Candle In The Wind And The Sound Analysis

Simon and Garfunkel sing, “People writing songs that voices never share,” in their song “The Sound of Silence.” This idea rings true in “The Sound of Silence” and “Candle in the Wind” as both songs portray an idea of loneliness and isolation. “The Sound of Silence” was written by Paul Simon, performed by Simon and Garfunkel, and covered by Disturbed. Released in 1966, the song exposes man’s inability to connect with other humans. Similarly, Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind,” written in 1973, is a tribute to Marilyn Monroe’s overdose in 1962 and her lonely life as a star. Furthermore, both songs share similarities in their themes, lyrics, and music video, which all include a strong use of archetypes to lead to an idea of loneliness. The songwriters
Loneliness falls under the experience, depression, and death side of the Symbolic Cycle. “The Sound of Silence” uses words like darkness, alone, silence, cancer and raindrops to portray that. These words can all fall under the category of death, which is the absolute isolation. Although no one is dying in this songs, the death of these people’s ideas are prominent, now that they are slaves to the media. “Candle in the Wind” contains an important archetype of a candle, which implies a flame. Fire is an archetype for knowledge and life. Elton John sings, “Your candle burned out long before/ Your legend ever did,” and describes her as a candle in the wind. This symbol clearly describes this idea of Monroe’s death and how her solitude was surely going to burn her out. Words like rain, loneliness, and pain add to the theme as well. Both song’s use the archetype of rain as well. Since rain covers the sun, it shows darkness and depression and even symbolizes human tears. Though the lyrics show many great symbols, the archetypes do not cease
The Symbolic Cycle is evident in the music through the lyrics and music videos. Although the songs are very stylistically different, their themes are the same idea of loneliness and isolation. Each popular musician used the symbolic cycle to tell people to reach out and communicate, not sit in isolation. Listen to Simon and Garfunkel’s advice from when they sing, “Hear my words that I might teach you. /Take my arms that I might reach