Burke stated that the song was written when her aunt told the singer about how her partner and she were experiencing troubles in their relationship, and that they were not telling each other how they felt.

The lyrics of the song feature the protagonist asking why the other person in the relationship remains silent about their difficulties instead of talking about them.

Upon the release of Overcome, the song debuted at number 95 on the UK Singles Chart on the strength of digital download sales.

[2] On 25 October 2010, Burke announced via Twitter that "The Silence" would be the final song to be released from Overcome, writing "Some of you might be surprised at my choice of next single and some of you guys will hopefully be really happy.

[3] In an interview with Eamonn Holmes for Sky News Sunrise in December 2010, Burke stated that "The Silence" was released as a promotional single for the re-release of Overcome and for Christmas.

Al Fox for BBC Music described the song as "a gargantuan power ballad" and that it displays Burke's "rich and emotive vocals.

It begins with a couple of establishing shots of Burke of her posing with a balloon wearing and in another set where she is sitting on music speakers.

Prior to the first chorus, a new set is introduced of Burke wearing a black dress which exposes all of her back while sitting on the floor next to a stereo.

As the second verse begins, the set of Burke sitting on the floor next to a stereo changes to that of her standing up in front of a microphone singing the lyrics, with the backdrop of a city skyline.

During the final verse, Burke's anger and desperation is shown to be heightened, as she sings to her herself in the mirror and places more emphasis on her movement.

The video ends with the singer nude from the waist up and facing the camera, covering herself with her arms crossed over her chest.

[23] Burke then performed the song on 3 November 2009 on The Paul O'Grady show, where she gave an interview about her experience on The X Factor and how the lyrics for "The Silence" were conceptualised.

[24] During the performance at The O2 Arena in London, Burke was moved to tears and apologised to the audience, saying "I'm sorry for getting emotional, but that song means way too much to me.