7 O'Clock News/Silent Night
Simon & Garfunkel
Lyrics currently unavailable…
40 fans
10 facts about this song
Song Origins"7 O'Clock News/Silent Night" is a song by American music duo Simon & Garfunkel from their album "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme" released in 1966.
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Song CompositionThis is quite an unusual track as it features the group softly singing the traditional Christmas carol, "Silent Night," while the recording of a 7 o' clock news bulletin plays simultaneously in the background.
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Musical MessageThe song was a political statement from the artists, drawing contrast between the serene tune of "Silent Night" and the harshness of the 7 o'clock news bulletin which speaks on violence, civil rights, scandals in the government and the Vietnam War.
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News PresenterThe news broadcast used in the song was an actual newscast scripted and read by Charlie O’Donnell, who was a well-known radio broadcaster before he gained more fame as a TV announcer.
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Controversial FigureOne of the news stories in the background audio features a report on the controversial politician Richard Nixon, who is speaking about his plans to increase the war efforts in Vietnam, a topic which was really relevant during the song's release year.
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Current EventsThe song also references other topical events from the era, such as civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr.'s recent arrest in Atlanta, and the trial of 'Richard Speck', who murdered eight student nurses in Chicago.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered multiple times, proving its staying influence, perhaps most notably by Phoebe Bridgers on her 2019 Christmas EP "7 O'Clock News/Silent Night". Her version includes Matt Berninger of the National, reading a new script that draws from news events of 2019.
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Album SuccessThe 'Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme' album became a major hit, reaching a peak chart position of No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and was certified triple platinum, and this song was a significant part of that success.
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Fan ReceptionWhile it continues to be a highly discussed track due to its unique blend of melody and disturbing news accounts, audiences have had mixed reactions to it, with some praising its recall of a turbulent era and others finding the contrast too jarring.
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Legacy & ImpactDespite its controversial message, the song continues to be one of Simon & Garfunkel's most significant. It demonstrates their willingness to manipulate sound and experiment in pushing the folk music genre's boundaries, leaving a unique mark in 60's music history.
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Citation
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"7 O'Clock News/Silent Night Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 8 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/829643/Simon+%26+Garfunkel/7+O%27Clock+News-Silent+Night>.
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