Recently, I was introduced to the 2015 remake by the heavy metal band, Disturbed, of the “Sound of Silence,” the popular 1960’s song by Simon and Garfunkel.
While I had grown up familiar with this song, I was never really impressed by it. Simon and Garfunkel's folk singing was entertaining, but it hadn't grabbed me. But then, Disturbed comes out with a slower, haunting version of this famous song, and my whole outlook changes.
Even now I can hear David Draiman's voice break through as the song begins, "Hello darkness, my old friend. I've come to talk to you again..." ("Sound of Silence," Simon and Garfunkel)
Along with their remake, Disturbed also has a video, done in an eerie black and white background, of a place full of confusion and stillness. The entire effect is spine-tingling. As the song slowly escapades, you find yourself completely enthralled by the words.
“People writing songs that voices never share, and no one dare disturb the sound of silence." ("Sound of Silence," Simon and Garfunkel)
What message did I get from Disturbed’s cover of “Sound of Silence”?
If the world did not have music, there would be chaos and there would be confusion.
Music brings meaning to emotions that words cannot express. Think about it. We listen to music when we’re happy or frustrated. There is a song for every occasion: weddings, breakups, proms, car rides. You name it, a song has probably been written about it.
Since ancient times, we have used music as a means to express our emotions, our thoughts, our feelings.
Now, imagine for a second if that all just stopped. Where would we be? I mean really, where would our culture be? Even in a time of heavy metal and screaming music, it is still a way of expression.
Where would the world be if we didn’t have music? There would be confusion, there would be chaos. Our lives would be a wreck because we would have no way to express our feelings.
Now, is music the only way to express yourself? No. You can do that through any time of art. But music is one of the key fundamentals for expression, and it helps people.
How often has music, or a particular song simply changed your life? If you think about it hard enough, at least one song has touched your life in some way.
Music is a powerful tool in the history of mankind. It has been used for expression, it has been used for communication, it has been used as medicine. We cannot deny how music has helped everyone at some point in their life.
So, what has Disturbed or Simon and Garfunkel taught me? Music is a precious gift that should be cherished. Without music, life would have chaos, confusion...and silence.
