Hello, I'm 69 years old, so growing up in the 70s I listened to this song hundreds of times, however my son , who listens to DISTURBED with his son talked me into listen to this version know that I didn't like Disturbed. So I gave in and listened, about 3 times. I kid you not this was the FIRST TIME I truly UNDERSTOOD what the song really meant, ALL BECAUSE OF THE WAY HE SANG IT. Actually cried it hit me that hard because I it took me so long to see it and REALIZE it is still is happening today. Maybe NOW, others will hear it too!!😢😢😢😮😮😮
I'm 70, and I have no use for the Disturbed version. That said, if it speaks to you, it speaks truly. God bless. May you and I be in heaven an hour before the devil finds out we're dead.
@@alibi247 On the contrary. The song EXISTS solely because of Simon. The words are pure genius, as are the words of Bleeker Street. I grew up in the 60's & 70's and understood this song IMMEDIATELY. Of course, back then you had a more Biblically educated population and anyone with any Biblical knowledge at all would immediately understand EXACTLY what this song is saying. From reading these comments, I fear that people vaguely understand the emotion and lack of communication espoused by the song, but TOTALLY MISS the full, true, Biblical meaning. The FULL truth. For example, when I listen to the lyrics, "Hear my words that I might teach you, take my arms that I might reach you," ... What I really hear is Jesus saying "Jerusalem, O Jerusalem...How often I have longed to gather you under my wings as a mother hen gathers her chicks, but you would not." It's really that SIMPLE. THIS WAS A GOSPEL SONG. When the flock separates from the Shepard, the flock all wander aimlessly. The family disintegrates, each going it's own way. No longer part of a common family with a common understanding of values and culture. No more common bonds. No longer able to communicate effectively. Love grows cold. We start worshipping false "neon" gods instead of the one true God. And we are paying the price. Just listen to Bleeker Street, a similar message. It's so simple. What "can boost our compassion for and connection with one another" is simply turning back to our common Father, our Shepard. Turning back to God. If this neurologist or anyone wants to understand the words to "Sound of Silence" just READ A BIBLE. Simple. I grew up in the 60s & 70s. I watched this song HAPPEN IN REAL TIME. Exactly as the Bible explained. Why do people make this so complicated?
@@stoirmz 100% agree with your point, this song is right our of the text of the bible. Every verse, every word and every note hits on what is described by the prophets and the authors in the holy bible putting the word of God into the hearts of every man, woman and child to refrain from idol worship and false Gods! Sadly many have fallen prey to the temptations of the world, denying the truth of Jesus Christ for false gods of envy and greed and lust. This song version could not have come at a better time, time is running out and fast. Like a river approaching the waterfall time has sped up and will continue to do so until Christ come(the water falls).
David Draiman (the man singing) admitted about a year ago or so I guess, that he was contemplating unaliving himself. A lot of very talented musicians fell victim to it in the previous several years: Chris Cornell, Chester Bennington and even deeper, Robin Williams. There are more people alive right now than there's ever been, yet we are more alone now than we ever were. He actually stopped a live concert to have a heart-to-heart about substance abuse and unaliving yourself. It was one of the most beautiful and powerfully RAW emotional connections I've ever seen. He asked people if they have or had substance abuse issues, knew people who did, or wanted to unalive themselves or if they were impacted by it. Then he said if you answer yes, raise your hand. Then he said now look around you right now: YOU ARE NOT ALONE!" It's pretty difficult to comprehend that almost EVERYONE had their hand raised and you could hear voices in the background of people crying and people telling strangers that they loved them. How Draiman was able to connect people like that was divine, for lack of a better word.
It's something they have done in many concerts tying into their song "Reason to Fight" it is such a powerful message that I hope more get to see and take to heart.
I am 69, the 1st time i heard this song by Simon and Garfunkel, i was 12 years old. I loved the lyrics, but i told my brother they're singing it wrong. This needs to be sung powerful and passionately the message has so much meaning. I say now that it's prophetic, but I didn't understand that at the time . I waited over 50 years to hear this song sung as i believed it should be. I listened to this 10 times when I first heard this, and i was crying. I thought someone finally got it!! It was worth the wait!!!
@@alibi247 Strange, I grew up in the 60s & 70s. I actually have the original albums of Simon & Garfunkel. And I understood this song IMMEDIATELY. Anyone with even casual Biblical knowledge would. The original song was MORE than enough, if you just listened to the words. Listen to Bleeker Street as well. Same basic message, but even more clear. The original was a BIG hit back in the day, and this song was the one that pushed Simon & Garfunkel from Gospel/Fold into the Pop genre. The beginning of their major success as pop/rock artists. The message is BIBLICAL, PEOPLE. And much simpler and deeper than this neurologist will ever imagine. She really doesn't "get" it.
@@alibi247 Strange, I grew up in the 60s & 70s. I actually have the original albums of Simon & Garfunkel. And I understood this song IMMEDIATELY. Anyone with even casual Biblical knowledge would. The original song was MORE than enough, if you just listened to the words. Listen to Bleeker Street as well. Same basic message, but even more clear. The original was a BIG hit back in the day, and this song was the one that pushed Simon & Garfunkel from Gospel/Fold into the Pop genre. The beginning of their major success as pop/rock artists. The message is BIBLICAL, PEOPLE. And much simpler and deeper than this neurologist will ever imagine. She really doesn't "get" it.
The reason you think this song is done well now is due to the band who redid it. Disturbed has never done anything like this before. If you look at their music it is super heavy metal. Due to this type of singing, the lead singers voice actually changed so he was able to perform as he normally does. This is the reason it sounds so haunting now. He has an amazing voice and has done this song justice. I was born in 77 and didn’t hear this song until I was in high school in the 90’s. When it was redone I immediately loved it which is odd given I loved the original. It’s the meaning of the song and the words are so powerful. I’ve tried to get my teenage daughters to listen to both versions and they simply don’t get it. I think this is because they have grown up in the technology age where there is a constant bombardment on their nervous system and their brains. It’s the generational difference of growing up before Google and smartphones versus kids who’ve always had it shoved in their faces. But this goes beyond technology, for example ALICE drills done in schools for active shooters is no big deal to them, but scare the hell out of me. My youngest said the other day it was no big deal, they are being taught to get shot. I had no response to her. I was out of high school for four years before Columbine took place. I never dealt with this until I was in my forties and worked at their school. The first time they did this drill I was terrified. This song was true then and it’s true now, people just need to listen to it and each other. We need to build the bridge back to when people listened to each other and put family and God first.
I disagree. I, too am 69. I remember the original. I liked it but wasn't in love with it. Yes,The lyrics are the same. But sometimes the way they are presented is very important. Disturbeds version struck a chord with me. For the first time I truly listened to the words. That voice just draws you in. So much power. So much emotion. I actually cried listening to this song.77
I was a teenager in the 60s and really liked the Simon & Garfunkle one. My kids or grandkids introduced me to this one. It's now my favorite version. So raw and powerful. ❤
This version of this song is the only version that chokes me up and makes my eyes water. Especially when watching someone else emotionally react on an empathetic level. When the tone of his voice raises and gets aggressive, that's when the flood gates start to open. Thank you for sharing 😌
Disturbed is a unique metal band, which David Draiman joined in 1995. Because of his incredible voice (originally trained to become a Jewish Cantor, as his father and grandfather were before him). In his 20s, he chose a different path. His metal voice is definitely different than most of other metal bands. In the last ten years they’ve created several nonmetal songs, Hey You, Hold On to the Memories, Don’t Tell Me…They address addiction, death , divorce…their catalog log is so diverse. I’ve learned to truly appreciate their music, the individual members of the band, and emotions they stir. Actually have a ticket to see them live in May! I understand it’s quite an emotional experience! Oh, I’m a 75 year old that appreciates great performances and am eclectic in my taste in music. Spans 65 years.
I am almost 71 and LOVE Disturbed. This tune in particular is one of the best versions of any song I've ever heard. David Draiman uses his vocal power in such an expressive and powerful way as he sings this. The only other time I have felt this song was given such power was when I was in choral summer school at Carolina when I was about 14 or 15. There was a boy in class that sang this as part of our talent show. This kid was powerful in a different way. He opened his mouth so big and wide, and his voice was so strong that I've never forgotten his performance in all these years. Now I am wondering if it is the song or the delivery of it that leaves its imprint on us. Today as an emotional wellness/emotional intelligence coach, I appreciated your take on all this. Thank you very much!
@@LarryBenzenhafer I checked him out and felt like his version was an excellent copycat. I am pleased to hear the Viking stuff though and thank you for that.
Simon & Garfunklel rote a warning to the world, Disturbed came and gave a hard reminder to the same problem, and then Pentatonix gives a version that speaks to the hope for tomorrow of the same song. So much power in the words of the poet that decades later we still need that message.
The song is about death. I believe it was Simon that went into his bathroom turned off the light, while sitting in total darkness to get close as he can to the feeling of death,so while sitting in dark silence came this song also its why your hear the opening line line of the this song, "Hello darkness my dear old friend", I come to speak to you again"....then the second aspect him sitting in total darkness is the silence...therefore the song title and chorus "The Sound of Silence. This song is genius.
@@cecilmichaelpaulsen1489 yea it was autocorrect, I did mistype it but what I typed Garfenkel and it autocorrect to Garfield, and it took 10 minutes to turn off the autocorrect again.
I've been a musician since childhood; I'm an old lady now. In high school, my parents' church allowed a friend and I to play/sing this song during Mass. The song was new then; as teenagers we felt adults needed to 'hear' us. Disturbed's version is SO powerful; the anger is righteous. I've lost count of how many times I've listened to his version. I cry each time.
I saw Disturbed a year or so ago. David’s voice singing this was phenomenal. Everybody had their flashlights on and crying while singing this. Absolutely beautiful. The division in this country is so sad and I wish they all watched this video. The media controls everything. At the end of the song it shows Musicians need music and song writers need musicians ❤❤. We all need each other.
I remember when this was a hit for S&G. When they played Disturbed's version i was driving with radio on just to have "some noise" & I was listening to a rock station. It took me second to realize what song they were playing then I realized who was singing. I had to pull into a parking lot & just listen. Before I knew it tears were falling & I was covered in goosebumps. It wasn't until not long ago I saw the video & had the same response. I have watched this so many times now & I am always moved by it. Thank you for your reaction. It is one of the best I have seen.
I am a stroke survivor and this song hit me hard. I was 53 when I had my stroke and still have my life ahead of me. So many dreams yet to accomplished. I am grateful to be alive yet my life have completely changed. This song gives me hope, and the courage to fight on and live life to the fullest despite my situation. I love this song.❤
I'm also a neurologist, artist, and wilderness adventurer, who's recently been studying the 'neuro-aesthetic experience' and its effect on our physical and mental health. My own time spent with art and nature have helped me immensely. I loved stumbling across your channel with this video today, and really appreciate what you are doing. I don't subscribe to many channels, but will do so with yours. Keep it up!
I cried the first time i heard Disturbed sing this version, having grown up listening to S&G and loving the original version of this song, being a 60yr old rock guy who grew up with Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin. Black Sabbath, Rainbow, saxon , Thin lizzy< Motorhead etc, this version changed me internally and mentally.
The end of the video with them bringing the instruments to the people who had written the songs so they can both finally make music together is powerful.
As I listened for the first time I misheard a line. The phrase, "tenement halls" became Tiananmen falls. I can't shake it and it adds a whole new dimension to my understanding and perception. We must not forget those brave souls lost. In silence and in voice they are honoured...
Your analysis is spot on. Texting, emails, chats! when did we stop talking. Dave's voice and the band deliver with a little anger to highlight the message. Love your reaction and breakdown. Stay safe. 😎
The original version has always been one of my favourite songs. I’ve never heard this version before but it’s magnificent and gave me chills. Thank you for introducing it to me xx
I actually disagree with this statement...it's still good, but David was sick so they required him to use an auto-tune, giving his voice a somewhat tinny sound in his higher registers, and he hates auto-tune.
Any live version but that autotuned garbage. The one from Houston, with Myles Kennedy sharing vocals with David, is by far the best live version I've seen.
Autotune? - yes (but very little). Was he sick? - yes. Worth watching the Conan live version? - absolutely. The performance was ridiculously good. The full orchestra. The guy on that big drum. And of course the voice. Just powerful stuff. Check it out, I guarantee it will be worth your time. Also check out Disturb’s “Down with the Sickness” to see what this band normally does! 😮
I'm in my 60's, grew up listening to S&G, and I've always believed that Paul Simon was one of the great American songwriters/poets of the 20th century.
I have loved this song since Simon & Garfunckle. I heard this version when it first came out and from day one, this version has been my favorite. ❤ I loved your reaction as well. I am 67 and know a lot about the human mind, from both book study and observations. You explain this so well.
As a survivor of Child abuse and major depression, i have always turned to music to keep me from committing suicide. I did seek professional help 13 yrs ago for depression, and i went from a 10 to a 0 and never looked back. My life today if full of music and gratitude, I now have inner peace and serenity, been sober for 30 years this Dec 22. But for the Grace of God there Go I.
So glad you are doing better! I have a similar background and have struggled for years with mental health. Music has also been a life saver for me. A year or so ago, after listening to a TH-cam reaction video on this very song (which i loved!), the next recommendation was a reaction video about a Welsh artist named Ren, singing 'Hi Ren'. I was absolutely floored, I've never been that emotionally impacted by a song. If you haven't already heard of him, I would highly recommend listening to him, you won't be sorry. I think he is the most talented artist, songwriter, storyteller of this generation. Best of luck to you!
This version spoke to me as I think he intended it to. It wasn't about connecting to others, Just the opposite, the lack of connection. The feeling of loneness, loss, and despair.
The world is smaller, but the distance between us is greater than ever before. The whispered warnings of Simon and Garfunkel becomes the battle call of Disturbed
This was illustrated in the movie Contact. We have all of this technology to bring us all closer together, yet that very same technology is isolating us more and more.
My mom was an OG folksy hippie in the 60’s, I got to grow up with the music of that era via her. Got to see many of them live, including Simon & Garfunkel. Them and John Denver are the ones I remember the most. But the version, still, no matter how often I hear it sends chills down my spine and makes the hair on my arms stand up. It’s truly chilling in an amazing way. As for news, I generally stopped watching it a decade ago until … 2020. I had to stop watching again, the negativity is just too much now.
I CANNOT watch news. It destroys my nerves. I CANNOT do anything about the problems out there. So I remove myself from the information. Have to or my brain bursts.
Thank you for sharing wisdom and perspective, Neurogal MD. Introspection is indeed necessary to relate with each other. Many emotions and attitudes block society from meshing more naturally, including prejudices, conceit, fear, and perhaps the most nefarious of all...apathy. Love, joy, and peace to you and yours this Thanksgiving!
I heard someone say, that Simon and Garfunkel was the song of our youth and Disturbed’s version is for us as adults. It resonated with me. Great reaction and insight.
The version I usually see is that the Simon and Garfunkel version was a warning about the future and the Disturbed version an angry accusation for ignoring the warning.
Hello. First, it's refreshing to have a doctor on a channel. David Draiman, lead singer, was professionally as a Cantor, as most of his male family members. Then he turned to heavy metal and hired a professional to help him develop the growl in his voice. He has an incredible range. I love this version, and yes, if you listen to the original, it's just a melancholy song. This version is a warning for people to wake up! Thanks for all your medical information. I'm almost 70, and my brain just knows what it likes! And I like this!
i’ll be 73 next week. 😊 Thanks for the background. I was fortunate to see Simon & Garfunkel at the University of Washington in the 1960s and again in Vancouver BC in about 1981. I was 17 when I graduated from high school in 1969 and absolutely immersed myself in their music. “Kathy’s song” and “For Emily, Wherever I May Find Her” are so beautiful. Have you heard “A Whiter Shade of Pale” by Procul Harum? I’m sure you have! It’s classic rock, one of the best selling recordings of all time. Gary Brooker’s voice aged like fine wine. The performance I speak of is an outdoor venue with the Danish National Orchestra and Choir in 2006. The original release was in 1967 when I was in high school. Don’t worry about understanding the lyrics. There are a lot of theories. No, it has no association with A Canterbury Tale (the miller). Yes, there is a reminiscence Bach’s Air on A G string but according to Brooker he didn’t consciously draw from it. The song is evocative, more imagery & mood than literal.
@@Grammichal Absolutely love Whiter Shade of Pale. Great song. I grew up on Southern rock and roll. I was born in Georgia. Met Greg Allman when I was 14. They played a free concert in Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Ga. First time I had seem a long-haired, blue-eyed boy! LOL And we actually became friends, and not in a creepy way. He nicknamed me spider. I was all legs and arms - skinny! In my late 30's I was doing a TV series, and my best friend was the casting director. We needed some tatted-up guy to play the part of a Carnival roadie. I gave her the agent who was handling Greg at the time and told my friend to tell the manager to tell Greg, it was spider asking. About 30 minutes after she made that call, I was still in her office, phone rang, and she just said "yeah, hold on" with a big on grin on her face, I said hello and he said, "damn Spider, you want me for this role?" LOL We stayed friends until the day he died. I still miss him. I can't even count the number of times I would get a letter, with just the initials GA as the sender, and was always tickets and backstage passes to his concerts, any time he was playing within 200 miles of me. Loved that band and loved that man.
@ Oh my goodness! What a fabulous connection! I am a seven decade resident of the Seattle, Washington area. My grandkids are the sixth generation here. I lived one year as an exchange student in Sweden and a few years as a bride and Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It’s too liberal and expensive here but… I was able to see The Fifth Dimension & Jimi Hendrix here in the area in the late 60s when I was a teen. I was a housekeeper & nanny for a very, very dysfunctional family whose father brought all the acts s to town so I got tickets occasionally.
@@Grammichal By the way, Happy Birthday coming up. Both my kids are December babies - daughter just turned 41 on 12-12 and my son turned 30 on 12-15! Yes, I was 40 when I had him. He was my "surprise" baby! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you and yours. Kathy
Out of the 35 or 40 reactions I’ve watched of this version I must say I enjoyed this one the most because you are spot on with the psychological interpretations of the words and visuals of this version.. very cool 👍
I am 70 years old and every time I listen to this I get chills and cry! I discovered Disturbed and love all their songs! David is an advocate for suicide prevention and addiction. His band is gifted!
For me, the song has always been about the emptiness of the struggle/obsession for material things/power/etc. at the expense of human connection/feeling.
Hi there! Love your subject! I am a ceder flute Carver and performer. I've witnessed many people's moods change in seconds when I play. Music is the unversal language. While traveling I play flutes. Especially when it don't speak the local language. Strangers crowd around smiling. With out saying a word ! Thank You !
Hi there. My name is Gale and I am 73 years old. This is the first time I’ve ever listened to your podcast and I think that you are outstanding! my husband and I both enjoyed it very much and I look forward to more from you. Thanks for all that you do for others.
I believe that Music, Dance, Laughter, really any form of ART uses a universal language that can break down barriers and bring people closer together. Absolutely.
Great reaction. Never met Draiman, but we bought his old place in Austin. He left all the furniture. We've since sold it but I kept his bed and desk. That place, and his stuff always had good energy.
Brilliant analysis. Thank you. The only things I’d like to add is to your comments about the flashy things we worship and how they lack meaning. As human beings we are made to worship. And when we don’t focus our worship intentionally, we worship the distractions, and it’s a lonely journey of worship when it is unfocused, and unintentional. We all worship something, or someone.
I love that you are talking about this right now. This is so apropos right now. I think this song is so appropriate for the times. I fully agree with all you are saying about the nervous system not being able to handle the times. I love that you are bringing this to people's attention. Thank you for this.
I always think of this song when I see people at a cafe or something and all have their phones up looking through social media instead of being social with each other. "People talking without speaking, people hearing without listening" seems to represent how "social" media has affected our behaviour towards eachother.
Your reaction was wonderful. As a man who is looking and trying to find the quiet and truths within from whatever the source., Your analysis was spot on. Music is so powerful and can bring so many deep feeling and connections and maybe even homesickness and longing for places and people that we are just feelings and hunches. Longing for a home we don't remember but sense has always been there. Thank you.
And it's often so powerful to dissect a song one would not normally associate with a deeper message... only to find it so. For example... Five for Fighting's "Superman". At first glance, a catchy song... but FAR deeper once you dive into the lyrics, as is the case with most of their songs.
For me, music is cleansing. When I've had a bad day music, as you emphasized, resets my mind, body and soul. Brent Smith of Shinedown said it best, "Without music, life has no meaning." I grew up in the 70's and 80's and I was exposed to all genres of music back to the 50's to the present. I like songs from all genres... except maybe hip-hop and rap. When I heard that Disturbed covered Sound of Silence, I knew, without hearing it, that it was going to be great. They've covered other songs in the past, and hit it out of the park. When I watched the video, I was blown away.
Disturbed -The Sound of Silence video has over 1 BILLION views in 8 YEARS. 1 Billion seconds is equal to 32 years. This means, that more than three, almost four people, had to click play, every second of every day for 8 years. WOW!!!
This rendition of this song has a level of rage the S&G never had. Because most of us feel that submerged rage but are powerless to express it. So much has been out of the ordinary person's control.
I want to thank you Neurogal MD for your deep dive on this song. Everything you explained I can totally relate to. Thank you so much. Now I understand why this song touched me so much.
I have been listening to reaction videos since the Covid lockdowns. I wasn't sure what drew me to them except that I found myself feeling shared emotions during each reaction. There was great comfort in watching someone react the same a I was, wether it be sorrow, joy, awe or fear. Your reaction to Disturbed's version of "Sound of Silence", and the followup explanation of our nervous system helped me to confirm why I am drawn to these videos. In Ren's video "Ren", his reminding us that we should not forget that we are "All human beings", makes me feel like I am connected to both reactors and performers and that has had both a calming and healing affect on me. Thank You. PS I liked the Conan version a little bit more than the video production.
I'm 72 yrs old and remember in 8th grade in Middle River Jr High School when This song came out it had a message only if you listened to it a few times you got the meaning of It ❤❤❤❤❤❤
I've just found your channel and I'm sorry I don't know your name. I'm 52 now but when I was 13 I was diagnosed with Syringomyelia, due to a syrinx on my spine next to my brainstem. It caused all kinds of problems throughout my life but I've been a guitarist and musician since I was 9 and something you said about the stimulus of music helps. I was told I'd be in a wheelchair by the time I was 40. Well, I do use a cane now but I'm far from a wheelchair. Recent visits to my neurosurgeon have let me know that the syrinx has healed up and no more fluids are entering my column near my brainstem. But damage has been done throughout my body. I can't play instruments like I did but I feel when I do it helps. Thank you for this video.
There is a version on TH-cam using the combat footage from recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and it is very powerful, especially for Veterans like myself. My war was Vietnam but the imagery and association is the same. When you combine the visual with the audio it forms memory chains that can last a lifetime. Associative memory, as in association to sounds, visuals and olfactory sources do produce emotional chains and those emotional; chains can directly affect the body's responses. They can also affect PTSD (this is something I know all to well from personal experience. When I first heard this version of Sound of Silence I had a deep emotional reaction and the ball started rolling down the dark PTSD path. Luckily I know how to stop this. After I ran through this song several times I found I could handle it. The processes of the mind can be controlled if we calm down and step away from the panic. To each of us this song means something different and Dr Neurogal you explained it very very well.
Your commentary on the media reminded me of the song "Dirty Laundry" by Don Henley. Especially the repeated lines "kick 'em when they're up, kick 'em when they're down." I first heard Disturbed's cover about 8 years ago, and was completely blown away. If I remember correctly, the "neon god" was a kick against Television. Television has been instrumental in the breakdown of society. Years back, people gathered on their front porches to chat, or talked over the fence. But now, kids, and adults are mesmerize by their cell phones/tablets...my grandsons are addicted to their phones, and it is disheartening. But the last year, their parents have been weaning them away from them. But enough of that. Great review and commentary on the autonomous nervous system. I recently read about the stress hormone cortisol. Very interesting what it does to the body and nervous system.
It's prophetic peoples hearts & emotions gone cold wrapped up in their own affairs the Neon god could be the image that speaks & is brought to life described in the book of Revelation 🤔
Music is one of the things that is helping me through my battle with cancer. When I am having a bad day there are songs for that, feeling depressed there are songs for that, etc... It is so amazing how much music can not only heal and our minds but help heal our bodies as well.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I completely agree - music has such a unique ability to meet us exactly where we are, whether it’s lifting us up or helping us process difficult emotions. I’m so glad it’s been a source of comfort and healing for you during your journey. Sending you so much love and positive energy as you continue to fight this battle-you’ve got this ❤️🎶
At 13:00 you touched on something I find incredibly fascinating. This sympathetic response to the emotional state of groups enjoying the same media. I've listened to the song so many times, I love this song. But I found myself becoming slightly emotional listening to it this time again as I realized that you were also emotional while listening. Almost immediately after you touched on that phenomenon and I had the light bulb come on. This happens to me so often and I never understood it and it's really cool.
They did a live version of this song on Conan back in 2016. The lead singer was quite sick but they did a FANTASTIC job with this song. It shows thei real talent.
I've never heard another song that hit harder and harder as it went along. It takes you from feeling emotional at the first verse to feeling utterly floored by the last verse.
So grateful that you reacted to this. I found it a few months ago and was totally enthralled with everything about it. It seems to me that Paul Simon wrote this for this band to cover… especially in the cultural climate today.
This is my first time seeing one of your videos. I have always loved this song and David Draiman. I have autism and severe PTSD but am also a musical savant. Music has enabled me to communicate more effectively with the world around me. I agree with you that music is the universal language because it brings people together. Thank you for sharing your insight and for reviewing such a great song!
There are 4 top choices of this song: Simon & Garfunkel: the original, the first warning. Pentatonix: the follow up warning. Disturbed: anger that you ignored the warning Geoff Castelucci: sadness that we ignored the warning This version, and even more so the live version done on Conan, are so powerful.
The most commonly MISSED warning of this song. The BIBLICAL warning. C'mon people! This was originally a GOSPEL song! Listen to Bleeker Street. Similar message. Totally Biblical. Sad, that so many are moved by this song but don't really fully understand WHY. Why this happened.
I know the song, and I really enjoyed watching your face and the micro-expressions that came across it. Slightly widening eyes, furrowing of the brow, clenching of the jaw, a head tilt, eyes subtly watering at the end. Almost every reviewer I've watched has the exact same reactions at the same points in the song, which I find not surprising, but kind of amazing. We really are alike on a primal level.
Musical empathy seems to be on a spectrum. Those (like me) at one end, highly empathic, shivering and crying. Towards the other end those that never seem to do much except, maybe, be aware of the beat.
Just found you!! So grateful and thankful for this. I listened to this regularly growing up. Mom had a thing for Simon and Garfunkel as well as Neil Diamond. If I had a shrink half as intelligent as you are as a Neurologist, I wouldn’t have issues. Thank you for sympathizing as well as empathizing here.
Absolutely awesome reaction and explanation; especially from a neurological/bodily reaction side of things, well done Doc. When music moves you, you absolutely know it, and when you actually let it wash over you, it can be life altering.
First time to your channel. I’m hooked. I love the way you take time to explain how these type of songs that convey emotion actually affect our nervous systems! Thank you, it’s very interesting. (Plus your voice is soothing, and you’re quite easy on the eyes!)
i have epilepsy. one day i had a massive seizure, and was placed in a medical coma for about a month. during the recovery phase, i couldn't really use my hands or walk. i am a huge metal head, and music is life. i would get mad when my mom would try to put my ear buds in and it wasn't done right. my drive to listen to music and get back in the mosh pit again, is what sped up my healing process.
Beautiful commentary. I never tire of listening to and watching that Sound of Silence video. It gets me every time. And your interpretation is spot on! Poetry and words can essentially unite us. Thank you.
In recent memory, there was a time where we all faced an invisible threat and were told to stay away from others. It's easy to join the dots from there to how people are currently interacting or not interacting with each other. There's a quite noticeable lack of trust.
That verse, "People talking without speaking, people hearing without listening." SO DESCRIBES the Internet. The original "Neon God" in the Simon and Garfield was the Television. The new Neon God is the LCD Screen of the Laptop. And have you heard/seen Johnny Cash's "Hurt" video?
I love your analogy. It confirms things I thought of this song. I'm a 68 year old man, I've lived life and always sought the knowledge of when bad idea things happen, what is my fault in that situation, so they never happen again. Music is a great teacher for me. I'm a classic rocker, but the music that got my soul in how to live in this world is Neil Young. One song told me who the right woman to be my wife would be. After 2 failed marriages, I dedicated myself to listening to the lyrics of music, where I could find and feel wisdom in life. I remained alone for 22 years, thinking I am meant for solitude seeking only wisdom and knowledge. The end of my last marriage was 1982, when I was 25. I learned how to play Neil Young s music and it was the song "Like a Hurricane" that taught me the characteristics of the right partner for me. Didn't think she existed, so, it was a nice dream I loved feeling. To my disbelief, I meet a woman on line when I was 46, I lived in AZ and she lived in Oregon. It was safe, I felt, to let her know the deepest parts of me. We talked more over 9 months, when it dawned on me, I was learning her true self to. Still, never wanting to take that chance, I resided in myself that she would always be only a fanciful cyber friend, nothing more. Long story short, it didn't work out that way. She traveled to me, just for a visit but, when I really seen her eyes, it was like living that song as if that song was only a prophecy for me. That was in 2003 and we've been happily married ever since. Just wanted to share that with you, that music is more powerful than we give it credit for. Also, would like you to analyze that song to hear what your thoughts are.
Thanks for your insight ❤ if you haven’t done it already, i highly recommend Jonny Cash’s cover of Nine Inch Nail’s song Hurt. I think you will be moved. The video is so poignant.
@charlesbryson7443 as far as I'm aware, when he heard the song, he hated it. But once he watched the music video he said the song wasn't his anymore, it was Johnny's. Personally I love both versions, to me they're very different songs. Reznors version is a young man angry with the world and himself, and Cash's version is a young man looking back on his life with regret
Great reaction!! So many things you said resonated with me, I should have taken notes along the way to share what I feel. As a wee kid in the 60’s … music was always there And luckily I had amazing parents , that at a young age taught me To be me ❤️🙏
I'm an anthropologist, with particular interest in paleo anthropology. Early in the video you touched on something I think is fundamental to the issues we face in the wealthy, generally settled west. The world for which we are evolved, physically, mentally and emotionally doesn't exist for most of us. We are still the maximally evolved ape of 200,000 years ago, and very poorly prepared for what we face now. Humans are stunningly good at adaptation, uniquely so I would say, so perhaps we can transcend our current predicament, but we need time. Music, and also comedy, seem to be universal ways of bonding. I have seen reactions to this track and others, from as disparate people as Afghani tribesmen, Sub-saharan Africans, Europeans and Americans and the response is always the same.
Disturbed owned this with their version. That aside, I came out about the time my 82 year old mother was diagnosed with cancer. She actually enjoyed this. She said it was our song.
I'm kind of a fan of watching reaction videos to music that I dig so I'm not surprised that your channel popped into my feed. I don't usually follow them so much as just give a like and move on however you've earned my follow with this one. I never noticed that one group holds sheet music and the other instruments before you pointed it out. Very profound indeed. I agree that this song is about people connecting with one another through music. You spoke about a lot of things from fear based media to introspection and ways to rest and relax and it all resonated with me deeply. Very beautiful analysis of a great song. Thank you! I'm looking forward to check out more of your reactions to other songs.
The most common "neon god" today is our phone. No matter where you go today you see people staring at it like zombies. I tried for years to get my son and his wife to put away their phones when we went out to dinner but never succeeded. So I finally stopped trying. Today we're farther apart emotionally than we've ever been. Somehow I doubt that's ever going to change.
I have this song on my playlist and every time I listen to it I get chills and very emotional. Until now I didn’t truly understand what the song was about. How profound! Thank you for sharing! 🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️
![Disturbed - The Sound Of Silence (Official Music Video) [4K UPGRADE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/u9Dg-g7t2l4/mqdefault.jpg)
Hello, I'm 69 years old, so growing up in the 70s I listened to this song hundreds of times, however my son , who listens to DISTURBED with his son talked me into listen to this version know that I didn't like Disturbed. So I gave in and listened, about 3 times. I kid you not this was the FIRST TIME I truly UNDERSTOOD what the song really meant, ALL BECAUSE OF THE WAY HE SANG IT. Actually cried it hit me that hard because I it took me so long to see it and REALIZE it is still is happening today. Maybe NOW, others will hear it too!!😢😢😢😮😮😮
echoed feelings and understanding
Well said my friend.
Absolutely.
I'm 70, and I have no use for the Disturbed version. That said, if it speaks to you, it speaks truly. God bless. May you and I be in heaven an hour before the devil finds out we're dead.
Still remember Art Garfunkel..His voice was magic..so many memories..
I love that Paul Simon told Disturbed "its your song now "
Wow that was lovely of him. He obviously realised he hadn’t given the song the justice it deserved.
@@alibi247 On the contrary. The song EXISTS solely because of Simon. The words are pure genius, as are the words of Bleeker Street.
I grew up in the 60's & 70's and understood this song IMMEDIATELY. Of course, back then you had a more Biblically educated population and anyone with any Biblical knowledge at all would immediately understand EXACTLY what this song is saying.
From reading these comments, I fear that people vaguely understand the emotion and lack of communication espoused by the song, but TOTALLY MISS the full, true, Biblical meaning. The FULL truth.
For example, when I listen to the lyrics, "Hear my words that I might teach you, take my arms that I might reach you," ... What I really hear is Jesus saying "Jerusalem, O Jerusalem...How often I have longed to gather you under my wings as a mother hen gathers her chicks, but you would not."
It's really that SIMPLE. THIS WAS A GOSPEL SONG.
When the flock separates from the Shepard, the flock all wander aimlessly. The family disintegrates, each going it's own way. No longer part of a common family with a common understanding of values and culture. No more common bonds. No longer able to communicate effectively. Love grows cold. We start worshipping false "neon" gods instead of the one true God. And we are paying the price.
Just listen to Bleeker Street, a similar message. It's so simple.
What "can boost our compassion for and connection with one another" is simply turning back to our common Father, our Shepard. Turning back to God.
If this neurologist or anyone wants to understand the words to "Sound of Silence" just READ A BIBLE. Simple.
I grew up in the 60s & 70s. I watched this song HAPPEN IN REAL TIME. Exactly as the Bible explained.
Why do people make this so complicated?
@@stoirmzbruh Paul simon isn’t even religious
@@stoirmz 100% agree with your point, this song is right our of the text of the bible. Every verse, every word and every note hits on what is described by the prophets and the authors in the holy bible putting the word of God into the hearts of every man, woman and child to refrain from idol worship and false Gods! Sadly many have fallen prey to the temptations of the world, denying the truth of Jesus Christ for false gods of envy and greed and lust. This song version could not have come at a better time, time is running out and fast. Like a river approaching the waterfall time has sped up and will continue to do so until Christ come(the water falls).
David Draiman (the man singing) admitted about a year ago or so I guess, that he was contemplating unaliving himself. A lot of very talented musicians fell victim to it in the previous several years: Chris Cornell, Chester Bennington and even deeper, Robin Williams. There are more people alive right now than there's ever been, yet we are more alone now than we ever were. He actually stopped a live concert to have a heart-to-heart about substance abuse and unaliving yourself. It was one of the most beautiful and powerfully RAW emotional connections I've ever seen. He asked people if they have or had substance abuse issues, knew people who did, or wanted to unalive themselves or if they were impacted by it. Then he said if you answer yes, raise your hand. Then he said now look around you right now: YOU ARE NOT ALONE!" It's pretty difficult to comprehend that almost EVERYONE had their hand raised and you could hear voices in the background of people crying and people telling strangers that they loved them. How Draiman was able to connect people like that was divine, for lack of a better word.
He did that in Iowa as well
It's something they have done in many concerts tying into their song "Reason to Fight" it is such a powerful message that I hope more get to see and take to heart.
Chris and Chester didn't commit suicide, they were murdered
Thank you for sharing that. Both of my hands are up.
It’s called suicide not unaliving!
I am 69, the 1st time i heard this song by Simon and Garfunkel, i was 12 years old. I loved the lyrics, but i told my brother they're singing it wrong. This needs to be sung powerful and passionately the message has so much meaning. I say now that it's prophetic, but I didn't understand that at the time . I waited over 50 years to hear this song sung as i believed it should be. I listened to this 10 times when I first heard this, and i was crying. I thought someone finally got it!! It was worth the wait!!!
Yes I understand why I didn’t like the original it just wasn’t enough
@@alibi247 Strange, I grew up in the 60s & 70s. I actually have the original albums of Simon & Garfunkel. And I understood this song IMMEDIATELY. Anyone with even casual Biblical knowledge would.
The original song was MORE than enough, if you just listened to the words. Listen to Bleeker Street as well. Same basic message, but even more clear.
The original was a BIG hit back in the day, and this song was the one that pushed Simon & Garfunkel from Gospel/Fold into the Pop genre. The beginning of their major success as pop/rock artists.
The message is BIBLICAL, PEOPLE. And much simpler and deeper than this neurologist will ever imagine. She really doesn't "get" it.
@@alibi247 Strange, I grew up in the 60s & 70s. I actually have the original albums of Simon & Garfunkel. And I understood this song IMMEDIATELY. Anyone with even casual Biblical knowledge would.
The original song was MORE than enough, if you just listened to the words. Listen to Bleeker Street as well. Same basic message, but even more clear.
The original was a BIG hit back in the day, and this song was the one that pushed Simon & Garfunkel from Gospel/Fold into the Pop genre. The beginning of their major success as pop/rock artists.
The message is BIBLICAL, PEOPLE. And much simpler and deeper than this neurologist will ever imagine. She really doesn't "get" it.
The reason you think this song is done well now is due to the band who redid it. Disturbed has never done anything like this before. If you look at their music it is super heavy metal. Due to this type of singing, the lead singers voice actually changed so he was able to perform as he normally does. This is the reason it sounds so haunting now. He has an amazing voice and has done this song justice. I was born in 77 and didn’t hear this song until I was in high school in the 90’s. When it was redone I immediately loved it which is odd given I loved the original. It’s the meaning of the song and the words are so powerful. I’ve tried to get my teenage daughters to listen to both versions and they simply don’t get it. I think this is because they have grown up in the technology age where there is a constant bombardment on their nervous system and their brains. It’s the generational difference of growing up before Google and smartphones versus kids who’ve always had it shoved in their faces. But this goes beyond technology, for example ALICE drills done in schools for active shooters is no big deal to them, but scare the hell out of me. My youngest said the other day it was no big deal, they are being taught to get shot. I had no response to her. I was out of high school for four years before Columbine took place. I never dealt with this until I was in my forties and worked at their school. The first time they did this drill I was terrified. This song was true then and it’s true now, people just need to listen to it and each other. We need to build the bridge back to when people listened to each other and put family and God first.
I disagree. I, too am 69. I remember the original. I liked it but wasn't in love with it. Yes,The lyrics are the same. But sometimes the way they are presented is very important. Disturbeds version struck a chord with me. For the first time I truly listened to the words. That voice just draws you in. So much power. So much emotion. I actually cried listening to this song.77
This version makes me emotional every time i hear it
I was a teenager in the 60s and really liked the Simon & Garfunkle one. My kids or grandkids introduced me to this one. It's now my favorite version. So raw and powerful. ❤
Same.
Same here.
Every time!
My opinion is..this version made us all think really hard about things. simple . straight forward. This is a true masterpiece of an old song. period.
I agree! I grew up with Simon and Garfunkel. This version is by far the best ever. Makes my heart palpitate!
To me, Disturb's cover has what I always thought the original was missing. I love the original but Disturb's version is better and more complete.
Perhaps he used his platform rightfully?
Oh wow, I love this thought
Perhaps he used his platform rightfully?
Oh wow, I love this thought
@@Marigold-Spirit “Rightfully?” 🕊️
People in fear are easier to control.
Disturbed unlocked the true emotion of this song.
This version of this song is the only version that chokes me up and makes my eyes water. Especially when watching someone else emotionally react on an empathetic level. When the tone of his voice raises and gets aggressive, that's when the flood gates start to open. Thank you for sharing 😌
Disturbed is a unique metal band, which David Draiman joined in 1995. Because of his incredible voice (originally trained to become a Jewish Cantor, as his father and grandfather were before him). In his 20s, he chose a different path. His metal voice is definitely different than most of other metal bands. In the last ten years they’ve created several nonmetal songs, Hey You, Hold On to the Memories, Don’t Tell Me…They address addiction, death , divorce…their catalog log is so diverse. I’ve learned to truly appreciate their music, the individual members of the band, and emotions they stir. Actually have a ticket to see them live in May! I understand it’s quite an emotional experience! Oh, I’m a 75 year old that appreciates great performances and am eclectic in my taste in music. Spans 65 years.
i’m right behind you i’m 63 and I actually bawled my eyes out the 1st time i heard it by Mr. Draiman . I listen to it almost everyday ♥️
His voice.....that gets me more than the lyrics. I've listened to Sounds of Silence for many decades, so the lyrics are pretty ingrained in me.
You will LOVE them live! I would see them again in a heartbeat
I'm 67 and seeing them in May as well! It will be my first concert ever! This song brought me to Disturbed and metal. ❤
@@Stardancer-fb6zg I’m seeing them May 9th at Thunder Valley Casino/Venue in Northern California.
I am almost 71 and LOVE Disturbed. This tune in particular is one of the best versions of any song I've ever heard. David Draiman uses his vocal power in such an expressive and powerful way as he sings this. The only other time I have felt this song was given such power was when I was in choral summer school at Carolina when I was about 14 or 15. There was a boy in class that sang this as part of our talent show. This kid was powerful in a different way. He opened his mouth so big and wide, and his voice was so strong that I've never forgotten his performance in all these years. Now I am wondering if it is the song or the delivery of it that leaves its imprint on us. Today as an emotional wellness/emotional intelligence coach, I appreciated your take on all this. Thank you very much!
If you liked Disturbed s version you should listen to Payton Parrish's version.He does Viking heavy metal you would like his as well
@@LarryBenzenhafer I checked him out and felt like his version was an excellent copycat. I am pleased to hear the Viking stuff though and thank you for that.
Ditto at 76!
@@suzannebaker5270
Me too. Remember when the Sound of Silence first came out. Simon and Garfunkel blew us away.
But there was so much passion in this version. Disturbed nailed it.
Simon & Garfunklel rote a warning to the world, Disturbed came and gave a hard reminder to the same problem, and then Pentatonix gives a version that speaks to the hope for tomorrow of the same song. So much power in the words of the poet that decades later we still need that message.
Great minds think alike.
The song is about death. I believe it was Simon that went into his bathroom turned off the light, while sitting in total darkness to get close as he can to the feeling of death,so while sitting in dark silence came this song also its why your hear the opening line line of the this song, "Hello darkness my dear old friend", I come to speak to you again"....then the second aspect him sitting in total darkness is the silence...therefore the song title and chorus "The Sound of Silence. This song is genius.
That's Garfunkel - not Garfield.
Probably an autocorrect issue. Happens to me a lot.
@@cecilmichaelpaulsen1489 yea it was autocorrect, I did mistype it but what I typed Garfenkel and it autocorrect to Garfield, and it took 10 minutes to turn off the autocorrect again.
I've been a musician since childhood; I'm an old lady now. In high school, my parents' church allowed a friend and I to play/sing this song during Mass. The song was new then; as teenagers we felt adults needed to 'hear' us. Disturbed's version is SO powerful; the anger is righteous. I've lost count of how many times I've listened to his version. I cry each time.
I love the way you have talked about the song and explaining the nervous system and bringing us all together.
I cry too! It’s so movingly sad and true at the same time. More so today than 60 years ago.
I saw Disturbed a year or so ago. David’s voice singing this was phenomenal. Everybody had their flashlights on and crying while singing this. Absolutely beautiful. The division in this country is so sad and I wish they all watched this video. The media controls everything. At the end of the song it shows Musicians need music and song writers need musicians ❤❤. We all need each other.
I was so connected to this video. I cried. My husband died in 2019 to pancreatic cancer. And I was mourning him. It helped me to move on.
I remember when this was a hit for S&G. When they played Disturbed's version i was driving with radio on just to have "some noise" & I was listening to a rock station. It took me second to realize what song they were playing then I realized who was singing. I had to pull into a parking lot & just listen. Before I knew it tears were falling & I was covered in goosebumps. It wasn't until not long ago I saw the video & had the same response. I have watched this so many times now & I am always moved by it. Thank you for your reaction. It is one of the best I have seen.
I've been listening to this song for quite a while, and 9 times out of 10 it still gives me goosebumps near the end.
It is griping very powerful especially this version.
I am a stroke survivor and this song hit me hard. I was 53 when I had my stroke and still have my life ahead of me. So many dreams yet to accomplished. I am grateful to be alive yet my life have completely changed. This song gives me hope, and the courage to fight on and live life to the fullest despite my situation. I love this song.❤
I'm also a neurologist, artist, and wilderness adventurer, who's recently been studying the 'neuro-aesthetic experience' and its effect on our physical and mental health. My own time spent with art and nature have helped me immensely. I loved stumbling across your channel with this video today, and really appreciate what you are doing. I don't subscribe to many channels, but will do so with yours. Keep it up!
I'm so pleased to see a neurologist commenting on the life experiences we all have. ❤
The original S/G version was a warning. This was the anger that we didn't listen to the warning.
i was literally about to type that but yours was the very 1st comment in the section, so thank you for saying it for me.
Agreed
And were still ignoring it. Luckily I'm old so my time is coming to a close. Sadly my children can't say the same.
Yep, I've read it as being...
S&G = Mother telling toddler to go to bed
D = Mother 2 hours later. Lost her sh*t
Add in the Pentatonix version which agrees that we didn't listen, but shows hopefulness that maybe we can still come back.
I cried the first time i heard Disturbed sing this version, having grown up listening to S&G and loving the original version of this song, being a 60yr old rock guy who grew up with Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin. Black Sabbath, Rainbow, saxon , Thin lizzy< Motorhead etc, this version changed me internally and mentally.
The end of the video with them bringing the instruments to the people who had written the songs so they can both finally make music together is powerful.
That wS such a powerful visual.
I think this aspect of the video is too often missed. The hope for better times.
I'm always a little envious of people who are hearing this song for the first time. :-) I enjoyed your perspective on it, thanks.
As I listened for the first time I misheard a line. The phrase, "tenement halls" became Tiananmen falls. I can't shake it and it adds a whole new dimension to my understanding and perception.
We must not forget those brave souls lost. In silence and in voice they are honoured...
The best Coversong ever !😮
Totally agree!
💯 %
Agree!!!❤❤❤❤
I’d say shinedown’s cover of Simple Man is right there with it
Add Johnny Cash's cover of Nine Inch Nails "Hurt" just below this.
Draiman brought a massive amount of emotionality to an already moving song.
Your analysis is spot on. Texting, emails, chats! when did we stop talking. Dave's voice and the band deliver with a little anger to highlight the message. Love your reaction and breakdown. Stay safe. 😎
The original version has always been one of my favourite songs. I’ve never heard this version before but it’s magnificent and gave me chills. Thank you for introducing it to me xx
Disturbed's live version of this on Conan is just as amazing to watch.
I actually disagree with this statement...it's still good, but David was sick so they required him to use an auto-tune, giving his voice a somewhat tinny sound in his higher registers, and he hates auto-tune.
@@ChefBeagz He did not know till after the song and he was pissed.
Any live version but that autotuned garbage. The one from Houston, with Myles Kennedy sharing vocals with David, is by far the best live version I've seen.
Listen to pentatonic version
Autotune? - yes (but very little). Was he sick? - yes. Worth watching the Conan live version? - absolutely. The performance was ridiculously good. The full orchestra. The guy on that big drum. And of course the voice. Just powerful stuff. Check it out, I guarantee it will be worth your time. Also check out Disturb’s “Down with the Sickness” to see what this band normally does! 😮
I'm in my 60's, grew up listening to S&G, and I've always believed that Paul Simon was one of the great American songwriters/poets of the 20th century.
The last shot of the musicians crossing the bay to join the writers is quite powerful. Fixing the divide.
I have loved this song since Simon & Garfunckle. I heard this version when it first came out and from day one, this version has been my favorite. ❤ I loved your reaction as well. I am 67 and know a lot about the human mind, from both book study and observations. You explain this so well.
As a survivor of Child abuse and major depression, i have always turned to music to keep me from committing suicide. I did seek professional help 13 yrs ago for depression, and i went from a 10 to a 0 and never looked back. My life today if full of music and gratitude, I now have inner peace and serenity, been sober for 30 years this Dec 22. But for the Grace of God there Go I.
To quote "C&C Music Factory" from one of their songs...
"The Music is my Life!"
Music and literature keep many of us alive and not alone.
So glad you are doing better! I have a similar background and have struggled for years with mental health. Music has also been a life saver for me. A year or so ago, after listening to a TH-cam reaction video on this very song (which i loved!), the next recommendation was a reaction video about a Welsh artist named Ren, singing 'Hi Ren'. I was absolutely floored, I've never been that emotionally impacted by a song. If you haven't already heard of him, I would highly recommend listening to him, you won't be sorry. I think he is the most talented artist, songwriter, storyteller of this generation. Best of luck to you!
Everyday hope to get there. But Everyday and night is hard not to give up and feel nothing , because you're tired of feeling nothing...
Me too, was abused and I play this song a lot too!
The perfect singing version and a powerful video. Kudos to whomever put the video together. A true visual artist. This song has more meaning today.
Doc. I am a veteran I suffer from PTSD and this song speaks to me because this is what I feel on the inside.
Thank you for your sacrifices and service.
This version spoke to me as I think he intended it to. It wasn't about connecting to others, Just the opposite, the lack of connection. The feeling of loneness, loss, and despair.
The world is smaller, but the distance between us is greater than ever before. The whispered warnings of Simon and Garfunkel becomes the battle call of Disturbed
This was illustrated in the movie Contact. We have all of this technology to bring us all closer together, yet that very same technology is isolating us more and more.
I so love the way you described the difference of the 2 versions.
Very well said! 😎👍
It’s clear this version touches so many people to the core❤
My mom was an OG folksy hippie in the 60’s, I got to grow up with the music of that era via her. Got to see many of them live, including Simon & Garfunkel. Them and John Denver are the ones I remember the most. But the version, still, no matter how often I hear it sends chills down my spine and makes the hair on my arms stand up. It’s truly chilling in an amazing way.
As for news, I generally stopped watching it a decade ago until … 2020. I had to stop watching again, the negativity is just too much now.
I CANNOT watch news. It destroys my nerves. I CANNOT do anything about the problems out there. So I remove myself from the information. Have to or my brain bursts.
Thank you for sharing wisdom and perspective, Neurogal MD. Introspection is indeed necessary to relate with each other. Many emotions and attitudes block society from meshing more naturally, including prejudices, conceit, fear, and perhaps the most nefarious of all...apathy. Love, joy, and peace to you and yours this Thanksgiving!
I heard someone say, that Simon and Garfunkel was the song of our youth and Disturbed’s version is for us as adults. It resonated with me.
Great reaction and insight.
The version I usually see is that the Simon and Garfunkel version was a warning about the future and the Disturbed version an angry accusation for ignoring the warning.
@@Crazael100%! This cover version is amazing.
Music can and will unite. One needs to discern causiously, with whom they chose to unite with in the days going forward.🙏🕊
The live version is phenomenal especially when you know that Dave was under the weather for the show.
Specifically the live version on The Conan O'Brian show. It will truly amaze you and tug at your emotional being.
In my opinion, that's actually a BETTER version
Hello. First, it's refreshing to have a doctor on a channel. David Draiman, lead singer, was professionally as a Cantor, as most of his male family members. Then he turned to heavy metal and hired a professional to help him develop the growl in his voice. He has an incredible range. I love this version, and yes, if you listen to the original, it's just a melancholy song. This version is a warning for people to wake up! Thanks for all your medical information. I'm almost 70, and my brain just knows what it likes! And I like this!
i’ll be 73 next week. 😊 Thanks for the background. I was fortunate to see Simon & Garfunkel at the University of Washington in the 1960s and again in Vancouver BC in about 1981. I was 17 when I graduated from high school in 1969 and absolutely immersed myself in their music. “Kathy’s song” and “For Emily, Wherever I May Find Her” are so beautiful.
Have you heard “A Whiter Shade of Pale” by Procul Harum? I’m sure you have! It’s classic rock, one of the best selling recordings of all time. Gary Brooker’s voice aged like fine wine. The performance I speak of is an outdoor venue with the Danish National Orchestra and Choir in 2006. The original release was in 1967 when I was in high school. Don’t worry about understanding the lyrics. There are a lot of theories. No, it has no association with A Canterbury Tale (the miller). Yes, there is a reminiscence Bach’s Air on A G string but according to Brooker he didn’t consciously draw from it. The song is evocative, more imagery & mood than literal.
@@Grammichal Absolutely love Whiter Shade of Pale. Great song. I grew up on Southern rock and roll. I was born in Georgia. Met Greg Allman when I was 14. They played a free concert in Piedmont Park in Atlanta, Ga. First time I had seem a long-haired, blue-eyed boy! LOL And we actually became friends, and not in a creepy way. He nicknamed me spider. I was all legs and arms - skinny! In my late 30's I was doing a TV series, and my best friend was the casting director. We needed some tatted-up guy to play the part of a Carnival roadie. I gave her the agent who was handling Greg at the time and told my friend to tell the manager to tell Greg, it was spider asking. About 30 minutes after she made that call, I was still in her office, phone rang, and she just said "yeah, hold on" with a big on grin on her face, I said hello and he said, "damn Spider, you want me for this role?" LOL We stayed friends until the day he died. I still miss him. I can't even count the number of times I would get a letter, with just the initials GA as the sender, and was always tickets and backstage passes to his concerts, any time he was playing within 200 miles of me. Loved that band and loved that man.
@
Oh my goodness! What a fabulous connection! I am a seven decade resident of the Seattle, Washington area. My grandkids are the sixth generation here. I lived one year as an exchange student in Sweden and a few years as a bride and Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It’s too liberal and expensive here but… I was able to see The Fifth Dimension & Jimi Hendrix here in the area in the late 60s when I was a teen. I was a housekeeper & nanny for a very, very dysfunctional family whose father brought all the acts s to town so I got tickets occasionally.
@@Blondemom2855 I hope you listen to the version in 2006 in the park in Denmark!
@@Grammichal By the way, Happy Birthday coming up. Both my kids are December babies - daughter just turned 41 on 12-12 and my son turned 30 on 12-15! Yes, I was 40 when I had him. He was my "surprise" baby! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you and yours. Kathy
Out of the 35 or 40 reactions I’ve watched of this version I must say I enjoyed this one the most because you are spot on with the psychological interpretations of the words and visuals of this version.. very cool 👍
Your analysis of this is the "writing on the subway wall" we need. Thank you.
According to Wikipedia, this David Draiman version (as of September) has had over one billion views on TH-cam. Thank you.
I am 70 years old and every time I listen to this I get chills and cry! I discovered Disturbed and love all their songs! David is an advocate for suicide prevention and addiction. His band is gifted!
For me, the song has always been about the emptiness of the struggle/obsession for material things/power/etc. at the expense of human connection/feeling.
Hi there! Love your subject! I am a ceder flute Carver and performer. I've witnessed many people's moods change in seconds when I play. Music is the unversal language. While traveling I play flutes. Especially when it don't speak the local language. Strangers crowd around smiling. With out saying a word !
Thank You !
You are BANG on with each thing you’ve said. God bless you and your family. I love seeing your soul come through in your message when you talk
Hi there. My name is Gale and I am 73 years old. This is the first time I’ve ever listened to your podcast and I think that you are outstanding! my husband and I both enjoyed it very much and I look forward to more from you. Thanks for all that you do for others.
Hello Miss Gale! I get this feeling you would be a joy to be friends with! Wishing you and your hubby a very happy holiday ❤❤😇
I believe that Music, Dance, Laughter, really any form of ART uses a universal language that can break down barriers and bring people closer together. Absolutely.
Great reaction. Never met Draiman, but we bought his old place in Austin. He left all the furniture. We've since sold it but I kept his bed and desk. That place, and his stuff always had good energy.
Brilliant analysis. Thank you. The only things I’d like to add is to your comments about the flashy things we worship and how they lack meaning. As human beings we are made to worship. And when we don’t focus our worship intentionally, we worship the distractions, and it’s a lonely journey of worship when it is unfocused, and unintentional. We all worship something, or someone.
I love that you are talking about this right now. This is so apropos right now. I think this song is so appropriate for the times. I fully agree with all you are saying about the nervous system not being able to handle the times. I love that you are bringing this to people's attention. Thank you for this.
This is the #1 best song reaction of any kind that I’ve seen. I’ve watched hundreds and hundreds!
I always think of this song when I see people at a cafe or something and all have their phones up looking through social media instead of being social with each other. "People talking without speaking, people hearing without listening" seems to represent how "social" media has affected our behaviour towards eachother.
And here we are , on social media !! Ironic .😊
Your reaction was wonderful. As a man who is looking and trying to find the quiet and truths within from whatever the source., Your analysis was spot on. Music is so powerful and can bring so many deep feeling and connections and maybe even homesickness and longing for places and people that we are just feelings and hunches. Longing for a home we don't remember but sense has always been there. Thank you.
And it's often so powerful to dissect a song one would not normally associate with a deeper message... only to find it so.
For example... Five for Fighting's "Superman".
At first glance, a catchy song... but FAR deeper once you dive into the lyrics, as is the case with most of their songs.
For me, music is cleansing. When I've had a bad day music, as you emphasized, resets my mind, body and soul. Brent Smith of Shinedown said it best, "Without music, life has no meaning." I grew up in the 70's and 80's and I was exposed to all genres of music back to the 50's to the present. I like songs from all genres... except maybe hip-hop and rap. When I heard that Disturbed covered Sound of Silence, I knew, without hearing it, that it was going to be great. They've covered other songs in the past, and hit it out of the park. When I watched the video, I was blown away.
Disturbed -The Sound of Silence video has over 1 BILLION views in 8 YEARS. 1 Billion seconds is equal to 32 years. This means, that more than three, almost four people, had to click play, every second of every day for 8 years. WOW!!!
And that's only here on this platform. It doesn't even include all the people who listened to it somewhere else. It's amazing.
This rendition of this song has a level of rage the S&G never had. Because most of us feel that submerged rage but are powerless to express it. So much has been out of the ordinary person's control.
Laura: Excellent comment
Thank you for your great reaction to this video! Goosebumps every time. Luv from Australia ❤️🎼❤️🎼❤️
I want to thank you Neurogal MD for your deep dive on this song. Everything you explained I can totally relate to. Thank you so much. Now I understand why this song touched me so much.
I have been listening to reaction videos since the Covid lockdowns. I wasn't sure what drew me to them except that I found myself feeling shared emotions during each reaction. There was great comfort in watching someone react the same a I was, wether it be sorrow, joy, awe or fear. Your reaction to Disturbed's version of "Sound of Silence", and the followup explanation of our nervous system helped me to confirm why I am drawn to these videos. In Ren's video "Ren", his reminding us that we should not forget that we are "All human beings", makes me feel like I am connected to both reactors and performers and that has had both a calming and healing affect on me. Thank You.
PS I liked the Conan version a little bit more than the video production.
I'm 72 yrs old and remember in 8th grade in Middle River Jr High School when This song came out it had a message only if you listened to it a few times you got the meaning of It ❤❤❤❤❤❤
I've just found your channel and I'm sorry I don't know your name. I'm 52 now but when I was 13 I was diagnosed with Syringomyelia, due to a syrinx on my spine next to my brainstem. It caused all kinds of problems throughout my life but I've been a guitarist and musician since I was 9 and something you said about the stimulus of music helps. I was told I'd be in a wheelchair by the time I was 40. Well, I do use a cane now but I'm far from a wheelchair. Recent visits to my neurosurgeon have let me know that the syrinx has healed up and no more fluids are entering my column near my brainstem. But damage has been done throughout my body. I can't play instruments like I did but I feel when I do it helps. Thank you for this video.
There is a version on TH-cam using the combat footage from recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and it is very powerful, especially for Veterans like myself. My war was Vietnam but the imagery and association is the same. When you combine the visual with the audio it forms memory chains that can last a lifetime. Associative memory, as in association to sounds, visuals and olfactory sources do produce emotional chains and those emotional; chains can directly affect the body's responses. They can also affect PTSD (this is something I know all to well from personal experience. When I first heard this version of Sound of Silence I had a deep emotional reaction and the ball started rolling down the dark PTSD path. Luckily I know how to stop this. After I ran through this song several times I found I could handle it. The processes of the mind can be controlled if we calm down and step away from the panic. To each of us this song means something different and Dr Neurogal you explained it very very well.
Your commentary on the media reminded me of the song "Dirty Laundry" by Don Henley. Especially the repeated lines "kick 'em when they're up, kick 'em when they're down." I first heard Disturbed's cover about 8 years ago, and was completely blown away. If I remember correctly, the "neon god" was a kick against Television. Television has been instrumental in the breakdown of society. Years back, people gathered on their front porches to chat, or talked over the fence. But now, kids, and adults are mesmerize by their cell phones/tablets...my grandsons are addicted to their phones, and it is disheartening. But the last year, their parents have been weaning them away from them. But enough of that. Great review and commentary on the autonomous nervous system. I recently read about the stress hormone cortisol. Very interesting what it does to the body and nervous system.
I will never understand how Simon and Garfunkel predicted social media like this.
Well, they sort of didn't... The "Neon God" is the television... But the effects are very similar
It's prophetic peoples hearts & emotions gone cold wrapped up in their own affairs the Neon god could be the image that speaks & is brought to life described in the book of Revelation 🤔
I sometimes think that I'm wasting time when listening to reaction videos. Well, this time I also learnt some stuff! Thanks.
Also, you got validation for watching other reaction videos as well. It can be good for your parasympathetic nervous system. ;)
Music is one of the things that is helping me through my battle with cancer. When I am having a bad day there are songs for that, feeling depressed there are songs for that, etc... It is so amazing how much music can not only heal and our minds but help heal our bodies as well.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I completely agree - music has such a unique ability to meet us exactly where we are, whether it’s lifting us up or helping us process difficult emotions. I’m so glad it’s been a source of comfort and healing for you during your journey. Sending you so much love and positive energy as you continue to fight this battle-you’ve got this ❤️🎶
At 13:00 you touched on something I find incredibly fascinating. This sympathetic response to the emotional state of groups enjoying the same media. I've listened to the song so many times, I love this song. But I found myself becoming slightly emotional listening to it this time again as I realized that you were also emotional while listening. Almost immediately after you touched on that phenomenon and I had the light bulb come on. This happens to me so often and I never understood it and it's really cool.
They did a live version of this song on Conan back in 2016. The lead singer was quite sick but they did a FANTASTIC job with this song. It shows thei real talent.
The video's silence at the opening says it all without saying anything...The Sounds of Silence. Incredibly powerful...just like the performance.
I've never heard another song that hit harder and harder as it went along. It takes you from feeling emotional at the first verse to feeling utterly floored by the last verse.
So grateful that you reacted to this. I found it a few months ago and was totally enthralled with everything about it. It seems to me that Paul Simon wrote this for this band to cover… especially in the cultural climate today.
This is my first time seeing one of your videos. I have always loved this song and David Draiman. I have autism and severe PTSD but am also a musical savant. Music has enabled me to communicate more effectively with the world around me. I agree with you that music is the universal language because it brings people together. Thank you for sharing your insight and for reviewing such a great song!
There are 4 top choices of this song:
Simon & Garfunkel: the original, the first warning.
Pentatonix: the follow up warning.
Disturbed: anger that you ignored the warning
Geoff Castelucci: sadness that we ignored the warning
This version, and even more so the live version done on Conan, are so powerful.
The studio recording by Simon & Garfunkel has flaws, I think their live recordings are much better.
The most commonly MISSED warning of this song. The BIBLICAL warning. C'mon people! This was originally a GOSPEL song!
Listen to Bleeker Street. Similar message. Totally Biblical.
Sad, that so many are moved by this song but don't really fully understand WHY. Why this happened.
I know the song, and I really enjoyed watching your face and the micro-expressions that came across it. Slightly widening eyes, furrowing of the brow, clenching of the jaw, a head tilt, eyes subtly watering at the end. Almost every reviewer I've watched has the exact same reactions at the same points in the song, which I find not surprising, but kind of amazing. We really are alike on a primal level.
Musical empathy seems to be on a spectrum. Those (like me) at one end, highly empathic, shivering and crying. Towards the other end those that never seem to do much except, maybe, be aware of the beat.
Just found you!! So grateful and thankful for this.
I listened to this regularly growing up. Mom had a thing for Simon and Garfunkel as well as Neil Diamond.
If I had a shrink half as intelligent as you are as a Neurologist, I wouldn’t have issues. Thank you for sympathizing as well as empathizing here.
Absolutely awesome reaction and explanation; especially from a neurological/bodily reaction side of things, well done Doc. When music moves you, you absolutely know it, and when you actually let it wash over you, it can be life altering.
First time to your channel. I’m hooked. I love the way you take time to explain how these type of songs that convey emotion actually affect our nervous systems! Thank you, it’s very interesting. (Plus your voice is soothing, and you’re quite easy on the eyes!)
i have epilepsy. one day i had a massive seizure, and was placed in a medical coma for about a month. during the recovery phase, i couldn't really use my hands or walk. i am a huge metal head, and music is life. i would get mad when my mom would try to put my ear buds in and it wasn't done right. my drive to listen to music and get back in the mosh pit again, is what sped up my healing process.
Beautiful commentary. I never tire of listening to and watching that Sound of Silence video. It gets me every time. And your interpretation is spot on! Poetry and words can essentially unite us. Thank you.
In recent memory, there was a time where we all faced an invisible threat and were told to stay away from others. It's easy to join the dots from there to how people are currently interacting or not interacting with each other. There's a quite noticeable lack of trust.
The lyrics of this song are prophetic in todays world more than ever.
That verse, "People talking without speaking, people hearing without listening." SO DESCRIBES the Internet. The original "Neon God" in the Simon and Garfield was the Television. The new Neon God is the LCD Screen of the Laptop. And have you heard/seen Johnny Cash's "Hurt" video?
I love your analogy. It confirms things I thought of this song. I'm a 68 year old man, I've lived life and always sought the knowledge of when bad idea things happen, what is my fault in that situation, so they never happen again. Music is a great teacher for me. I'm a classic rocker, but the music that got my soul in how to live in this world is Neil Young. One song told me who the right woman to be my wife would be. After 2 failed marriages, I dedicated myself to listening to the lyrics of music, where I could find and feel wisdom in life. I remained alone for 22 years, thinking I am meant for solitude seeking only wisdom and knowledge. The end of my last marriage was 1982, when I was 25. I learned how to play Neil Young s music and it was the song "Like a Hurricane" that taught me the characteristics of the right partner for me. Didn't think she existed, so, it was a nice dream I loved feeling. To my disbelief, I meet a woman on line when I was 46, I lived in AZ and she lived in Oregon. It was safe, I felt, to let her know the deepest parts of me. We talked more over 9 months, when it dawned on me, I was learning her true self to. Still, never wanting to take that chance, I resided in myself that she would always be only a fanciful cyber friend, nothing more. Long story short, it didn't work out that way. She traveled to me, just for a visit but, when I really seen her eyes, it was like living that song as if that song was only a prophecy for me. That was in 2003 and we've been happily married ever since. Just wanted to share that with you, that music is more powerful than we give it credit for. Also, would like you to analyze that song to hear what your thoughts are.
Thanks for your insight ❤ if you haven’t done it already, i highly recommend Jonny Cash’s cover of Nine Inch Nail’s song Hurt. I think you will be moved. The video is so poignant.
I was going to recommend the same.
His Swan song, saying goodbye to his life. He made this his own and gave us a song for the ages.
I believe Trent Reznor said “the song is his now”, or something to that effect.
One up Vote for "Hurt"
@charlesbryson7443 as far as I'm aware, when he heard the song, he hated it. But once he watched the music video he said the song wasn't his anymore, it was Johnny's. Personally I love both versions, to me they're very different songs. Reznors version is a young man angry with the world and himself, and Cash's version is a young man looking back on his life with regret
Great reaction!!
So many things you said resonated with me, I should have taken notes along the way to share what I feel.
As a wee kid in the 60’s … music was always there
And luckily I had amazing parents , that at a young age taught me
To be me ❤️🙏
I'm an anthropologist, with particular interest in paleo anthropology. Early in the video you touched on something I think is fundamental to the issues we face in the wealthy, generally settled west. The world for which we are evolved, physically, mentally and emotionally doesn't exist for most of us. We are still the maximally evolved ape of 200,000 years ago, and very poorly prepared for what we face now. Humans are stunningly good at adaptation, uniquely so I would say, so perhaps we can transcend our current predicament, but we need time. Music, and also comedy, seem to be universal ways of bonding. I have seen reactions to this track and others, from as disparate people as Afghani tribesmen, Sub-saharan Africans, Europeans and Americans and the response is always the same.
I've heard this song a thousand times but never really listened to the words until this version. I can't believe the irony.
I really like this version, never heard this version before & it’s been many years since I’ve heard the original.
Disturbed owned this with their version. That aside, I came out about the time my 82 year old mother was diagnosed with cancer. She actually enjoyed this. She said it was our song.
Whenever I need to really have a good sob, this is it.
I'm kind of a fan of watching reaction videos to music that I dig so I'm not surprised that your channel popped into my feed. I don't usually follow them so much as just give a like and move on however you've earned my follow with this one.
I never noticed that one group holds sheet music and the other instruments before you pointed it out. Very profound indeed.
I agree that this song is about people connecting with one another through music.
You spoke about a lot of things from fear based media to introspection and ways to rest and relax and it all resonated with me deeply. Very beautiful analysis of a great song. Thank you! I'm looking forward to check out more of your reactions to other songs.
Es ist klasse, da gibt es nichts zu sagen, aber nur bei dem Original kommen mir immer noch die Tränen.
The most common "neon god" today is our phone. No matter where you go today you see people staring at it like zombies. I tried for years to get my son and his wife to put away their phones when we went out to dinner but never succeeded. So I finally stopped trying. Today we're farther apart emotionally than we've ever been. Somehow I doubt that's ever going to change.
This version is in the same category as Johnny Cash and his version of Hurt, they took the original and made it their own.
I have this song on my playlist and every time I listen to it I get chills and very emotional. Until now I didn’t truly understand what the song was about. How profound! Thank you for sharing! 🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️