About the song
“The Sound of Silence,” originally written and performed by Simon & Garfunkel, is one of the most iconic songs in music history. When performed live, it never fails to capture the audience with its haunting melody and profound lyrics. The song made a remarkable appearance on the Kraft Music Hall, a popular television program that brought some of the best musical performances to viewers across America. This particular performance was even more special as it was presented in color, a relatively new feature for television at the time, which added a fresh, vibrant dimension to the broadcast.
The Kraft Music Hall was known for showcasing a variety of musical talents, and having Simon & Garfunkel perform “The Sound of Silence” on the show was a significant event. The duo’s chemistry on stage, combined with the emotional depth of the song, created a powerful experience for the viewers. The song’s lyrics, which speak to themes of isolation, communication breakdown, and societal alienation, resonated deeply with the audience during a time of cultural and political upheaval in the 1960s.
The performance itself was understated yet impactful. The simplicity of Simon & Garfunkel’s presentation, just their voices harmonizing over an acoustic guitar, allowed the song’s message to take center stage. The use of color in the broadcast brought a new visual richness to the performance, making it stand out in the memories of those who witnessed it.
“The Sound of Silence” became more than just a song; it was a reflection of the era’s mood and an anthem for a generation searching for meaning and connection in a rapidly changing world. The Kraft Music Hall’s broadcast in color not only preserved this iconic performance but also helped to immortalize the song in the annals of television and music history.
In summary, the performance of “The Sound of Silence” on Kraft Music Hall remains a memorable moment in both music and television history. The combination of Simon & Garfunkel’s timeless song and the innovative use of color broadcasting made this a standout event that continues to be remembered fondly by those who experienced it.
Video
Lyrics
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
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”