Personally, I feel that Disturbed’s version is the most powerful version I’ve heard. They pulled this off to where you not only hear the meaning but feel it.
I agree, you have to look back to the 60's when Paul Simon wrote this. At that time he was criticizing other bands for allowing so much anger in their music because he was afraid of the anger of the people just exploding. Simon was very careful when they recorded this song not to add the anger. Simon sang this melancholy but he wrote it and felt it the way disturbed sang it. things like the death of kennedy, the race riots in 64 in NY, moving on to the Watts riots in 65, adding in the early advance to Vietnam like now the usa was a powder keg and Simon knew it. He wanted the message out there but held back, Disturbed didnt.
@@MrBrysta the only problem I have with that performance is that David had a cold and had some scratchy patches. The reactions I've seen noted that but a couple of them tried to say it was autotune gone wrong. People need to do their research before condemnation
I’m a veteran and a retired hardened cop with little emotion or compassion left in me yet I have not listened to this version without tearing up. It’s been over 1000 listens and still gets me.
Reading your comment breaks my heart, I can't imagine what your eyes have seen in this world with such cruelty, but there is also a lot of kindness thank God and good people. Please be kind to yourself, I'm sending you a big snuggly hug. Love from Ireland ☘☘☘ xxx
I too am ex law enforcement and an Army veteran and can identify with you. A comment for larryshair, when people thank me for my service I always correct them and say it wasn’t service as much as it was duty. Patriotism isn’t corny to patriots. I think America should require everyone to serve at least 2 years in the military. Change the GI Bill to read for every year of service you get a free year of college. It would provide a future for our young people and some much needed discipline.
Personally, the fact that Disturbed's cover makes me cry almost every time is the thing that does it for me. I love the other versions too, but man I've never felt the lyrics come so alive in a cover.
Fun fact I learned not too long ago. When Disturbed released their cover, Simon contacted David Draimon and told him "It's your song now." The greatest complement a cover could ever receive.
Many people have covered this song, but S&G chose to pass the torch to Dave. They knew that it would be in good hands. You’re right... It’s one of the most incredible and sincere compliments a music can give to another. 😃👍
This was another level! Visually and sound delivered beyond anything! I love pentatonics version also. And S&G I think the passion of this song is unbelievable
I know they passed the torch. But in the day the warning was laid to stop the censorship of music. Nobody listened..... This is the answer and anger that has come to pass 40ish years later
There's no contest for me Larry. While Pentatonix's version is well done, it doesn't even compare to the raw feelings and emotions that are evoked by hearing Disturbed's version. It reaches you on a gut level that is undeniable. I can't stop listening to it.
I can’t stop listening to this version of Sound of Silence. My wife is getting sick of it, but when she sees me tear up, she realizes how touching and beautiful it is
Disturbed version came out well before Pantatonix. They took his arrangement and did very well with it, but even Paul Simon himself said that "Disturbed now owns" this song. Simon & Garfunkel's version was the "warning" and Disturbed version is the response to us not heeding that warning
I go back and forth with which I like better PTX or this one. My son lives disturbed so he loves this version but I like the last sentence of your comment. It resonates.
I’m 65 years old and have heard and listened to Simon and Garfunkel sing me this song for ever…but I didn’t understand it until David sang it to me…now I finally understand….thank you Disturbed ❤️💜.
Yes, exactly! I always felt Simon and Garfunkel was like a whimsical calliope where Disturbed really digs into the meaning and you feel it in your gut and your soul. I blast this song and repeat it over and over again in my car every day while driving around San Francisco and it hits me emotionally every time.
I love watching these vocal coaches get blown away by this song and that man's voice. It's always on the first pause I'm thinking just you wait! lol!!!
i love seeing their reactions because the song hit me so hard i couldn't listen to it at once i remember pushing my self outside the chair and tearing up
he just amazingly finished what Paul Simon started, my new favorite song, he's almost above anything by Leonard Cohen, maybe he is, i can't seem to get enough of this
Me, too bigal, and I'm 64 1/2. David can REALLY SING. Hits/ gets me - EVERY time, since I first heard it 1-2+ years ago. VERY emotive. An "auric"/ / hearing/ ear feast. Just... wow. Best wishes, all!
I am 54 and feel the exact same way. Grew up listening to and loving the song and yet never really interpreted it the way I think it was meant to be interpreted.
Same here. Even the writer said it was fantastic. A music lover of wide genre range. But this easily became my no1 fave of all time Pentatonic... Lots of skill, excellent, but... too busy for this song. Imo.
Disturbed sang this from a perspective of anger about people ignoring the warning from the original version.. fun fact, paul simon watched disturbed sing this on Conan and he said “i cried, then i called David and told him that this song was now his, that i had never heard it sang so amazing to move me to tears.. it is urs”... i cry almost everytime i hear Disturbed sing this and that alone tells me this is the best version i ever heard
I used to love this song when S&G did it. But it never brought tears to my eyes, like the Disturbed version. I would live to hear Disturbed do Bridge Over Troubled Water.
That's what I said! Simon and Garfunkel's was a gentle (perhaps too gentle) warning and Disturbed took it and added anger that is so appropriate for these days of utter communication and therefore (because we are a language dependent species) society breakdown. Anger that we did not heed their warning.
I’m 71 yrs old, I’ve heard this song so many times over the years. Disturbed has been the best I listen to it often and I cry every time totally awesome music!
And the point is that so many music "stars" can't sing their way out of a sandwich (whatever that means lol) But so many times the most talented people are not lauded.
Old person here too. I am Now David Draiman/Disturbed Fan. You should consider checking his other songs...all come from deep feelings about important topics. But you have to listen. Just for giggles....wonder whose older.??? Let's just say I'm significantly older than the original song..Sound of Silence...its 50th anniversary was in March of 2014.
@@christinanavarre8389 I think "Prayer" is a good one. But you have to go read about the inspiration of the song. It's not what most people would think.
Disturbed brought to this song the power and emotion those lyrics so desperately needed. It is, by far, THE best version of Sound of Silence ever recorded.
I almost don't want to call this a cover. It's more a reimagining of Simon's song. When the original artist gives their stamp of approval, you know it's something!
Couldn't agree more. Pentatonix made it sound like a visit to Disneyland. I don't want to think about cancer growing and being a friend with darkness at Disneyland. The lyrics aren't cheerful and to me it just ruins the lyrics. Almost like when they sing it they are just making fun of the morbidity of the lyrics.
I agree. You hit it on the head!! Pentatonix was fun, juvenile. David and his voice brings soul and genius. I enjoy it over n over especially when he gets growly. Im 70 years old and enjoy Eminem, some counrty and now kn love w David. Will dip into heavy metal now. Weeee
Disturbed accomplished with this song what nobody else could. I’m a 57 year old woman, I love Simon and Garfunkel. But this interpretation made me understand in my soul what this song was always saying. A powerful metaphor
If this masterpiece was the only thing the members of Disturbed left behind on this planet, than they have lived more than most ever have. They force this message to the front and centre for all to absorb. Literally brought me to tears, which has never happened to me, at least to that degree before.
Now THAT had to have been amazing! Have listened his Conan performance many times and would pay big money just to experience that one song live. I think it was Conan...it's been on my playlist so long that I just hear his voice intro of "DISTURBED!" in my head every time I tell someone about this version...and I have told MANY about this version.🤩
What is really truly sad about people is that they can listen to this song, feel every word and every emotion that he puts into it - even refer to it as a religious experience - and yet we do nothing with it. He’s literally whispering into the sound of silence and we don’t dare disturb it.
Pentatonix version was an eargasm! Disturbed's is a soulgasm. It is soooo very deep. The purpose of the lyrics are much more demonstrated in Disturbed's version. A motto of Disturbed has been "music as a weapon". To bring our chaos of mind, of our times, into clearer focus. This song is about the distance in our humanity. Simon and Garfunkel's version was the gentle warning. Disturbed's version is the internal awakening and resultant rage that the warning was not heeded. This is absolutely my favorite version. It shakes me to my core!
What fascinates me is how the heavier, more gravelly David's voice gets, the lighter and more intricate the strings as a perfect cointerpoint. This is the best cover of any song ever, by a country mile, and it nails me to the spot every time I hear it. Always goosebumps and often tears. It's absolutely stunning!
The most important part of this song is the message. And Disturbed nails how the message should be delivered. Master class. Disturbed version definitely the best in my opinion.
Simon's version was a warning. Disturbed's version is a call to action. This song was made for Disturbed. I love Penantonix, but they have nothing on this version. David Draiman makes me cry every time. His Conan performance is absolutely beautiful even though he had the flu. It's a must watch.
David was pissed at the producers on that one. They slightly auto tuned his voice at that high note because they were afraid he couldn't hit it when due to being ill. He told them he wouldn't have any problems hitting the notes, and they did it behind his back.
@@dantreadwell7421 Television producers don't give a good god damn whose reputation they ruin, as long as their product looks good. The live version on the Conan show was the best rendition, with the whole orchestra behind him, but it was tarnished by someone's foolish handiwork.
@@theroachden6195 was unaware of this. Doesn't surprise me much if I think about it, but then again I try fairly hard to NOT think about Conan in any way. I have never really liked him. Somthing just rubs me wrong. But, I understand that to be the norm for him, ya love him or hate him. Great name BTW
It isn't 'almost portraying his anger'. He's screaming it . The lyrics of the song demand outrage and they are truer now that when they were written. 😎
@@rexgoodheart3471 I've seen this said a bunch, but the S&G version was a warning, this version is rage that the warning was ignored. Personally I feel like if you aren't planning to do something new with a song you shouldn't be doing a cover.
I was a Choir kid throughout school. So I am always hyper aware of the lyrics. For me this is the version of this song that does the LYRICS the justice they deserve. His voice gives the words the heavy weight that they needed that the other versions for me didn’t do. This version is the one that makes me feel those words.. Especially in today’s world. “People talking without speaking” social media posts being mean and ugly, “People hearing without listening” everyone not actually listening to what others are saying. Just waiting for their opportunity to talk… and the “And no one dared Disturb the sound of silence” because so many people are afraid of being called names or cancelled or threatened, or banded.
The visuals are amazing but his voice by itself breathes life into this song. Even simon called him and said that was the way this song was ment to be sung , that now this song belongs to him.
Paul Simon has given us the lyrics to an amazing, thought provoking song that has stood the test of time. Pentatonix gave us a beautiful, sterile, flawless interpretation of Simon's song. Disturbed reached into the lyrics and pulled out the meaning and feelings it represents putting it all on display. For me, music is about emotional impact, and that makes this my favorite verion to date.
The thing that makes this so special is the cross-generational aspect of it. THIS is the way this song was meant to be sung and it took 50 years to see that come to fruition. Amazing artists coming together across time to make it happen. Amazing.
"Wait, is my sound on?" I loved that part!!! Great reaction, but I desagree with you. Pentatonix did a good version, but they didn't get out of their comfort zone. Instead, Disturbed did that. They take the risk out of their comfort zone (heavy metal) and the result was a masterpiece (musically, visually and vocally). There's no posible comparison between both versions. Greetings from Bolivia 🇧🇴 !!! Be safe and be good!!!!!
Idk if anyone's said this here yet, but people often say that Simon and Garfunkel's original version of this song was a warning to society, and Disturbed's version is expressing anger toward the world for ignoring that warning. I love them all, but Disturbed's is personally my favorite because I feel so much passion and intensity, it makes me emotional every time.💙
The words were always there. S&G gave the words a voice. It was a loud voice but it had been forgotten. David Draiman's vocals over this masterpiece of videography illustrated it His anger is palpable. It is, in my opinion, the very best version of the spirit and message of the song.
David Draiman recorded this song on a whim,he wasnt prepared to record this day..he has said that he was shocked when his vocal were played back to him,that he had not heard his voice in this range since he was a young man.I f youare a true Disturbed fan you will definatley agreethat he mastered this!!!
Disturbed’s version outclasses all the other contenders by a mile, even that of Simon & Garfunkel which I grew up with and loved. This version sends chills running down my spine and is true to the meaning of the lyrics in such a powerful and dramatic manner! Cheers from Australia! 👍🤠🤗✌️ PS: I’ve got more grey in my beard and hair!!
Paul Simon wrote this in the sixties. When I heard it Bay of Pigs, assassinations of JFK, MLK, RFK, Vietnam, yes a 79 year old hippie heard the words. I listened and I wondered. Now hearing this in 2023 for the 1st time I know why Paul Simon said "this is now Disturbed's song". People don't talk, we are all in our phones. We don't socialize, we don't speak, there is nothing to hear. Paul foretold society's division and anger and hatred because we stopped listening😢 Thank you David, the visuals were spot on, however it is your voice that nailed it. Much love and appreciation from an old lady who has been tilting at windmills her whole life❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I'm glad I'm not the only one who tears up every time I hear this. I have been binge watching critiques of this song until I found an open-hearted Dad who teared up as well. Congratulations you won!
I also grew up on the Simon & Garfunkel version. This Disturbed version brought me to tears. But you really MUST now listen to Disturbed live on Conan. Even if you don’t record it, go watch it. Live with the instruments right there yet again make it even better as hard as that is to believe. I promise you will still get goosebumps & a lump in your throat and wonder just HOW can this live version be even better… but it is!
David was ticked they auto tuned his voice at the high note because they were afraid he wouldn't be able to hit it, so they did it without telling him.
The thing about this song, and why it's so emotional, is that if you _just_ listen to it, it's a song of anger that stems from the fact that there's no hope. We've gone too far, and David is screaming his rage at us for getting to this point. But then you see this video. And what do we see? At the very end, we get a literal ray of hope, as we watch a group of people move through that gap that separates us all to once again "talk while speaking" and "hearing while listening" with each other. If this doesn't move you, then you're one of the people it's too late to help.
Even Paul Simon said that Disturbed's version is the way this song should be sung.The impact of the lyrics are finally realized in this version. Nobody will ever top this
Long time Disturbed fan, many people wondered what they was even thinking covering this song, it's so off their normal sound of metal, but boy once it landed no one wondered any more, as soon as David Draiman starts to sing he's got you, no pause, no volume reduction, just his voice and the shear joy of hearing a master perfomer at work.
Just to let you know, there was NO AUTOTUNE. It took him three hours to get the vocal right. It's all him. He sings it without autotune at concerts also. I absolutely love it.
It actually took him 3 days of trying different ways of doing this in the studio, and another couple days for the engineer to chose what he thought were the best versions of each section. David then listened to the final mix 3 times with his back to the engineer because he was tearing up.
The Pentatonix version is an amazing show of musical skill, and a wonderful version of this song. The Disturbed version is just an insanely deep well of emotions, that overflows every time I hear it. I can't deny how the build up of this version effects me. And for the sole reason that it effects me more emotionally, I choose the Disturbed version as my favourite.
I think disturbed’s is better because it achieves what every truly great cover strives to, it interprets the original in a way that iterates on it in a novel way, feels personal to the artist, and adds to the sound and emotion of the song.
Your reaction to this song, one of my personal favorites, brought me to tears. No matter what anyone says, I think this song belongs to Disturbed. Paul Simmon even contacted David Draiman and told him the song was Disturbed's. David Draiman sang this song with the feeling that the song should have been sung with. He makes you feel the desolation, isolation and anger as our world is more and more corrupted. The growl and gravel he adds towards the end is like he is trying to wake people up and make them listen. Absolutely beautiful. Your reaction literally gave me that same feeling I had the first time hearing this version. Thank you for that.
Loved Ptx version, they are awesome with their voices and no intruments. But Disturbed with their visuals and voice, did the song as it was meant to convey, especially in today's society. Even Paul Simon, who wrote the song in the 60s, who pretty much had the same meaning about society, said this song belonged to Disturbed now. That's a huge compliment coming from the writer. So Disturbed definitely gets my vote.
I love Pentatonix and Mary Dud You Know is gorgeous. But while their version of The Sound of Silence was beautiful, it does not even compare to Disturbed cover. Such passion and meaning. Probably my all time favorite song, at least in the top three.
Thank you for such a authentic reaction to this incredible rendition. I grew up listening to the original version of this song and when I heard Disturbs’ cover…I cried. I love that you said “the anger”! That was the first thing I heard. He delivered the message with force and power…the statement this video makes is moving and completely relevant to our lives today.
Disturbed's version is the best that I've ever heard. The vocals, the interpretation, the visuals... They give the song a deep meaning that I previously did not pay very much attention to.
I have watched this video well over 100 times. I still tear up when I watch/hear it! There is something deeper going on than audio or video with this performance. It hits me at my core every time!
I'm female, 68, and it always amuses me that people think that singers in metal bands can't sing, don't understand the dynamics and physiology that goes along with forming music and of musical theory. I can tell you, I love a man that can control the lower registers (I'm not a musician nor a singer and do not claim to understand musical theory myself); David is a master of it. This version really demonstrates and enhances the very dark meaning of the lyrics of this song. I absolutely love this version above all others. Makes the hairs stand up and makes me cry every time. Beyond the obvious musical meaning, there is for me a bit of a warning of politics too and that is as far as I will go on that subject.
I have watched countless reactions to this song. It is, by far, my favorite song ever in this version by Disturbed. It speaks volumes that Paul Simon has "given" this song to David and Disturbed after seeing this and the live version. This is undoubtedly the "grown up" version of the song Simon & Garfunkel gave birth to decades ago (which I also loved). This version emotes how disturbed we all should be that the conditions of which this song speaks have not improved and get worse as time goes by. Draiman's voice is the perfect vessel to carry that angst to the listener's heart and mind. His vocal breadth flawlessly resonates the power of the song's message. It is for that reason that I could listen to this song on a loop for days on end. It's power in sound and message is undeniable. I was quite surprised, though, that this reaction was so visually appreciative. I am happy to hear someone taking in the WHOLE experience of this video. David Draiman's vocals typically blow reactors away, duly so, but I am so happy to have witnessed your deep reaction to the TOTAL package this video presents. It is truly a composition without competition. I hope you do yourself the favor of viewing the video of the live performance of this song performed on the Conan show. Thanks for sharing your genuine deep reaction.
Thanks so much for your very kind words, Susan! I did react to Conan's version as well. Both were incredible! Nobody can ever improve on this song at all. We have witnessed perfection...
Bear in mind that David was sick during the Conan Show performance, and the little bit of autotune used pissed David off. Not sure if it was Conan's staff or the network. Larry, I loved your very honest and human reaction. The power of music is nothing to take lightly.
You're one of the people that truly understand this song and the way disturbed brought the meaning out. It is probably the greatest cover song ever done
People are learning the real meaning of Simon and Garfunkel's incredible poetry. A truly powerful message that we weren't ready to hear when it came out.
I am seventy. This version is the first time I have truthfully understand the words of this song listened to thousands of times over a 60 years' time span. It brought tears to my eyes.
I'm 60, loved Simon and Garfunkle for their version. They tried to bring a nessage across in their way, but Disturbed made SURE you hear ad understand that message!!! This one, is by a very large margin, my favorite rendition!!!
You will never hear or see better. Every. Single. Time. I hear this, it moves me to tears... We must wake up and put down our phones and games and learn to speak to one another again. It is imperative.
Disturbed's cover of this song is by far the best I've heard - David Draiman is an incredible vocalist. The vocals of this bring so much meaning and depth.
I like how the musicians are “rescuing” their instruments in the beginning. As they are rescued, they are added to the melody. This version is by far the most comprehensive experience.
Why does everyone keep completely missing the symbolism of the broken instruments in the silence at the beginning???? But I think Pentatonix is for fun for the ears, Disturbed is for the song, message, AND ears so it wins hands down. And they have a live version just as good.
@@MOTORFISTER elegantly put. I didn’t think to add that it touches the soul since the original Simon & Garfunkel did as well and when Paul Simon heard their version he was significantly touched and officially endorsed it.
Disturbed version of this cover is unbelievable. The emotion behind it is felt from beginning to end. You won't hear a better version but also feel it at the same time. Absolutely Beautiful !!!
Don't forget that Simon and Garfunkerl hated the original production on this song, but they didn't have much clout in the early 60s. They hated the 'pop' sound and the drums. It was a song meant to be redone 😎
I ran across this song the other day by accident in another vocalist's reaction video. This is probably the sixth reaction video I've watched, Some of the official music video and some of their live performance on Conan O'Brien. And every time, I'm brought to tears. The level of emotion and the range of colors David is able to produce is just stunning.
This song version brought the meaning of the song to the forefront. I cannot stop listening to it and the actual words. It changed everything about this song in a fantastic way. So powerful.
When Paul Simon heard David Draiman sing his song it brought tears to his eyes. He said David was meant to sing that song.. David was raised as an orthodox Jew. He went to school to become a Cantor. A cantor sings what the rabbi has just read out of the torah. Cantors have very deep, rich, velvety, voices that have to sustain low notes for a period of time. It is really beautiful to hear even if you don't understand what they're saying and I never understand what they're saying when I go to Temple. obviously he did not become a cantor and the musical world is that much richer for it. I am so glad that you did the official video because it is another member of the group in and of itself.
I would love to hear David do Barry McGuire's Eve of Destruction. because again he was trying to warn us and we're certainly getting more and more to that point
Paul Simon said that Disturbed’s version was more true to the dream he had than even their original version and that he loved it It’s the emotion that I look for in music which is a primary driver for quality metal.
Simon and Garfunkel gave the warning in the song. Disturbed gave the anger that the warning was not listened to back then and gave us the extreme warning to what we have created in our world today. ❤️ From Alabama
David does not use auto tune ever! That's all him singing, he has a wonderful trained voice. I can't say I love the stopping and starting in your review, but you are the first reaction I've listened to that really watched the video and understood what it meant. I love David's singing of this song. Like you gives me chills, he has a most wonderful voice. But the video makes such perfect sense of the song and what the words stood for. Another good, not metal Disturbed is "Hold On to Memories" but have a tissue ready.
Although autotune was used with the live version in one part on Conan when he sang whilst being ill. Rumour is apparently he wasn't happy when they did it without his knowledge.
Just watched Wings of Pegasus analysing this assertion this morning. He concluded that the various versions by Disturbed use pitch correction and autotune. He also explained why, from a production perspective. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-v_h9-Cpn_uY.html
What I LOVE about this version of the song is Disturbed put their interpretation on it while still somehow remaining true to the original. It's one of my all-time favorite songs, and I can listen to it when I'm feeling relaxed, or when I need something that feeds the adrenalin.
I love watching metal haters be shocked. They don't just scream. These bands actually have talent. Don't be so quick to judge. Disturbed has the absolute best version of Sound of Silence!
Blows me away !, what a talent to be able to evoke a physical reaction from everyone who listens.. goosebumps, tears welling up .. wow what a fantastic version
I listened to the Pentatonix version once and that was enough. IMO, very good voices, but voices that can found by watching The Voice. David's voice is so original, haunting and explosive. There is no comparison between the two versions. Plus, the production of this song, both studio and live are outstanding. Disturbed's version of this song fits the meaning of this song so well. Just lovely.
The song was written as a tribute to Art Garfunkel.. while in college he helped a friend named Sandford Greenberg who was losing his sight. Garfunkel brought him to classes and helped him to feel more independent. That close bond between the two. Garfunkel called himself “darkness” while with his friend.. thus, “hello darkness my old friend”. Greenberg did go blind but this was his tribute to Garfunkel. Loved this cover and your reaction.
Also Art contacted Sandford asking him to help fund the recording of their album. Sandford had 404 dollars in his account and they needed 400!!! No hesitation he paid it for them and the rest as they say is history. 😊❤
Their rendition has given me a lot of food for thought since I was a hippie teen when the song came out and am looking at the lyrics in the context of our society when it was written compared to life now nearly 60 yrs later 🤔
His phrasing wins out. He lingers on two words...the neon gods THEY MADE... That the win for him. All throughout he brings power to the song that reverberates the meaning of the song, so well. You are correct, Pentatonic's version is a gift of vocals for the ears, but his is for the soul.
I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a piece of music like this before. It is a visceral experience, full sensory reaction to the music, the lyrics and vocal interpretation by David. Add the brilliant video imagery and you have a completely absorbing experience that does raise the hairs on your arms and your mind to thought.
The one thing about music is that the vocals and sounds allow one to be in their own feelings and emotions based on what they are hearing. But when you can watch someone else’s vision of what the song portrays to them and it hits like a ton of bricks the connection is that much stronger to the song. I think that is why music heals. I’ve listen to this song over and over a 1000 times and it still hits me.
We all cried, sweetheart. I've watched it 1000 times. I remember when Simon and Garfunkel first performed this. Listening to this now I understand WHY Simon "GAVE" this music to David saying, "this is your song now" Such respect David has for this song.
My personal preference is this version. It catches me in the feels. I'll probably be way in the minority, but I never cared for S&G. It's always about how it strikes you on a personal level, though, right? I never paid attention to this song or lyrics until the Disturbed version, because folk music just isn't my jam and the lightness of their voices feels like cotton candy when I want steak. I was a child when I first heard this song and couldn't possibly have comprehended the meaning, so when the music itself didn't grab me, it just became a background song I knew and never thought about. I heard AND LISTENED to this, the other versions just pass me by. The sorrow in his voice and on his face when he sings, "Silence like a cancer grows ..." is brilliant and heart wrenching. Then when the heavier tones and grit come in, it's so perfect for the lyrics. He IS mad, we should all be mad that there is beauty to be made ... together ... if we can cross the chasm, but yet it's just getting bigger as we are more and more isolated. 💔 And I would be completely remiss if I didn't mention David Draiman's voice and technique! Absolutely stunning. The images just drive it all home. It is sheer perfection. So thank you to S&G for prophetic and meaningful lyrics. Thank you to Disturbed for bringing them to life for a whole new audience.
Just a note about the chasm. It has always been great but now the light is drawing it out of the shadows and bringing it to a head to be exposed and transformed. The valley that the collective is now living in is an opportunity to choose the Divinity within us so that we can rise to even greater heights of wisdom and knowing. Hope is still alive and well!
Oddly enough, David didnt want to do this song either, the band had to convince him. He finally agreed but they had to leave him alone while he did HIS version of it in studio alone. Took him like 3 hours total and he handed them this absolute masterpiece.
I agree completely! After hearing this cover, the original comes off as too light, too fast, too happy. The original arrangement weakens the meaning of the lyrics. Dirsturbed's version strengthens the lyrics and forces you to listen to and feel the lyrics. "The sound of silence" can mean so many different things. Is it us watching abuses of power and remaining silent. Is it us listening to the media talking at us, but saying nothing. Is it us arguing with each other but never trying to understand. In the end it all becomes the sound of silence.
Paul Simon reached out to Disturbed and told them and the world through social media, that he absolutely loved their version and that it brought it to life
