Vocal Coach/Musician Reacts: DISTURBED 'The Sound of Silence' In Depth Analysis!

[@ninaschofield]

Well this was quite something! If you’d like early access to videos such as this one then go ahead and check out my Patreon: www.Patreon.com/ninaschofield Thank you so much for watching!

[@gus2747]

Wonderful reaction and they are a good group. But, Nina I can't believe your sleeping on HI REN. By the artist Ren. If your bored and want something different from the upcoming and greatest storyteller independent artists of our time. Please do this reaction I promise you, most are almost speechless at the end. I got bored with most music until I came across him. His creative level is off the charts.

[@gerardquimbo]

You should listen to the live version of this song on Conan! It felt more powerful though the sound might be a tad off.

[@veronicabuday7101]

I'M SHOCKED THAT THIS IS THE FIRST TIME YOU HEARD THIS VERSION OF THIS SONG. IT'S AWESOME AND IT'S BEEN AROUND AWILE. IT'S ABOUT WW3 THAT'S WHY IT SOUNDS QUITE IN THE BEGINNING, THEN BUILDS AS WAR DOES. HE'S TRYING TO OPEN PEOPLE'S EYES TO THE FACT THAT THE END IS NIGH, LOOK AROUND THE SIGNS ARE EVERYWHERE. BLESSED BE.❤

[@jwhiteuk]

@@gus2747 Totally agree....... The man is a genius!

[@corykroes7784]

You need to listen to the original version simon and Garfunkel sound of silence then listen to this one.. I believe disturbed did a interview about this song. If I remember correctly simon and Garfunkel had a tone more as warning to humanity and disturbed they chose their tone as anger for humanity not listening to the warning of simon and Garfunkel. If I remember correctly.

[@bernadettelanders7306]

My son forced me to listen to this years ago I grew up with the Simon & Garfunkel version in the 1960s. Thought I’d hate new version. Absolutely blown away by Disturbed’s version - I understand the power of the lyrics more - brilliant.

[@89801wink]

I also grew up with the S&G version. I believe this version brings the angst that the lyrics convey.

[@pechstein188]

As has been said multiple times, and I think it beautifully summarized it: Simon&garfunkels version was a warning to what might happen Disturbeds version is rage, because that warning was ignored.

[@timothywilliams2252]

I grew up listening to Simon & Garfunkel in the 70's. But I will admit that, as a small child in the 1970's, I liked "At the Zoo" the best. When one is a little kid and they're singing about elephants, and monkeys, and what-not... As I grew up, however, the meaning of that song became more about judging by facile appearance. My point is that Paul Simon was arguably one of the best lyricists to ever put pen to paper!

[@cyberknight18069]

I think that three favorite evolutions of this song are Simon and Garfunkel first. Then came the Disturbed version. Notably, the Pentatonix version. I love them all. Thanks so much for your brilliant overview.

[@Iansco1]

I grew up with parents telling me to listen to S&G. Aunts. They knew OF Disturbed through one Aunt who was a Social Worker but not this song. I MADE them listen to this. The social worker Aunt acutally said this is that OH AH AH AH AH AH guy?! I told her, before Oh Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah? He was almost a trained CANTOR. For those not familiar with my faith. Think of our clergy as a split of two. A speaker and a lot of the time another guy. A trained singer. A trained singer that a lot of the time is damned near an OPERA TRAINED singer.

[@marcianovocals]

I get goosebumps every time I listen to this song. His voice is insane.

[@ninaschofield]

It really is!

[@RissaFirecat]

As do I!

[@j3pelfrey]

I weep every time. Without fail.

[@Roughneck26]

I brought tissues the next time you listen I might use them up though lol. cause it gets me every time.

[@flo6956]

We come here in droves to watch people experience this for the first time because we are jealous that we can't. This song is an addiction. Please watch the live Conan version.

[@janetkimbrell3707]

Totally addicted to this version and I get goosebumps every time I listen to it!

[@zedb1187]

100% with you there. I have lost count how many times i have watched reactions to this incredible song and as you said, i never saw the amazing lyrics for what they were before hearing Disturbed's version.

[@magpiegirl3783]

This is a full-on visceral experience. David' voice, the anger, the tempo, the instrumentation, the video conveying the true meaning of the lyrics. Chills.

[@chadbennett7873]

Paul Simon politely warned us in the Sixties, we didn’t listen. David & Disturbed is making sure we get the message this time. Society is too stupid to see the road to destruction we are on. I truly hope the oblivious masses open their eyes, but I doubt they will. I will be gone, but I fear for those who remain. Love your reaction, Nina, as always!

[@mrbiggin747]

It was said after he performed this live on Conan O'Brien, that the Simon and Garfunkel version was our warning, and this version conveyed the anger that we didn't listen.

[@Bane2Face]

Agreed

[@gazlator]

Absolutely.

[@Mardzi-dedinoZlato]

So, so true..heartbreaking.. 💔💔💔

[@-scrim]

Braindead comment.

[@subaquatictoaster]

Watching people discover this song is always amazing. There's so much rage and sadness in this cover that it sends a shiver down my spine every time

[@TheVirtualWatcher]

Glad you enjoyed it. I particularly like this version for they way the video fits in with the song, the sound of silence with all of the destroyed instruments at the start is particularly poignant. There is also a live performance on 'Conan' but I find the sound balance a bit off. That said, Paul Simon liked it:- From Wikipedia: In April 2016, Paul Simon endorsed the cover. Additionally, on April 1, Simon sent Draiman an email praising Disturbed's performance of the rendition on American talk show Conan. Simon wrote, "Really powerful performance on Conan the other day. First time I'd seen you do it live. Nice. Thanks." Draiman responded, "Mr. Simon, I am honored beyond words. We only hoped to pay homage and honor to the brilliance of one of the greatest songwriters of all time. Your compliment means the world to me/us and we are eternally grateful."

[@stevewilson8752]

Man of few words 🤣🇦🇺🏄‍♂️

[@leslieyarnall4822]

From what I found out about the Conan performance is, David had the full blown flu and still belted the song out. True performance!

[@guprovasi]

One of the best covers of all time. Perfect production, arrangements and vocals. 👏🏻

[@alexthorpe6583]

Singer David Draiman was trained as a cantor when he was young, and many people who were only familiar with a few Disturbed songs were quite shocked to hear just what he was capable of.

[@teuntje_esle]

I was one of those annoying people that didn't want to listen to this version for a long time, because the original by Simon & Garfunkel was absolutely amazing and one of my favorite songs and I thought this version would never compare and was not how the song was meant to be. (As if I know the writers, but oh well, lol.) Then one day I heard it by accident and was blown away and still every time I hear it, I get chills. The lyrics in combination with this much musical power have imo even more strength than in the 'silent' version and omg I adore it.

[@RissaFirecat]

This version always gives me goosebumps! I heard this song when it came out, but all Simon and Garfunkle were able to convey with their first song was a pale imitation of the full-throated roar of anger and grief that David Draiman gave this song. He was trained as a cantor but had something to say and as a Jewish man, he couldn't say it. This is when he decided to sing Metal.

[@sassygirl6407]

In my opinion, Simon & Garfunkel wrote the amazing lyrics (piece of art), but they sang it in a way that didn't fit the lyrics and the message they wanted to send with this song. Disturbed's version is in my opinion how it should've sounded like. Disturbed actually brings the message accross. And so intense. My God, I get tears rolling down my face and chills all over every single time I hear Disturbed's version 😢

[@castlerock58]

@@RissaFirecat This is a cover of Simon and Garfunkle. They are not doing an imitation of a cover. They produced a masterpiece.

[@wedge47]

It's always amazing to see people's reactions to David's voice, particularly those who aren't familiar with Disturbed. Yes his voice is absolutely incredible.

[@suemoore6445]

Wow! I’ve seen this reacted to at least a 100 times. I really found your analysis fascinating! Very spot on. Even some things I haven’t thought of, so I’ve Subscribed! I’m a 73 year old grandmother who’d never heard of Disturbed. Saw this video pop up on KZbin when we were all locked in Spring 2020. I’ve explored a lot of their heavy metal and their more rock songs and become a huge fan. I’ve loved Simon and Garfunkel for almost 60 years, actually still have the vinyl this song is on…but I’m with Paul S. Disturbed now owns this song.

[@thetattedpharmacist3215]

I've always interpreted the original S&G version and this version as follows: S&G we're worried about where the self-centred nature of the glitz and lights of the 60s were heading, and where it would lead society in terms of people being verbose and self-important without ever really having anything meaningful to say, and hearing each other but never really listening. Then enter David with Disturbed and this version is them being really angry that no one heeded the warnings of the original, and everything it foretold has come to pass, hence the heightened emotion and weight behind the new version.

[@Bane2Face]

Agreed

[@dragonslayer1296]

Agreed and No disrespect to S&G but the simon and garfunkel version was very hippy and happy for the message of the song.... whereas david doesnt have that issue lololololol... which is why i like disturbed ( conan) version of this song....

[@ianguerrero9795]

The last scene ties it all up. they rescued the instruments on one side and the music (notes) on the other. They crossed the chasm in the end to have the instruments and music as together as one.

[@jeffstevens4262]

Hi Nina. David Draiman's range is absolutely insane and he never seems to strain it. As has been said, he was trained as a cantor in his younger days, but chose to take up the world of heavy metal rather than stay within the Jewish religion (despite his grandfathers disapproval).

[@56karenandjim]

I came to this accidentally like so many. I was blown away. I just love this version. So powerful

[@billysherman2702]

I love watching Disturbed shred the souls of these reviewers! The deer-in-the-headlights look they always give... :)

[@robertsistrunk6631]

David is an amazing singer, his range is unmatched and he doesn't use auto tune

[@davidens8204]

If you loved the studio version .... hold on to your hat because the live version on Conan Obrien's show will absolutely knock your socks off ..I have seen women weeps and grown man outright cry it was that good .. so good in fact the live version got nominated for 2016 Song of the Year but went to David Bowie Poshumously .. but that does not take anything away from the song .. seriously do yourself a favour Davids live version is freaking epic epic epic

[@mjako81]

Not only is that version absolutely awesome, Draiman was ill and they thought about cancelling it. Thats why he was sitting on a chair on stage and still blew everybodys minds.

[@nickjonathan658]

The Conan live version is not want you want. David was livid that they used an autotuned mic because he was ill. There are genuinely live versions which are just as good without auto tuning

[@joepenrod4026]

The song is about lack of communication…in this version you can feel the frustration in all the ways to communicate but no one wants to ….his anger and anguish comes out perfectly in the lyrics and tone…perfection!!

[@gable354]

He did this live on Conan, its incredible!

[@RickClark-cx6pj]

I really love how you break this piece down into its components! I’m also amazed how quickly you can accurately mimic the background instrument parts.

[@metalhead4433]

This is by far the best cover I have ever heard. I heard the original back when I was a kid. I believe it was my grandmother who played it. I was maybe 5 at the time. I grew up listening to Disturbed in the 2000's along with many many other hard rock and grundge bands. Disturbed had always been my number 1. The talent David has and the range he truly has is spone chilling. Add that Paul Simon himself passed the torch and said this is now Disturbeds song tells how powerful they made the message he tried to send many many yrs ago

[@Bane2Face]

Some people have said that Simon never gave the song to Disturbed. Did he, or not?

[@karlbecker8775]

It's hard to believe this song is 60ish years old, but still very relevant. Paul Simon wrote amazing music!

[@brokenwave6125]

How is that possibly hard to believe? There are endless writings from centuries, even millennia, ago that are relevant. 60 years is nothing. Humans haven’t fundamentally changed for hundreds of thousands of years

[@jeffdevelbiss5724]

I might say the words are more relevant now than back when they were written.

[@kevincheney6628]

One of if not the best cover of any song, that man has an amazing/ incredible voice

[@sydneysmith662]

You definitely want to listen to him sing live…. It’s absolutely CHILLING!!!

[@dennisboulais7905]

This video has had hundreds of millions of views for a reason, it's blown peoples minds.

[@juvin19711]

This cover of Simon and Garfunkel is almost a religious experience. His vocals grab your soul and make not only listen but also feel

[@olafwiese6728]

Hello Nina, apart from this insane voice, the meaning of the song is much clearer to me than in the original. That was a very good song for decades. It was a very beautiful and calm song. But now it belongs to Disturbed. His interpretation is exceptionally well sung. No wonder with this voice and the power. The images support the effect he intended very well. Greetings from Germany

[@richspindler4460]

Can I add, that we need people like you. God bless.

[@kathrynthomson7207]

I love Disturbed but when I first heard this it really got to me. Sends chills down my spine. This is the best version of a great song I've ever heard. David has a great voice anyway. Absolutely beautiful.

[@beachbumseaglass]

Fkn masterpiece. Every time. 🤯

[@mrtonyo1965]

Incredible Epic Song. He is a beast

[@klaymor73]

I can't get enough of this song, and my neighbors too 😁

[@SparkimusPrime]

I saw this and was like no way you haven’t heard it. I’m so excited!! I this is one of my top 3 covers of all time. In no order: this, The Weeknd - Dirty Diana, and Bad Wolves cover of Zombie. David is a master of this craft.

[@mlcsella]

I'm 69. I bought the orignial Simon & Garfunkel album. I never thought I would hear a better rendition than the original. I kept an open mind. OMFG. This cover is now the standard. DISTURBED now "owns" this song.

[@sabinereimer7809]

This is just the right version for THIS crazy times! I know exactly what is meant with the "Neon God's they pray"....😢

[@leslieyarnall4822]

The man has such a powerful voice that sends chills! Absolutely beautiful!

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Wow. It's been a number of weeks since I've been on your Channel, but wow did I enjoy that reaction. Everything about it. I love everything you had to say I like what you called out on the keyboards and vocally and demonstrated some. Just everything about it.

[@SparkimusPrime]

Gotta do the live version on Conan! 🩵

[@oldmanjimh3165]

Vocals both powerful and gentle at other times. Yes the video did take us on a journey with the music and vocals.

[@Paula-sw2tt]

I absolutely adore David both as an amazing artist, but also as an incredible human being.

[@jaclynpettiford5296]

I watched an interview with David when he finished recording the song. He said when he stepped out of the booth afterward all the band members were just standing staring at him. After he listened to the recording he said he forgot that he had that good a voice.

[@b3mama599]

Chills run through my body EVERY TIME I hear Disturbs version.. it’s just spectacular! Possibly one of the best most dynamic covers of all time 🔥

[@gabby15107]

You definitely need to check out more David Draman. He is an interesting vocalist, and the way he places emphasis, clarity, and other techniques is really good.

[@Rally825]

My understanding of the lyrics is that Paul Simon saw people sitting in front of the TV (the neon god) and not interacting and communicating. It was a warning that we would lose ourselves and our ability to interact. Now, in this day and age, David and Disturbed have interpreted the lyrics to conform to a society of texting and social media and are lashing out that the original warning was not heeded and we are paying for it.

[@ninaschofield]

Ah that makes a lot of sense!

[@prairiedog8482]

Paul Simon wrote this in the 60’s during the Vietnam war & civil unrest with the hippie movement against the establishment for involving our young men in such a hideous war & also racial unrest. So many with radical ideas. The government with its full powers that be unleashed on people/students voicing in the streets tear gassed beaten up. The songs written during this period had so many meanings for people.

[@Orbitalmercury]

David the singer was so emotional after three hours of laying down the vocals that when he came out to listen to it he was crying, he stood looking away from the band and everyone and they all thought he must've hated it but no he loved it so much it brought him to tears. I recommend more of Disturbed and also a band from the 70, 80 and 90's called Dire Straits. I recommend their songs Sultans of Swing and Telegraph Road from the 1983 Alchemy Live concert.

[@Lue_Jonin]

As a long distance hiking wilderness survivalist , this adaptation of "The sound of silence" resonates with me in my own understanding of its meaning..... I've come to personally know silence and stillness of serenity within the forces of "Nature".... what drove me to this awakening and growth of comprending in the understanding was the falsehood of society.... "Nothing wrong with quiet" ... We can make the next step in our evolutionary journey by first remaining calm minded and focused while contemplating the life lessons that "Nature" shares openly and with moral blindness to us as "humans". ❤ ✌ 👣

[@tcltv4610]

This is our graduation song waaaaaayyyy back in '86.

[@agustinkintanar8518]

Hi Nina. Wonderful reaction. I am surprised that you are not familiar with this Simon and Garfunkel song. Paul Simon is a genius songwriter. The original song was so different than this performance. The new interpretation is stunning. There is also a video where they performed it live on the Conan O'Brien Show. I actually like that version a little better.

[@ninaschofield]

Ah I think what i meant to say was I have heard the original song but all these covers are very new to me and I've never properly looked at the lyrics before - It's so nice to be able to re-discover a song like this! I'll definitely have to listen to the Conan O'Brien performance too. Thanks so much for watching!

[@agustinkintanar8518]

@@ninaschofield Now I get it.

[@roelhodzelmans1004]

​@@ninaschofield so what did you think of the Conan live version. I found it impressive how good that was. Even more chills.

[@nwlondonmetaller3427]

I have heard this before, but I did not sit down and really analyse the Disturbed track until now. Your great reaction, guides me through the track, on what I may have missed. The track is amazing 10/10. His voice is fantastic 10/10. This is one of those tracks which attracts a wide variety of music enthusiasts. There is a voice in this Metal genre like the Disturbed singer which gives people Goosebumps, especially from ladies is: Peter Steele of "Type Negative - Love You To Death".

[@ruthiewohlforth5464]

Amazing vocals of David Draiman!! Get goosebumps everytime I hear him sing...also his voice control is stunning. I don't know another singer than can actually use vibrato while also using distortion/rasp! .... extremely difficult to do!! This touches your soul in so many ways!

[@Katylou1230]

100% agreed, his voice is a force of nature! So much talent!

[@michellemiles9966]

The final shot in the video shows the people with instruments but no music crossing the water that had separated them from the people who had music but no instruments. Apart neither could express themselves fully, they needed each other. They had to find a way to work together. Communication is a two way exchange. The lyric says, "People talking without speaking, people hearing without listening, People writing songs that voices never shared..." They were isolated. There are many possible interpretations of the song but from what the video presents one could be the impact that segregation has on communicating and understanding others and why that's socially detrimental.

[@AbbieCrescendo]

Great reaction Nina. I always thought that the Simon & Garfunkel original version was powerful then until Disturbed performed it. It gave me Goosebumps and broke me emotionally, excellent by Disturbed.

[@ninaschofield]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@TheFalconerNZ]

There is nothing better than watching the first time reactions to this cover done by people that know what they are talking about as they are always blown away by the artistry David put into this already amazing song. I love the comment I saw that said the original S&G song was a warning about separating ourselves from those around us while this version conveys the anger that all these years later we haven't listened & are happy to sit on our cellphones instead of talking to the person sitting beside us.

[@mikaelohlson5120]

Were can you watch those type of clips?

[@TheFalconerNZ]

I watch them on KZbin, search ‘sound of silence disturbed reactions’ in yet search bar or just ‘sound of silence reactions’ for reactions to other covers

[@TheFalconerNZ]

@@mikaelohlson5120 Forgot when the list of reactions appear look for things like ‘singer’, ‘vocal coach’, ‘music teacher’ so on in the title

[@johnpickering5289]

Written by Paul Simon, it is in part a song about writing songs. It is about blocking external stimuli out so that all you have left are your own thoughts, it then alludes to being able to bring back ideas that you once dreamt about but can't normally recall. It is also interpreted as an inability of people to communicate with each other emotionally. Paul Simon used to lock himself away in a bathroom in order to do this with only a tap running because he liked that sound apparently.

[@geraldharkness8830]

everybody is overwhelmed by this cover..the best ever version

[@George-jx5oq]

The Viking theme is because it was used as the theme of 1st series of “Viking” tv. The “neon god” some says refers to the invention of tv They also say that S-G were plaintively singing a warning, Disturbed was an angry rendition to show that people hadn’t got the message and PTX was again a less forceful but still asking the same question. I’m going for a sleep now - too much thinking

[@pamigreenway]

This is one of the best analyses of this I've seen. Your technical observations were really spot on and you stick to the topic instead of drifting into hyperbole. Thank you!

[@FzNd]

Such a great rendition of this song. There's a fantastic live version (live in Houston) of this on youtube, where Disturbed are joined by Myles Kennedy, who comes in to sing harmony. Absolutely stunning performance, which you might enjoy immensly :)

[@Bane2Face]

YOU WERE NOT READY FOR THE FRY!!!!!!!!!

[@sal3060]

I'll join the chorus of voices recommending the Conan live. Hopefully it's available where you live...

[@aaronhommel4615]

One of the most accurate reactions. You are one of the only ones to appreciate the nuance written in this arrangement. AWESOME

[@mrfingerlakes8735]

Simon and Garfunkel created this song but Distributed took it to a whole new level

[@LuisBurke]

Without a doubt, the best version I have ever heard of this amazing classic. Everything about it is impressive... you should check the Live version. Cheers Nina, have a beautiful week!

[@sample.text.]

I'm sorry but that was the most adorable intro i've ever seen.

[@le6360]

Seen them live and he’s flawless. A lot of metal singers don’t get credit for their talent but are incredible ❤

[@markbeckens]

When you gauge a performance by a thumbnail and then find out you couldn't be more wrong.

[@haroldcrown5541]

This is amazing but not normal for Disturbed for that check out “down with the sickness” I recommend the video version. You should watch the original sound of silence by Simon and Garfunkel very different vibe.

[@chrissekely]

Please notice these lyrics in particular: And in the naked light I saw Ten thousand people, maybe more People talking without speaking People hearing without listening People writing songs that voices never share Hear my words that I might teach you ... But my words like silent raindrops fell... These are extremely relevant to th imagery in the video. When people can't or don't communicate properly (talking without speaking, hearing without listening) confusion and misunderstanding remain. Think of this as a barrier/gulf/chasm between people. Now please go to 4:39 in this video. Zoom in if you must and notice the posture of all of the people. Now watch 4:51 to 5:02. They are all writing "songs that voices never share". Throughout the beginning of the video the musicians were gathering instruments. At the very end we see the instruments crossing the gulf to get to the people who have written all the music. Maybe music is the solution? Maybe someone could have explained this more eloquently, but thanks for reading. Please share your thoughts. :)

[@SedgefieldMetalDetecting]

I’m laying in bed watching this. This is the seventh version of a vocal coach or singer listening to the song I’ve watched but yours has opened up different layers for me, I will never listen to it the same again. You have completely changed what I hear when I play it by pointing out the arrangements thank you 🙏

[@scottluvisi9941]

Disturbed did a cover of a Genesis song called Land of Confusion. You should check them both out.

[@boblethbridge6292]

Nina! SO glad you've caught up with this piece... As always, great review, love your insights and perspective. "Disturbed", as I understand it - true fans will know more! - are focussed on mental health; this is a bit outside their traditional genre, but shows all their brilliance (yay Dave!). I most strongly recommend the full-length version of "Down with the Sickness", to see where they came from before this. It seems we are blessed with so many passionate musicians who are full of musical theory; so good!

[@kenstark7335]

One of the best reactions to this song I have heard. i love the way you pick up things most do not. Well done, Nina. I will be watching you react. I hope your reactions to detail in other songs.

[@transient_one]

Written by Paul Simon in 1964. Originally performed by Simon and Garfunkel. Paul Simon's explanation: “One of the biggest hang-ups we have today is the inability of people to communicate, not only on an intellectual level, but on an emotional level as well. So you have people unable to touch other people, unable to love other people. This is a song about the inability to communicate. It’s called, “The Sound of Silence”. - Paul Simon 1966 You can see/hear him say this before they begin their performance here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/epTdp62Br7N_mLc

[@danroberts6933]

The way I understand it...the broken instruments in the beginning are picked up and taken by boat (with the band) at the end across the water to the people holding the lyrics/songs...essentially to re-unite them

[@Andy-gh9wy]

fantastic song fantastic singer very emotional.

[@dawnfrancis7126]

Thanks!

[@ninaschofield]

Thank you for your support!

[@trene6559]

The people crossing the river in the boat have instruments. The people on the shore are holding sheet music in their hands. I think that is about coming together.

[@LouiseKearney-g5d]

The motif you loved is a nod to Alice Coopers trilogy on his Welcome To My Nightmare Album (part 2 of the trilogy, Steven).

[@jimspetdragons3737]

Love this more than the original. Check out the Conan Obrien live performance too. Only small issues, but well worth your time. Many reactors do both versions. The song is about communication and the lack there of. "People talking w/o listening." - in a nutshell. I'm sure someone will expand on this in the comments. Also, Pentatonix has a popular take on this version.

[@michaelfredgren1342]

Here is my interpretation based upon listing to S&G back when I was a child. The sound of silence is an affect that is created when people no longer communicate with one another. Now back in the 1960-70s, the television (and the pop culture shown on the television) began to replace simple things like families talking to one another at the dinner table, falling asleep to the TV instead of reading children night time stories, etc. Additionally, television shows began introducing new slangs and jargons that only TV show watchers would understand. This also impacted music and musicians who were now writing TV jingles for shows and commercials instead of ballads. So a "divide" began to develop that "like a cancer grows" creating "people talking without speaking. People hearing without listening." So S&G were basically giving us an advanced warning of this developing phenomena that will "divide" the community. Now Disturbed has taken the song and added an anger to it for not listening to S&G's warning and actually doubling down with the creation of cellphones/Ipads/internet. As for the video itself, Disturbed is focusing on a specific subset of the community: Musicians and songwriters. Both sides are equally necessary in order for beautiful music to be made. Could Disturbed be upset that they are not "considered" to perform songs by other songwriters? FYI: Was kind of surprised to see that you have not reacted to any Evanescence. Seems like it would be right in your wheelhouse.

[@zsuzsannaklein4905]

I grew up with this song . I’ll never forget the first time I heard this version. I knew nothing about Disturbed. I was watching an ice skating video on Facebook and this was their music. ( a French couple) I was stunned. I looked up the song and I have listened to this version God knows how many times. I get chills and goosebumps every time. I made my daughter swear it will be played in my memorial. Love love love it. ❤

[@lazyhominid]

Simon, of Simon and Garfunkel, wrote the lyrics. He would walk into his bathroom and run the faucet, and sing due to the nice echo in there, and he'd sing "hello darkness my old friend, I've come to talk with you again". From there the lyrics grew out, during the time of the assassination of JFK and the turmoil of the US due to that.

[@royreynolds108]

Welcome to the group of reactors who did not know what they were about to experience. I have watched a whole bunch and have not found any to have a bad thing to say about this version or the live version on the Conan O'Brien Show of 3/28/2016. I suggest you watch that one also because he is backed up by a 20-piece orchestra and he had a fever at that time but performed. The audience gave a standing ovation and applause for over 10 minutes, the stage people came out to see who was singing, and the set has been viewed over 100 million times. This has been viewed over 800 million times. I am 76 and never understood the song until hearing it done by Disturbed. I like the video of this or the studio version and the audio of the Conan Show. You may be interested in their "Hold on to Memories".

[@jwest142]

This song gives me chills every time I watch the video. It's also a lot of fun to watch people who hear this version for the very first time. The changes in tone and presence of his face on the video move you to such a place that it just kind of sucks you into the song and it's almost makes one tearful. Watch the live version of you liked this, you'll love that one too!

[@abraxis59]

Thanks for sharing. Your reactions were really fun to see. To me, the song feels more about a profound sense of emotional isolation and intentional blindness to the plight of others brought about by the age of technology. Even with thousands of people all sharing the same physical or digital space and with all those people talking no one is saying anything and with all those people hearing no one is really listening. Everyone is too afraid open themselves up to dealing with painful truths. Even when confronted by someone who actually has something real to say, they now lack the ability or desire to even understand it. The last section of the song seems to be a final message that, while people are wrapping themselves in the isolating cocoon of technology, the truth of the world now lies with those who are downtrodden and struggling and we are intentionally ignoring their suffering because we have become indifferent to the pain of others. (Note: for non US readers, the word tenement in the US implies a very low rent and poor apartment complex)

[@lusifer8]

A must listen is Goeff Castellucci , his cover of this iconic song is amazing

[@MikeBobpokie]

One of my favourite covers. I actually think the lyrics accidentally describe modern online tech, being written well before the internet.I think they were meant to describe the visceral attachment to media and the loss of personal communication . I believe this cover transcends the original. Again , your reactions in picking up parts of the vocals and arrangements enhances my experiences . Thanks Nina

[@module79l28]

The lyrics didn't predict the future, it's just that the "neon gods" were different from today's "LCD gods" but their effect on people was the same.

[@jja7741]

Miss Nina Schofield YOU GOT GOING ON !!!!! ***** i Agree 100%

[@marcus7533]

Good song, should look up his live version he did on Conan

[@dianne-wm6ke]

I Absolutely Love The Way He Sings This OMG I Could Listen To It All Day Every Day I Don't Think My Neighbors Would Like It But As I Say Don't No One Pay My Rent But Me So If I Want To Listen To It All Day Every Day So Be It ! ! ! I Can't Wait To Hear More Of His Other Music OMG I'm 68 yrs I'm Age It Just Sends Chills and Thrills Through My Whole Body

[@Niels-t1h]

All of this song is just stunning.... one of the best covers ever made Simon and Garfunkel wrote this song really well , but the Interpretation from disturbed is just on point ..... nearly perfect❤❤❤

[@robertmott-smith433]

When I was young, I liked this song. But this cover, just blew me away. Never had a song give me goose bumps, and spine chills at the same time. The lyrics hit hard.

[@tiller303]

You need to hear the live version on the Conan show

[@josequintana9617]

The ironic message embedded in the lyrics enables the singer to share a controlled rage when the sound of silence is allowed vocally to be expressed in its full angst. Brilliant!

[@GavinThomas]

i dont cry often but i had tears listening and watching this version. beautiful

[@bg8fairpoint610]

Your ear and connection to the keyboard is magic good for you rock on

[@doc032848]

Chad Bennett below explains the meaning of this song well, Nina. That is what Paul Simon meant by it.