The Sounds of Silence

Simon, Paul. Simon and Garfunkel. "The Sounds of Silence" (vt "The Sound of Silence"). On Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. Columbia, CS 9049, n.d. Art Garfunkel's note gives the date of composition as 19 Feb. 1964. Authorized music and lyrics given in The Songs of Paul Simon (New York: Knopf, 1972).

Note people bowing and praying to a deified neon sign. Note also the use of this song in Mike Nichols's film THE GRADUATE (1967): it is associated with the protagonist—Benjamin Braddock—and an airplane, a "people mover," car keys, and a bus. A touchstone work for many in the generation of Simon and Garfunkel.

The final shot on the bus is wittily referenced at the conclusion of Archer: "Skin Game".