I watch this now and then because I love his/their music. BUT .... this one rips me to shreds. Nearly all of his music is prophetic. Go listen and think.
@TudorStephenThat’s how I write songs. The chords, then the notes, then the lyrics just fill in the syllables. I think that’s the order it goes in for many songwriters.
I remember listening /watching this live, hungover, with my dad. Who passed 3 years ago. I started crying listening to this. It was a special song to us. For my Nana. I love you dad and Nana. I will never forget that morning, despite the many memories plus much more, mainly from my alcohol addiction. Such an amazing one ofba kind version of this song. God damn man
I never get sick of this song. A timeless masterpiece. You can find many versions of this and the audience seems to always be mesmerized. Paul, people are listening to your wonderful lyrics.....
Well, the WTC buildings housed government agencies, which moved out a few days prior to the attack. Both towers were designed to sustain hits from bigger and heavier planes wihtout issue. Kerosin can't burn high enough to melt steel yet there was molten steel in the basement of the building. Videos show small explosions from every single floor before the same floor collapses. The towers where falling faster than gravity and the static of the buildings would have allowed. A bit before the "attacks" all firefeighters and rescue teams of nearby stations were called to New York for a "practice" that should happen on the day of the attacks. A building hit as hard as the twin towers would have fallen to one side, yet they fell exactly as a building that is detonated controlled would: straight down. The family of a certain mister Bin Laden was in the US, visiting some high politicians. No civil plane was allowed to fly after the attacks except for one: The private jet of the Bin Ladens flying them home. A few weeks prior to the "attacks" there was noise, dust and building activity as well as restricted acces floors in both towers as stated by persons working there in the offices. Yet when one of them looked into one of the floors where the noises came from out of sheer curiosity, there was NOTHING to be seen from this activities, it was cleaner than a spoon fresh out the dishwasher. And the last bit: The guy that RENTED (not bought) the WTC insured it for 10 times the money he rented it for. When the buildings came down he made a fortune.
You do not understand the laws of physics well enough for me to explain to you why the towers collapsed, and why you think you saw "explosions". Please educate yourself, and stay off the tinfoil hat side of youtube.
Auch nach all den Jahren, ist diese Aufnahme hier, des Tributes von Paul Simon, immer noch sehr gefühlvoll und geht so ins Mark und Bein! Ich bin 36, männlich und schon eine starke Persönlichkeit. Aber das hier, boar da heule selbst ich immer wieder!
I visited Ground Zero, and it was very emotional. People hugged and comforted each other. I will never forget being there. This is a beautiful song, by an incredible artist.God bless to all .❤❤
I think his Live Rhymin' album and concert from 1974, is a better performance. I also think he is acting emotional on this performance to pretend to be as involved emotionally as the listeners. Such is his ego!
I was living in Las Vegas when 9/11 happened and I found myself consumed by this need to get home quickly ,home to my hometown of NYC Since fights were cancelled indefinitely I had to drive 61 hours later I saw and smelled the rubble of the Twin Towers and the vision that was planted in my brain will always remain . Thanks for making me cry Paul
Paul at his best, such honesty in his delivery - the emotions on the faces around him tell it all. No glitz, no staage lights, just him and his guitar and that lovely song written by him.💖💖💖
Paul’s Sound of Silence makes me cry and weep for a better peaceful world and life . When I die I want this song to be played at my funeral !!! I love you Paul ❤️
In my opinion, Paul Simon It must be awarded the Nobel Prize. His lyrics are profound, poetic, inspiring. Thanks for the video. My regards from Bern, Switzerland.
Excuse me? He sang the song in remembrance of those who were murdered. And it doesn't matter which side of the fence you sit on. The people who died that day were murdered. I don't think who did it was even in his mind. Just the memory. This isn't the video to discuss who did it. There are others for that. This video is about remembering those who died.
Death is never a pleasant experience when it greets someone we love. That said, to have a mother, brother, wife, or child go to work one day and never return in such a fashion as 9/11 is true horror. I cannot imagine the grief of those who lost family that day. This is such a beautiful and respectful way to and honor the fallen and commiserate with their families. Thank you Paul Simon.
Paul is part of New York and always will be... You can hear the shudder of sadness in his voice here.... He plays apart from the some so he can listen to himself as an audience of one, which he can do if you know him.... He gives a part of himself and remains removed....
I remember watching this with my mother live. We started sobbing from the first chord. Such a beautiful tribute to those souls lost on that horrible day.
Rest in peace all those who lost their lives in these attacks. The world was covered in darkness and evil shadowed over us. Lets hope we can make the world a better place. Lots of love from England.
Paul, this a wonderful tribute to all the lives lost on 9/11, I was working in Boston Massachusetts that day, we were told to go home by the security office, I listened and left my building others in my office just sat there like they didn’t care people were killed by a mad man.My heart goes to all families who lost someone on 9/11.
+Tonithenightowl Back in 2011, Garfunkel's throat wasn't his best friend. He simply couldn't sing anymore, so that's why he isn't there. He probably wanted to, but other factors prohibited him from going.
+Tonithenightowl Ya man... these gentlemen are getting up their in age and their throats are no where close to being like they used to be. Garfunkel sang the high note harmonies...very big in effecting the voice. His voice has gone down hill. and Simon and Garfunkel haven't performed in god knows how long.
I remember going all the way from my small village in Alsace, France in 2011 to pay my respect. American will never forget. We certainly won't forget either.
That Paul Simon wrote this song as a young man is so amazing. Most of didn't have a clue about anything and he was writing this song. So glad he did, I will listen to it till I die.
Wow! I have always been a big Paul Simon fan with and without Garfunkel. This performance was so powerful and raw. It came from deep within his heart and is the sound of the emotions so many feel when we remember 9/11. It's amazing how songs from decades ago can be so fitting to events that take place years later.
He knows more than he can say about this. Shivers on multiple layers, this song pointing forward, at its origins, to the inevitability of this event ~ and then echoing back again to its origins and the origins of this event, the seeds that grew into this event. No wonder you look so sad, Paul Simon. A lot of what is said here won't make sense to most ~ but this song, sung here, is incredibly and cryptically astute. So sad.
Born on 9/11 1971, I have always been connected with the american people, and especially new-yorkers since this so horrific day of 2001. This day was my 40th birthday, and as ten years sooner, I have cried with you. Long live american-french brotherhood against terrorists.
Beth WeinsteinI was there that day, honoring the memory of my brother, Gerard Patrick Schrang, FDNY Rescue 3, lost on 9/11. It was the perfect song, at the perfect time. Even though it nearly brought me to my knees, thank you so much for this heartfelt tribute.1 second ago•
I am very sorry for your loss! Your bother is very much a hero! I am a retired firefighter. I thank him and you for his service and he along with all those lost will never be forgotten. #343 plus all those lost since then. Much love to you.
My sincerest apologies for your loss. I was in NYC last week and even this long after, it still marked me. NYC is a beautiful (in a very particular way... place)... (Boston arae native... we're all one).
One of the most gut wrenching, heart piercing songs ever to be penned. I fell to my knees listening to this with the pain and sorrow marked upon the faces of those you see here. Everlasting, sad and yet somehow tragically beautiful all the same. i tip my hat to the legend that is Mr. Paul Simon
A New York icon, twice now he pulled this off, the other in Center Field at Yankee Stadium. Hard to look classy with a baseball cap and a suit but Paul pulls it off.
Hello darkness my old friend, I’ve come to talk with you again...is the most profound and greatest lyric ever written. Something that strikes a chord in my soul
Paul seems so deeply touched by his own song....wonderful and sad interpretation.... who knows, what really happend in NYC but this song might comfort all the people who lost their loved ones. ...heartfelt sympathy....
I’m in Australia and stayed up late to watch the memorial live. I knew Paul was going to be there and was intrigued what he would sing. This was perfection! The words took on a whole new deeper meaning. Perfect choice Paul! I’m glad the NY crowd knew the song
Great peace Paul Simon, this song raised this so sad and remarkable event for the Christian world 11/9 was terrible, we remember better what we were doing that morning like it was yesterday ... my feelings for the families who lost someone they loved ... hug and peace
This is a great song that I love, and it is very intelligent and poetic. The song uses the imagery of light and darkness to show how people's ignorance and apathy destroys their ability to communicate even on simple levels. Its theme is man's inability to communicate with man. The author sees the extent of communication as it is on only its most superficial and "commercial" level (of which the "neon sign" is representative). There is no serious understanding because there is no serious communication - "people talking without speaking - hearing without listening". No one dares take the risk of reaching out ("take my arms that I might reach you") to disturb the sound of silence. The poet's (character in the song) attempts are equally futile (" . . . but my words like silent raindrops fell within the wells of silence"). The ending is an enigma. The words tell us that when meaningful communication fails, the only sound is silence.
Mr G I interpret it more of people turning their heads away from things that they think they can't fix and running from it by not talking about it. You're description is probably more accurate but that's just the way the lyrics always struck mw.
Walter Mirren It's OK, I shed some too, and I am not even American. Every 11th of September, I move the US flag from my collection to my living room, give it a special place and arrange some candles. I can vividly remember a certain picture of shapes falling in the paper the next day, and me completely breaking down in tears, paired with a distinct murderous feeling of anger. You are not alone. Have a hug from The Netherlands :-)
A very fitting song for this occasion. And what can anyone say against Paul Simon's performance? What dignity and what true emotion... that's what being an artist is all about.
To perform this already very emotive song on a day of such import, surrounded by people still grieving such abominable loss, and to do so with such nuance, is astonishing.
I feel like ground zero was such a beacon of sadness and despair, this performance reminds me of a funeral I attended for my grandmother (mother of my mom), and my father's parents arrived and I felt an overwhelming feeling of comfort. That is how I feel Paul Simon made the people here feel
people will dislike anything on youtube just to make people angry that fact that you dislike thier dislike means your a good person be pround that you wouldn't be so petty an immature in my opinion you shouldn't even be able to dislike this strong emotional statment made by one man and a guitar
I never knew or met any of the almost 3,000 innocent people killed that Tuesday morning....But I love and miss every single one of them! That day is the image planted in my brain....and it still remains! If any of the family members of the victims read this....just know that someone in Pa has not forgotten and never will!! May God bless you all!!
I'm a 90's kid. The 90's was a decade of mostly peace, prosperity, and happiness. That all changed on 911. I often say the 90's culture died that day. Ever since then, Americans live in fear. 90's kids lost their innocence that day. We were forced to grow up fast. I was in high school. A junior. And after 911, we all knew a war would follow. We all lived in fear of another draft, or more attacks.
He did a fantastic job singing this beautiful song. He is one of the greatest and I was blessed to hear great songs like this on the radio when I was young, instead of hate mean rap gangster music that everyone seems so enthralled by
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
No other musician on this earth, not today or in days gone by can make me feel so much emotion as Paul Simon can. The best of the best.
Charlie Puth See You Again No Rap.
Personally, I also find the other Paul to be a source of emotion. In my opinion, the two best melody creators of the 20th century.
His singing here & at center field at Yankee Stadium are a musical gem. I agree with you
This, at the site of such tragedy, is especially powerful. Can't help but weep.
💯🙏🙏🙏♥️
How he did this without sobbing, I don't know. What a prophetic song!
Agreed!!
He's not a bitch, is why.
I watch this now and then because I love his/their music. BUT .... this one rips me to shreds. Nearly all of his music is prophetic. Go listen and think.
Possibly the greatest songwriter to ever live.
Paul is a native New Yorker and you can see the deep emotion in his face, but he is so much more. He's an American treasure.
dannydoc1969 a
Friends of him died on 9/11
A treasure without a doubt.
Agreed ❤❤❤❤🙏❤️
Every single chord of guitar Simon touches, a corresponding chord of my soul deeply vibrates along with it.
@TudorStephenThat’s how I write songs. The chords, then the notes, then the lyrics just fill in the syllables. I think that’s the order it goes in for many songwriters.
Muslims.
Paul's rendition was perfect for this event. I always loved this song but this made me cry in 2024.
The dynamics were marvelous. He knows how to use soft and strong.
I remember listening /watching this live, hungover, with my dad. Who passed 3 years ago. I started crying listening to this. It was a special song to us. For my Nana. I love you dad and Nana. I will never forget that morning, despite the many memories plus much more, mainly from my alcohol addiction. Such an amazing one ofba kind version of this song. God damn man
I hope. you have recovered and are well.
18 years ago today, September 11, 2019. NEVER FORGET!
It's crazy it's 5 more years
We won't.
I never get sick of this song. A timeless masterpiece. You can find many versions of this and the audience seems to always be mesmerized. Paul, people are listening to your wonderful lyrics.....
That's genuine emotion on paul's face
He is sad because Garfunkel isn't there to sing with him
+ItsyourboyLuca No he isn't. Don't be stupid.
+tbay ..still awake
+tbay Indeed, such a genuine performance. very small. beautifull, tearshedding
tbay
This was very nice
i went there in 2003 to pay my respects, rest in peace new york city and remember we will always stand shoulder to shoulder England and america
"hahn's...are we the baddies"
I love this song. Nothing beats Simon and Garfunkel. Such a beautiful tribute.
Paul Simon is a true legend. Great musician and artist. This song is absolutely a masterpiece.
I've never known a sadder day. I will never forget 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲
Such is the power of music.
How could such horror inspire such beauty?
That song is more fitting than it's original sentiment could ever have guessed.
Music is magical, and music is all things!
The song is from 1964 so how can the faked Terrorist attack have inspired this?
Pls. explain "faked."
Well, the WTC buildings housed government agencies, which moved out a few days prior to the attack. Both towers were designed to sustain hits from bigger and heavier planes wihtout issue. Kerosin can't burn high enough to melt steel yet there was molten steel in the basement of the building. Videos show small explosions from every single floor before the same floor collapses. The towers where falling faster than gravity and the static of the buildings would have allowed. A bit before the "attacks" all firefeighters and rescue teams of nearby stations were called to New York for a "practice" that should happen on the day of the attacks. A building hit as hard as the twin towers would have fallen to one side, yet they fell exactly as a building that is detonated controlled would: straight down. The family of a certain mister Bin Laden was in the US, visiting some high politicians. No civil plane was allowed to fly after the attacks except for one: The private jet of the Bin Ladens flying them home. A few weeks prior to the "attacks" there was noise, dust and building activity as well as restricted acces floors in both towers as stated by persons working there in the offices. Yet when one of them looked into one of the floors where the noises came from out of sheer curiosity, there was NOTHING to be seen from this activities, it was cleaner than a spoon fresh out the dishwasher. And the last bit: The guy that RENTED (not bought) the WTC insured it for 10 times the money he rented it for. When the buildings came down he made a fortune.
You do not understand the laws of physics well enough for me to explain to you why the towers collapsed, and why you think you saw "explosions". Please educate yourself, and stay off the tinfoil hat side of youtube.
god this sends chills down my spine. for all of those we lost during 9/11 you will not be forgotten
Auch nach all den Jahren, ist diese Aufnahme hier, des Tributes von Paul Simon, immer noch sehr gefühlvoll und geht so ins Mark und Bein! Ich bin 36, männlich und schon eine starke Persönlichkeit. Aber das hier, boar da heule selbst ich immer wieder!
I visited Ground Zero, and it was very emotional. People hugged and comforted each other. I will never forget being there.
This is a beautiful song, by an incredible artist.God bless to all .❤❤
the best performance of Paul Simon, a native NY-er, of his entire career because he sang it with the anger, fright and respect the situation deserved
I think his Live Rhymin' album and concert from 1974, is a better performance.
I also think he is acting emotional on this performance to pretend to be as involved emotionally as the listeners.
Such is his ego!
Love You Paul Simon. You’re forever a legend and a good soul. God bless your soul
I keep coming back here to hear this masterpiece.
Sounds like he sang from his soul. Very touching :')
mcrfan343 He had Friends among the victims.
This is beautiful, haunting, and sad all at once. His somber performance sums up the sadness we all feel even now.
I was living in Las Vegas when 9/11 happened and I found myself consumed by this need to get home quickly ,home to my hometown of NYC
Since fights were cancelled indefinitely I had to drive
61 hours later I saw and smelled the rubble of the Twin Towers and the vision that was planted in my brain will always remain .
Thanks for making me cry Paul
Paul at his best, such honesty in his delivery - the emotions on the faces around him tell it all. No glitz, no staage lights, just him and his guitar and that lovely song written by him.💖💖💖
Im watching many moons later...still breaks my heart😞
Paul’s Sound of Silence makes me cry and weep for a better peaceful world and life . When I die I want this song to be played at my funeral !!! I love you Paul ❤️
I remember watching this live on tv. It blew my mind then and it blows my mind now. Such power.
He's one of the very best singer songwriter's that ever come out of America, his songs would move a rock. Paul Simon's music is a gift to this world.
Beutiful voice,guiters sound beutiful,I'm listentening 2024
Paul is priceless thank you for your wonderful music
Only Paul Simon could speak to so many of us on this day.
In my opinion, Paul Simon It must be awarded the Nobel Prize. His lyrics are profound, poetic, inspiring. Thanks for the video. My regards from Bern, Switzerland.
Simon did his best
And it was amazing
Excuse me? He sang the song in remembrance of those who were murdered. And it doesn't matter which side of the fence you sit on. The people who died that day were murdered. I don't think who did it was even in his mind. Just the memory.
This isn't the video to discuss who did it. There are others for that. This video is about remembering those who died.
+cjmillsnun amen, totally agree
lmao
Christopher Wang I agree
Paul Simon is a brilliant singer/songwriter, and a great prophet.
Death is never a pleasant experience when it greets someone we love. That said, to have a mother, brother, wife, or child go to work one day and never return in such a fashion as 9/11 is true horror. I cannot imagine the grief of those who lost family that day.
This is such a beautiful and respectful way to and honor the fallen and commiserate with their families. Thank you Paul Simon.
Paul is part of New York and always will be... You can hear the shudder of sadness in his voice here.... He plays apart from the some so he can listen to himself as an audience of one, which he can do if you know him.... He gives a part of himself and remains removed....
This brings tears to my eyes,Love from Canada.
Peter Thiessen
me too.
I was in Penn Station that horrible day.
and I still crying.
God bless you.
Peter Thiessen 9
Peter Thiessen ya
Thank you
Very heartfelt, emotional version. He was on the edge of breaking down.Thank you Paul..
My God..I'm crying all lover again for this.
I remember watching this with my mother live. We started sobbing from the first chord. Such a beautiful tribute to those souls lost on that horrible day.
Rest in peace all those who lost their lives in these attacks. The world was covered in darkness and evil shadowed over us. Lets hope we can make the world a better place.
Lots of love from England.
Paul, this a wonderful tribute to all the lives lost on 9/11, I was working in Boston Massachusetts that day, we were told to go home by the security office, I listened and left my building others in my office just sat there like they didn’t care people were killed by a mad man.My heart goes to all families who lost someone on 9/11.
The most talented and loved. This song makes me smile and cry.
I feel like anyone unmoved or critical of this performance was not alive on this day... Our grief is written all over his face.
This gave me some goosebumps. M thoughts to all those who perished on 9/11 and to the families who are left, missing loved ones.
I don't care about the suicide bombers, to be honest
+Jeff H to bad it wasn't an atomic bomb
+Jeff H Perished on 9/11 Jeff? Murdered mate... murdered!! by the US government of the time.
+Rob Hull correct!!!!!!
+Rob Hull bush did pearl harbor
One of the few songs that give me the goosebumps.
+Electricneon same with your cute face...
Pure emotion and pure genius. Who could ever ask for more!!!
The voice of a Angel . We remember them with heavy hearts and wish that war and hate didnt happen anymore. Bless all of the First Responders.
Merveilleux, on ne s'en lasse pas...👍👍👍👏👏👏
Ich könnte dich immer und immer anhören ,so Gefühlsvoll und liebenswert
Can't believe Garfunkel didn't show up for this. Thank you Paul, you are a true New York er.
+Tonithenightowl oh, come on....
+Ernst H. You could be right maybe he wasn't asked. Maybe he doesn't sing anymore.
+Tonithenightowl Back in 2011, Garfunkel's throat wasn't his best friend. He simply couldn't sing anymore, so that's why he isn't there. He probably wanted to, but other factors prohibited him from going.
+Tonithenightowl Ya man... these gentlemen are getting up their in age and their throats are no where close to being like they used to be. Garfunkel sang the high note harmonies...very big in effecting the voice. His voice has gone down hill. and Simon and Garfunkel haven't performed in god knows how long.
+TopVersnelling All valid reasons which I knew nothing about. Thanks for the info.:o)
I remember going all the way from my small village in Alsace, France in 2011 to pay my respect. American will never forget. We certainly won't forget either.
So touching. This video makes me cry and remember. So right for this remembrance.
That Paul Simon wrote this song as a young man is so amazing. Most of didn't have a clue about anything and he was writing this song. So glad he did, I will listen to it till I die.
Wow! I have always been a big Paul Simon fan with and without Garfunkel. This performance was so powerful and raw. It came from deep within his heart and is the sound of the emotions so many feel when we remember 9/11. It's amazing how songs from decades ago can be so fitting to events that take place years later.
He knows more than he can say about this. Shivers on multiple layers, this song pointing forward, at its origins, to the inevitability of this event ~ and then echoing back again to its origins and the origins of this event, the seeds that grew into this event. No wonder you look so sad, Paul Simon. A lot of what is said here won't make sense to most ~ but this song, sung here, is incredibly and cryptically astute. So sad.
Born on 9/11 1971, I have always been connected with the american people, and especially new-yorkers since this so horrific day of 2001. This day was my 40th birthday, and as ten years sooner, I have cried with you. Long live american-french brotherhood against terrorists.
Beth WeinsteinI was there that day, honoring the memory of my brother, Gerard Patrick Schrang, FDNY Rescue 3, lost on 9/11. It was the perfect song, at the perfect time. Even though it nearly brought me to my knees, thank you so much for this heartfelt tribute.1 second ago•
+Beth Weinstein The brothers in NY are the best of the best. Sorry for your loss.
your brother is a hero
Loss of a brother is so hard. Sorry for your loss
I am very sorry for your loss! Your bother is very much a hero! I am a retired firefighter. I thank him and you for his service and he along with all those lost will never be forgotten. #343 plus all those lost since then. Much love to you.
My sincerest apologies for your loss. I was in NYC last week and even this long after, it still marked me. NYC is a beautiful (in a very particular way... place)... (Boston arae native... we're all one).
One of the most gut wrenching, heart piercing songs ever to be penned. I fell to my knees listening to this with the pain and sorrow marked upon the faces of those you see here.
Everlasting, sad and yet somehow tragically beautiful all the same.
i tip my hat to the legend that is Mr. Paul Simon
picking probably the sadest song Simon ever wrote on memory of the sadest day in USA history , i cry every time i wach this video ....
I see the humble and the sadness in Paul’s face. Thank you.
Thank you Paul Simon, for this and much more.
Moving and inspiring speaks to this tragedy in a unique way. Thanks, Paul. We love you.
Heart felt by someone with a tender heart. Thank your Paul.
A New York icon, twice now he pulled this off, the other in Center Field at Yankee Stadium. Hard to look classy with a baseball cap and a suit but Paul pulls it off.
Hello darkness my old friend, I’ve come to talk with you again...is the most profound and greatest lyric ever written. Something that strikes a chord in my soul
If you can't appreciate this as the great music it it is, stay silent
I’ll be at local barracks all day tomorrow old man ❤️🙏🏽
All done ❤
Paul seems so deeply touched by his own song....wonderful and sad interpretation.... who knows, what really happend in NYC but this song might comfort all the people who lost their loved ones. ...heartfelt sympathy....
I’m in Australia and stayed up late to watch the memorial live. I knew Paul was going to be there and was intrigued what he would sing. This was perfection!
The words took on a whole new deeper meaning.
Perfect choice Paul!
I’m glad the NY crowd knew the song
I've never realized how beautiful and genius the design of the memorial is, with the water flowing into the dark void at the center, so powerful.
silence is truly ... timeless
this will always remain as one of my all time favorites...
such a powerful message...2/5/2021
Well done, Mr Paul SIMON ! Many thanks ^!
For what it’s worth, so beautifully sung from the heart ❤ a true artiste xx
Wow!!!we all miss garfunkel.but I joined just with Simon..they're both great
So much empathy in his Voice and Performance
Genuine emotion! RIP the fallen and GOD BLESS their families
Great peace Paul Simon, this song raised this so sad and remarkable event for the Christian world 11/9 was terrible, we remember better what we were doing that morning like it was yesterday ... my feelings for the families who lost someone they loved ... hug and peace
This is a great song that I love, and it is very intelligent and poetic. The song uses the imagery of light and darkness to show how people's ignorance and apathy destroys their ability to communicate even on simple levels.
Its theme is man's inability to communicate with man. The author sees the extent of communication as it is on only its most superficial and "commercial" level (of which the "neon sign" is representative). There is no serious understanding because there is no serious communication - "people talking without speaking - hearing without listening". No one dares take the risk of reaching out ("take my arms that I might reach you") to disturb the sound of silence. The poet's (character in the song) attempts are equally futile (" . . . but my words like silent raindrops fell within the wells of silence"). The ending is an enigma. The words tell us that when meaningful communication fails, the only sound is silence.
Dam!!! You just perfectly articulated why I loved this song and didn't know it!! Beautiful comment of a beautiful song!!!
Mr G perfect
Mr G good one
Mr G I interpret it more of people turning their heads away from things that they think they can't fix and running from it by not talking about it. You're description is probably more accurate but that's just the way the lyrics always struck mw.
It's a fantastic piece of music. Stop trying to analyze it to death!
Thank you Mr. Simon. A true American treasure.
I have not seen this before, yet I have the feeling I am going to cry like a baby.
43 seconds in and I am already crying. Paul is in so much pain that he can't even sing. Oh crap I can't watch this :(
Walter Mirren It's OK, I shed some too, and I am not even American. Every 11th of September, I move the US flag from my collection to my living room, give it a special place and arrange some candles. I can vividly remember a certain picture of shapes falling in the paper the next day, and me completely breaking down in tears, paired with a distinct murderous feeling of anger. You are not alone. Have a hug from The Netherlands :-)
What a beautiful, heartfelt rendition. My favorite song of all time.
Such a beautiful response to an ugly and vicious attack. I have always loved that song, but that performance had a particular resonance.
Paul Simon is an amazing musician and "spoke-singer" for all humanity. Love that guy... peace now- and not revenge...
thank you, Paul
A very fitting song for this occasion. And what can anyone say against Paul Simon's performance? What dignity and what true emotion... that's what being an artist is all about.
He's an alien...too clever and magic to be "only" an human.
Lost a couple relatives that day. And listening to it now makes me think about my friend that just passed away at 19
I'm sorry for your loss
This is just a beautiful and touching tribute. Thank you Paul.
I've always loved him and what he's been doing with music either writing ot composing - he's one of my musical heroes...
Thank you Paul from Tao Garden ...Chiang Mai Thailand ;-)
Very nice
To perform this already very emotive song on a day of such import, surrounded by people still grieving such abominable loss, and to do so with such nuance, is astonishing.
164 people liked this so much they turned the screen upside down and liked it again
4TG Wither Nice perspective!!!✌️😎🙏💯👍
Never heard that one but so true.
4TG Wither you are a wise person
The one's that thumbed it down must me lacking some americanism!
4TG Wither If you don't mind I will take what you said and use it again and again. . . Great response to the haters!!
I feel like ground zero was such a beacon of sadness and despair, this performance reminds me of a funeral I attended for my grandmother (mother of my mom), and my father's parents arrived and I felt an overwhelming feeling of comfort. That is how I feel Paul Simon made the people here feel
If you disliked this video there is somethig wrong with your soul.
+Kevin Parks or with brain
people will dislike anything on youtube just to make people angry that fact that you dislike thier dislike means your a good person be pround that you wouldn't be so petty an immature in my opinion you shouldn't even be able to dislike this strong emotional statment made by one man and a guitar
Absolutely no correlation pal.
Not "MUSLIMS" only but Religion...All Religions.
Okay you dipshit you made know fucking sense what so ever....
Why do people dislike this he tried he was good, not the best but he tried so people who disliked this your mean and out of your mind
I never knew or met any of the almost 3,000 innocent people killed that Tuesday morning....But I love and miss every single one of them! That day is the image planted in my brain....and it still remains! If any of the family members of the victims read this....just know that someone in Pa has not forgotten and never will!! May God bless you all!!
majic 44 yes but it doesn't justifiy the invasion of other countries and killing thousands of innocent people too, who had nothing to do with 9/11.
We all lost something that day. Every American lost part of them that day. It still hurts. And i didn't know any of the victims either.
I'm a 90's kid. The 90's was a decade of mostly peace, prosperity, and happiness. That all changed on 911. I often say the 90's culture died that day. Ever since then, Americans live in fear. 90's kids lost their innocence that day. We were forced to grow up fast. I was in high school. A junior. And after 911, we all knew a war would follow. We all lived in fear of another draft, or more attacks.
Someone in Italy love all of them too. Got your point. Hugs to all the families of the victims.
Jay Caldwell non tentare nemmeno di parlare in italiano, fammi sta cortesia. Che cazzo.
He did a fantastic job singing this beautiful song. He is one of the greatest and I was blessed to hear great songs like this on the radio when I was young, instead of hate mean rap gangster music that everyone seems so enthralled by