I home teach some young single guys, and for Christmas I put together a CD of interesting covers of the Christmas songs from our hymnbook. Last month, they said it would be great to have a rockin’ Sabbath album for the rest of the year. As I thought about it, it seemed to me there were a fair number of songs on my iPod with religious themes. Despite stories about Mick Jagger on an airplane or witnessing demonic possessions at concerts, rock and R&B musicians have explored Christian and more generally religious themes in a way that is inspiring and thoughtful. I decided to put together a playlist from my own collection, and I set up some rules:
- the artist must be known for secular music generally, so no Christian rock or gospel choirs, as groovy as they might be.
- the song had to be devotional, however vaguely, and with a minimum of irony. ‘Say a Little Prayer’ doesn’t qualify, nor does ‘Jesus, Etc.’ or ‘Dear God.’
Here’s what I came up with:
It Was Jesus / The Man Comes Around — Johnny Cash: There’s a lot of choice here, but I grew up singing ‘It Was Jesus’ with my sister, she doing the backup and me hitting the low bits. And ‘The Man Comes Around,’ well, enough said.
Hallelujah — Leonard Cohen: Admittedly this stretches the outer limits of the second rule, but in there is a religious position I can identify and relate to.
Ring Them Bells — Bob Dylan: Again, the devotional aspect is fairly general, but still a song of praise.
God Is Love — Marvin Gaye. He recorded a fair amount of religious music, but this is by far my favorite.
I Can’t Wait To Meetchu — Macy Gray. I had this album and then heard a young woman quote the lyrics in a sacrament meeting talk, which made me listen a little more carefully.
Blessed to Be a Witness / Picture of Jesus — Ben Harper. Even if the lyrics use phrases and images that are not from my own tradition, the songs are great.
Amazing Grace/Nearer My God to Thee — Ladysmith Black Mambazo. There are many, many covers of Amazing Grace, but I’m a fan of LBM, and the ‘Nearer My God’ is a great addition.
You Are The Light — Lone Justice. They were an LA based alt-country band from the early 80s, and the lead singer Maria McKee had a solo career as well.
How Great Thou Art — Elvis Presley. This is, I think, the only song in our hymnbook covered by Elvis.
Jesus — Queen. This at the top of my list of songs MoTab ought to do.
Jesus was an Only Son — Bruce Springsteen. I’ve had the lyrics running through my head during the sacrament more than once.
Morning Has Broken — Cat Stevens. Well, yeah.
40 — U2: Lots, maybe too much, has been said about U2 and religion, but this was a revelation for the teenage me, and reminds me of that youthful discovery that religion could be approached from another angle.
Jesus Walking on the Water — Violent Femmes.
Jesus Gonna Be Here –Tom Waits. In these last two, both personal favorites, is a great range of religious expression fairly normal in the Christian world but not embraced by Mormonism. Our loss, really.
There are a few obvious songs I didn’t include out of personal taste, like ‘Jesus is Just Alright’ and ‘Spirit in the Sky,’ and I am not very familiar with contemporary country music which seems a likely source of devotional music. Considering the rules, any recommendations?
May 28, 2010 at 11:16 am
Sam Cooke’s “Touch the Hem of His Garment” is what first comes to mind.
Sam Cooke began as a gospel singer and then went secular. So maybe that’s considered breaking rule #1.
May 28, 2010 at 11:22 am
Very nice, danithew.
May 28, 2010 at 11:26 am
Country music is full of songs that fit your criteria. The first one that comes to my mind is George Strait’s “I Saw God Today.”
May 28, 2010 at 11:41 am
“Clean” by Depeche Mode has always been one of my favorites. Not explicitly religious, but could certainly be interpreted that way (and it is by me).
May 28, 2010 at 11:49 am
You already covered Johnny Cash, but I love his version of “Were You There.” Haunting, spiritual, and beautiful.
Twitter: @aljlmac
May 28, 2010 at 11:49 am
(Oops, Twitter: @aljmac).
May 28, 2010 at 11:51 am
Highway 61, Bob Dylan
May 28, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Van Morrison, or as he’s known in my house, Brother Morrison. Did You Get Healed, Whenever God Shines His Light on Me.
May 28, 2010 at 12:11 pm
How about Styx Come sail away ?
I love Ladysmith Black mambazo
May 28, 2010 at 12:13 pm
I think Elvis also recorded “Rock of Ages” and “Nearer My God to Thee,” both in our hymnbook.
Dylan’s “Every Grain of Sand” must be on the list.
May 28, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Neko Case–John Saw That Number…absolutely fantastic.
May 28, 2010 at 12:19 pm
Low – The Lamb (About Joseph Smith)
Alison Krauss & Union Station – A Living Prayer
The Alarm – We Are the Light
The Waterboys – Bring ‘Em All In
The Who – Bargain (This song is about God, not a love interest.)
Gillian Welch – By the Mark
See also Rock of Ages and Orphan Girl
I could suggest more but that’s good for now. :)
May 28, 2010 at 12:22 pm
1. Virtually every song written by the great Bruce Cockburn;
2. “Every Grain of Sand” by Bob Dylan
May 28, 2010 at 12:29 pm
(Bruce Cockburn’s “All the Diamonds”):
All the diamonds in this world
That mean anything to me
Are conjured up by wind and sunlight
Sparkling on the sea
I ran aground in a harbour town
Lost the taste for being free
Thank God He sent some gull-chased ship
To carry me to sea
Two thousand years and half a world away
Dying trees still grow greener when you pray
Silver scales flash bright and fade
In reeds along the shore
Like a pearl in sea of liquid jade
His ship comes shining
Like a crystal swan in a sky of suns
His ship comes shining.
May 28, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Prefer the Jeff Buckley version of Hallelujah.
Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel.
There Can Be Miracles from Disney’s Prince of Egypt has been covered by a zillion artists. Gotta be one rockin’ version.
I don’t know if FRIENDS ARE FRIENDS FOREVER by Michael W. Smith counts as Christian–my local mainstream station plays it.
Something from the O BROTHER WHERE OUT THOU? movie soundtrack–Alyson Krause, etc.
I think FALLING SLOWLY from the Once soundtrack is very contemplative, and could be heard as a description of a conversion story.
May 28, 2010 at 12:32 pm
I put together a CD a while back with a bunch of “groovy” Sabbath songs. Going from memory, I think I had the following:
“Jesus Is Just Alright With Me” by the Doobie Bros.
“Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2 (that last stanza is the heart of the gospel as far as I’m concerned)
“Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum
“To Every Season (Turn, Turn, Turn)” by the Byrds
“Kyrie” by Mr Mister, though that one is a bit of a stretch, in spite of its title
As to Johnny Cash, I’d recommend “Were You There When They Crucified My Lord,” which was a collaboration with the Carter Sisters. Cash is typically good on it, the Carter Sister who sings high soprano really makes this one worth listening to. She’s haunting.
May 28, 2010 at 12:35 pm
I can’t believe I forgot ‘Every Grain of Sand’ and The Waterboys!
Susan M, I was hoping you’d contribute. I’ll go through those at my leisure.
Antonio, I don’t know much from Cockburn, but that is lovely.
Bryan, the Neko Case is great.
May 28, 2010 at 12:37 pm
Just about anything from Joseph Spence’s “Glory” album. My favorite is his version of the THE OLD RUGGED CROSS.
May 28, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Hmm. I was about to declare heresy, but then I prefer the Aretha Franklin version of ‘Bridge.’ It’s not quite devotional enough for my list, though.
May 28, 2010 at 12:41 pm
“The 11th Commandment” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okeRuvG5inM)
and
“What If Jesus Comes Back Like That” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOeugaIz2Mc&feature=related)
May 28, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Sorry, both of the songs in #20 are sung by Collin Raye.
May 28, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Somebody beat me to the Doobie Bros. cover of the Byrds “Jesus is Just Alright with Me”.
I would also include a couple of songs off the Poco Legacy album, a reunion of the original band members. First is “Look Within”, a bluesy/gospel tune about prayer written and sung by Jim Messina, and “If it wasn’t for You” by Richie Furay, that at first appears to be a love song about a girl, but has much deeper spiritual roots.
May 28, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Cockburn’s “All the Diamonds”:
One of the great songs every written.
May 28, 2010 at 1:07 pm
Norbert, I can’t believe you’ve heard of the Waterboys!
A few more I thought of (I knew I wouldn’t be able to resist more):
Patty Griffin – Mary
Jackson Browne – Looking East
Bad Brains – House of Suffering
In this house of suffering
I gotta let some joy in
I hear that freedom will win
Oh where oh where can Jah love be now
My dear, it’s here in the underground
Inside the hearts of your own children
In this house of suffering
I spiritualogic grin, in
One way grace is my friend
To conquer doom and sin
And all the nations lying
While all our people crying
And they stop at nothing
In this house of suffering
Don’t want but just one thing
Got to have my origin
In this house of suffering.
May 28, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Get Me Right by Dashboard Confessional
May 28, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Get Me Right by Dashboard Confessional
”
But, Jesus I’ve fallen
I don’t mind the rain if
I meet my maker
I’ll meet my maker clean
But, Jesus the truth is
I’ve struggled so hard to believe
I’ll meet my maker
I’ll need my maker
To cure of my doubting blood
And drain me of the sins I love
And take from me my disbelief
I know it should come easily
But it remains inside of me
It battles and devours me
It cuddles up the side of me
And whispers it convinces me I’m right..”
May 28, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Another comment in moderation. :)
May 28, 2010 at 1:09 pm
Would the cover of A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief by David Johansen count?
May 28, 2010 at 1:09 pm
(I’ll stop, but need to include the following from cockburn):
Cry of a Tiny Babe:
Mary grows a child without the help of a man
Joseph get upset because he doesn’t understand
Angel comes to Joseph in a powerful dream
Says “God did this and you’re part of his scheme”
Joseph comes to Mary with his hat in his hand
Says “forgive me I thought you’d been with some other man”
She says “what if I had been – but I wasn’t anyway and guess what
I felt the baby kick today”
Like a stone on the surface of a still river
Driving the ripples on forever
Redemption rips through the surface of time
In the cry of a tiny babe
The child is born in the fullness of time
Three wise astrologers take note of the signs
Come to pay their respects to the fragile little king
Get pretty close to wrecking everything
‘Cause the governing body of the whole [Holy] land
Is that of Herod, a paranoid man
Who when he hears there’s a baby born King of the Jews
Sends death squads to kill all male children under two
But that same bright angel warns the parents in a dream
And they head out for the border and get away clean
Like a stone on the surface of a still river
Driving the ripples on forever
Redemption rips through the surface of time
In the cry of a tiny babe
There are others who know about this miracle birth
The humblest of people catch a glimpse of their worth
For it isn’t to the palace that the Christ child comes
But to shepherds and street people, hookers and bums
And the message is clear if you’ve got [you have] ears to hear
That forgiveness is given for your guilt and your fear
It’s a Christmas gift [that] you don’t have to buy
There’s a future shining in a baby’s eyes
Like a stone on the surface of a still river
Driving the ripples on forever
Redemption rips through the surface of time
In the cry of a tiny babe
(T-Bone Burnett produced this one . . . )
May 28, 2010 at 1:14 pm
I’m so excited to listen to all of these!
May 28, 2010 at 1:17 pm
He Reached Down
by Iris Dement
(Verse 1)
A certain man one day did go down to Jericho
Fallin’ among thieves along the way
Well they stripped him then they fled
Leaving him for dead
Lying on the side of the road
And then the priest came passing by
He crossed over to the other side
Then the Levite came and he did just the same
When the Samaritan heard his cry
He just could not pass on by
He dressed his wounds and he carried to the nearest inn
(Chorus)
Well he reached down, he reached down
He got right there on the ground
He reached down, he reached down
And he touched the pain
He paid the keeper the amount that was due
If you need more he said I’m good for that too
He reached down, he reached down
And he touched the pain
(Verse 2)
And then the Scribes in the Pharisees
Brought the adultress in for Jesus to see
Lord, she’s sinned, now the law says she must be stoned
If there’s a one of you that’s without sin
Said you can cast the first stone in
One by one they left, leaving Jesus and the woman alone
Well no accusers are left that I see
And Woman, neither do I condemn thee
He reached down, he reached down
And he touched the pain
(Verse 3)
In the Book a little story is told
About a traveler at the end of life’s road
He’s at the gates of the Kingdom and the Master says “Come on in”
For I was hungry and you gave me meat
I was cold you put shoes on my feet
When I was in prison there was you who come to see about me
(Chorus – Modified)
Well you reached down, you reached down
You got right there on the ground
You reached down, you reached down
And you touched my pain
When you’ve done it to the least of these
He said you were doin’ it unto me
You reached down, you reached down
And you touched my pain
Well he reached down, he reached down
And he touched the pain
May 28, 2010 at 1:19 pm
Jesus Take The Wheel by Carrie Underwood
May 28, 2010 at 1:22 pm
Last one (I promise . . . well, at least for now . . . ). By Julie Miller:
“All My Tears”
When I go don’t cry for me
In my fathers arms I’ll be
The wounds this world left on my soul
Will all be healed and I’ll be whole
Sun and moon will be replaced
With the light of Jesus’ face
And I will not be ashamed
For my savior knows my name
It don’t matter where you bury me
I’ll be home and I’ll be free
It don’t matter where I lay
All my tears be washed away
Gold and silver blind the eye
Temporary riches lie
Come and eat from heaven’s store
Come and drink and thirst no more
So weep not for me my friend
When my time below does end
For my life belongs to him
Who will raise the dead again
(This song was written for the late Mark Heard, perhaps the most underrated of all songwriters. Covered by Julie Miller and Emmylou Harris and others.)
May 28, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Oh! Oh! I have the BEST song. It’s my favourite song in the world.
Foy Vance. Anyone heard of him? He’s so passionate and so talented. Irish. Great voice, great lyrics, great acoustic music that builds to a crescendo.
Gabriel and the Vagabond. It’s poetic. (Lyrics not all accurate there.) It’s about (I think) the angel Gabriel visiting people who are down and out and bringing hope to them. It’s the most Christian song I’ve ever heard and it doesn’t even sound mawkish.
My favourite part is when he says,
“There was a young girl on the ground
I knew she was finding it hard to cope
She never was a fighter until he laid beside her
And gently whispered hope”
And when I hear that, I weep inside. It’s the way he quietly almost whispers the word “hope”. There’s just so much humanity and passion in this song.
You can listen to it here. But I think the album version is better.
May 28, 2010 at 1:24 pm
Also, what about Son of a Preacher Man?
Heh.
May 28, 2010 at 1:25 pm
Oops. Another HTML fail of mine. You can listen to Gabriel and the Vagabond here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4cjCuUQUwI
May 28, 2010 at 1:40 pm
I lied: 2 more:
Pierce Pettis is an absolutely brillian singer/songwriter.
I’VE GOT A HOPE
(ERIC FIDOR / PIERCE PETTIS)
©2001, Cal IV Songs / Slapfight Songs (ASCAP)
All rights reserved, International copyright secured.
Man is born to trouble
All the days of his life
As the sparks fly upward
From bonfires at night
They fill up the heavens
With pinpoints of light
And I’ve got a hope
That is not in this world
Time, it is turning
Like a plow in the field
It roots up the earth
And what’s hidden is revealed
Sewing the future
While the past, it is sealed
I’ve got a hope
That is not in this world
Half of the battle
Is only with myself
While the other half
Is something I can’t help
Lest I should stumble
I try not to forget
That every hair is numbered
Every footstep, every breath
And this life that I’m living
It will not end in death
I’ve got a hope
That is not in this world
I’ve got a hope
That is not in this world
May 28, 2010 at 1:48 pm
“God?” by the Dodos …
Lyrics:
No one to hold, no place to lie
I know we’re all alone and still
You come to brush this gray aside
I know, I know, it’s fate I feel
You answer to our hungry eyes
I hope, I hope this must be real
We need you now, we need to heal
Oh no, oh no, oh God, where’d you go?
You give us love, we have to hide
I know, I know, it’s shades of gray
You give us hope and give us strife
I know, I know, this price we pay
You tell me no, I ask you why
I know, I know, your patient ways
You wait until we see the light
Oh no, oh no, oh God, where’d you go?
Oh, God
And tell us how to feel inside
No lies, no lies, no lies
And let me look upon that sign
With eyes, with eyes, with eyes
And tell me how you wear that crown
Of right, of right, of right
You lift us up then let us down
We die, we die, we die
You answer to the wrong and wide
I know, I know, their faith you fill
You give us strength and make us fight
I know, I know, we’re supposed to kill
You pit us up on different sides
I know, I know, that’s just your will
I wonder if you’ll wait until
Oh no, oh no, this place will explode
You live above this great big sky
I hear it’s nice, it’s always spring
I’ve come to ask you for advice
I know you’re busy for a king
You tell me once, I ask you twice
How long, how long, before they sing?
We did the things you said, alright
Oh no, oh no, oh God, where’d you go?
Oh, God
And tell us how to feel inside
No lies, no lies, no lies
And let us look upon that sign
With eyes, with eyes, with eyes
And tell me how you wear that crown
Of right, of right, of right
You lift us up then let us down
We die, we die, we die
We die, we die, we die
May 28, 2010 at 1:49 pm
Lyrics to “Look Within”, by Jim Messina, Poco
When you’re down, feeling low,
And your faith won’t cut, and you’ve nowhere to go.
Don’t be afraid, you’ve got a friend, look within, look within.
So many times, we go astray,
And we need somebody, to show us the way.
Don’t be sad, you’ve got a friend, look within, look within.
(Bridge)
Within every soul, was born the seeds of need,
As in the soil of the earth they lie concealed.
Prayer is the rain, to make them all grow.
Water them well, and they shall yield.
Don’t be sad, don’t be blue,
There’s somebody, waiting on you.
Don’t be afraid, you’ve got a friend,
Look within, look within.
May 28, 2010 at 1:52 pm
Back to Bruce C (and sorry for taking so much bandwith!)
Southland of the Heart:
When the wild-eyed dogs of day to day
Come snapping at your heels
And there’s so much coming at you
That you don’t know how to feel
When they’ve taken all your money
And then come back for your clothes
When your hands are full of thorns
But you can’t quit groping for the rose
In the southland of the heart
Where night blooms perfume the breeze
Lie down
Take your rest with me
When thoughts you’ve tried to leave behind
Keep sniping from the dark
When the fire burns inside you but
You jump from every spark
When your heart’s beset by memories
You wish you’d never made
When the sun comes up an enemy
And nothing gives you shade
In the southland of the heart
Where the saints go lazily
Lie down
Take your rest with me
When the preacher lays his insight down
And claims to lead the blind
When those you trust just get you hooked
And trifle with your mind
When the nightmare’s creeping closer
And your wheels are in the mud
When everything’s ambiguous
Except the taste of blood
In the southland of the heart
There’s no question of degree
Lie down
Take your rest with me
In the southland of the heart
Everyone was always free
Lie down
Take your rest with me
May 28, 2010 at 2:21 pm
Light in Your Eyes, by Sheryl Crow
May 28, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Color Me Badd – God is Love (not a cover of the Marvin Gaye song)
(I hope I don’t get banninated for this one)
May 28, 2010 at 2:32 pm
Don’t forget “Jesus Christ” by Big Star.
(video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPLsJI3gPDg).
May 28, 2010 at 2:40 pm
How many years have I been WAITING for MoTab to do an all Queen program…..
What about I. Ron Butterfly’s classic In the Garden of Eden?
May 28, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Almost the entire Welcome Wagon would fit into your criteria.
Here’s a favorite:
May 28, 2010 at 3:18 pm
You already mentioned Ben Harper’s “Picture of Jesus,” which is great, but I’d also recommend more generally his whole album with the Blind Boys of Alabama–”Take My Hand,” “Wicked Man,” “There Will Be A Light,” all good.
Sufjan Steven’s version of “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” is a personal favorite, and you might as well throw in “Amazing Grace.”
And while it may not be devotional in a traditional sense, you should definitely check out “Jesus, Are You Real?” by Mason Jennings.
Thanks for all the suggestions!
May 28, 2010 at 3:25 pm
Sufjan Stevens was influenced by another indie artist with a religious bent called Danielson, aka the Danielson Family. Danielson is basically unlistenable, but his focus on God is really rather amazing. If you’re into Sufjan and haven’t seen the documentary about Danielson called A Danielson Family Movie, I suggest you see it. Sufjan made a lot more sense to me after watching it. And Danielson became listenable for me as well.
It’s worth it just to see Steve Albini talking about religion in rock music.
May 28, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Not groovy, but oh so beautiful . . . The Innocene Mission is a critically acclaimed, Lancaster PA-based group that writes music of haunting beauty
“Look for Me as you Go By”:
Hang my head low, so low.
Don’t see me only as I am but
see me how I long to be,
how I long to be
Shining like a flowering tree
under the gray Pennsylvania sky.
Look for me as you go by.
Hang my head low, so low.
Every burden shall be lifted.
Every stone upon your back slide into the sea.
It’s me for you, and you for me.
May 28, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Trailer for the documentary:
May 28, 2010 at 3:53 pm
@28 “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief” is the first thing I thought of too, but I know that guy as Buster Poindexter, and former member of the punk band New York Dolls. It’s the, uh, closing song for the 2005 documentary “New York Doll.”
May 28, 2010 at 4:06 pm
I love Ben Kweller’s cover of “Rock of Ages”.
May 28, 2010 at 4:30 pm
These songs have been mentioned in previous comments but they can be linked at YouTube.
David Johansen – Come, Come Ye Saints
David Johansen -“A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief”
Personally, on “Come, Come Ye Saints” – I find the acoustic guitar and harmonica, along with David Johansen’s voice, to be very moving. It’s one of the best renditions of this pioneer hymn that I’ve heard. I just wish he did more than that part of the verse.
May 28, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Bruce Cockburn and Van Morrison, over the last 30 years, have moved me more than any church meeting. A perfect Sacrament meeting would be a prayer, bread and water and a few of these songs:
Van Morrison
-When will I ever Learn
-Dweller on the Threshold
-By His Grace
-How Can a Poor Boy
-Behind the Ritual
-Master’s Eyes
-Mystery
-Be Thou My Vision
-By His Grace
-When ever God Shines His Light
-Enlightenment
Bruce Cockburn
-Bright Sky
-Lord of the Starfields
-Rose Above the Sky
-Lament for the Last Days
Shipwrecked at the Stable Door
May 28, 2010 at 4:47 pm
Natalie Merchant’s Life is Sweet is not religious but I would say definitely spiritual.
JJ Heller’s Your Hands is pretty. Horrible video here, though.
May 28, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Savatage: “Believe.”
Some of you may be more familiar with what started out as Savatage’s side project–Trans-Siberian Orchestra, famous for their Christmas music. TSO’s latest album also has a version of “Believe.” A very intense, emotional, spiritual song.
I also like Jackson Browne’s “The Rebel Jesus,” a good tribute even if it comes from a “heathen and a pagan.”
May 28, 2010 at 4:54 pm
The Frames – Red Chord
Live – Heaven
Bob Marley – Redemption Song
Eva Cassidy – People Get Ready
Lyle Lovett – Church
Magnolia Electric Co – I Can Not Have Seen the Light
Simple Minds – Sanctify Yourself
Talk Talk – Happiness is Easy
May 28, 2010 at 6:37 pm
A little indie rock for you:
Jesus, by Page Francis
(I don’t know what’s going on in the video, but you can hear the song there.)
May 28, 2010 at 7:40 pm
NOFX-Happy Guy
Frenzel Rhomb- Jesus
The Vandals Here I am Lord (Cover of the Catholic Hymn)
The Drop Kick Murphies Amazing Grace (Greatest Song ever, basically)
May 28, 2010 at 7:40 pm
I’ll second “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2 but from the Rattle and Hum album since they’re backed by a gospel choir. But their song “Grace” from the album All That You Can’t Leave Behind is easily one of the most religious songs they’ve done and a better fit than 40.
But I’ve got to say that if you’re including the Violent Femmes, you might as well put in the Depeche Mode song “Personal Jesus” as ruined/sung by Marilyn Manson because they don’t embody anything religious and meant the song as satire.
May 28, 2010 at 7:41 pm
Love this cover by Frente! also
Let the Sunshine in
May 28, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Die Toten Hosen -Drummer Boy Cover
May 28, 2010 at 8:42 pm
I can’t believe no one’s mentioned “Yahweh” by U2 (U2 has been mentioned, which is good).
I almost suggested My Sweet Lord by George Harrison, which might work if we took the “Hare Krishna” part out.
May 28, 2010 at 8:50 pm
I think I’ll be making my own CD this weekend- I’m always looking for good Sunday music.
My suggestion would be to add “Beatitudes” by Sweet Honey in the Rock.
May 28, 2010 at 9:17 pm
“Bright Morning Stars” covered by the Wailin’ Jennys.
May 28, 2010 at 9:29 pm
Jesus is on the Mainline by Ry Cooder (stay far, far away from the Aerosmith version).
Other versions of songs already mentioned–
People Get Ready by the Chambers Brothers (yes, the same guys who did Time Has Come Today, but you’d never know it)
Amazing Grace by the Blind Boys of Alabama (I know they are strictly Gospel, but this is sung to the tune of House of the Rising Sun, so it should count.)
May 28, 2010 at 9:48 pm
Exodus, by Bob Marley and The Wailers
Open your eyes and look within:
Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?
We know where we’re going;
We know where we’re from.
We’re leaving Babylon, y’all!
We’re going to our Father’s land.
Exodus, all right! Movement of Jah people!
Exodus: movement of Jah people!
Movement of Jah people!
Movement of Jah people!
Movement of Jah people!
Movement of Jah people!
Move! Move! Move! Move! Move! Move! Move!
Jah come to break down ‘pression,
Rule equality,
Wipe away transgression,
Set the captives free.
May 28, 2010 at 9:56 pm
Wow there’s a lot of good music here. Not all of it is devotional enough to meet the definitions, but a lot of it is. Thanks. More is welcome, of course.
May 28, 2010 at 10:24 pm
These are some of my favorite vaguely devotional songs, all generally folksy:
“Laughing With” by Regina Spektor
“Heaven” by Brett Dennen (featuring Natalie Merchant)
“Land of the Living Skies” by Nathan Rogers
“Canaan’s Land” by Kate Rusby
“Awake My Soul” by Mumford and Sons
“I’ll Fly Away” by Alison Krauss and Gillian Welch
“Why Shouldn’t We” by Mary Chapin Carpenter
“The Sire of Sorrow (Job’s Sad Song)” by Joni Mitchell
“Did Galileo Pray?” by Ellis Paul
“Save Us All” by Tracy Chapman
May 29, 2010 at 1:44 am
Parvardigar- Pete Townshend
God Speaks of Marty Robbins- The Who (Endless Wire)
Faith in Something Bigger- The Who (Odds & Sods)
I’m Free- The Who (Tommy)
Also, several songs from the musicals “Godspell” and “Jesus Christ Superstar”
May 29, 2010 at 3:19 am
Aitch, Mumford & Sons are just one of the most amazing bands. You have to love them. If you ever get the chance to see them live, assuming you have not already, then you simply must.
Jewel – Face of love
and then…
Kanye West – Jesus Walks
&
Scroobius Pip – Letter from God to Man
May 29, 2010 at 6:43 am
Can’t believe no one said “Misisonary Man” by Annie Lennox… Just kidding
In all seriousness:
“John the Revelator” by Son House (or any other version)
“I hear them all” performed by Dave Rawlings Machine (Feat. Gillian Welch), Old Crow Medicine Show version is also god, though the Dave Rawlings Machine version with the boys from Old Crow lends itself more to a Sunday music.
And speaking of Old Crow Medicine Show, any of these by them:
God’s got it
Gospel Plow
Take ‘em away
We’re all in this together (Maybe the most appropriate one)
My bones gonna rise again
That evening sun
May 29, 2010 at 10:06 am
Put Your Hand In The Hand
Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water
Put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea
Take a look at yourself and you can look at others differently
By puttin your hand in the hand of the man from Gallalee.
Everytime I look into the Holy Book I wanna tremble
When I read about the part where a carpenter cleared the temple
For the buyers and the sellers were no different fella’s than what I
professed to be
And it causes me shame to know I’m not the gal that I should be
Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water
Put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea
Take a look at yourself and you can look at others differently
By puttin your hand in the hand of the man from Gallalee.
Mama taught me how to pray before I reached the age of seven
And when I’m down on my knees, that’s when I’m close to heaven
Daddy lived his life for two kids and a wife, but you do what you must do
But he showed me enough of what it takes to get me through
Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water
Put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea
Take a look at yourself and you can look at others differently
By puttin your hand in the hand of the man from Gallalee.
Put your hand in the hand of the man who stilled the water
Put your hand in the hand of the man who calmed the sea
Take a look at yourself and you can look at others differently
By puttin your hand in the hand of the man from Gallalee.
Many great versions of this song are on Youtube. My personal favorite is the one sung by Ocean. I have to say the King sings a great version.
May 29, 2010 at 2:44 pm
I’ve been waiting, long forgotten
Shipwrecked on a distant shore
Am I drifting, no more wanted
Floating outward evermore
All the dreams that I’ve harbored
In the labyrinths of my soul
Gone forever, not discarded
Only sleeping, till they’re whole
In the graveyard of my heart now
Sleep the years that I’ve long sold
For their markers is there nothing
Only ghost I can not hold
Father hear me
I am tired
Shall I waken
In thy home?
Hold me closer
I am trying
Sweet Lord Jesus
Heal my soul
“Hear my soul”
Savatage
May 29, 2010 at 3:58 pm
The song “Strays,” by the group Hem, is my favorite Christian song by a non-religious band. Subtle Old and New Testament allusions, and a beautiful expression of the sinner’s/bride’s longing for Christ/bridegroom and Christ’s/bridegroom’s longing for the sinners/bride. The first person voice switches from Christ to the Church and back again.
In the summer of my wedding
As the corn burned in the field
Oh I lay down for my Baby
And let the sweet smoke stain my heels
Well I lay there til the midnight
When the dogs, they run through town
And I rose up just to listen
And I never lay back down
Then the morning, it came upon me
And I set my soul to search
From the tall grass down the main road
To the stained glass at the church
Lord my shepard help me pray
Though I left my heart to stray
Though I left my heart untrue
I can follow
I do
I do
And I can name them in my dreaming
I can set my soul to rest
I can chain them to my body
Let them settle at my breast
Now see them coming to my wedding
Where I will teach them not to stray
Oh they’ll carry my salvation
Oh they’ll carry me away
May 29, 2010 at 5:18 pm
This song by TOOL has some religious undertones
Some say the end is near.
Some say we’ll see armageddon soon.
I certainly hope we will.
I sure could use a vacation from this
b%$@#t, three ring, circus sideshow of
Freaks
Here in this hopeless ##@%$ hole we call LA
The only way to fix it is to flush it all away.
Any &*#@! time. Any &^%$# day.
Learn to swim, I’ll see you down in Arizona bay.
Fret for your figure and
Fret for your latte and
Fret for your hairpiece and
Fret for your lawsuit and
Fret for your prozac and
Fret for your pilot and
Fret for your contract and
Fret for your car.
It’s a
%&##$@ three ring circus sideshow of
Freaks
Here in this hopeless *+%$# hole we call LA
The only way to fix it is to flush it all away.
Any ##@%$! time. Any *&%$# day.
Learn to swim, I’ll see you down in Arizona bay.
Some say a comet will fall from the sky.
Followed by meteor showers and tidal waves.
Followed by faultlines that cannot sit still.
Followed by millions of dumbfounded dipsh%#s.
And some say the end is near.
Some say we’ll see armageddon soon.
I certainly hope we will cuz
I sure could use a vacation from this
Silly %$#@, stupid !@%$..
One great big festering neon distraction,
I’ve a suggestion to keep you all occupied.
Learn to swim.
Learn to swim.
#%$@ L Ron Hubbard and
^^%$# all his clones.
#&*@ all those gun-toting
Hip gangster wannabes.
Learn to swim.
#$%@ retro anything.
#%@! your tattoos.
@!%$ all you junkies and
&&%$ your short memory.
Learn to swim.
#&#@ smiley glad-hands
With hidden agendas.
&%#$ these dysfunctional,
Insecure actresses.
Learn to swim.
Cuz I’m praying for rain
And I’m praying for tidal waves
I wanna see the ground give way.
I wanna watch it all go down.
Mom please flush it all away.
I wanna watch it go right in and down.
I wanna watch it go right in.
Watch you flush it all away.
I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t
Welcome any change, my friend.
I wanna see it all come down.
May 29, 2010 at 5:41 pm
oh dear…way old, but I meant Show me the way by STYX
May 29, 2010 at 6:03 pm
The Wrong Man Was Convicted by Barenaked Ladies. They have others, too, that I think could fit on the playlist, but this is my favourite.
May 29, 2010 at 6:27 pm
Gary Hoey has some really great heavy-metal-guitar instrumental covers of Christmas tunes. He has an album called “Ho-ho-hoey” Great stuff!
May 29, 2010 at 6:28 pm
If There’s a Heaven Above – Love and Rockets
Moving On Up – Primal Scream
May 29, 2010 at 6:47 pm
Gladys Knight – “Let There Be Peace On Earth”
May 29, 2010 at 6:48 pm
JP Hayne: For A While
The Welcome Wagon: Up On A Mountain
Pedro The Lion: Letter from a concerned follower
Sufjan Stevens: The Transfiguration
Low: If you were born today
Great stuff – Thanks.
May 29, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Aaron Neville’s version of Dylan’s I Shall Be Released
Al Green – God is Standing By and Nearer My God to Thee
Aretha Franklin – What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Commodores – Jesus is Love
The Isley Brothers – He Has the Whole World in His Hands
Jonny Lange – I Believe
Kris Kristofferson – Why Me Lord
Louis Armstrong – When the Saints Go Marching In and This
Train
Lyle Lovett – I’m Going to Wait and I’m Going to the Place
Otis Clay – Sending up the Timber and Amen/This Little Light
Patti Page – God Be With You Till We Meet Again
Stevie Wonder – Have a Talk With God
Edgar Winter Group – Free Ride
May 30, 2010 at 3:27 am
I love music, and have a pretty extensive collection of songs/artists that would fit well on this thread. I will post later today/tomorrow with some further recommendations.
Before doing so, 2 come to mind:
1 . Leonard Cohen’s “Suzanne”, because it contains the following line:
And Jesus was a sailor
When he walked upon the water
And he spent a long time watching
From his lonely wooden tower
And when he knew for certain
Only drowning men could see him
He said “All men will be sailors then
Until the sea shall free them”
But he himself was broken
Long before the sky would open
Forsaken, almost human
He sank beneath your wisdom like a stone
And you want to travel with him
And you want to travel blind
And you think maybe you’ll trust him
For he’s touched your perfect body with his mind
(Suzanne has been covered by many, including Judy Collins, Peter Gabriel and Roberta Flack.)
2. Although not a Christian, Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens) has released two albums of songs that rival his best Cat Stevens releases. These albums include songs of great spiritual longing, that make them perfect for a Sunday listen.
May 30, 2010 at 3:36 am
This one performed by David Wilcox, and co-written with the great, great Pierce Pettis:
“If it Wasn’t for the Night”
If it wasn?t for the night
So cold this time of year
The stars would never shine so bright
So beautiful and clear
I have walked this road alone
My thin coat against the chill
When the light in me was gone
And my winter house was stilled
When I grieved for all I’d made
Out of all I had to give
On the eve of Christmas day
With no reason left to live
Even then somehow in the bitter wind and cold
Impossibly strong I know
Even then a bloom as tender as a rose
Was breaking through the snow
In the dark night of the soul
In the dark night of the soul
If it wasn’t for the babe
Lying helpless on the straw
There would be no Christmas day
And the night would just go on
When it seem that death has won
Buried deep beneath the snow
Where the summer leaves have gone
The seed of hope will grow
May 30, 2010 at 4:25 am
Interesting that David Wilcox’s name comes up. Wilcox also has a soft acoustic song called Kindness. It’s a love song, not really a religious song. But it’s a tender and quiet song expresses some good values – could be Sabbath appropriate because of the tone it carries. The lyrics are:
May 30, 2010 at 8:15 am
Alan Jackson – Are You Washed In The Blood / I’ll Fly Away
Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
[Chorus:]
Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Lay aside your garments that are stained with sin
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb.
There’s a fountain flowing for the soul unclean.
O, be washed in the blood of the Lamb!
Some glad morning when this life is o’er,
I’ll fly away;
To a home on God’s celestial shore,
I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).
[Chorus]
I’ll fly away, Oh Glory
I’ll fly away;
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by,
I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away).
Just a few more weary days and then,
I’ll fly away;
To a land where joy shall never end,
I’ll fly away (I’ll fly away)
[Chorus]
May 30, 2010 at 10:47 am
Drop Kick Me, Jesus (Through the Goal Posts of Life)
Drop kick me, Jesus through the goal posts of life
End over end, neither left nor to right
Straight through the heart of them righteous uprights
Drop kick me, Jesus through the goal posts of life
Make me, oh make me, Lord more than I am
Make me a piece in your master game plan
Free from the earthly temptations below
I’ve got the will, Lord if you’ve got the toe
(Chorus)
Bring on the brothers who’ve gone on before
And all of the sisters who’ve knocked on your door
All the departed dear loved ones of mine
Stick them up front in the offensive line
(Chorus 2x)
Oh, drop kick me, Jesus through the goal posts of life
May 30, 2010 at 11:00 am
Land of Hope and Dreams, by Bruce Springsteen
Jesus was an Only Son, by Bruce Springsteen
May 30, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Elvis also did a song called “In the Garden” which, although not currently in the English hymnbook, is featured in the French hymnbook. I heard that it was originally in the English version, but was removed around the same time “Come thou Fount” was omitted.
May 30, 2010 at 6:43 pm
What about some of the Billy Bragg & Wilco Woody Guthrie songs?
or, of course, Christ our President
Lauryn Hill’s “Forgive them Father”
What about Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven”?
May 30, 2010 at 10:39 pm
There are some great word of wisdom songs out there:
Adam Ant – Goody TwoShows – Dont drink, dont smoke, what do you do?
And from the 70s – who sang “Momma Told Me not to Come” (or better yet – Bishop Told Me Not to Come.)
Did anyone mention Stairway to Heaven – Led Zeppelin.
May 31, 2010 at 10:10 am
Lots of good things mentioned already, though I’d add the song Spiritual by Spain
May 31, 2010 at 8:05 pm
90. Wilco is arguably the greatest active band around. “Airline to Heaven”, a Wilco/Bragg/Guthrie collaboration, is ~fabulous~.
June 1, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Don’t know if this qualifies as secular, as the artist is clearly hasidic, but is definitely mainstream.
Matisyahu – King Without A Crown.
June 1, 2010 at 2:40 pm
Low has been consistent in religious themes and even devotional songs: Their “Secret Name” album, “Laser Beam,” “Silver Rider,” “Little Argument With Myself,” “That’s How You Sing Amazing Grace,” and one to make you think, “Murderer.”
June 1, 2010 at 6:49 pm
Osmonds, He ain’t Heavy.
(Disclaimer: My sister was the fan)
June 1, 2010 at 11:14 pm
John Legend- Show Me
June 2, 2010 at 6:41 am
Brad Paisley always has a religious song on his albums. “When I Get Where I’m Going” is one of my favorites!
June 2, 2010 at 9:21 pm
I’ll throw out another by Mason Jennings–How Deep is That River.
June 3, 2010 at 3:09 pm
I am placing a bushel over my light with this topic. I am an ardent musical fan, and have a valued library of music that would fit quite well with this topic. I have already mentioned the great Canadian mystic/activist Bruce Cockburn, whose spiritual musings are powerful, and whose compositional skills and musicianship are out of this world. Check him out.
The greatest living songwriter, Bob Dylan, offers a treasure trove, as well. “Every Grain of Sand” has already been mentioned, but here are the lyrics:
~~~~
Every Grain Of Sand
In the time of my confession, in the hour of my deepest need
When the pool of tears beneath my feet flood every newborn seed
There’s a dyin’ voice within me reaching out somewhere
Toiling in the danger and in the morals of despair
Don’t have the inclination to look back on any mistake
Like Cain, I now behold this chain of events that I must break
In the fury of the moment I can see the Master’s hand
In every leaf that trembles, in every grain of sand
Oh, the flowers of indulgence and the weeds of yesteryear
Like criminals, they have choked the breath of conscience and good cheer
The sun beat down upon the steps of time to light the way
To ease the pain of idleness and the memory of decay
I gaze into the doorway of temptation’s angry flame
And every time I pass that way I always hear my name
Then onward in my journey I come to understand
That every hair is numbered like every grain of sand
I have gone from rags to riches in the sorrow of the night
In the violence of a summer’s dream, in the chill of a wintry light
In the bitter dance of loneliness fading into space
In the broken mirror of innocence on each forgotten face
I hear the ancient footsteps like the motion of the sea
Sometimes I turn, there’s someone there, other times it’s only me
I am hanging in the balance of the reality of man
Like every sparrow falling, like every grain of sand
Copyright © 1981 by Special Rider Music
~~~~
I second the motion regarding Van Morrison, although his spiritual phase has a pretty clear beginning and end (although when he spiritualized, he was transcendent).
Most of you have never heard of Pierce Pettis, although you should have. His songwriting and sense of detail and poignency are sublime. Check out, as well, his inkling counterparts, David Wilcox, Tom Prasada-Rao, Brooks Williams and Christopher Williams.
I know that overtly Christian/CCM artists are excluded from this list, but people like Bob Bennett, Rich Mullins, Sara Groves (well, 2 of her albums), and others are more poets than propagandists, and have created some extraordinary art.
Mark Heard (R.I.P.) is patron saint for all of the above. He was a friend of T-Bone Burnett (who wrote the great songs “River of Love” and “Power of Love”, both of which are great spiritual anthems. His ex-wife Sam Phillips (formerly Leslie Phillips) has some great songs, as well.
This from Mark Heard, “Strong Hand of Love”:
~~~~
Strong Hand Of Love
Down peppers the rain from a clear blue sky
Down trickles a tear on a youthful face
Feeling in haste and wondering why
Up struggles the sun from a wounded night
Out venture our hearts from their silent shrouds
Trying to ignite but wondering how
We can laugh and we can cry
And never see the strong hand of love hidden in the shadows
We can dance and we can sigh
And never see the strong hand of love hidden in the shadows
Young dreamers explode like popped balloons
Some kind of emotional rodeo
Learning too slow and acting too soon
Time marches away like a lost platoon
We gracefully age as we feel the weight
Of loving too late and leaving too soon
We can laugh and we can cry
And never see the strong hand of love hidden in the shadows
We can dance and we can sigh
And never see the strong hand of love hidden in the shadows
Written by Mark Heard © 1990 Ideola Music
~~~~
Buddy and Julie Miller are great southern singer songwriters. Buddy is Emmylou Harris’ guitarist, and they appear on each others’ albums. Fantastic.
On a heavier side, there is the great 1980′s group The Call, headed by Michael Been, whose work includes “Let the Day Begin”, “I Still Believe”, and “Uncovered”. They were U.S.’ worthy response to U2.
Finally, there is the criminally underrated Bill Mallonee of Vigilantes of Love, an Athen-based group that produced some absolutely extraodinary songs of faith and doubt and spiritual longing. Mallonee is a prolific songwriter, and his music is worth checking out. (His song “Solar System” — a live version of which can be found on Youtube — has the great line “Put all your love where it hurts the most, and expect a little visit from the Holy Ghost”, which deserves its place in your next testimony meeting.) One of Mallonee’s more overt songs is “Double Cure”:
~~~~
Double Cure Run Time: 5:09
Written by Bill Mallonee for Fingerprint Records and CyBrenJoJosh (BMI) ©1996
yeah today i’m sick of all i am
today is my setback
first i swear i love you
then i stab you in the back
i wanna drink out of that fountain
on a hill called double cure
i wanna show you my allegiance Lord
yes i wanna be a son of Yours
so tired of all my toys
they never last for long
they keep beaming dreams and wishes
to a big dish on my front lawn
bet you all have got a story
you’re just aching to tell
haven’t we thrown our coinage
down the wishing well
so go and call your neighbor
proceed with all due haste
go grab your wife and sweet family
see there is no time to waste
we’re gonna drink out of that fountain
on a hill called double cure
i wanna show you my allegiance Lord
yes i wanna be a son of Yours
ask me why i love Him
He gave riches to this poor
yes and i will one day see that face
over yonder shore
~~~~
and this Christmas Song, “On to Bethelehem”"
On to Bethlehem Run Time: 5:10
Written by Bill Mallonee for CyBrenJoJosh (BMI) ©1998
so i’m at this wheel it’s three am
waiting for the caffeine to come around
and life rears it’s ugly head again
they say your radio’s cool and retail’s way down
and i’d like to say i’m faithful
to the task at hand
speaking gospel to a handful
and others with their list of demands
it’s cold this year and i’m late on my dues
it’s cold in here ah but that’s nothing new
my heart’s electric with your love again
so it’s on to bethlehem
you might surmise that i ran there
but i really only crept
lead me to the place where love runs wild
and then it dogs your every step
you know how fickle my heart is
prone to wonder my Lord
yeah we talk but it’s at arms length
always got one eye on the door
God wraps Himself up in human skin
for those who want to touch
and God let them drive the nails in
for those of us who know way too much
You come bearing all our burdens
and take Your lovers for a ride
but we stay holed up in our cages
fashioned by our own design
so tell me what is your secret
what’s on your blister soul
what is that one little secret
you know the one that has taken its toll
’cause daddy’s banging on your gate again
yeah he won’t leave you alone
got a whole lot of dry warm rooms
and the finest of homes
~~~~
Check out his artistic soul mates Over the Rhine and Innocnence Mission, as well.
(This is a long post, I know, but the artists listed above are the real deal. Check them out.)
June 3, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Here is a cover of Mark Heard’s “Strong Hand of Love”: Just beautiful.
Norbert: I hope all of the above helps!
July 3, 2010 at 10:16 am
I feel the Spirit when listening to these songs:
Along the Road–Dan Fogelberg
Angel–Sarah McLachlan
Bless The Beasts and the Children–The Carpenters
Bridge Over Troubled Water–Simon & Garfunkel
Fragile–Sting
I Will Be Here For You–Michael W. Smith
Kingdom–Icehouse
Love is the Answer–England Dan and John Ford Coley
Nexus–Dan Fogelberg
Place in this World–Michael W. Smith
Prayer for the Dying–Seal
Rainbow Connection–Kenny Loggins
Remember–Harry Nilsson
See Me Feel Me–The Who
There’s a Rugged Road–Shawn Colvin
What the World Needs Now–Dionne Warwick
Whenever I Say Your Name–Sting
Won’t Back Down–Tom Petty
Wrapped Around Your Finger–The Police
You Get What You Give–New Radicals