It's a warning that WE NEED TO COMMUNICATE! And notice that in the video, half the people have the sheet music, the other half have the instruments and it's not until they are joined at the end that they can actually make music
From the wiki about the song: Garfunkel [of Simon and Garfunkel, the original artists of the song] once summed up the song's meaning as "the inability of people to communicate with each other, not particularly internationally but especially emotionally, so what you see around you are people unable to love each other." I personally think this is accurate especially in reference to the "neon gods", I believe is the TV (and today being relevant, the internet even), contributing to people becoming emotionally numb because they sit in front of digital programming that feeds them stimulation without them having to do anything, turning them into emotional zombies, when actual life with everything these people really want, is not on the TV or the internet, but out there in the world where they have to interact with it to be happy. But because people cling to glowing screens with video games, and the such, it threatens to distance them from their loved ones, making the person ignore them over the instant gratification they're getting on the screen. The effect that it ultimately has is that it makes people "talk without speaking" (their ability to effectively communicate diminishes), and "hear without listening" (their ability to effectively understand what another person is saying because they're not paying enough attention to their meaning). So the song is someone realising and pointing out this phenomenon in society and becomes a call to people to wake up from their slumber of media addiction and start learning how to communicate correctly and appreciate all the intricate aspects of being a vulnerable human being. (now listen to the song again and think about that). It's good to get to know the source of this as well. Take a listen to the original version by Simon and Garfunkel. There are actually two different releases. The first one was just Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel singing harmonies to Paul playing guitar. It was later re-released as a radio edit with drums kind of sloppily added.
The "Talking without Speaking" is more like paying Lip Service, Talking just to hear yourself talk, saying Nothing of Substance. In other words... Blah, Blah, Blah. Everything else, pretty Spot On. 😆
In my opinion, the most important line in this song is, "To the Neon God they made...." The song talks about the FALSE Gods in today's society, Celebrity Worship, Fashion, Pop Culture...etc etc!
My opinion is that there are two lines that are more important: "People talking without speaking" (Texting via sms or so), "People hearing without listning" (CZcams, pop-songs etc.)
@@uchijini Not exactly, people are so busy multitasking these days, that their brains are distracted, our ears are always working, but the sounds or messages we hear are not being processed (for example, a homeless guy who needs a dollar, we just walk by and rush to work or we are so busy thinking and processing to ourselves that we mute our phones and dont listen to loved ones. Its about over edulging in self and not really being aware of others or the world around us (YES THAT ONE LINE means alot)
You can put whatever meaning you want into what you hear when listening to music. That is one of the things that makes music so personal for each person who hears it. However the only person who REALLY knows what this song is about is the person who wrote it.
For me, one of the most important lines is, "Fools said I, you do not know, Silence, like a Cancer Grows" Mainly because I remember the Times in which it was written... A Time of Extreme Civil Unrest, a Time with Rampant Racism, Bigotry & Violence... Sadly, not a whole lot has changed in that respect... And the Cancerous Silence, is people Seeing or Hearing something that is Morally & Racially WRONG, but Do Not Stand Up or SPEAK OUT Against That Wrong. Then again, that's just my opinion.
This is one of the greatest songs ever written lol..not sure you realize this, it was written by Simon & Garfunkel back in the 60's..one of the best songs in history!
The original composer said it was about the emotional lack of communication between people. The iconic line "hello darkness my old friend; I've come to speak to you again." Came from the fact that he would go into his bathroom, turn on the water in the sink, turn off the light, sit on the floor to write his music. His references to the neon lights and praying to them makes me think that he believed it was technologies fault for this poor communication between people. But he wrote this in 1964 before even cell phones. Never mind instant messaging, email, or Twitter got into the picture. He even complimented this version of the song and the singer specifically after he saw it on a talk show.
I said this elsewhere (maybe in response to this very video), and Im not trying to argue (people are only offering interpretations, not opinions anyway), but I really don't think technology is the influence people credit it for. There's very, very little that's truly important in life. All these things combined might take 5 minutes to vocalize, and don't really need to be said often. Yes, people are on their phones, tablets, computers, etc. more than ever, but theyre often being social. Maybe even learning things or being creative. Now given that everything important can be vocalized in 5 minutes I just don't see technology being the destroyer of human interaction and relationships it's touted to be. We're still social (more than ever), we're still forming healthy, long lasting relationships. The main thing gone is the time wasting face to face "fluff" of yesteryear. We're focusing our face to face interaction to more useful/interesting scenarios. Yes it's a paradigm shift, but remove the sensationalism and fear and what's so bad ? (rhetoric)
@@beezle1976 an interpretation is an opinion! The neon that S&G were on about was TV and signage that was coming about, as the USA and others destroyed other countries. They saw the damage that would happen because of technology - how often to we now just make a flippant comment via txt and email or social media like Facebook. We talk with no meaning as we dare not say anything in case of causing offense, we listen but only partly never grasping what is fully being said. We have so many ways to communicate yet, we still have communication problems! Instead of messaging or calling someone, go to see them and talk! Listen! Respond! The way we should - face to face! Obviously there are occasions when not possible. However, how many times have we lost someone and the last thing we said to them was by SMS, email or phone regretting and wishing the effort was made to go see them?! Think about it and heed the warning! Silence like a cancer grows - break the silence and defeat the cancer it causes! If only we could do so with other cancers! Don't let the cancer of silence have the victory!
Yo' boy here! Your take on this song was so fresh, because you were completely clueless to the history of the song! But back in the day this was the jam! OK, showing my age here.... But personally I blew past this song because I was turned off that the name of the group was DISTURBED. I never in a million years would have thought a metal band would do a song by Simon and Garfunkle! But I saw other reactions and was really, really moved by this rendition. What power! Can I share he won a Grammy for this? As someone noted he did it live on CONAN. Check it out! But your love of music saved the day! Have to confess I never saw you reacting to this! Glad you did for the both of us!
Hey man thank you so much as always! I didn't know that this was an oldie but I can definitely see why he won a grammy for it!! Thanks so much for your constant support!!
When u try to tell people the truth about anything, they choose not to hear because it is easier to be ignorant and and just pray to the "neon gods".. that is the movies, clothes, cars and mobile phones, choose one pick, people rather listen to the material things than eachother
Nice reaction to this song. It was originally done by Simon and Garfunkle. Disturbed is a heavy metal band but this cover show cases the talent and range of the lead singer. There are many interpretations of the song, mine is that this was written in 1964 during the Vietnam war. It was a time when some people were standing and voicing opposition to the war while other sat silent. To me it seems that he is trying to reach the masses out there that have something to say, to share. To send a message without speaking through music, to hear ideas without listening by feeling the emotion in music. It seems that he sees that there are people out there who internalize their feelings and not voice or share them. (people writing songs that voices never share). To me it is that he wants people to follow his lead and to know that you have to make your voice and your opinion heard and that he wants to teach and help them do it by example, but feels his words fall on deaf ears. It seems to me that he is resigning to the fact that people accept what is put in front of them and don't read the signs that all around them. Now I could be miles off from the intent of the artist. But that is what the song shows to me. Have a great day and keep exploring. There is so much out there that is great and you will never know until you explore.
While the US *was* in Vietnam in 1964, our presence was much smaller than what it later became, and the larger protests were also later. Just info, not criticism.
@@wendya1580 You are very correct about that. And thank you for pointing that out. The information someone has about when things happened and in what order can definitely color a persons thinking when trying to interpret something. As in my analysis of the song, my brain lumps the protests and negative public view of the war to the decade of the 1960's. So that is the lens I looked at the words in. And in that light I discovered one of millions of possible meanings. With you pointing out the timing, I will look at the song again through a lens that showcases a slightly different light. As well as from reading these other comments that change my perspective and add to discovering new meanings for myself inside the words of this song. I may never stumble upon the true meaning that this artist had in mind when he wrote this song, but I sure will enjoy the journey of finding what it can mean to me and how it comes through to other people.
Silence can be deafening... silence can be complicit... silence can a form of denial... this song was a comment about the state of society in the 60's.. a warning!!! Now, it's a RAGE about what's going on on society today!!! We as the human race need to communicate and get it together!!! His voice is just stunning!!! A Beautiful video!!!
On this song in particular your constant interruptions are only a distraction from the flow of the music. You should have watched it and reacted with emotion only. Then review it.
Copyright infringement policy of CZcams prevents reaction videos from playing the original video without interruption. Basically CZcams is forcing reactions to either stop or edit break the original copyrighted production.
@@sunnyqzado3455 The majority of reaction videos I've seen play the song all the way through before their reaction. If there was a problem with copyright then they wouldn't be doing that. Only a handful pause it because of copyright.
Simon & Garfunkel's version was warning of impending doom to mankind, if we do not change our ways, and Disturbs response, is a much more angry version, because we did not listen to the warning......very prophetic and love both renditions ❤️ 💛 💙 💜
Disturbed is a Metal band. The lead singer tends to be song like during the last very this song. That raspy grinding voice. When the band covers other songs, they usually pick songs from a different genre and turn them in Metal songs. But with the Sound of Silence, they turned an acoustic guitar song into what you just heard. One of the original writers was impressed with Disturbed's version and emailed the band saying how much he liked it.
One take on this song is that I have heard is that Paul Simon wrote it as a warning that we are going down the wrong path and that this is now is trying to wake people up before it's too late. In the end, I guess it means whatever meaning a person derives from it. Thanks for reacting.
Thank god there is bands like Disturbed whose songs keep me going through the bad and the good. I can change my mood just by listen certain songs. Distubed, Five Finger Death Punch and Linkin Park
This song was written in 1964 by Paul Simon of Simon and Garfunkel. It was during the Viet Nam war..And it was a warning to people not talking or communicating. And Disturbed done this cover in rage because we still haven't learned anything. It was a warning that if we don't start loving one another than this Country we live in could be lost for ever.
my feeling is that Disturbeds interpretation of the song, or at least the video, centers on the music. That is people connecting in all the normal way, but mainly thru music. Its like the ones playing the music and the instruments, i.e the drum, guitar and piano are all being resurrected, but have not body to write the music so it can be played. The ones who have written the music and the musicians along with their instruments are separated by a gulf. Notice the instruments, at first the piano keys are burning, in the next scene with the piano keys, the flames have moved from the keys and the keys are moving, coming back together, resurrection. Same with the drum in the tree, you can see thru it, if you notice. as well as the guitar. Then you see people kneeling. they are resurrected along with the music they are writing. One cool scene that I never noticed before is that as they are kneeling and writing the music, the canopy over them, if you look close, is a woman, and you can see thru part of her, like her arms. She may be also writing music and its in the foreground. When I realized what I was looking at, I was awestruck. Finally the musicians and the instrument make it to the shore, looking over at the writers and the music, but they cant talk, they can't communicate. Then there is a boat, bearing an uncanny resemblance to Noah's Ark. The Ark, takes the musician toward the writers and the music and the sun is rising.
This song was written in the 60s as a social commentary about injustice. Racial injustice, political injustice. The people in the background were symbolic of the oppressed. "The words of the prophets are written on subway walls and in tenement halls" is about graffiti, and the beginning of modern rap music. It was written as a protest against social injustice.
First understand Simon and Garfunkle's song in the 60's and where we were as a people. Limited technology, the pace of life slower, etc. Then listen to the cover. Additionally, search David Draiman (lead singer Disturbed) interview about this song. You of all people know music can touch internal dimensions in the mind differently for each individual. I am a 62 y/o white male growing up listening to S&G and living in that era. When I saw this it was a testament to the progression of society and how music can bring us ALL together. Great review. This undoubtedly will go down as one of the most powerful music covers in history.
I always thought it was about heavy depression and mental health issues. People suffering without being able to communicate and not realizing that other people are suffering in the same way. Thanks.
What both the song and the video tell me is that we need each other. The instruments are silent without the music. We need to speak for each other. If someone calls for help ...listen and act. We belong to each other and should not stay silent when we see someone in need. Together we are beautiful. Be careful not to give in to the tech gods and lose humanity. My 2 cents...💙
Před 5 lety
This is the first time I see your kind of people reacting this kind of music, you know your kind, starting with the letter n, then the letter i... You know what I am saying. Yes, you guessed it right! The word is "Nice"! Keep up the good work!
I agree in part with Kathleen Rose. I did take it as a prophecy of how people talk but don't really say anything, how they listen but don't really hear what is being said. I also felt he was talking about how people are afraid to speak out and how they remain silent when voices should be raised in protest of ignorance, racism, and hate. The end of the video appears to show the people who are unable to speak silently begging for those with "instruments" (could they be instruments of enlightenment or freedom)to come to them, which they do like Viking warriors in their ancient ships. I much preferred this to the original Simon and Garfunkel version, as the song has a dark dimension to it, and the cover by Disturbed brought that out, whereas the original did not as well.
There is a difference between watching a reaction and listening to an opinion. The irony here is that this song is about communication - people hearing without listening - and then you pause it to give us your opinion. Right in the middle of an epic 2 octave vocal rise, you break the moment to tell us he has a great voice. Dude, if you are talking, you are not listening. You denied yourself an emotional experience - and your viewers too. This is why you have so many downvotes.
Not sure if someone already said this but Paul Simon called David Draiman to thank him for doing so well on this song and that it was his favorite cover of his song.
This song was written in 1964 by Paul Simon. It is meant as a warning of nuclear war as it was written in the midst of the Cold War between the USA and USSR. Listen to it again with this meaning in mind and the lyrics make perfect sense, as does the video
wow... you have got to be kidding me.... listen and watch without stopping it... jheez!! this song was writin in early 70's... before text and internet...its a warning by simon and garfunkel... disturbed ..is in rage..for the warning was ignored.
Well, like most music, it can have different meanings to different people. For me, what I hear is this: He says he had a vision that left the seeds of an idea in his sleep. He walks alone on streets of cobbled stone. I feel like he's saying he's alone even though he's walking the streets with other people. Under a streetlamp, he turns his collar to the cold. Being alone even in a crowd is cold and lonely. He "turned my collar" to me is a metaphor for putting up our defenses against the loneliness. He sees people talking without speaking. People are talking a lot, but not saying anything real. He sees people hearing without listening. People don't really listen to what you may be trying to communicate, only the words. This is fear of real ideas, and it is also habit because everyone is afraid to speak real ideas. People writing songs, that voices never share. People living beautiful lives, with beautiful ideas, but they are afraid to share them. No one dares disturb the sound of silence. Silence like a cancer grows. People become afraid to say anything real because nobody else will, and nobody listens when you do. The longer the "silence" goes on, the more uncomfortable it is to break that silence. The people bowed and prayed, to the neon god they made. People absorb themselves in petty things, like entertainment, as if this is a replacement for real communication and ideas. They come to worship it. To me, this is about people being afraid to say so many things. It was written in the 60's, but I think it is more relevant than ever in our PC society.
To me, it's about the silence itself. That people are not speaking up, they are blindly accept everything and that they are slowly realizing that, that is not how it should be. So, they are learning to voice themselves through music. The bad is Disturbed, they are a metal band. The singer is David Draiman. He's studied not only metal but classical music. He is trained in both.
This is a cover for a Simon and Garfunkel song, same name. I have alway thought this song was about communication... and society. That implication being that when people hear lots of input, but are told nothing of substance (shown nothing of substance, sing nothing of substance) then they are likely to fall for anything, in an essential search for meaning... the reference to the “neon god they’d made” I think that is a biblical reference to the exodus story, being used to show that idle minds will create their own meaning. In reference to the “words of the prophet written on the subway walls” is maybe a reference to how everyone is possibly too busy getting from point A to point B to hear the substance anyway, or to talk to each other about anything important. So on it goes, the meaningless sounds of silence. That is my take on it.
I love hearing someone's point of view that has never heard or known the original artists point of view. It's great how similar but yet so far away from each other they are. Each have their own take but wind up making it back to "basically" what the song means. Good reaction... Sorry I'm not as religious as my Dad who was a Choir director and quartet member so I get where ur interpretation is from. Great to hear from someone that's never heard it before!!! Earned a sub here
I interpret it as the lack of communication, connection in humanity and it’s fascination with distractions- technology, gambling, etc.. And the video is bringing music, sound to help humanity express the songs they created yet never shared.
Watch the interview with Paul Simons (author). He said it was about how he felt alone and going through what we all go through. How he locked himself in the bathroom to practice playing his guitar and so forth. Nothing to do with politics!
This song is about how difficult it is to get the masses to action against injustice when it is easier to turn away from it in society. How we have a tendency to not rock the boat even in the face of suffering.There are ugly things in society that nobody speaks off , the sound of silence.
I really love your take on this song. I have never heard that point of view before. Very fresh and unique. Originally, the song meant something else entirely but it is so cool and awesome you see it and feel it in your own way. Rock on, dude!
You see the “silence “and the fire 🔥 in the “ beginning “ we think 🤔 Mose’s had seen God “ and he said “ he is a consume fire 🔥 Energy “” i shiver every time i hear “disturb “ David Draimen every time i hear him “ maybe more then 300 times “ or 10.000 people maybe more “ i love ❤️ the way disturb brought this beauty “ to life “
It’s amazing to me that there is not 1 person, even all over the internet, that knows what this song is really about. Maybe it’s because you’re all so young, but this song is about the Vietnam war. It was Simon and Garfunkel ‘s way to write on a subject that they cared about. In the 60’s, all songs meant something important to the artist. The era of folk singers. Every word in the lyrics mean something. Just for instance “the neon Gods they made” refers to all the bombs that killed so many.
That's not true, Paul Simon wrote this song in 1964, when the Vietnam War was just a wishful dream by the Military/Industrial Complex. I think the US had advisors (think CIA) in Vietnam at the time, but no real troop deployments. The Gulf of Tonkin Incident happened in August, 1964; it was a false-flag attack rigged to create grounds for the US to take offensive moves against North Vietnam.
If you're paying attention to the video... on one side of the river are people with instruments and on the other are people with songs that they've written and the people with the instruments take the boat to the people with the songs. My take on that is that you can't have one without the other. Regarding the song I think it's a reflection on society and how no one listens to each other...they hear them but they don't listen and they don't speak to people they speak at each other. People put other things before people around them instead of putting people first... interacting with one another instead of reacting. In today's society we have the internet and video games and people don't have to go out anymore...they can just hide behind the keyboards and berate and bully each other. Most people don't stop to smell the roses or be polite to one another when they are out and about...they are selfish and think they're entitled. I hope I made some sense with that!!! I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day my friend!!! 😊😊😊😊 🐧🐧
Its basically about society's lack of communication and caring,how everyone swallows media stories as fact,nobody knows their own neighbors anymore and how they are worshipping neon signs(bars,etc)and that the warnings of our own created demise is right around the corner.It took Paul Simon 6 months to write this song.
This is my life brother. I see you and the world brother. I bring peace and love to the world. Look at the views on the music. It is my life you see. I am one of the chosen.
Everyone has their own interpretation of the lyrics, but I've always felt like it means that we have all gotten so busy with our lives, we no longer see the people around us, we no longer connect, no longer talk face to face with each other. In this video I feel like the music had died but some people found the instruments and started connecting through the music they created, then at the end they got on a boat to take their music to the city on the other side.
Different era, different context. The original Simon and Garfunkel song was written and sang as a plea and a warning of what was to come: the Disturbed version is a cry of anger that the warning was not heeded.
nah man, *what it's really about*, check it: "Garfunkel once summed up the song's meaning as 'the inability of people to communicate with each other, not particularly internationally but especially emotionally, so what you see around you are people unable to love each other.' Many fans also believe that the song commented on the John F. Kennedy assassination since they choose to record it three months after the assassination, when a good man broke the silence that would have compromised the worship of the neon God the people had made. The song had been written and never recorded long before that but that time it was specifically very relevant. Some also say the silence is willed so as to avoid the responsibility of action" This is my favorite cover of the song and David's opera level voice sang it back right into my soul.
I believe the song is about technology and how back in the day it was taking control of peoples lives. So the person in perspective in the lyrics tried to break through and reach them through music and voice
Every body hears music differently according to their life experience. There is no right or wrong. This song was written in the 60s when our nation was divided over the Vietnam conflict and racial equality it was a meaningful protest song then. Now we are a divided nation again and the words and thoughts are as true today as they were then. People should listen .
Hello! There is a good and wonderful reason this song touches us deep in our SOUL! That's because HE is calling out to YOU through this song..."I've come to talk with you again"..."In restless dreams, I walked alone"..."People hearing without listening, no one dare disturb the sound of silence"..."hear my words that I might teach you, take my arms that I might reach you"..." but my words like silent raindrops fell and echoed in the wells of silence"..."The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls and whispered in the sound of silence" This song is being sung by a Jewish man. The original was also sung by Jewish men. The original is performed with a subtle warning, while the remake is more profound and urgent. Jews are the chosen people of God whom he revealed himself to first, it was their voice that was to shine the light of God's truth on the nations that they might be saved. But, his beloved people rebelled against him and through their fall salvation was offered to the Gentiles to provoke them to jealousy. I find it very appropriate that God is using the voice of his chosen people to reveal his warning to the nations...over 300,000,000 views :) LOVE IT! God is brilliant! One like myself who has heard God's words and believed on his promise can fall into fear when sharing his gospel of reconciliation because people can become very angry when faced with his truth, even close loved ones can turn on you with hate towards you. But, if we remain in silence because of fear the world will not hear WHAT Christ has done FOR US to be reconciled to the Father! It has been given to me TO GIVE to the lost who have not yet heard his voice to believe his words unto salvation! If you have a couple of minutes He would love to talk to you! :) Hebrews 11 1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Romans 10 17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. John 3 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. John 14 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. MY PURPOSE HERE: 2 Corinthians 4 1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; 2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, TO GIVE the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. The "god of this world" is the devil Satan and he keeps you blinded from the truth as long as he can! I am here to break through the silence...If you are willing to hear his voice! All God is seeking our hearts for is FAITH in the death burial and resurrection of his Son Christ Jesus who was delivered for our offenses and when he finds a heart with FAITH you will be rewarded greatly!!! :)...First, you must hear his voice through HIS words, but "the people are hearing without listening"! Hebrews 3 15 While it is said, To day IF YE WILL HEAR his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. John 6 63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. Hebrews 9 12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. Romans 3 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood Romans 10 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon his name. "Fools", said I, "You do not know Silence, like a cancer, grows Hear my words that I might teach you Take my arms that I might reach you" But my words, like silent raindrops fell And echoed in the wells, of silence And the people bowed and prayed To the neon god they made And the sign flashed out its warning In the words that it was forming And the sign said, "The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls And tenement halls" And whispered in the sounds of silence. Here is the warning I found in this song: Isaiah 1 2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. Hebrews 2 3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; Hebrews 3 18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Romans 1 20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Enter into his rest by faith in Christ Jesus! The faith of Abraham: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. John 1 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Psalms 146 5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God: p.s. I love you :)
This song, written by Simon and Garfunkel in 1964, I think was meant more to make people start listening to each other. Everyone is so busy with themselves and their own needs, we have forgotten how to be a real member of mankind. Our efforts to reach out to each other, have ceased. It's time to speak and listen to others and to build a future that is inclusive and understood. Just my thoughts. Peace.
The man who sing this amazing old true words try his voice , his spit the truth even if it's dark , that don't resonate with his life actually but he spit the rock with new power on people to understand in the shit world and society is with everything we learn in this short life
Just play the song please. This is a song written by Paul Simon of Simon and Garfunkel back in the late 60's. Draiman and Disturbed have given it an update from today's vision....which is pretty heavy. The lyrics were always profound....and a warning. Which we were too heady at the time to really grasp. It's a wonderful rendition. A powerful reminder of it's message. It's about all of us.
This video was good. Many react without having or sharing their thoughts. You did very well. You heard those powerfull lyrics for the first time - it must feel like touching a god. In my opinion "the sound of silence" is a song about a faster and faster moving (and talking) world, where your words, even if they were f.e. a cry for help, could go unheared - muffled by the chaos of voices and their babylonian effects (truth, lie, hate, love and so on). The "caller in the storm" may not even have a voice in Babylon.
As far as the video, they basically have a group of musicians and a group of song writers. Here they have a group of talented people that are separated. And at the end of the video, you see a boat load of musical instruments being shipped to the song writers.
First time for me was late 70's on an... 8 Trac... It is a very good Meditation Music... : ) A lot of the Music back then,,, was thinking Music... Music that brought on memories for the TIME and was MUSIC IS For the SOUL...
This song was written and sang by Simon, and Garfuncl in the late 60's early 70's. It was about the Vietnam war. How music brought them together after they practically destroyed the world.
I can tell that your a musician on how much you admire the sound of the piano and guitar to me when I heard this it gave me Goosebumps especially the acoustic guitar iam a guitar player and like you when I heard these two instruments Unite it made me feel so good song and the sound of this song touch deep in your soul
The Neon God the original song spoke of was television, spreading personal views as truth technically taking away thought of individuals by not showing the full truth. Disturbed decided to remake this song today because the same problem is surfacing again. We have the internet now days to get truth, but so many people decide to still trust everything they see on TV without investigating themselves.
Your facial reactions say it all !!! This is an amazing cover of a brilliant song, 1st done by Simon & Garfunkel warning us, if we don't change our ways we are headed for destruction, and Disturbs version is angry, because we did not heed the warnings :(....
As a Gospel musician, I beg of you to listen to an A Capella group called Home Free! Their versions of "How Great Thou Art", "Amazing Grace" (with peter hollens) "O Holy Night" and "Do you Hear What I Hear" are simply amazing.
What a good reaction!! You should react to the best vocalist ever... Devin Townsend. Let's try "kingdom" live at emg tv. A good start for Devin's genius. Prepare to be blown away...
It definitely can be interpreted to many things. Some a computerized time where you know longer need to speak. Others of things in history not spoke of but if not changed history will repeat itself
The original from Simon & Garfunkel was a warning whereas the Disturbed version is anger and rage for ignoring that warning. TECHNOLOGY The original was about television (media) and this one expands on that with mobile devices, texting, internet, social media etc. There can be tens of thousands of people all around but you're still alone. -People talking without speaking -people hearing without listening -praying to the neon God they made
The song is about societal decay and people unable to physically and emotionally connect with each other due to the kind of world we live in. Prime example of talking without speaking and hearing without listening. Empty words and lost meaning.
The poetic and insightful lyrics of Sound of Silence, 'play' with the imaginary of darkness and light to represent people's inability to communicate, which has been destroyed by their detachment and ignorance.
It's about how people are closed off from each other....wrapped up in their own worlds. People hearing without listening. Not noticing the gifts of others because they worship the one on TV or the stage. Closing off God to replace Him with our own neon Gods. We label and judge without true awareness of others and the reality before us....but most importantly, ...the reality in ourselves.
This song was written the year of JFK's Assassination, Protests Against the Veitnam War & Against the Civil Rights Injustices, caused by Rampant Racism, Bigotry & Prejudice and Violence against Blacks & Hippies. It was a Time with a Lot of Politically Charged music. This is My Take on it's meaning... Then & Now... Although most of it is the same. The 'Vision' that planted the seed, is the Dream, the IDEA of a Better & Just World... "People Talking without Speaking" Talking out of your ass, saying Nothing of Substance and/or just saying what people Want to Hear... "People Hearing without Listening" Too Many don't bother to even Try to see the other person's point of view, or situation, they cannot Truly Understand if they don't Truly Listen.. "People writing songs that voices never shared And no one dared, disturb the sound of silence" That fits in with This Time more than the Past. With so many Schools getting rid of their Music Programs and not enough people challenging that decision ( hence imo, the burning musical instruments). "Fools said I you do not know, Silence like a Cancer Grows" Too Many are Still Silent when they See or Hear something that they Know Is WRONG. "And the people Bowed & Prayed To the Neon God they made" Again this speaks more of Now, with Trump and his Cult Like Supporters. Nothing he does or says shakes their undying loyalty. More than a few have gone so far to say that "He was Chosen By God"😱 Finally... "The words of the Prophets are written on the Subway Walls & Tenament Halls" The Pleas of the Poor, the Downtrodden written in Graffiti. What's so Heartbreaking about this song, is that it's just as, if not more, Relevant Today.
Many people associate this song with Vietnam wars and the prices silence. Except when interviewed Paul Simon said he wrote it long before Vietnam. But basically it's about people not being able to communicate. Some people have left comments elsewhere that Simon and Garfunkel original song was a warning and This version is filled with rage because we as a Society are still grappling with the same issues. People have been talking about the same issues ad nauseum since Vietnam and we for the most Part have not learned a lesson. Today is August 14, 2020. Wearing the pandemics still and it's about 6-8 weeks after George Floyd was brutally murdered by a police officer wall several others stood by anded. Wearing the pandemic still and it's about 6-8 weeks after George Floyd was brutally murdered by a police officer wall several others stood by and did nothing.In my opinion if we is the society do not turn this thing around now we are in danger Losing our humanity. Of losing our humanity. Pentatonix also does their cover of the sound of silence and many people here that and come way hopeful.
You need to listen to the song. Listening to the words that are spoken. This was originally done by Simon and Garfunkel, I think disturbed did an awesome job on remaking it. They didn't disrespect the meaning of it. What they said back in the day is still true in this time in day. It is still a message that needs to be heard. There are a lot of False prophets . There is a lot of things wrong in societee today. All I can say to you is. Peace love and respect.
Loved your reactions & commentary, and to me, this is one of the best cover songs of all time....If you are so inclined, you should check out the original, which is about 40 years old, and sung by Simon & Garfunkel :) Thanks for sharing
Brah here is another way to think about it. This song was originally done in the 60s by Simon and Garfunkel. It was a turbulent time where people were arguing back and forth. And now even today look at the decention. If we would all come together like musical notes and words we could end the arguing and violence toward each other. When you listen to this song all you hear is his voice and the music. Everything in the background is the sound of silence.
i feel its about stuff we almost never talk about like depression etc llike people who have it dont talk to anyone and it grows like cancer. and in the end kills you and that its to late when people see whats going on. thats what i get from this.
The song was based on the sign of the times. And help Music allowed people that time to express himself. This was a very government time. This was very influential this was decided the people reaching out. This is the way it’s always been through all our time but this time was very significant.! It was based on what was going on with our government and war and postwar issues it was about people who didn’t have a voice but I can express himself through Music!
A flash of a neon light that split the night...i believe this song means if we cant communicate...we will end up in a nuclear war...the lyrics are an amazing analogy for it! We all must come together and communicate! Or we as the human race will be gone forever
![Disturbed - The Sound Of Silence (Official Music Video) [4K UPGRADE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/u9Dg-g7t2l4/mqdefault.jpg)
It's a warning that WE NEED TO COMMUNICATE! And notice that in the video, half the people have the sheet music, the other half have the instruments and it's not until they are joined at the end that they can actually make music
He was a practicing Jewish Canter, and classically trained. He is an amazing man.
From the wiki about the song: Garfunkel [of Simon and Garfunkel, the original artists of the song] once summed up the song's meaning as "the inability of people to communicate with each other, not particularly internationally but especially emotionally, so what you see around you are people unable to love each other." I personally think this is accurate especially in reference to the "neon gods", I believe is the TV (and today being relevant, the internet even), contributing to people becoming emotionally numb because they sit in front of digital programming that feeds them stimulation without them having to do anything, turning them into emotional zombies, when actual life with everything these people really want, is not on the TV or the internet, but out there in the world where they have to interact with it to be happy. But because people cling to glowing screens with video games, and the such, it threatens to distance them from their loved ones, making the person ignore them over the instant gratification they're getting on the screen. The effect that it ultimately has is that it makes people "talk without speaking" (their ability to effectively communicate diminishes), and "hear without listening" (their ability to effectively understand what another person is saying because they're not paying enough attention to their meaning). So the song is someone realising and pointing out this phenomenon in society and becomes a call to people to wake up from their slumber of media addiction and start learning how to communicate correctly and appreciate all the intricate aspects of being a vulnerable human being. (now listen to the song again and think about that). It's good to get to know the source of this as well. Take a listen to the original version by Simon and Garfunkel. There are actually two different releases. The first one was just Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel singing harmonies to Paul playing guitar. It was later re-released as a radio edit with drums kind of sloppily added.
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WOW!!! That is really deep but so so true!! This world had definitely changed!! Thanks a lot for this!
not just tv but anything flashy set to distract people from working to improve things
Well alrighty then! Often wondered what the actual meaning was behind the song. I took it as a higher power kind of thing.
The "Talking without Speaking" is more like paying Lip Service, Talking just to hear yourself talk, saying Nothing of Substance.
In other words...
Blah, Blah, Blah.
Everything else, pretty Spot On. 😆
In my opinion, the most important line in this song is, "To the Neon God they made...." The song talks about the FALSE Gods in today's society, Celebrity Worship, Fashion, Pop Culture...etc etc!
My opinion is that there are two lines that are more important: "People talking without speaking" (Texting via sms or so), "People hearing without listning" (CZcams, pop-songs etc.)
@@uchijini Not exactly, people are so busy multitasking these days, that their brains are distracted, our ears are always working, but the sounds or messages we hear are not being processed (for example, a homeless guy who needs a dollar, we just walk by and rush to work or we are so busy thinking and processing to ourselves that we mute our phones and dont listen to loved ones. Its about over edulging in self and not really being aware of others or the world around us (YES THAT ONE LINE means alot)
You can put whatever meaning you want into what you hear when listening to music. That is one of the things that makes music so personal for each person who hears it. However the only person who REALLY knows what this song is about is the person who wrote it.
For me, one of the most important lines is,
"Fools said I, you do not know,
Silence, like a Cancer Grows"
Mainly because I remember the Times in which it was written...
A Time of Extreme Civil Unrest, a Time with Rampant Racism, Bigotry & Violence...
Sadly, not a whole lot has changed in that respect...
And the Cancerous Silence, is people Seeing or Hearing something that is Morally & Racially WRONG, but Do Not Stand Up or SPEAK OUT Against That Wrong.
Then again, that's just my opinion.
@@thecelticcrone7927 , You're entitled your opinion.
This is one of the greatest songs ever written lol..not sure you realize this, it was written by Simon & Garfunkel back in the 60's..one of the best songs in history!
The original composer said it was about the emotional lack of communication between people.
The iconic line "hello darkness my old friend; I've come to speak to you again." Came from the fact that he would go into his bathroom, turn on the water in the sink, turn off the light, sit on the floor to write his music.
His references to the neon lights and praying to them makes me think that he believed it was technologies fault for this poor communication between people. But he wrote this in 1964 before even cell phones. Never mind instant messaging, email, or Twitter got into the picture.
He even complimented this version of the song and the singer specifically after he saw it on a talk show.
And roid oh ok thanks for that!
I said this elsewhere (maybe in response to this very video), and Im not trying to argue (people are only offering interpretations, not opinions anyway), but I really don't think technology is the influence people credit it for.
There's very, very little that's truly important in life. All these things combined might take 5 minutes to vocalize, and don't really need to be said often.
Yes, people are on their phones, tablets, computers, etc. more than ever, but theyre often being social. Maybe even learning things or being creative.
Now given that everything important can be vocalized in 5 minutes I just don't see technology being the destroyer of human interaction and relationships it's touted to be.
We're still social (more than ever), we're still forming healthy, long lasting relationships. The main thing gone is the time wasting face to face "fluff" of yesteryear. We're focusing our face to face interaction to more useful/interesting scenarios. Yes it's a paradigm shift, but remove the sensationalism and fear and what's so bad ? (rhetoric)
@@beezle1976those are childish assertions.
@@beezle1976 an interpretation is an opinion! The neon that S&G were on about was TV and signage that was coming about, as the USA and others destroyed other countries. They saw the damage that would happen because of technology - how often to we now just make a flippant comment via txt and email or social media like Facebook. We talk with no meaning as we dare not say anything in case of causing offense, we listen but only partly never grasping what is fully being said.
We have so many ways to communicate yet, we still have communication problems! Instead of messaging or calling someone, go to see them and talk! Listen! Respond! The way we should - face to face! Obviously there are occasions when not possible. However, how many times have we lost someone and the last thing we said to them was by SMS, email or phone regretting and wishing the effort was made to go see them?!
Think about it and heed the warning! Silence like a cancer grows - break the silence and defeat the cancer it causes! If only we could do so with other cancers! Don't let the cancer of silence have the victory!
Yo' boy here! Your take on this song was so fresh, because you were completely clueless to the history of the song! But back in the day this was the jam! OK, showing my age here.... But personally I blew past this song because I was turned off that the name of the group was DISTURBED. I never in a million years would have thought a metal band would do a song by Simon and Garfunkle! But I saw other reactions and was really, really moved by this rendition. What power! Can I share he won a Grammy for this? As someone noted he did it live on CONAN. Check it out! But your love of music saved the day! Have to confess I never saw you reacting to this! Glad you did for the both of us!
Hey man thank you so much as always! I didn't know that this was an oldie but I can definitely see why he won a grammy for it!! Thanks so much for your constant support!!
Was nominated for a Grammy. Did NOT win. Doesn't take anything away from Disturb's accomplishment.
Daniel Whitehouse Sorry! Good catch! I mis-spoke! You're right, this performance is by no means lessened by the fact that he did NOT win....
ditto
When u try to tell people the truth about anything, they choose not to hear because it is easier to be ignorant and and just pray to the "neon gods".. that is the movies, clothes, cars and mobile phones, choose one pick, people rather listen to the material things than eachother
Nice reaction to this song. It was originally done by Simon and Garfunkle. Disturbed is a heavy metal band but this cover show cases the talent and range of the lead singer. There are many interpretations of the song, mine is that this was written in 1964 during the Vietnam war. It was a time when some people were standing and voicing opposition to the war while other sat silent. To me it seems that he is trying to reach the masses out there that have something to say, to share. To send a message without speaking through music, to hear ideas without listening by feeling the emotion in music. It seems that he sees that there are people out there who internalize their feelings and not voice or share them. (people writing songs that voices never share).
To me it is that he wants people to follow his lead and to know that you have to make your voice and your opinion heard and that he wants to teach and help them do it by example, but feels his words fall on deaf ears.
It seems to me that he is resigning to the fact that people accept what is put in front of them and don't read the signs that all around them.
Now I could be miles off from the intent of the artist. But that is what the song shows to me.
Have a great day and keep exploring. There is so much out there that is great and you will never know until you explore.
Wow bro thanks deep but I love the way you put that!! Thanks so much for that!!
on the level of freddy mercury
It is one of the great joys of music. A song can have infinite meanings, none of which are "wrong".
While the US *was* in Vietnam in 1964, our presence was much smaller than what it later became, and the larger protests were also later. Just info, not criticism.
@@wendya1580 You are very correct about that. And thank you for pointing that out. The information someone has about when things happened and in what order can definitely color a persons thinking when trying to interpret something. As in my analysis of the song, my brain lumps the protests and negative public view of the war to the decade of the 1960's. So that is the lens I looked at the words in. And in that light I discovered one of millions of possible meanings.
With you pointing out the timing, I will look at the song again through a lens that showcases a slightly different light. As well as from reading these other comments that change my perspective and add to discovering new meanings for myself inside the words of this song.
I may never stumble upon the true meaning that this artist had in mind when he wrote this song, but I sure will enjoy the journey of finding what it can mean to me and how it comes through to other people.
Silence can be deafening... silence can be complicit... silence can a form of denial... this song was a comment about the state of society in the 60's.. a warning!!! Now, it's a RAGE about what's going on on society today!!! We as the human race need to communicate and get it together!!! His voice is just stunning!!! A Beautiful video!!!
On this song in particular your constant interruptions are only a distraction from the flow of the music. You should have watched it and reacted with emotion only. Then review it.
Copyright infringement policy of CZcams prevents reaction videos from playing the original video without interruption. Basically CZcams is forcing reactions to either stop or edit break the original copyrighted production.
Skavar4000 this guy makes it all about him , not Disturb , wastes the emotion in the music , save opinion till its end .
Oh my goodness. Stop pausing this song! You miss the true emotion of it. Comment at the end dude
@@sunnyqzado3455 The majority of reaction videos I've seen play the song all the way through before their reaction. If there was a problem with copyright then they wouldn't be doing that. Only a handful pause it because of copyright.
You DO know that this is a REACTION video, right? If You want to listen to the song itself just go there directly.
Simon & Garfunkel's version was warning of impending doom to mankind, if we do not change our ways, and Disturbs response, is a much more angry version, because we did not listen to the warning......very prophetic and love both renditions ❤️ 💛 💙 💜
Disturbed is a Metal band. The lead singer tends to be song like during the last very this song. That raspy grinding voice. When the band covers other songs, they usually pick songs from a different genre and turn them in Metal songs. But with the Sound of Silence, they turned an acoustic guitar song into what you just heard. One of the original writers was impressed with Disturbed's version and emailed the band saying how much he liked it.
One take on this song is that I have heard is that Paul Simon wrote it as a warning that we are going down the wrong path and that this is now is trying to wake people up before it's too late. In the end, I guess it means whatever meaning a person derives from it. Thanks for reacting.
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Oh wow I can definitely see that! Thank you!
like like like
I just love the look on the listeners when silence is all they get for 10 seconds ...and they check their systems
Love your reaction! Yep no words to explain. Go down the Disturbed rabbit hole. Luv from Australia ❤️🎼❤️🎼❤️
Thank god there is bands like Disturbed whose songs keep me going through the bad and the good. I can change my mood just by listen certain songs. Distubed, Five Finger Death Punch and Linkin Park
This song was written in 1964 by Paul Simon of Simon and Garfunkel. It was during the Viet Nam war..And it was a warning to people not talking or communicating.
And Disturbed done this cover in rage because we still haven't learned anything. It was a warning that if we don't start loving one another than this Country we live in could be lost for ever.
You can check out the live version of this on the Conan O'Brien show. Outstanding!
Gotcha!
my feeling is that Disturbeds interpretation of the song, or at least the video, centers on the music. That is people connecting in all the normal way, but mainly thru music. Its like the ones playing the music and the instruments, i.e the drum, guitar and piano are all being resurrected, but have not body to write the music so it can be played. The ones who have written the music and the musicians along with their instruments are separated by a gulf. Notice the instruments, at first the piano keys are burning, in the next scene with the piano keys, the flames have moved from the keys and the keys are moving, coming back together, resurrection. Same with the drum in the tree, you can see thru it, if you notice. as well as the guitar. Then you see people kneeling. they are resurrected along with the music they are writing. One cool scene that I never noticed before is that as they are kneeling and writing the music, the canopy over them, if you look close, is a woman, and you can see thru part of her, like her arms. She may be also writing music and its in the foreground. When I realized what I was looking at, I was awestruck. Finally the musicians and the instrument make it to the shore, looking over at the writers and the music, but they cant talk, they can't communicate. Then there is a boat, bearing an uncanny resemblance to Noah's Ark. The Ark, takes the musician toward the writers and the music and the sun is rising.
WOW I like how you put that!
Omg this is the best cover Ever. David Draimans voice is amazing ❤️❤️😍
This song was written in the 60s as a social commentary about injustice. Racial injustice, political injustice. The people in the background were symbolic of the oppressed. "The words of the prophets are written on subway walls and in tenement halls" is about graffiti, and the beginning of modern rap music. It was written as a protest against social injustice.
First understand Simon and Garfunkle's song in the 60's and where we were as a people. Limited technology, the pace of life slower, etc. Then listen to the cover. Additionally, search David Draiman (lead singer Disturbed) interview about this song. You of all people know music can touch internal dimensions in the mind differently for each individual. I am a 62 y/o white male growing up listening to S&G and living in that era. When I saw this it was a testament to the progression of society and how music can bring us ALL together. Great review. This undoubtedly will go down as one of the most powerful music covers in history.
Great reaction...
This version is so epic even though the original is a good song this new version is a masterpiece
Yes it was nice!!
jens reiner greatest cover of any song ever!!!
I always thought it was about heavy depression and mental health issues. People suffering without being able to communicate and not realizing that other people are suffering in the same way. Thanks.
This song is so powerful, haunting and will give you goosebumps! Great voice!
What both the song and the video tell me is that we need each other. The instruments are silent without the music. We need to speak for each other. If someone calls for help ...listen and act. We belong to each other and should not stay silent when we see someone in need. Together we are beautiful. Be careful not to give in to the tech gods and lose humanity. My 2 cents...💙
This is the first time I see your kind of people reacting this kind of music, you know your kind, starting with the letter n, then the letter i... You know what I am saying. Yes, you guessed it right! The word is "Nice"! Keep up the good work!
I agree in part with Kathleen Rose. I did take it as a prophecy of how people talk but don't really say anything, how they listen but don't really hear what is being said. I also felt he was talking about how people are afraid to speak out and how they remain silent when voices should be raised in protest of ignorance, racism, and hate. The end of the video appears to show the people who are unable to speak silently begging for those with "instruments" (could they be instruments of enlightenment or freedom)to come to them, which they do like Viking warriors in their ancient ships. I much preferred this to the original Simon and Garfunkel version, as the song has a dark dimension to it, and the cover by Disturbed brought that out, whereas the original did not as well.
There is a difference between watching a reaction and listening to an opinion.
The irony here is that this song is about communication - people hearing without listening - and then you pause it to give us your opinion. Right in the middle of an epic 2 octave vocal rise, you break the moment to tell us he has a great voice. Dude, if you are talking, you are not listening. You denied yourself an emotional experience - and your viewers too. This is why you have so many downvotes.
Martyntd5 I was thinking the whole time that he's a perfect example of hearing without listening... And agree that he missed out 100%
Not sure if someone already said this but Paul Simon called David Draiman to thank him for doing so well on this song and that it was his favorite cover of his song.
pausing at a wrong seconds
This song was written in 1964 by Paul Simon. It is meant as a warning of nuclear war as it was written in the midst of the Cold War between the USA and USSR. Listen to it again with this meaning in mind and the lyrics make perfect sense, as does the video
wow... you have got to be kidding me.... listen and watch without stopping it... jheez!! this song was writin in early 70's... before text and internet...its a warning by simon and garfunkel... disturbed ..is in rage..for the warning was ignored.
Well, like most music, it can have different meanings to different people. For me, what I hear is this:
He says he had a vision that left the seeds of an idea in his sleep. He walks alone on streets of cobbled stone.
I feel like he's saying he's alone even though he's walking the streets with other people.
Under a streetlamp, he turns his collar to the cold.
Being alone even in a crowd is cold and lonely. He "turned my collar" to me is a metaphor for putting up our defenses against the loneliness.
He sees people talking without speaking.
People are talking a lot, but not saying anything real.
He sees people hearing without listening.
People don't really listen to what you may be trying to communicate, only the words. This is fear of real ideas, and it is also habit because everyone is afraid to speak real ideas.
People writing songs, that voices never share.
People living beautiful lives, with beautiful ideas, but they are afraid to share them.
No one dares disturb the sound of silence. Silence like a cancer grows.
People become afraid to say anything real because nobody else will, and nobody listens when you do. The longer the "silence" goes on, the more uncomfortable it is to break that silence.
The people bowed and prayed, to the neon god they made.
People absorb themselves in petty things, like entertainment, as if this is a replacement for real communication and ideas. They come to worship it.
To me, this is about people being afraid to say so many things. It was written in the 60's, but I think it is more relevant than ever in our PC society.
To me, it's about the silence itself. That people are not speaking up, they are blindly accept everything and that they are slowly realizing that, that is not how it should be. So, they are learning to voice themselves through music.
The bad is Disturbed, they are a metal band. The singer is David Draiman. He's studied not only metal but classical music. He is trained in both.
This is a cover for a Simon and Garfunkel song, same name. I have alway thought this song was about communication... and society. That implication being that when people hear lots of input, but are told nothing of substance (shown nothing of substance, sing nothing of substance) then they are likely to fall for anything, in an essential search for meaning... the reference to the “neon god they’d made” I think that is a biblical reference to the exodus story, being used to show that idle minds will create their own meaning. In reference to the “words of the prophet written on the subway walls” is maybe a reference to how everyone is possibly too busy getting from point A to point B to hear the substance anyway, or to talk to each other about anything important. So on it goes, the meaningless sounds of silence. That is my take on it.
I love hearing someone's point of view that has never heard or known the original artists point of view. It's great how similar but yet so far away from each other they are. Each have their own take but wind up making it back to "basically" what the song means. Good reaction... Sorry I'm not as religious as my Dad who was a Choir director and quartet member so I get where ur interpretation is from. Great to hear from someone that's never heard it before!!! Earned a sub here
Simon and Garfunkel(the original artists) stated the song is about peoples inability to communicate emotionally and inability to Love
On your own time watch it live on Conan Obrien. Even more amazing seeing it live. I'm not a fan of disturbed but Davids vocals are real!
On 1 side you have the people writing the songs and on the other side you have the people with the musical equipment.
I interpret it as the lack of communication, connection in humanity and it’s fascination with distractions- technology, gambling, etc.. And the video is bringing music, sound to help humanity express the songs they created yet never shared.
Watch the interview with Paul Simons (author). He said it was about how he felt alone and going through what we all go through. How he locked himself in the bathroom to practice playing his guitar and so forth. Nothing to do with politics!
This song is about how difficult it is to get the masses to action against injustice when it is easier to turn away from it in society. How we have a tendency to not rock the boat even in the face of suffering.There are ugly things in society that nobody speaks off , the sound of silence.
I really love your take on this song. I have never heard that point of view before. Very fresh and unique. Originally, the song meant something else entirely but it is so cool and awesome you see it and feel it in your own way. Rock on, dude!
I love this cover Traent !!! sang originally ,, by Simon and Garfunkil !!!
cheers Traent !!!
jewel gem That you!!
You see the “silence “and the fire 🔥 in the “ beginning “ we think 🤔 Mose’s had seen God “ and he said “ he is a consume fire 🔥 Energy “” i shiver every time i hear “disturb “ David Draimen every time i hear him “ maybe more then 300 times “ or 10.000 people maybe more “ i love ❤️ the way disturb brought this beauty “ to life “
atia Joseph Deep
It’s amazing to me that there is not 1 person, even all over the internet, that knows what this song is really about. Maybe it’s because you’re all so young, but this song is about the Vietnam war. It was Simon and Garfunkel ‘s way to write on a subject that they cared about. In the 60’s, all songs meant something important to the artist. The era of folk singers. Every word in the lyrics mean something. Just for instance “the neon Gods they made” refers to all the bombs that killed so many.
No I didn't know but thanks!
That's not true, Paul Simon wrote this song in 1964, when the Vietnam War was just a wishful dream by the Military/Industrial Complex. I think the US had advisors (think CIA) in Vietnam at the time, but no real troop deployments. The Gulf of Tonkin Incident happened in August, 1964; it was a false-flag attack rigged to create grounds for the US to take offensive moves against North Vietnam.
The video is showing the instruments and the music coming together. Very powerful. Nice reaction video!!!
this group is actually a metal group. david draiman is professionally trained in opera!
If you're paying attention to the video... on one side of the river are people with instruments and on the other are people with songs that they've written and the people with the instruments take the boat to the people with the songs. My take on that is that you can't have one without the other. Regarding the song I think it's a reflection on society and how no one listens to each other...they hear them but they don't listen and they don't speak to people they speak at each other. People put other things before people around them instead of putting people first... interacting with one another instead of reacting. In today's society we have the internet and video games and people don't have to go out anymore...they can just hide behind the keyboards and berate and bully each other. Most people don't stop to smell the roses or be polite to one another when they are out and about...they are selfish and think they're entitled. I hope I made some sense with that!!! I hope you have a wonderful and blessed day my friend!!! 😊😊😊😊 🐧🐧
When a song is that powerful just shut up and comment at the end
Its basically about society's lack of communication and caring,how everyone swallows media stories as fact,nobody knows their own neighbors anymore and how they are worshipping neon signs(bars,etc)and that the warnings of our own created demise is right around the corner.It took Paul Simon 6 months to write this song.
I think it gives a little hope at the end, when the musicians are going to the people with the written music.
This is my life brother. I see you and the world brother. I bring peace and love to the world. Look at the views on the music. It is my life you see. I am one of the chosen.
Everyone has their own interpretation of the lyrics, but I've always felt like it means that we have all gotten so busy with our lives, we no longer see the people around us, we no longer connect, no longer talk face to face with each other. In this video I feel like the music had died but some people found the instruments and started connecting through the music they created, then at the end they got on a boat to take their music to the city on the other side.
Different era, different context. The original Simon and Garfunkel song was written and sang as a plea and a warning of what was to come: the Disturbed version is a cry of anger that the warning was not heeded.
I liked your analysis of this and how you personally connected with it. Thanks.
Tabbitha Morgan Thank you!
nah man, *what it's really about*, check it: "Garfunkel once summed up the song's meaning as 'the inability of people to communicate with each other, not particularly internationally but especially emotionally, so what you see around you are people unable to love each other.' Many fans also believe that the song commented on the John F. Kennedy assassination since they choose to record it three months after the assassination, when a good man broke the silence that would have compromised the worship of the neon God the people had made. The song had been written and never recorded long before that but that time it was specifically very relevant. Some also say the silence is willed so as to avoid the responsibility of action" This is my favorite cover of the song and David's opera level voice sang it back right into my soul.
I believe the song is about technology and how back in the day it was taking control of peoples lives. So the person in perspective in the lyrics tried to break through and reach them through music and voice
Every body hears music differently according to their life experience. There is no right or wrong. This song was written in the 60s when our nation was divided over the Vietnam conflict and racial equality it was a meaningful protest song then. Now we are a divided nation again and the words and thoughts are as true today as they were then. People should listen .
A song just as relevant today as it was in the 60's.
Hello!
There is a good and wonderful reason this song touches us deep in our SOUL!
That's because HE is calling out to YOU through this song..."I've come to talk with you again"..."In restless dreams, I walked alone"..."People hearing without listening, no one dare disturb the sound of silence"..."hear my words that I might teach you, take my arms that I might reach you"..." but my words like silent raindrops fell and echoed in the wells of silence"..."The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls and whispered in the sound of silence"
This song is being sung by a Jewish man. The original was also sung by Jewish men. The original is performed with a subtle warning, while the remake is more profound and urgent. Jews are the chosen people of God whom he revealed himself to first, it was their voice that was to shine the light of God's truth on the nations that they might be saved. But, his beloved people rebelled against him and through their fall salvation was offered to the Gentiles to provoke them to jealousy. I find it very appropriate that God is using the voice of his chosen people to reveal his warning to the nations...over 300,000,000 views :) LOVE IT! God is brilliant!
One like myself who has heard God's words and believed on his promise can fall into fear when sharing his gospel of reconciliation because people can become very angry when faced with his truth, even close loved ones can turn on you with hate towards you. But, if we remain in silence because of fear the world will not hear WHAT Christ has done FOR US to be reconciled to the Father! It has been given to me TO GIVE to the lost who have not yet heard his voice to believe his words unto salvation!
If you have a couple of minutes He would love to talk to you! :)
Hebrews 11
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Romans 10
17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
John 3
14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:
15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 14
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
MY PURPOSE HERE:
2 Corinthians 4
1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not;
2 But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.
6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, TO GIVE the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
The "god of this world" is the devil Satan and he keeps you blinded from the truth as long as he can!
I am here to break through the silence...If you are willing to hear his voice!
All God is seeking our hearts for is FAITH in the death burial and resurrection of his Son Christ Jesus who was delivered for our offenses and when he finds a heart with FAITH you will be rewarded greatly!!! :)...First, you must hear his voice through HIS words, but "the people are hearing without listening"!
Hebrews 3
15 While it is said, To day IF YE WILL HEAR his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
John 6
63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Hebrews 9
12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
Romans 3
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood
Romans 10
8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon his name.
"Fools", said I, "You do not know
Silence, like a cancer, grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you"
But my words, like silent raindrops fell
And echoed in the wells, of silence
And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming
And the sign said, "The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls"
And whispered in the sounds of silence.
Here is the warning I found in this song:
Isaiah 1
2 Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.
Hebrews 2
3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Hebrews 3
18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Romans 1
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
Enter into his rest by faith in Christ Jesus!
The faith of Abraham:
20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
John 1
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Psalms 146
5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
p.s. I love you :)
this was a social statement. time for people to speak up and work toward a better world
This song, written by Simon and Garfunkel in 1964, I think was meant more to make people start listening to each other. Everyone is so busy with themselves and their own needs, we have forgotten how to be a real member of mankind. Our efforts to reach out to each other, have ceased. It's time to speak and listen to others and to build a future that is inclusive and understood. Just my thoughts. Peace.
The man who sing this amazing old true words try his voice , his spit the truth even if it's dark , that don't resonate with his life actually but he spit the rock with new power on people to understand in the shit world and society is with everything we learn in this short life
Just play the song please. This is a song written by Paul Simon of Simon and Garfunkel back in the late 60's. Draiman and Disturbed have given it an update from today's vision....which is pretty heavy. The lyrics were always profound....and a warning. Which we were too heady at the time to really grasp. It's a wonderful rendition. A powerful reminder of it's message. It's about all of us.
This video was good. Many react without having or sharing their thoughts.
You did very well.
You heard those powerfull lyrics for the first time - it must feel like touching a god.
In my opinion "the sound of silence" is a song about a faster and faster moving (and talking) world, where your words, even if they were f.e. a cry for help, could go unheared - muffled by the chaos of voices and their babylonian effects (truth, lie, hate, love and so on). The "caller in the storm" may not even have a voice in Babylon.
i love to see the reactions to this song
You need to watch the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame performance of this song by Simon and Garfunkel. Peace love and harmony
Omg man u made me laugh alrdy in the first 30 seconds.. This song called disturbed by the sound of silence :D
Think of the state this country's in and listen to the song again.
As far as the video, they basically have a group of musicians and a group of song writers. Here they have a group of talented people that are separated. And at the end of the video, you see a boat load of musical instruments being shipped to the song writers.
First time for me was late 70's on an... 8 Trac... It is a very good Meditation Music... : )
A lot of the Music back then,,, was thinking Music... Music that brought on memories for the TIME
and was MUSIC IS For the SOUL...
This song was written and sang by Simon, and Garfuncl in the late 60's early 70's. It was about the Vietnam war. How music brought them together after they practically destroyed the world.
More, or less music saves the World.
I can tell that your a musician on how much you admire the sound of the piano and guitar to me when I heard this it gave me Goosebumps especially the acoustic guitar iam a guitar player and like you when I heard these two instruments Unite it made me feel so good song and the sound of this song touch deep in your soul
You should look up the original song from the 60's. This is a cover.
Nice interpretations. Good job.
Haha. Funny ending. I play the guitar, but when I'm sad I sing sad songs and it gets worse..
The Neon God the original song spoke of was television, spreading personal views as truth technically taking away thought of individuals by not showing the full truth. Disturbed decided to remake this song today because the same problem is surfacing again. We have the internet now days to get truth, but so many people decide to still trust everything they see on TV without investigating themselves.
Your facial reactions say it all !!! This is an amazing cover of a brilliant song, 1st done by Simon & Garfunkel warning us, if we don't change our ways we are headed for destruction, and Disturbs version is angry, because we did not heed the warnings :(....
As a Gospel musician, I beg of you to listen to an A Capella group called Home Free! Their versions of "How Great Thou Art", "Amazing Grace" (with peter hollens) "O Holy Night" and "Do you Hear What I Hear" are simply amazing.
What a good reaction!!
You should react to the best vocalist ever... Devin Townsend.
Let's try "kingdom" live at emg tv.
A good start for Devin's genius.
Prepare to be blown away...
It definitely can be interpreted to many things. Some a computerized time where you know longer need to speak. Others of things in history not spoke of but if not changed history will repeat itself
The original from Simon & Garfunkel was a warning whereas the Disturbed version is anger and rage for ignoring that warning.
TECHNOLOGY
The original was about television (media) and this one expands on that with mobile devices, texting, internet, social media etc.
There can be tens of thousands of people all around but you're still alone.
-People talking without speaking
-people hearing without listening
-praying to the neon God they made
The song is about societal decay and people unable to physically and emotionally connect with each other due to the kind of world we live in.
Prime example of talking without speaking and hearing without listening. Empty words and lost meaning.
The poetic and insightful lyrics of Sound of Silence,
'play' with the imaginary of darkness and light to represent people's
inability to communicate, which has been destroyed by their detachment
and ignorance.
the band is called Disturbed and they are a metal band
the song is "Sounds of Silence"
My favorite reaction to this video so far! "Wow." Haha I felt the same way.
Von Bass Thank you so much
It's about how people are closed off from each other....wrapped up in their own worlds. People hearing without listening. Not noticing the gifts of others because they worship the one on TV or the stage. Closing off God to replace Him with our own neon Gods. We label and judge without true awareness of others and the reality before us....but most importantly, ...the reality in ourselves.
This song was written the year of JFK's Assassination, Protests Against the Veitnam War & Against the Civil Rights Injustices, caused by Rampant Racism, Bigotry & Prejudice and Violence against Blacks & Hippies. It was a Time with a Lot of Politically Charged music.
This is My Take on it's meaning...
Then & Now...
Although most of it is the same.
The 'Vision' that planted the seed, is the Dream, the IDEA of a Better & Just World...
"People Talking without Speaking"
Talking out of your ass, saying Nothing of Substance and/or just saying what people Want to Hear...
"People Hearing without Listening"
Too Many don't bother to even Try to see the other person's point of view, or situation, they cannot Truly Understand if they don't Truly Listen..
"People writing songs that voices never shared
And no one dared, disturb the sound of silence"
That fits in with This Time more than the Past. With so many Schools getting rid of their Music Programs and not enough people challenging that decision ( hence imo, the burning musical instruments).
"Fools said I you do not know,
Silence like a Cancer Grows"
Too Many are Still Silent when they See or Hear something that they Know Is WRONG.
"And the people Bowed & Prayed
To the Neon God they made"
Again this speaks more of Now, with Trump and his Cult Like Supporters. Nothing he does or says shakes their undying loyalty. More than a few have gone so far to say that "He was Chosen By God"😱
Finally...
"The words of the Prophets are written on the Subway Walls & Tenament Halls"
The Pleas of the Poor, the Downtrodden written in Graffiti.
What's so Heartbreaking about this song, is that it's just as, if not more, Relevant Today.
Many people associate this song with Vietnam wars and the prices silence. Except when interviewed Paul Simon said he wrote it long before Vietnam. But basically it's about people not being able to communicate. Some people have left comments elsewhere that Simon and Garfunkel original song was a warning and This version is filled with rage because we as a Society are still grappling with the same issues. People have been talking about the same issues ad nauseum since Vietnam and we for the most Part have not learned a lesson. Today is August 14, 2020. Wearing the pandemics still and it's about 6-8 weeks after George Floyd was brutally murdered by a police officer wall several others stood by anded. Wearing the pandemic still and it's about 6-8 weeks after George Floyd was brutally murdered by a police officer wall several others stood by and did nothing.In my opinion if we is the society do not turn this thing around now we are in danger Losing our humanity. Of losing our humanity. Pentatonix also does their cover of the sound of silence and many people here that and come way hopeful.
You need to listen to the song. Listening to the words that are spoken. This was originally done by Simon and Garfunkel, I think disturbed did an awesome job on remaking it. They didn't disrespect the meaning of it. What they said back in the day is still true in this time in day. It is still a message that needs to be heard. There are a lot of False prophets . There is a lot of things wrong in societee today. All I can say to you is. Peace love and respect.
Loved your reactions & commentary, and to me, this is one of the best cover songs of all time....If you are so inclined, you should check out the original, which is about 40 years old, and sung by Simon & Garfunkel :) Thanks for sharing
Brah here is another way to think about it.
This song was originally done in the 60s by Simon and Garfunkel. It was a turbulent time where people were arguing back and forth. And now even today look at the decention.
If we would all come together like musical notes and words we could end the arguing and violence toward each other.
When you listen to this song all you hear is his voice and the music. Everything in the background is the sound of silence.
i feel its about stuff we almost never talk about like depression etc llike people who have it dont talk to anyone and it grows like cancer. and in the end kills you and that its to late when people see whats going on. thats what i get from this.
The song was based on the sign of the times. And help Music allowed people that time to express himself. This was a very government time. This was very influential this was decided the people reaching out. This is the way it’s always been through all our time but this time was very significant.! It was based on what was going on with our government and war and postwar issues it was about people who didn’t have a voice but I can express himself through Music!
James Omodeo That's Amazing! I absolutely love all types of music!
A flash of a neon light that split the night...i believe this song means if we cant communicate...we will end up in a nuclear war...the lyrics are an amazing analogy for it! We all must come together and communicate! Or we as the human race will be gone forever
This song to me reminds me of that old song..the day the music died...
I appreciate your analytics of the song and the video, not gonna subscribe but I appreciate your view, keep it up
He's talking about the neon god which is technology and how everyone is playing attention to it instead of each other