The song “sound of silence” uses imagery and symbolism very heavily in its lyrics. The story is about a dream the author has about ten thousand people bowing to a god they made of neon light. The god represents the fake and shallow culture they are building on pop stars and the dollar bill. The media “talks without speaking” and the people “hear without listening” there is a cancer of silence which represents a widespread lack of meaning.

He feels alone in his dreams and tries to tempt others out of their ignorance and look beyond the surface of things, but his "words like silent raindrops fell within the wells of silence" and his attempts are futile.There is no serious understanding because there is no serious communication. No one dares take the risk of reaching out ("take my arms that I might reach you") to disturb the sound of silence.

Then, a flashing sign formed words that warned that the truth (words of the prophets) cannot be found in the neon god, but in unlikely places - subway wall, tenement halls (and on Q’s 8chan board)