Simon & Garfunkel, I Am a Rock | Throwback Vibez

In the 40^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “I Am a Rock” by Simon & Garfunkel.

 

Can you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past. Ah, there is nothing like a good oldie to get you fired up! The records featured in this column feature gems from the 20^th century, with a few exceptions. All genres of music are welcome. In the 40^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we recollect and reflect on “I Am a Rock” performed by Simon & Garfunkel.

While the lyrics paint a vivid portrait, they do not sound ideal.  Lonely in December? That is, indeed, a big-time, Bah Humbug!  In the second verse of “I Am a Rock”, Simon & Garfunkel add to the isolation: “I’ve built walls / A fortress, steep and mighty / That none may penetrate.” Impenetrable, huh? Man, oh, man!  While the walls are up for the individual that Paul Simon (b. 1941) and Art Garfunkel (b. 1941) sing about, the duo delivers a magical, once-in-a-lifetime song. “I Am a Rock” is the 11^th and final track from the duo’s 1966 album, Sounds of Silence. Simon composed the classic, while Bob Johnston produced it.  “I Am A Rock” peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.

“I am a rock / I am an Island.” Ah, what a mighty refrain! “I Am a Rock” masterfully captures isolation and being misunderstood with plenty of lyrical examples.  See the fourth verse where the nameless isolated individual informs us, “I have my books / And my poetry to protect me / I am shielded in my armor.” My, my, my.  Even if this person is misunderstood, Simon & Garfunkel deliver an entertaining tale. Beyond alluring songwriting and a strong vocal performance, the music shines as well.  The playful guitar accompaniment by Ralph Casale is quite special during the minimalist introduction.  Once the groove kicks in, Simon & Garfunkel match the newfound assertiveness of the folk-rock track. Al Kooper adds vibrance with his organ, while Bobby Gregg locks in on the drums. “I Am a Rock” marks another, once-in-a-lifetime folk-rock gem from the Simon & Garfunkel catalog.

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Simon & Garfunkel » Sounds of Silence » Columbia Records » 1966

Simon & Garfunkel, I Am a Rock: Throwback Vibez No. 40 (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Columbia Records; Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Gordon Johnson, schubinger from Pixabay]

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