Sound of Silence

The Sound of Silence

David Draiman of Disturbed released his version of Simon and Garfunkel’s The Sound of Silence back in 2015.  Every time I have watched his powerful performance I am blown away. The other day I saw it again which turned into a brain worm and wouldn’t go away. Late one night when I should have been sleeping, the song played in my head and The Sound of Silence mini challenge was born. 

Watch the video and read the lyrics, let the song speak to you, and then choose from one or more of the categories below or follow your own rabbit trails. 

The Sound of Silence 

by 

Paul Simon

Hello darkness, my old friend
I've come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence.

In restless dreams I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone
'Neath the halo of a street lamp
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silence.

And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never share
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of silence.

"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.

Choose one or more of the following

1. Read a book  on Silence.
2. Read a book with silence in the title.
3. Read a book with a character who lives in silence or darkness.
4. Read a book about the power of silence
5. Read a book with a musical theme.
6. Read a book about a musician.
7. Read a book with a musical instrument or musical notes on the cover.
8. Read a book which was inspired by a song.
9. Read a book with conflict of person vs person, technology, etc.
10. Read a book about change.
11. Read a book about a visionary.
12. Read a book with a disturbed character.
13. Read a book about searching for a new world.
14. Read a dystopian novel set in a futuristic world
15. Read a book written by one of the Prophets of Science Fiction
16. Read a book written about a prophet.
17. Read a book set in Svalbard Archipelago which is the location of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
18. Read a book with words from title of songs on the cover - Simon and Garfunkel album Sound of Silence.   
19. Read bio of David Draiman and read a book set in Israel.
20. Read one of 35 Enlightening Books For Introverts On Silence, Solitude And Simplicity.
21. Read a book about communication.
22. Read a book about a dream or with dream in the title.
23. Read a book with rain and other forces of nature in the title.
24. Read a book about meditation.

Have fun following rabbit trails