There is a small percentage of RU-vid reactors that rise above the rest and shine like diamonds. Most are just silly but at least they have the courage to try. You two are in the diamond category. Have you considered reacting to movies that you have not seen?
They sing this song with a beautiful gentle expression the way Paul meant it to be when he wrote it. Not as a song delivered in anger as Disturbed’s version.
Disturbed’s version hAs a place today though. All these years after this came out and sadly, the words still apply. As an oldie who grew up with this as a classic, that’s a frustrating and if you’ll excuse the pun, disturbing.
When I listen to this now I think of a room full of people just sitting , staring at their "neon god'" of cell phones instead of reacting to whats going on around them.
It's about the failure of people to connect with each other on a personal and emotional level, not about injustice. You should read what Art Garfunkel and Paul Simon explained about the meaning. People talking without speaking, hearing without listening, writing songs that voices never share. Does that sound like he's talking about a crusade against injustice?
I was at this show. It was Central Park a free concert. At that show Garfunkel's singing on Bridge Over Troubled Water is on another level. You guys must watch that even if it's not for the channel
Do you remember what you were thinking when that random dude jumped up on the stage? I think it was during one of Paul's solo songs. He must have been terrified.
Listening to the radio is like a diet of popcorn. Listening to Simon and Garfunkel is like getting a bowl of chicken soup. Thanks for having us for supper.
I guess it's about the human condition, which is timeless. Shakespeare constantly wrote about the human condition, 400 years ago. Very little changes in that regard. Love your reactions. They are so heartfelt. Keep up the good work ❤
This song and other songs from the album became huge hits when they were featured in Dustin Hoffman's first movie, "The Graduate". I'll say it again, Paul Simon is one of the greatest songwriter/poets ever to live! I believe that most artists are conduits for art that already exists somewhere in the ether. I can't count how many times artists have said "I don't know where it came from" or "it came to me in a dream". Just my theory. You two are so cute! 😊
"How you come to write something like that... so beautiful..." It is a joy to watch you two lovely people discover these great Simon and Garfunkel songs. I have loved their songs for more than half a century - and it is wonderful to see others fall in love with them now.
Dominika. You were correct to suggest the relevance of the song today. . Art Garfunkel was quoted as saying. " *this is a song about the inability of people to communicate with each other* " . And here we are in the world of "antisocial media".... 🤷🏼♀️
By far my favorite song, a masterpiece, a landmark in the history of the music. Garfunkel perfect voice and Simon's talent is the perfect mix. Congratulations, once again, you are the best reaction channel in RU-vid. Keep it up
Same here. They actually broke up in 1970 but they were still on the radio a lot, especially in the first half of the seventies. I was a kid and would occasionally hear that they were breaking up but between the radio airplay and their fans basically rejecting the breakup and anticipating their reunion I was very confused. Same with The Beatles.
This was a free concert they did in Central Park in New York. When they sing "'10,000 voices maybe more" and you hear the people scream a cheer, it's because there were half a million people there ! 500,000 people who went to stand and listen to these great masters .
As others have said, this was at THE Concert in Central Park in 1981, eleven years after they broke up. As beautiful as it is, they’re not quite as in sync as usual. You should listen to one of the studio recordings. (Other commenters will be happy to tell you which version they prefer.) I’ve heard estimates of the crowd size ranging from 400,000 to a million people. That’s why you hear the audience responding to the line, “And in the naked light I saw ten thousand people, maybe more.”
This was taught in my 1970 English class. Just goes to show. Thanks for sharing this fabulous classic. I could have gone to this concert, but went camping in the mountains like an idiot instead.
Simon and Garfunkel recorded some of the most beautiful harmonies ever created. Paul Simon’s lyrics are so profound in their simplicity. You two are very pleasant to be with. I love your channel 🌺✌️
You have heard most of the top tier songs, a subjective assessment of course. The second tier is still great for this group, songs like I am a Rock, El Condor Pasa, For Emily Wherever I May Find You, America, Mrs Robinson. I could go on and on. Paul Simon is a great songwriter.
Once again you two do what you are so good at - getting behind the song and listening to the richness of the lyrics and understanding what the artists wanted to convey
When this song was first released, it wasn't a hit. Then it was rereleased a year later wth additional folkrock electric guitar, and Simon and Garfunkel became superstars. This version though is my favourite, probably because my parents had this album, The Concert In Central Park, I connected with this song even before I could understand English.
My number one song. Lyrics with a poignancy that still resonate 57 years later. 'Silence like a cancer grows' is one of the greatest lines written. Whether it's human relationships or turning a blind eye to atrocities or injustice (Gaza comes to mind), that line is so insightful.
Love Your reactions you pair .... especially with Simon and Garfunkel .... and Cold Chisel ....... This is the Concert to listen to hear their Live Versions ..... I remember when it was First Broadcast and Was one of the First things I ever copied on VHS tape and kept it for Years ...lol
If this was the only song Paul Simon ever wrote, we would still know his name. It's not! 60 plus years and 100's of songs. We've all been blessed by his talent.
I have been a Simon and Garfunkel fan since the 60s and play several of their songs as part of my guitar/vocal duet with a friend whom I've been playing and performing with for over 30 years. In my opinion, "Kathy's Song" has the most beautiful lyrics of any of their songs, or for that matter, any song, period. The poetic genius of Paul Simon is out of this world.
This song was directly addressing the lack of communication causing unrest in the US and the world. I'm Gen X, so it was before my time but it was my Dad's generation hence it's basically handed down, which I believe is lovely and very touching.✌️✌️
There are millions of people who can play instruments, write songs, and sing, but Paul Simon's songwriting combined with the extraordinary talent of Art Garfunkel's vocal qualities and that of Paul Simon's rises above almost anything that you will ever hear and puts them into the category of true artists. I have heard many covers of this song, especially with a singer with a deeper voice that changes the entire meaning that Paul Simon was trying to express and makes the song no longer a warning about the human condition of not listening or communicating with each other, which has only gotten worse with the advent of the internet, cellphones, and social media, and made it a much darker song with implications that appeal to an audience who is more accustomed to violence, anger, and threats. I love the fact that you both feel the heart and soul that's in all of their music and that, as always, you both do your reactions completely from a heartfelt and genuine place. You would love El Condor Pasa by Simon and Garfunkel, and I would love to see you react to that song when you have the opportunity.
I agree with your comment regarding the songwriting and the vocals. I would add that Paul’s guitar work was incredible and really set the tone for many of their songs (definitely this one) even before they started singing. Since I’ve been watching reaction videos I’ve come to appreciate it more than I did before. He really is the total package as a musician.
Nothing against all the other versions, renditions etcetera, including those by Simon and Garfunkel themselves, but this is hands down the absolute best version of this song, that will never be topped!!! I also have to recommend reacting to Bridge Over Troubled Water from this same concert.
Now you are getting to the heart of the 60s, both the music and the spirit. Both Sides Now by the incomparable Joni Mitchell (the original 60s version not later ones) is just as beautiful and from that time.
You two are Beautiful. What a great relationship you have I wish more people could be like you. You are so loving and caring. Keep taking good care of each other.❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊
Today, in my opinion, which is not being played very much on the airwaves....that keeps the tradition of Simon & Garfunkel are the group, Great Big World & The Plain White T's....other than these groups....no groups today puts out this kind of quality. Great Reactions!!!❤❤❤
A voice as delicate as Garfunkel really needs to be listened to in studio. This was a 1964 release. 1964!. I remember this song on the radio when I was 9 years old. For your own rdification, listen to one of the studio versions I personally love the remixed version with the electric guitars added. The song stands on its own, no matter what version.
You two are such lovely souls; it's always a pleasure to spend time with you. Please forgive me if I'm wrong, but I don't think you have done the Simon and Garfunkel song, "El Condor Pasa". It's another beautiful, haunting number, which includes a Peruvian/Inca flute sound that goes so wonderfully with the vocals.
For me, this song always brings with it calmness and a sense of peace. Thank you, as once again your reaction is so pure. You both bring an optimism and emotion that is so touching. ❤
Love ypur heartfelt reaction to the song, so powerful and moving that words cannot express your.feelings. i feel the same and cant stop watching this.over.and over again. Wow, what a feeling comes over me
You guys need to listen to the studio version of Sound of Silence. The live is missing the drums... the studio was the original. Also, Mrs. Robinson. All these songs were part of the soundtrack for the movie with Dustin Hoffman called, "The Graduate".. highly recommend!! Thanks guys! In this version, Art Garfunkel's mic was too loud...
the second voice by paul...wonderful....art did the first...it was the greatest duo ever....and these is the original version....paul the genius of compostions and lyrics
Hello again. Listening to you two reminds me of my first time hearing this song, the connection I’ve had to Simon and Garfunkel songs throughout my life, and the connection I feel to others who feel the same way when they hear this music. I look forward to the next one!
I know you reacted to them doing Bridge over Troubled Water already but you should watch them sing it live at this concert in Madison Square Gardens. Just marvelous!
Beautiful reaction to a beautiful song, thanks guys. 🙏🏻 Another beautiful song is “Daring Night” by Van Morrison. The song comes from the brilliant album Avalon Sunset. ☘️
Geoff Castellucci does a low bass cover of the song. Reactors have said it's the first they really heard the words to the song. You folks notice the words, but you still might like Geoff's version. He keeps it simple with a little piano, and he added background vocals.
You have to realize that this came from the folk music tradition. Woody Guthrie,The Weavers, Pete Seeger, Dave Van Ronk, early Bob Dylan, Tim Harden……Simon and Garfunkul……etc.
About this concert in Central Park - New York 1981 you can find all the information on Wikipedia or other sources. Simon and Garfunkel had a list with songs, they hired a band and after they finished the songs on the list the band left. However, the two remained in the night for more than one hour I believe, just with one guitar and sang all their best hits in front of a huge crowd who wouldn't leave. Among those songs was this one also, The Sound of Silence. After a while, the band came back...
I was there and have one of the best memories of my life from that night. It was said there were half a million people there. I say yes, that is accurate.
Andrei and Dominica, imagine: two voices and a guitar fill the middle of Central Park in New York City, half a million souls listen to every breath of their beloved artists. It happened before, it can happen again. Bless you and peace!
DOMENICAS RIGHT ANDREI 😊, IT'S REALLYYYYYY CREATIVITY ON A WHOLE NOTHER LEVEL BACK THEN💯😊I'VE NEVER REALLY BEEN A FAN OF COVERS OF GREAT ROCK SONGS SO I'M THE WRONG PERSON TO TALK TO I'M SURE! 😊ANYWAY
When this song was written, NYC was in a downturn, and there was graffiti in the subways and tenements. Neon signs were the standard. And adult stores were open later at night, and had lots of neon. There are some streets in NYC that are cobblestone. And the Vietnam "war" was going on (technically not a war for the US because Congress, which has the sole right to declare war, has not declared war since WW2, so nothing after that is legally a war). There is a lot of subtext in this song, but the subtext translates well to pretty much everything that has happened since. The free concert really brought new yorkers together, and helped start a revival of NYC over the next decade or so. Simon and Garfunkel had not worked together for around a decade before the concert, but they still managed to merge their voices well.
That was some dream he was having. There was no sound in the world and it was deafening. Imagine a world with no sound? That in itself is horrifying. Great reaction my friends.
Paul Simon's early work was some of the best American poetry ever written. If you like stirring lyrics, I suggest the early work of Bob Dylan, if you have not already been introduced to him. Blowin' in the Wind, The Times They Are a Changin', Like a Rolling Stone. I wish you both all the best.
