'I Am a Rock' by Simon & Garfunkel is a poignant exploration of isolation and emotional self-protection. The song discusses themes of solitude, emotional withdrawal, and the pain of past experiences. The singer declares himself as a 'rock' and an 'island' to avoid the hurt that comes with relationships and connections with others. Key moments include the refrain 'I am a rock, I am an island,' which emphasizes the singer's desire to remain detached, and lines such as 'And a rock feels no pain; And an island never cries,' highlighting the avoidance of emotional vulnerability.