What is the sound of silence?

"The Sound of Silence" is a song by the American music duo Simon & Garfunkel, written by Paul Simon. It was originally included on their 1964 debut album Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. Initially, the album did not perform well, and the duo temporarily split. However, the song began to gain airplay, and producer Tom Wilson remixed it with electric instruments and a rock drum beat. This new version was released as a single in 1965 and became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in early 1966.

The song's lyrics explore themes of alienation and communication issues in modern society, expressed through haunting and poetic imagery. Lines like "Hello darkness, my old friend" and "the sound of silence" have become iconic. The song's melancholic tone and reflective lyrics have resonated with audiences, making it a timeless classic.

"The Sound of Silence" has been covered by numerous artists over the years and was prominently featured in the 1967 film The Graduate, further cementing its status in popular culture. In 2015, the metal band Disturbed released a cover of the song, which also gained significant popularity and praise for its powerful rendition.