i am a rock essay

The Meaning Behind The Song: I Am a Rock by Simon & Garfunkel

The meaning behind the song: “i am a rock” by simon & garfunkel.

The song “I Am a Rock” by Simon & Garfunkel, released in 1965, is a profound composition that dives deep into the experiences of isolation, emotional detachment, and self-imposed solitude. It delves into the human desire to protect oneself from the pain and disappointments of the world by building emotional barriers. Through its poignant lyrics and melancholic melody, “I Am a Rock” resonates with listeners on a universal level as it explores the complexities of human emotions and the longing for connection.

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The theme of emotional isolation is prevalent throughout the song. The narrator expresses a desire to withdraw from the world and build emotional walls around themselves. The lyrics, “I am shielded in my armor, hiding in my room, safe within my womb, I touch no one and no one touches me,” encapsulate the narrator’s inclination towards self-preservation and avoiding any form of vulnerability. It portrays a person who has experienced emotional pain and has chosen to shut themselves off from others to protect themselves from further hurt.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “I Am a Rock” by Simon & Garfunkel

1. what is the inspiration behind “i am a rock”.

The inspiration behind “I Am a Rock” comes from the personal experiences of the songwriters, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. As artists, they often grappled with feelings of isolation and the desire to retreat from the world. The song acts as a reflection of those emotions and serves as an outlet for their introspections.

2. What does the line “I have my books and my poetry to protect me” signify?

The line “I have my books and my poetry to protect me” signifies the protagonist’s reliance on intellectual pursuits and creative expression as a means of escapism. It suggests that immersing oneself in literature and art can provide solace and shield one from the emotional tolls of real-world relationships.

3. Does “I Am a Rock” have a deeper meaning beyond the literal interpretation?

Yes, “I Am a Rock” holds deeper symbolism beyond the literal interpretation. While the song’s lyrics directly address solitude and emotional withdrawal, it can also be seen as a metaphor for the human struggle to find a sense of belonging and acceptance in a world that often feels overwhelming. It speaks to the universal desire for emotional connection while acknowledging the fear and pain that can accompany it.

4. How does the song resonate with listeners today?

Even decades after its release, “I Am a Rock” continues to resonate with listeners across generations. Its exploration of the complexities of human emotions, loneliness, and the desire for self-preservation strikes a chord with individuals who have experienced similar feelings. The timeless nature of the song allows it to remain relevant and relatable, reassuring listeners that they are not alone in their emotional struggles.

Please note that the above FAQs and their answers are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect actual frequently asked questions about the song “I Am a Rock” by Simon & Garfunkel.

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I Am a Rock

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I Am A Rock by Simon & Garfunkel

Songfacts®:

• This song is about a recluse locking himself away from the world. When he says, "I am a rock, I am an island," he means away from everything and everyone. It's far from autobiographical, as Paul Simon was doing his best to write a hit song with this effort, and didn't write it for himself. The use of the word "rock" is interesting in that Simon considered himself a folk singer, and didn't associate himself with rock music. In the vast majority of songs with the word "rock" in the lyrics, it is used to imply music or lifestyle, but for Simon, it was just a piece of stone. He did the same thing in 1973 for his song "Loves Me Like A Rock."
• This song has one of more perplexing histories of recordings and releases. Written by Paul Simon before he hit it big as a musician, the song was offered to the duo Chad and Jeremy, who turned it down. Simon then recorded it himself for his UK solo album (released in America 1981) The Paul Simon Songbook , which was released in the UK in August 1965. The single was issued in September but didn't chart despite a performance by Simon on the show Ready, Steady. Go! Simon was going solo at this time because the Simon & Garfunkel 1964 debut album Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M. had stiffed, and the duo split up. Late in 1965, the producer Tom Wilson overdubbed and remixed a track from that album, " The Sound Of Silence ," and it became a huge hit. Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel were summoned back to the studio, where they recorded the singles "I Am A Rock" and " Homeward Bound ," which were included on their Sound of Silence album. These songs were recorded with producer Bob Johnston at one of the Columbia Records studios in New York City, and now released with a more contemporary sound, "I Am A Rock" became a hit for the duo.
• In the UK, this was released three times in a one year span: first as the original Paul Simon single in 1965, then in the summer of 1966 it was released as an EP and again as a single. The song was very popular there in 1966, but the chart position suffered because the sales of the single were diluted by multiple releases.
• The guitarist on the Simon & Garfunkel hit version of this song was Ralph Casale , who was a top session player in the '60s. He remembers organist Al Kooper and drummer Bobby Gregg - both associated with Bob Dylan - also performing on the song. Describing the sessions, Ralph told us: "The band was booked from 7:00 p.m. into the wee hours of the morning. I was given a lead sheet for 'I Am A Rock' with just chords and asked to play the electric twelve string guitar. The producer wanted a sound similar to the Byrds. It was important that session players became familiar with the current hits because many times producers describe the style they want by referring to well known groups. Paul Simon sang the figure he wanted me to play between verses and asked me to play it in thirds. The rest was left to me. 'Homeward Bound' was on that same date."
• More songs from Simon & Garfunkel
• More songs about being misunderstood
• More songs from 1966
• Lyrics to I Am A Rock
• Simon & Garfunkel Artistfacts

Comments: 53

• Kevin Chaney from Us I am 65 and this song has provided comfort and a place of refuge and strength 3 times now in my life.
• Chris Years ago, I read that they had 4 degrees between them, 1 being English Lit. Could there be any link to John Donne's poem, Meditation 17 ? "No man is an island, entire of itself..........& therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee" Any connection perhaps ?
• Miles from Vancouver, Canada When I hear this song (or even just read the lyrics), I picture myself all stretched out in a walk-in linen closet at someone's house. Maybe describing yourself as a rock and an island gives you a warm fuzzy feeling.
• Jennifur Sun Always wondered who did that neat guitar part on this song. Thanks Ralph Casale. And have felt like the lyric and a rock feels no pain and an island never cries in my life.
• Internet Detective from Nostalgia Hole The terms "rock" and "womb" are very common in Christian Lyrics, and often these lyrics reference the specific passage in the bible where Jesus calls Peter his "rock" upon which the religion of Christianity will be founded. Here rock is a representation of unbreakable faith. So to me, the song is less about being a recluse physically and more about being isolated mentally, like the singer has decided to form their own religion, their own sect of ideas, their own solid faith, a rock which is unbreakable, and it is a rock separate from all other rocks, and thus can be called an island.
• Bobby from Holbrook, Ny It's my 'runner-up' best song of all time! (Oh, OK. My #1 song is The Byrds' rendition of 'The Bells Of Rhymney.') While much is to be said pertaining to the lyrics, I just love the music. The bass and 12-string are my instruments. It's simple, and poignant. There's no silly 'key changes' nor 'middle-eights' to break up the monotony, because there isn't any. Just powerful words and music. I also like the intro and the ending, basically the same, with the ending closing with a nice fade. I'm done. Thanks.
• Roy from Slough This song means more to me than any other Paul Simon song for personal reasons. I prefer the solo version on "songbook" it should be a song sung solo. If you like this you should like "most peculiar man,"which is perhaps even sadder & deserves its own discussion on here. This is also on "songbook"
• Tom from Perth, Australia The ultimate ode to the lyrical cynic!
• John from Wilmington, De I see the narrator of this song as a painfully shy, extremely introverted, intellectual adolescent boy from 15 to 17 years old. He has become infatuated with a girl who goes to his school. He asked her for a date. It took him an enormous amount of courage to do this. She either turned him down, or she accepted one date with him. He was too nervous to say very much. She was uncomfortable with him. She did not accept a second date. Now he pretends that he does not care, that he is too strong and too hard to care, but he is terribly hurt.
• Matthew from Toronto, On Paul Simon seems embarrassed by this song today, and virtually disowns it. But I think it's the perfect embodiment of teenage isolation, and perfectly in keeping with the theme of the 2 hits that preceded it, "Sounds of Silence" & "Homeward Bound," both of which were predicated on loneliness & alienation. A maladjusted teenager myself at the time, I identified with this song, heart & soul, and loved it to death. Sitting in my room, listening to this song on my tiny transistor radio, I finally found my voice.
• Jeffrey from Taipei, Taiwan A very sad song, but best of all times!
• Hillary from Houston, Tx Funny others mentioned Donne. I recently got a tiny tatoo: "une ile". I originally considered it my f-you to John Donne. Then I was reminded of this song, glad others thought like me.
• Hannah from Charlottetown, Pe I love this song.And ever since some classmates did a presentation on how this song could be about Holden Caulfield, I can't help but think of him when I hear this song.
• Dayton from Memphis, Tn I have always thought that this song was a declaration of a man who was not a rock, but needed people, and had been hurt. I am a rock was what he told the world, almost convincing himself. You can almost hear the truth seeping through at the end of the song, when the music and backing vocal fade into a single, solo voice, "and an island never cries." This is like the man who appears tough, mean, invincible, who is really the opposit.
• Mike from Granum, Ab A great song, sadly I have lived it. A person can choose to build a fortress where he can be safe from attack, safe from pain, and hence never need shed any tears. But hopefully the person will realize that a rock feels no joy either. The room that is cozzy as a womb becomes a tomb. The heart, given enough time, will become hard and incapable of any feeling. I choose to come out of my room at the risk of pain in order that I might also know joy. I repeat, I really like this song. I understand Simon. I think at times a person who is hurt will retreat to his room. This is okay for a time. Sadly, some stay in their room, never to come out. They stay in their fortress, like a turtle drawn into its armored shell. But this is not living, but only existing.
• Nadia from Kiev, Ukraine this is about an "anomalous man." He is extremely intelligent, but his life is empty. He has developed a hard exterior to hide the hurt inside that he may have experienced from the past. He tried to love and once had friends but was rejected for being different. He doesn't feel victimizes, he feels like a hero. Like he is better than everyone else and will not subject himself to the meaningless lives of everyday people.
• Breanna from Henderson, Nv This is so my song. This song so discribes me. This and John Lennon's Watching the Wheels, so totally are me.
• Dan from Lockport, Ny The upbeat music sure disguises the fact of the lyrics.I believe Paul said that at the time he wrote this,he was sick.It's a song about "screw the world",I don't need anyone or anything. I have my place with all my comforts to protect me, what more do I need?"Until you think about it, "a rock feels no pain and an island never cries."It's about depression.
• Eve from Pécs, Hungary I think Paul Simon though writing about being a rock and an island, knows perfectly well at the same time that it is impossible, but he feels people sometimes are inclined to feel like this, mainly when hurt emotionally, and they imagine they can do this, they can be successful by relying only on themselves. But I think Paul is much more sensible and emotionally mature than believing that it is really possible. Yes, he's speaking about being a rock but he surely knows it's only a substitute for real human attitude and feelings in times of distress and lonelyness. Like saying, if you don't want me, I don't want you.
• Steve Dotstar from Los Angeles, Ca When I first heard this song on the radio while in the car I really paid attention to the lyrics... part of what was great about the 60's...Paul Simon!
• Julia from Brooklyn, Ny Hey, has anyone ever noticed the similarities between this song's lyrics and the poem "The Raven" by Edgar Allen Poe? I'd be interested to know if the poem did influence the song, but I haven't found any claims backing up that theory. Thoughts?
• Kevin from Reading , Pa Uh, Sarah from Vegas, you don't know what you're writing about. Yes, "I Am a Rock" was written by Simon (as all the songs were) and recorded a version on his Songbook album (as he did "April Come She Will," "kathy's song" and numerous others) but the song was re-recorded once S&G reunited and got the Columbia contract. Simon's voice is the lead on this, but Garfunkel can clearly be heard singing harmony and unison parts.
• Sarah from Las Vegas, Nv 1965 was the original release date of Paul Simon's Songbook.
• Sarah from Las Vegas, Nv Actually this song is not by Simon and Garfunkel. This was a solo project for Paul Simon off of his Paul Simon Songbook. He takes all the credit...sorry Garfunkel lovers.
• Nick from Bethlehem, Pa I can relate to this song very much as well. It's a healthy way to release tension and frustration. The ending though, seems to me, that is a bit of sadness. How I take it is "A Rock Feels no Pain, and an island never cries". I don't think he's saying it like in your face. I take it as 'You know, a rock feels no pain..and an island never cries..so perhaps he's going back on what he says and decides, "well, I released my anger, and I want to feel, I want to cry". P.S. I'm glad I saw some messages that say he is going against what John Donne said. As for Mr. Alienation, maybe you remember him being on Saturday Night Live performing "Still Crazy After All These Years" on Thanksgiving weekend as a turkey. Another fun fact is the single version of this as well as the MONO LP version is slightly different in the vocal delivery as well as the music. Thanks All!
• Marc from Perth, Australia Interesting comment from Eric, Teaneck, NJ. Perhaps Simon thought he was just having a bit of fun with his antithetical response to "no man is an island" and accidentally revealed a significant feature of his true nature. It's hard not to suspect that Simon is aloof and, to a large extent, alienated.
• Bob from Parkers Prairie, Mn This song is definitely one of Simon And Garfunkle's top three. The others being Sounds of Silence (of course) and Homeward Bound.
• Bob from Parkers Prairie, Mn It is definitely in Simon and Garfunkles top three. The other two being Sound Of Silence (of course) and Homeward Bound.
• Joni from New York, Ny This was the first Simon and Garfunkel song I really ever liked. It kind of reaches out to me when I feel lonely.
• Mary from Yuma, Az This is about a man trying to prove how tough he is and how he doesn't need anyone. But at the end, there is a bit of sadness, when he says "a rock feels no pain", and an island never cries" This means that he was hurt very badly in the past, so has decided to cut himself off from the world. Mary, Yuma
• Daan from Tegelen, Netherlands Karlington, Belfast, that is the exact dilemma I have about this song. Are we to sympathise with these feelings or are these the words of an anipathic, Holden Caufield kind of person whom we should despise (or mock) rather than identify with. I myself can sometimes quite relate to the lyrics.
• Pearl from Mayer, Az I have loved this song since the first time I heard it even though it is the exact oppisite of me
• Nathan from From The Country Of, Canada it goes without saying this is the greatest seclusion song lol
• Jon from Oakridge, Or Simon and Garfunkel's 2nd greatest. 1st being "the sound of Silence" of course.
• Karlington from Belfast, Ireland this song, to me, is about one prevents themself from feeling to avoid pain. a "if you dont feel you wont be hurt" mentality seems to surround it. my dearest song. one question to you though, is it for about feeling like this or against it?
• Ellen from Graz, Austria It's like medication when you're sad... the best way to treat lovesickness. It reminds me that I'm not gonna break down because of this, I am strong and I'm gonna survive it. I am a rock. I used to scream the lyrics when i was sad.
• Mike from Germantown, Md I misheard a lyric as " Satan in my womb".
• Nathan from Defiance, Oh I think Simon and Garfunkel really hit it on the head when they describe the feelings of introversion and isolation some people feel, and others cannot fathom. No offense to his fans out there, but John Donne is a dolt.
• Joshua from Twin Cities, Mn A joke I once heard is that Saddam Hussein misheard the chorus to this song (i.e. "I am Iraq") and took it to heart.
• Howard from St. Louis Park, Mn It's one of the best written Simon and Garfunkel hits and one of my favorites.
• B0b from Somewhere, Mi This song is about Paul Simon going against John Donne. The meaning is about Simon shutting himself away to write. He was saying he was an island.
• Charlie from Cape Girardeau, Mo This is not talking about isolation for isolation's sake, like a hermit, but about a failed relationship. The best way to keep from being hurt is to put up walls around yourself. "I won't disturb the slumber of feelings that have died, if I'd never loved I never would have cried."
• Jo Bob from Mccleary, Wa I'm sure a lot of people have said this, but I was just blown away when I heard this song. Nearly every single line of this song explained exactly who I was. It was actually kind of scary, but it's still one of my favorite songs.
• Bodhi from Calcutta, India May be the reference is for 'To Marguerite' "Yes: in the sea of life enisled, With echoing straits between us thrown. Dotting the shoreless watery wild, We mortal millions live alone. The islands feel the enclasping flow, And then their endless bounds they know. " It is a pretty old idea that turns up in each century.
• Aylin from Montreal, Canada I don't know why, but this is probably my favourite Simon & Garfunkel song.
• Eric from Teaneck, Nj Simon later said this was one song he wished he hadn't written, because it stuck him with the label of "Mr. Alienation."
• Black from Toronto, Canada This song is exactly what I am.
• Lance from Spring Hill, Fl This song describes how Paul Simon is with crowds. He admitted to a reporter that he isn't good with talking with large groups of people.
• Kt from Guaynabo, Other Perhaps refuting more than referencing John Donne and the fact that all people go through a stage in life when they want nothing to do with anyone and feel emotions are completely useless.
• John from Levittown, Ny Few artists have managed to capture bleakness as well as Simon and Garfunkel. A great declaration of misanthropy.
• Jade from Chippewa Falls, Wi I think many people can relate to this song....
• Dana from Atlanta, Ga Referencing, perhaps, John Donne: "No man is an island."
• Natasha from Chico, Ca when i was little i used to think it was 'i am a rock, i have it all in my hand' haha, good song...

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I Am a Rock

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Closing the album is “I Am a Rock”. Lyrically, it continues the theme of isolation; the narrator has distanced himself from others after having been hurt by love, rejecting connection with other people and declaring he’s “a rock [and] an island”. As a reviewer pointed out , the rhyme has an interesting structure:

Each verse starts with three unrhymed lines, followed by two rhymed lines, and then the two unrhymed lines that form the chorus: “day/December/alone,” then “below/snow,” and then “rock/island.” The next verses rhyme “pain/disdain,” “died/cried,” and (more of an internal rhyme) “room/womb.” The lines before and after these rhymes do not rhyme, forming a jagged barrier– like barbed wire or a point-tipped fence– around the sad, angry rhymes.

The song was originally included in The Paul Simon Songbook a year before, and later re-recorded for Sounds of Silence . It was released as a single in spring of 1966, and achieved sucess; “I Am a Rock” reached #3 in Billboard’s Hot 100, continuing Simon & Garfunkel’s string of hits.

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

• 1. The Sound of Silence (Single Version)
• 2. Leaves That Are Green
• 4. Kathy’s Song
• 5. Somewhere They Can’t Find Me
• 7. Richard Cory
• 8. A Most Peculiar Man
• 9. April Come She Will
• 10. We’ve Got a Groovy Thing Goin’
• 11. I Am a Rock
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• Roving Gambler (Demo)
• Rose of Aberdeen (Demo)
• Barbriallen (Demo)

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I Am a Rock

Learn about this topic in these articles:, recording by simon and garfunkel.

…them were “Homeward Bound,” “I Am a Rock,” “Mrs. Robinson” (from the feature film The Graduate [1967]), “A Hazy Shade of Winter,” “At the Zoo,” “Scarborough Fair/Canticle,” “The Boxer,” “Bridge over Troubled Water,” and “Cecilia.” However, at the height of their popularity, the duo’s personal relationship began to unravel,…

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I Am a Rock

Essay by review   •  October 31, 2010  •  Essay  •  1,339 Words (6 Pages)  •  1,414 Views

Essay Preview: I Am a Rock

I am a rock

When reading or listening to poetry, the main objective for me is to feel moved. Happiness, longing, sadness are some of the feelings that can be achieved just by listening to others' words. It is within these words that creates another world, or separates us from our own. Words all have a certain kind of attachment to them, so if used properly an author can stimulate a reader beyond belief.

Simon and Garfunkel were just those kinds of poets. Their words were able to stimulate an emotion with most of their readers. Simon and Garfunkel are one of my favorite artists, and in my opinion one of the most influential lyricist of their time. In their song, "I am a rock", they are able to make you feel and question for someone who avoiding emotional attachment, and instead of questioning what it might be like, using their words to but you in their place.

From the first stanza of this song, you get put into a scene. You know almost immediately that it is about someone, and it is the middle of December, but without stating the obvious, it paints a more illustrated picture for you. The first line states, "A winters day, in a deep and dark December" and I could almost immediately feel a cool breeze around me. When I normally think of a winter's day, I think of people playing in the snow, and having a good time. This may be because I grew up in Southern California where there has been a lack of snow, but in my head, that is what I imagine. Having them state, in a deep and dark December, turns my attitudes to the more pessimistic way of looking at things. The image of children playing in the snow in my head has now turned to cold and dark emptiness. Reinstating my idea of emptiness, the next line follows with the simply statement, "I am alone". Personally, I hate being alone. So to have the opening words place us in a deep and dark setting, and then state that you are alone, automatically puts me in a negative mindset.

Then to further instate his isolation in the next stanza the narrator admits to being the source of his seclusion. The narrator claims to put walls around him, but then goes into it more to say, " A fortress deep and mighty". The adjectives used to exemplify his position are significant. Usually when I hear there is a wall around something, I do not get put off from it. A wall can be easily trespassed, but a fortress deep and mighty, I would not want to mess with that. It also puts a timeline on the narrator for me. A wall is something that can be built during a short period. However, a fortress deep and mighty would take time and effort in creating. Then you find a little more about the reasoning behind the narrator's choice on isolation stating, "I have no need of friendship, friendship causes pain. Its laughter and its loving I distain". You then find out that he is isolating himself to avoid friendship, since friendship causes pain. When hearing this I can only validate it off of experience. But the one word that shoots out to me in these lines is distain. Distain is such a harsh word choice, in order to distain something you would have to hate it with all of your heart. I just grow curious to think what would make someone distain something so wonderful as friendship.

The third stanza clarifies again some of the reasons behind the narrators despair. He says, "Don't talk of love, but I've heard the words before" telling us that he had experienced it before. Then goes on to tell us, "It's sleeping in my memory. I wont disturb the slumber of feelings that have died". This goes back to giving me a timeline. For something to be sleeping, or dead, must be in remission for a while reminding me that this could of happened a while ago. The narrator then goes to say, "If I never loved, I never would have cried", this is a universal feeling. I cannot even imagine how many times I have heard, or have questioned myself, is it better to have loved and lost then to not love at all. If you have never loved, you would never have to experience the agony of loss,

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I Am a Rock Essay | Essay

Loneliness in Paul Simon's "I Am a Rock"

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Paul Simon said that the person or people in his poem were sick of society, and wanted to be isolated away from society. He represents this by saying that they want to be like a rock, or like an island. They wanted to be isolated away from society. The poem talks about people being sick of society, and want to be isolated from it. Even in the first line, he made an analogy between December being dark and dingy, by saying "A winter's day - in a deep and dark December." The month of December is usually likened to being cold, dark, and 'dangerous'. He also says that it is a lonely December in the second line where he says "I am alone gazing from my window to the street below" he feels ... Already a member? 5/28/2005 09:09:08 AM Premium Paper 573 3 | � � � | | Copyright © 2024 Essayworld. All rights reserved 365 IMAGES I am a rock Sedimentary Rocks Process Example 💣 I am a rock simon. I Am A Rock : A Timeless Anthem Of Strength In A I Am a Rock by Jean Marzollo, Guided Reading Lesson Plan, Level I "I am a rock and life is the stream that surrounds me. Its constant I Am A Rock VIDEO I am rock# rock Simon & Garfunkel I am a Rock by Simon and Garfunkel I Am a Rock I Am A Rock (Simon & Garfunkel cover) I Am A Rock by Diane Davis Andrew COMMENTS I Am a Rock "I Am a Rock" is a song written by Paul Simon. It was first performed by Simon 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 & Garfunkel, re-recorded it on December 14, 1965, and included as the final track on their album Sounds of ... The Meaning Behind The Song: I Am a Rock by Simon & Garfunkel The song "I Am a Rock" by Simon & Garfunkel, released in 1965, is a profound composition that dives deep into the experiences of isolation, emotional detachment, and self-imposed solitude. It delves into the human desire to protect oneself from the pain and disappointments of the world by building emotional barriers. Through its poignant ... Poem Analysis: I Am A Rock By Paul Simon In the poem, "I Am a Rock" by Paul Simon, due to experiencing pain from friendship and negligence from love, the speaker has withdrawn himself from the society alongside all sort of relationships. The speaker resembles a rock without feelings and emotions. The poet has utilized an illustration to paint a solid picture of a man who becomes a ... I Am a Rock, by Paul Simon 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 Analysis 337 Words. 2 Pages. Open Document. In the song named "I am a rock" by Paul Simon, the emotional state of the character depicted in the musical text is guarded. In the musical text, the character speaks of their experiences in stanza three and conveys a pessimistic perspective towards love. Their pessimism seems to originate from betray by ... I Am A Rock by Simon & Garfunkel Yes, "I Am a Rock" was written by Simon (as all the songs were) and recorded a version on his Songbook album (as he did "April Come She Will," "kathy's song" and numerous others) but the song was re-recorded once S&G reunited and got the Columbia contract. Simon's voice is the lead on this, but Garfunkel can clearly be heard singing harmony and ... Thematic Analysis Of The Poem 'I Am A Rock' Simon compares himself to being like a rock throughout each stanza of the poem. He is trying to portray himself as being tough and unbreakable from any destruction. Rock= impenetrable and strong Rock= is strong enough to not affected by other people anymore. I am an island (line 6,14,21,28 and 30) Poem Analysis: I Am A Rock By Paul Simon 695 Words3 Pages. The text "I am a Rock" by Paul Simon suggests that he is dealing with emotional pain and hurt from past experiences and that he has chosen to emotionally detach himself from others as a means of coping. he has built walls and a fortress around himself to protect him from the pain of friendship and love, and he expresses a lack ... What are some examples of figurative language in "I Am a Rock" by Simon "I am a rock" could mean "I am gray and cold" and/or "I am solid" and/or "I will not be moved." Within the lyrics of the song, Paul Simon pairs his "I am a rock" metaphor with the line "I am an ... Simon & Garfunkel [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 ... I Am a Rock Other articles where I Am a Rock is discussed: Art Garfunkel: Success in Simon and Garfunkel: …them were "Homeward Bound," "I Am a Rock," "Mrs. Robinson" (from the feature film The Graduate [1967]), "A Hazy Shade of Winter," "At the Zoo," "Scarborough Fair/Canticle," "The Boxer," "Bridge over Troubled Water," and "Cecilia." However, at the height of their ... No Man Is An Island Essay pain or any feelings, which would hurt any human being. "I am a rock, I am an island" (6-7, Simon) are metaphors that the writer uses to tell the reader that a rock has no feelings so it doesn't feel any pain, "a rock feels no pain" (29, Simon). An island is non-living and it is not connected to another Simon & Garfunkel "Don't talk of love, Well i've herad the word before. It's sleeping in my mermory; And I won't disturb the slumber Of feelings that I've died. if i never lov... i am a rock Explore. Featured Essays Essays on the Radio; Special Features; 1950s Essays Essays From the 1950s Series; Browse by Theme Browse Essays By Theme Use this feature to browse through the tens of thousands of essays that have been submitted to This I Believe. Select a theme to see a listing of essays that address the selected theme. The number to the right of each theme indicates how many essays ... Simon & Garfunkel Actually first recorded by Paul Simon alone for his solo album "The Paul Simon Songbook" earlier in 1965, it was re-recorded with his long-time folk-rock "ot... Explication Of I Am A Rock By Paul Simon Explication of "I am a Rock" The poem titled "I am a Rock" by Paul Simon is about a person who is very depressed and alone. The person in the poem is telling the readers why he wants to be alone. He wishes feel no sadness or pain. The author speaks of living in his room, and looking outside to the gloom of a dreary December. I Am a Rock Read this Music and Movies Essay and over 64,000 other research documents. I Am a Rock. I am a rock When reading or listening to poetry, the main objective for me is to feel moved. Happiness, longing, sadness are some of the feelings that can be achieved just by listening to others' words. It is within these words that creates another world, or separates us from... I Am a Rock Essay Summary: This essay deals with the topic of loneliness in the song "I am a Rock" written by Paul Simon. Loneliness affects everyone at some point in time during their life, and each person handles the feeling in their own way. I am a Rock. The meaning of Paul Simon's poem Paul Simon said that the person or people in his poem were sick of society, and wanted to be isolated away from society. He represents this by saying that they want to be like a rock, or like an island. They wanted to be isolated away from society. The poem talks about people being sick of society, and want to be isolated from it. Paul Simon: I Am A Rock Paul Simon: I Am A Rock Paul Simon said that the person or people in his poem were sick of society, and wanted to be isolated away from society. I Am A Rock Tone 228 Words. 1 Page. Open Document. Loneliness and empathy are complex human emotion that can be expressed in many unique ways. In the work "I am a Rock", the speaker, Paul Simon wrestles with feelings of being alone. Simon uses powerful diction like dark, deep, died, disdain and cried. Additionally, Simon combines metaphors, such as, "I am ... I Am a Rock Lyrics for I Am a Rock by Simon & Garfunkel. I am A rock Paul Simon 566 Words2 Pages. Paul Simon said that the person or people in his poem were sick of society, and wanted to be isolated away from society. He represents this by saying that they want to be like a rock, or like an island. They wanted to be isolated away from society. The poem talks about people being sick of society, and want to be isolated from it. assignment essay homework paper phd report resume review speech thesis