Spirit Voices

Album: The Rhythm Of The Saints (1990)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Paul Simon wrote this song about his experience with the potent psychotropic Amazonian brew ayahuasca. He told Billboard magazine: "Ayahuasca has always been there. Nobody outside of the Amazon knew anything about it. And there are several main sets of healers that use ayahuasca. I wouldn't say that it heals - but I wouldn't say that it doesn't. It seems to work sometimes for some people, seemed to really not work for other people. I'm not a proponent and I'm not a detractor. I just wrote the song because this had been my experience."
  • Simon co-wrote the track with Milton Nascimento, who also contributed some vocals. The Brazilian singer-songwriter and guitarist has collaborated with a number of other US and UK artists including Duran Duran, with whom he co-wrote and performed their 1993 tune "Breath After Breath."
  • Former King Crimson guitarist Adrian Belew played the synthesizer on this track. He also worked with Paul Simon on Graceland.

Comments: 1

  • Nomadicpsyconaut from North AmericaI’ve always had a strong affinity to this song. After my own experience with the herbal brew I instantly understood what the song was about. The DMT does connect you with your perception in ways that can’t be effectively articulated. Hand going numb, feet feel lead, then hearing the world breathe is a standard experience and was life altering for me as I hope it was for Mr. Simon.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Mac Powell of Third Day

Mac Powell of Third DaySongwriter Interviews

The Third Day frontman talks about some of the classic songs he wrote with the band, and what changed for his solo country album.

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up Musicians

Into The Great Wide Open: Made-up MusiciansSong Writing

Eddie (played by Johnny Depp in the video) found fame fleeting, but Chuck Berry's made-up musician fared better.

Bob Daisley

Bob DaisleySongwriter Interviews

Bob was the bass player and lyricist for the first two Ozzy Osbourne albums. Here's how he wrote songs like "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley" with Ozzy and Randy Rhoads.

N.W.A vs. the World

N.W.A vs. the WorldSong Writing

How the American gangsta rappers made history by getting banned in the UK.

U2 Lyrics

U2 LyricsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the lyrics of U2?