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Taryn Howard

Christopher Calhoun

English Composition 1201

May 3, 2021

The Sound of Songs

It’s difficult to find a person that doesn’t like music. Songs can reach to the soul and

emotions of many through the lyrics, tones, voices, instruments, visuals, and all that adds to the

song. Some of of these meaningful songs are even covered by other artists in different ways to

portray different meanings or similar meanings. Few of these songs become extremely well

known within the population due to the feelings that are created within these people. One of the

most well-known recreations of the classic, “The Sound of Silence”, is by Disturbed. Originally,

this classic is sung by Simon and Garfunkel. Although Simon and Garfunkel created and sung

the classic "The Sound of Silence" first, the band Disturbed gave more emotional and

motivational motives behind the lyrics through the creation of their video. The music video that

was produced by Disturbed gave a hauntingly serene look into the issues that generations face

with communication and silence on emotional issues.

The original video and output of the song, “The Sound of Silence”, was created by Paul

Simon and Art Garfunkel in 1965. There was no color within the music video, just black and

white. Simon and Garfunkel are set on the stage of a confined room, in front of a few people

sitting in the audience. The song was written by Paul Simon in the early stages of his life around

1964. The first solo recording of the song was not popular among society. At about 21 years old,

the singer-song writer had hit a rough patch at his first job. The song explored the loneliness of
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youth and alienation of those who seek to be heard. The song resonated with millions when

Garfunkel joined Simon in a collaboration in 1965.

The cover of “The Sound of Silence” by Disturbed was placed on one of the new albums

that was created in 2015. The visuals that were created with Disturbed’s original music video

were similarly covered in black and white film. The video starts with eerie visuals of instruments

such as: flames set ablaze to piano keys, dirt covering a guitar, and damage set into other sets of

instruments. It goes on to follow each band mate in search of their sole musical device. After

finding it, they walk the terrain filled with children, teens, adults, and elders kneeling on the

ground. Some have left notes filled with melodies written for the two artists. The band mates

later meet up to the front of all those who have written for them. The end is shown as everyone

on a boat leaving the terrain. Disturbed’s visuals are portraying that in the end, they will speak

and save those who have been alienated and abandoned.

Disturbed used many visuals to portray the meaning and the promises they hold

underneath the song compared the Simon and Garfunkel’s version. The visuals are deepened

through the footage of those of all ages that seek the help of Disturbed. They reach out for help,

leaving notes of melodies that resemble what they cannot speak, for the members. In the video

that was provided by Simon and Garfunkel, there is no meaning behind what is happening. The

two stand still on stage singing to the audience with only the lyrics to make their emotional

claim. The visuals provided by Disturbed help strengthen the emotions that the lyrics give to the

audience watching the videos. The lack of emotional visual in Simon and Garfunkel’s original

version create a bleak look into the song.

When listening to the versions behind each creation of the song, they are very different.

Disturbed starts the cover with a silence that creates the entire atmosphere within the song. The
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silence is followed through with piano and then an acoustic voice that begins the song. After a

few moments, the voice becomes intense and passionate. This leads the audience to feel a

touching, sensitive feeling while they listen. Simon and Garfunkel begin the song with a very

brief moment of guitar before they begin to sing. They use an acoustic, light tone throughout the

entire song. Although the song is not monotone, there isn’t much emotion set within their version

as compared with Disturbed. The audience is able to feel the sentiment left behind in Disturbed’s

rendition of the song rather than Simon and Garfunkels’s.

“The Sound of Silence” has lyrics that are very emotional, thought-provoking, and vivid.

The classic line, “Hello Darkness, my old friend; I’ve come to talk with you again”, is just the

beginning of a conversation with depression/loneliness. When looking at what the author is

trying to display and who they want to display it to. It’s quite different between the two creation

of songs. It’s clear to see both versions appeal to the rhetoric of pathos. Pathos ultimately creates

a secure sense of deep emotion. Simon and Garfunkel’s version provokes many of the audiences’

mindsets. That is why the song was a hit in 1965 and many people connected to what was meant

behind the lyrics. Personal connections, expressive language, and emotions were issued

throughout the song. Along with this, Disturbed created a strong message within their realistic

music video that made their recreation a hit as well. Both hits reach out to those of a variety of

age, culture, religions, and those who connect to feeling unconnected from others.

Although, Disturbed’s version also applies to the rhetoric appeal of ethos. Ethos allows

the audience to identify what is right or wrong and sets a boundary of morals the audience uses.

As the audience watches the visuals that are offered, they begin to feel a sense of their own

values. They view the actions of the band as heroic and helpful towards those who are seeking
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out acknowledgment. Thus, allowing the audience to feel connected and satisfied with what is

happening within the music video.

When looking towards the cover of “The Sound of Silence” by Disturbed and the original

by Simon and Garfunkel, there is a sense of overall relation between then and now. The music

video created by Disturbed gave the troubled view into those who have been oppressed and the

loneliness of the world. The lyrics originally created by Paul Simon and sung together with Art

Garfunkel explore the anguished world of silence and disconnection of the society. Each of these

songs have become powerful to the public’s thoughts. The meaning has not gone unnoticed and

is still an impactful moral of today’s generation.

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Works Cited

The Sound of Silence. By Paul Simon. Dir. Sound & Vision. Perf. Simon & Garfunkel. Sound &

Vision. 1966. YouTube. 21 February 2021. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=GqXyTNKlwTI>.

The Sound of Silence. By Paul Simon. Dir. Disturbed. Perf. Disturbed. Disturbed. 2015.

YouTube. 2 February 2021. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9Dg-g7t2l4>.

Udjine. The Story Behind "Sound of Silence" by Simon and Garfunkel. 13 March 2018. 2

February 2021. <https://www.ultimate-

guitar.com/articles/features/the_story_behind_sound_of_silence_by_simon__garfunkel-

73025>.