Simon & Garfunkel

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
A winter’s day
In a deep and dark December
I am alone
Gazing from my window
To the streets below
On a freshly fallen, silent shroud of snow

[Refrain]
I am a rock
I am an island

[Verse 2]
I’ve built walls
A fortress, steep and mighty
That none may penetrate
I have no need of friendship
Friendship causes pain
It’s laughter and it’s loving I disdain

[Refrain]
I am a rock
I am an island

[Verse 3]
Don’t talk of love
Well, I’ve heard the word before
It’s sleeping in my memory
I won’t disturb the slumber
Of feelings that have died
If I never loved, I never would have cried
[Refrain]
I am a rock
I am an island

[Verse 4]
I have my books
And my poetry to protect me
I am shielded in my armor
Hiding in my room
Safe within my womb
I touch no one and no one touches me

[Refrain]
I am a rock
I am an island

[Outro]
And a rock feels no pain
And an island never cries

Simon & Garfunkel's iconic song, "I Am a Rock," serves as a powerful exploration of human isolation and emotional self-preservation. Released in the spring of 1966, this melancholic ballad effortlessly captivated listeners with its poignant lyrics and mesmerizing melodies. As the closing track of the influential album "Sounds of Silence," "I Am a Rock" further solidified Simon & Garfunkel's status as unparalleled musical storytellers. With its introspective and introspective exploration of love and loss, this song continues to resonate with audiences of all generations.

About I Am a Rock

"I Am a Rock" delves deep into the theme of isolation, depicting a narrator who has erected emotional barriers to shield themselves from the pain of love. The lyrics portray someone who has been hurt in the past and decides to distance themselves from others, declaring, "I am a rock, I am an island." This powerful metaphor reinforces the idea of emotional detachment, as the narrator seeks solace in their self-imposed solitude.

The structure of the song, as noted by a reviewer, adds an intriguing dimension to the lyrical experience. Each verse begins with three unrhymed lines, followed by two rhymed lines and then the two unrhymed lines that form the chorus. This pattern creates a jagged barrier of unrhymed lines surrounding the rhymes, conjuring imagery of barbed wire or a point-tipped fence. Such poetic construction enhances the feelings of sadness and anger within the song, encapsulating the narrator's emotional turmoil.

"I Am a Rock" initially appeared in Simon's solo album, "The Paul Simon Songbook," a year prior to its inclusion in "Sounds of Silence." Simon and Garfunkel later re-recorded the song for their widely recognized album, recognizing its potential to resonate with a wider audience. Released as a single in 1966, "I Am a Rock" quickly climbed to the impressive #3 spot on Billboard's Hot 100, solidifying Simon & Garfunkel's position as chart-topping artists. The song's success further contributed to their remarkable string of hits during this period.

Musically, "I Am a Rock" showcases Simon & Garfunkel's ability to seamlessly intertwine their harmonies, creating a hypnotic and haunting atmosphere. The gentle strumming of the acoustic guitar serves as a steady heartbeat throughout the song, while Garfunkel's ethereal vocals add an extra layer of emotional depth. The sparse instrumentation allows the lyrics to take center stage, emphasizing the song's introspective nature.

Lyrically, "I Am a Rock" shines a light on the complexities of human emotions, especially those related to love and vulnerability. The narrator's decision to distance themselves from others, to become an emotional island, reflects the universal fear of being hurt. The lyrics vividly describe the narrator's desire to shield themselves from pain, showcasing a relatable struggle we all face at some point in our lives.

Simon & Garfunkel's ability to craft such evocative lyrics is a testament to their songwriting prowess. The words paint a vivid picture of the narrator's emotional state, using metaphors and imagery to convey their inner turmoil. Lines such as "I have my books and my poetry to protect me / I am shielded in my armor, hiding in my room" reveal the narrator's coping mechanisms, highlighting their need for self-protection.

As the song progresses, the lyrics subtly shift, exposing the vulnerability beneath the narrator's hardened exterior. The lines "I have my books and my poetry / I have my music and my soul" hint at their longing for connection and the profound impact art can have on one's emotional well-being. This juxtaposition of emotional armor and the underlying desire for human connection adds emotional depth to the song, resonating with listeners on a profound level.

Ultimately, "I Am a Rock" stands as an enduring testament to the human struggle to find emotional balance in a world filled with pain. Simon & Garfunkel's poignant lyrics and haunting melodies have solidified this song as a timeless masterpiece, continuing to resonate with audiences across generations. Whether it's the exquisite harmonies, introspective lyrics, or the universal theme of isolation, "I Am a Rock" remains an unforgettable musical journey into the depths of the human soul.

• Release Date: January 17, 1966
• Artist: Simon & Garfunkel