199. I Am A Rock by Simon & Garfunkel

Simon & Garfunkel - I Am a Rock

I think I was in Grade 6 when this song came out. Living on Whitehorse road Box Hill across the road from a glass factory none of which probably stands today. Looking back at some of my favourite songs from my youth quite a few had quite self pitying lyrics. But I guess that's what teenagers seem to get into and I got in there a little early. Of course it was a crap time at home. My brothers were being forced to leave the house one by one and me being left alone with Mum and my little sister and the step dad that made our lifes a misery. I took solace in the Ten pin bowling alley up the road spending all my free time there or riding my bike around the streets. I only went home when I needed to. Gradually we ran away. I took the day off school and while the step dad was at work the truck arrived to take our things. For 3 hours while we loaded up we were scared he was gonna turn up.
On the good side I became closely attached to my record collection meagre as it was at the time. But it would grow.
And this song..a bit down yes but it explodes into folk rock quite quickly laying down the blueprint for a lot that came after. I guess The Church were listening to. They covered this song on the Different man EP.
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.
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,
Well, I've heard the word 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.