The Sound of Silence
(Vince Anderson)

“When we actually get that peace and quiet it can be louder than the world we thought we left behind.”

What does peace and quiet sound like to you?

And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming
And the sign said, “The words of the prophets
Are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls”
And whispered in the sounds of silence

This episode was written and recorded by Rev. Vince Anderson. It was produced by Rev. Jim Keat. Background tracks include Button Mushrooms by Podington Bear.

The Sound of Silence was written by Paul Simon in 1963-64 and recorded by Simon & Garfunkel in March 1964 at Columbia Studios in New York City for inclusion on their debut album, Wednesday Morning, 3 A.M.. Ironically, the album was a commercial failure and led to the group disbanding but after the song hit No. 1 on January 1, 1966 the iconic duo reunited and recorded their second album, Sounds of Silence.

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Reverend Vince Anderson is a New York City based musician. He has had a regular show at Union Pool for decades and his music is described as “dirty gospel”. He has been described as a Brooklyn institution.

This season of Be Still and Go is supported in part by Convergence as they help share each episode with their community. (You should do the same!) Convergence is a network that supports the reshaping of organizations, congregations and leaders engaged in an age of movement from “organized religion” to “organizing religion” driven by the values of an inclusive, progressive theological vision for a more just world for all. Visit www.convergenceus.org to find out more.

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