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

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In Songs

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In SongsSong Writing

Songs where something goes horribly wrong (literally or metaphorically), and help is needed right away.

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger

Kelly Keagy of Night RangerSongwriter Interviews

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger tells the "Sister Christian" story and explains why he started sweating when he saw it in Boogie Nights.

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

Yacht Rock!

Yacht Rock!Song Writing

A scholarly analysis of yacht rock favorites ("Steal Away," "Baker Street"...) with a member of the leading YR cover band.

Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper/Lou Reed)

Dick Wagner (Alice Cooper/Lou Reed)Songwriter Interviews

The co-writer/guitarist on many Alice Cooper hits, Dick was also Lou Reed's axeman on the Rock n' Roll Animal album.