I Am A Rock
Simon And Garfunkel · Other Songs - Simon And Garfunkel
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.
About I Am A Rock
Simon & Garfunkel's "I Am A Rock" stands as a poignant reflection on the fragility of fame and the enduring nature of artistic integrity. Released during a pivotal period in their career, the track captures the duo's signature blend of acoustic storytelling and philosophical inquiry. The song explores the tension between public adulation and private vulnerability, using the metaphor of a rock to symbolize both stability and the unyielding weight of expectation. Musically, the recording features the pair's characteristic interplay of harmonies and vocal duets, delivered over a sparse arrangement that emphasizes lyrical clarity. It serves as a testament to their ability to dissect complex human emotions without resorting to melodrama. While often overshadowed by their most commercially successful works, "I Am A Rock" remains a significant piece in their catalog, offering a mature perspective on the cost of success and the search for authenticity within the music industry.