I Am a Rock

Paul Simon

About I Am a Rock

"I Am a Rock" is a song written by Paul Simon. It was first performed by Simon alone as the opening track on his album The Paul Simon Songbook which he originally recorded and released in August 1965, only in the United Kingdom. Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, as the American folk rock duo Simon and Garfunkel, re-recorded it on December 14, 1965, and included as the final track on their album Sounds of Silence, which they released on January 17, 1966.


Year:
1965
224 
#2

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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.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

I've built walls,
A fortress deep and mighty,
That none may penetrate.
I have no need of friendship, friendship causes pain.
It's laughter and it's loving I disdain.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

Don't talk of love,
But I've heard the words 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.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

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.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

And a rock feels no pain,
And an island never cries.

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Paul Simon

Paul Frederic Simon (born October 13, 1941) is an award-winning musician whose talents in composing, performing, and vocal harmony placed him at the forefront of the singer-songwriters on an international scale. Simon's fame, influence and commercial success began as part of the duo Simon & Garfunkel, formed in 1964 with musical partner Art Garfunkel. Simon wrote most of the pair's songs, including three that reached No. 1 on the U.S. singles charts: "The Sounds of Silence," "Mrs. Robinson," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water." The duo split up in 1970 at the height of their popularity, and Simon began a successful solo career, recording three highly acclaimed albums over the next five years. In 1986, he released Graceland, an album inspired by South African… more »

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Written by: Paul Simon

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Album
"I Am a Rock" first appeared on Paul Simon's solo album, 'The Paul Simon Song Book,' which was only released in the UK in 1965.
Simon and Garfunkel Version
The song saw heightened popularity when it was re-recorded with Art Garfunkel as 'Simon & Garfunkel.' This version was included in their album, 'Sounds of Silence,' released in 1966.
Chart Performance
The 'Simon & Garfunkel' version of "I Am a Rock" peaked at Number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Lyrics Inspiration
The lyrics contain several literary references. The line, "I have my books and my poetry to protect me" suggests that Simon may have been influenced by his own love of words or by his experiences as an English major at Queens College.
Critical Reception
The song has been praised for its poetic lyrics and has been interpreted as a commentary on post-World War II society, particularly the social withdrawal practices of the younger generation.
Cover Versions
"I Am a Rock" has been covered by a number of artists, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Church, and Me First and the Gimme Gimmes.
Awards
Although "I Am a Rock" did not win any awards itself, the 'Sounds of Silence' album was given a Grammy Hall of Fame award in 2004 for its cultural significance.
Symbolism
The song's metaphors around a rock and an island are thought to represent emotional isolation and independence.
Use in Pop Culture
"I Am a Rock" has featured in numerous popular culture platforms, like the TV series 'The Wonder Years,' 'The Simpsons,' and in the film 'Margaret.'
Song Length
The length of the "I Am a Rock" song is approximately 2 minutes and 50 seconds on the original 'Sounds of Silence' album.
Live Performances
The song was a regular part of Simon & Garfunkel's set list during their concert tours in the 1960s, as well as in their reunion tours.

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