30 or 3;00 minutes long. The Boxer was from a few years later. A true classic. Good going Vlad.

[@brendamilloy2557]

Simon & Garfunkel were the voices of my youth. I'm forever indebted to them for showing me the America my parents and the news weren't telling me about.

[@revangerang]

Speaking of which, their song America is a good one (they're all so good tho, how can you pick haha)

[@obi-ron]

Paul Simon also wrote Homeward bound when the idea came to him sitting at a railway station while on a tour of the UK. It tells of the longing to return to loved ones after absence and also triggers the emotions.

[@greghyman7160]

Art Garfunkel's voice is unparalleled. The entirety of his solo album Angel Claire is worth listening to, especially All I Know. (Goosebumps!)

[@tdratt]

Can’t wait till tomorrow. Silence will be Disturbed. This is fun. I enjoyed watching and listening to your discovery and interpretation of S&G. And speaking of can’t wait. When I started following you, I knew some day you would get to and listen to S&G Bridge Over Troubled Water. And waiting doesn’t seem so far away now.

[@jwiz2974]

S.o.S. by Disturbed, while being a decent cover, completely missed the point.

[@senatorfred]

The imagery in this song is incredible.

[@buddinganarchist]

No, this is a pop song. Haunting and masterful. One of the hundred best songs ever made.

[@borisd4397]

It is actually a song that in a way is calling for the revolution.

[@arturofernandocantuperez8656]

Wow. You are great. Congrats! What a beautiful analysis of such a beautiful song!

[@robertwoodward9231]

My favorite all time! That's the one!

[@revangerang]

Simon and Garfunkel is the GOAT. Glad you enjoyed it so much~

[@6dna]

Thank you for reviewing this song. I was 12 when it was released along with the huge wave of songs at the time. The radio presented all sorts of genres of songs and we loved them all. I would strongly recommend that you listen to Scarborough Fair by Simon and Garfunkel. It is the traditional English ballad put to words with a terrific arrangement that I'm sure you will love!

[@runuphill]

Garfunkel's voice definitely is the lead throughout, and his nuanced intonations are just so delicious and memorable.

[@yesspazsmith9895]

You did the "Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M." version, not the famous version from "Sounds of Silence." It was such a wonderful song, the label went behind S&G's back and recorded a folk rock band on top of it and released it as a single. This decision is what made S&G superstars. They went from a folk duo to a folk-rock duo. It was one of those rare moments when the label's insight and choice was the correct one.

[@Wolfgare-mc4pr]

J'aimerais beaucoup l'entendre avec ta lyre.

[@AJH-tv9rb]

Love you're enthusiasm

[@OnlyInRushville]

I CANNOT believe you are doing this and the cover!!! OMG!!!! ♥♥

[@bodine57]

"Kathy's Song", sublime lyrics.

[@Richard2003]

"Scarborough Fair" a beautiful song of theirs.

[@WayneKitching]

Their version of "Scarborough Fair" is actually a great cover.

[@markwatson6579]

BOTW -a masterpiece

[@musopleb]

Presumably we will get the back story about the acoustic original - > folk album fails -> S&G giving up -> producer does Folk Rock overdub -> Number 1 ! -> S&G are now A THING.

[@stevem2700]

Your reaction to this brought it here to my eye

[@jwickham65]

The lyrics, the story, in "America" is one of their best...the humor, the loss, the trepidation underlying an uncertain future. Definitely one for the list. And then there is so much from Paul Simon's solo career that is absolutely essential. "Gradeland" may be an album to focus on.

[@Pjaypt]

What can one say except it's wonderful! 👏👏👏

[@mikesahle1193]

Thank you 🙏 maybe 🤔 the word simplicity ☝️naturally ☝️you are great 👍 reaction ❤Hello darkness ❤soft☝️👋👋👋👍🎥☮️👋

[@daveking9393]

Love this original. Love disturbs cover as well. Looking forward to seeing you react to it.

[@KMM406]

Lady Amy, you are amazing! The way you break down and dissect songs, is marvelous! It is like hearing a favorite song a hundred times, but not understanding the lyrics, until you come along, and translate the words. Thank you, for sharing your expertise, with the world!

[@johna6767]

Wednesday Morning 3AM is, IMO, Simon and Garfunkel's unsung masterpiece. Unlike their other albums this one is 100% pure folk music. Bleeker Street, Benedictus, Peggy-O, He Was My Brother, Sparrow and the title song are all masterpieces that get little attention. The lyrics on Sparrow are especially profound. She should do a video on this entire album.

[@BUENOSAIRES4K]

So nice interpretation !!! you can also get a big audience, reacting to Latin rock music, for example, to the best Spanish band, Soda Stereo, song En la ciudad de la Furia (live: Me veras volver tour). These reactions always generate a lot of audience, and there are many English channels reacting to them. this can be a great introduction to other quality music that you probably don't know yet. Very good channel you have! congratulations!

[@quentinmichel7581]

Disturbed's version is ok but nothing comes close to this for simplistic yet haunting beauty.

[@petersattler22]

Thanks Amy. Well done as always. 😀 Rush plays around with this line towards the end on The Spirit of Radio; "The words of the profits were written on the studio wall.". Neil loved word play.

[@iananthonyjames]

prophets

[@30110CKs]

​@@iananthonyjamesNo, profits, hence the word play.

[@iananthonyjames]

@@30110CKshow do "profits" have words?

[@30110CKs]

@@iananthonyjames Do you always take everything so literally? How much you must miss out on in life.

[@iananthonyjames]

@@30110CKs It's just a crap bit of writing. It should have been forgotten as a poor effort in jokey plagiarism but you had to bring it up.

[@Ranadkins]

Original, and best.

[@dougca7086]

You need to react immediately to Scarborough Fair and also Bridge Over Troubled Water and also 60 ways to Leave Your Lover

[@musopleb]

and America, and The Only Living Boy in New York, and....

[@AlbrechtHMaas]

Thank You! This is a beautiful song. It is absolutely right, that you compared P.Simon with B.Dylan and L.Cohan. They wrote lyrics that are always worth listening to them and re4ad them over and over again. For me it always is the feeling, that P.Simon speaks to my heart. And the wonderful voice of Art Garfunkel is a gift . . .

[@markrinehart8813]

Other great Simon & Garfunkel songs: Bridge Over Troubled Waters; I Am A Rock; Mrs. Robinson; Cecilia.

[@dougcobbokc]

Your bouncing ball comment is particularly apt. While writing songs for Graceland, he described bouncing a ball off the wall as a method of focus and relaxation while creating the songs,. He said: "I think it’s very calming. It’s like a Zen exercise, really. It’s a very pleasant feeling if you like playing ball. The act of throwing a ball and catching a ball is so natural… and calming that your mind kind of wanders. And that’s really what you want to happen. You want your mind to wander, to pick up words and phrases and fool around with them and drop them."

[@nickwalters5380]

They envelope you in their harmonies. Blissful.

[@musopleb]

I could happily leave this life one day listening to the end of The Only Living Boy in New York on endless repeat.... an angelic choir...

[@tobin3594]

You have articulated much of what I have felt from this song. Thanks

[@albert2395]

You should listen to Garfunkel singing, 'Bright Eyes!', for the film, 'Watership Down!' It is very moving.😢

[@Rockmyer]

Great song!

[@babylonian.captivity]

:) Yes. They're the real thing.

[@Trendyflute]

A classic, one doesn't hear the simpler 1964 version as much but it is powerful and clear in its restraint. I would point anyone interested to their wonderful 1981 Central Park reunion concert. Simon and Garfunkel have several more to get to! Not to mention their solo careers (now realizing how much I'd love her to do _Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes_ !) The Disturbed cover will be interesting, I just heard it for the first time recently and it's also quality, though perhaps it errs on being overwrought? Last thought: Kings of Convenience is a modern duo that brings some S&G vibes with songs like _The Weight Of My Words_ and _Riot On An Empty Street_ . Pardon the many thoughts, enjoying the channel!

[@Richard2003]

Mrs. Robinson is a classic of theirs.

[@lemondrift]

I love this song. Why Disturbed's version appeals to so many I'll never understand. The original is so lovely. It flirts with being overwrought but its simplicity and the delicate harmonies save it from mawkishness. It's poetic. Not to yuck anyone's yum but the cover, to my ears, is bombastic. So full of itself, unrestrainedly mawkish. It makes me laugh if I'm in a good mood, cringe if I'm not.

[@jch13213]

A good long form reaction, perhaps on patreon , would be a reaction to their 1980 Concert in Central Park, where they reunited. I think that concert represents the best of both Simon and Garfunkel, but also Simon's solo work to that date.

[@wilhelmbeermann2424]

Thank you for your analysis Amy ❤🎉. You dared to bring us your story of life to this community and give us your reflections of this special song to us......silence like a cancer grows nowadays ❤🎉

[@sallypursell1284]

I think Leonard Cohen also deserves an award for his poetry. It hits me so thoroughly.

[@jeanmc4213]

All of the poet heroes you mention here are contemporary to each other. There music is similar in some ways, like acoustic guitar, social and psychological themes and sometimes political. Simon and Garfunkel have always been the angels that come through the window that someone left open. My all time favorite album of theirs is "Wednesday Morning 3 am". You will love those songs and remember them in your heart always.

[@heatherbarr9755]

Oh, please, please do a cover of this!

[@yinoveryang4246]

32:23. Since the 1960s, in the last 15 years particularly, many traditional barriers to communication have been broken down, mainly by the Internet. While this has brought many positives, it has also led to a more fractured world. The reasons for this must stretch beyond the simple idea of "rabbit holes" which start to enclose us. I've listened to the song "The Sound of Silence" many times, probably hundreds, without knowing Paul Simon's explanation of its meaning. This is a rare example where the artist's clear statement about the song's meaning can be beneficial.