15 Songs That Reference Things Associated with Religion features music courtesy of Anthony Hamilton, Behemoth, Kesha, Sarah Bareilles, and Travis Scott.
Cutting straight to the chase, religion appears as a central theme many times on the playlists appearing on The Musical Hype. We’ve covered a little bit of everything: atheism (and less full-blown skepticism), the antichrist, the afterlife, blessings, faith, and course God. Interestingly, regardless of where you stand on religion or spirituality, its explicit presence, or lack thereof, it seems to be prevalent. This playlist, “15 Songs That Reference Things Associated with Religion,” selects a few gems from some previous playlists associated with religion. Also, there are some newer songs atleast loosely associated with the “R” word. Musicians providing the soundtrack include Anthony Hamilton (“Amen”), Behemoth (“Havohej Pantocrator”), Kesha (“Praying”), Sarah Bareilles (“Armor”), and Travis Scott (“STOP TRYING TO BE GOD”).
I Am Easy to Find •4AD •2019
Reference: the soul
“You had your soul with you, I was in no mood…” The National returned ‘sooner than later’ with “You Had Your Soul with You”, the alluring promo single from their 2019 LP, I Am Easy to Find. “You Had Your Soul with You” commences uniquely with a couple of measures of biting, glitching electronic sounds, before gaining stability with a full-fledged rock groove. Beyond the groove, “You Had Your Soul with You” evolves into more of a traditional sound, while still incorporating some creative, accentuating cues.
Frontman Matt Berninger sounds as compelling as ever, diving right into the first verse with his distinct baritone. Behind him is a busy backdrop that’s never dull, incorporating ample rhythm between the drums, guitars and strings. Regarding the form of the record, there is no true chorus – only verses (three). That said, the aforementioned lyrics are reiterated following the third verse. Notably, “You Had Your Soul with You” features guest vocals courtesy of Gail Ann Dorsey. On the third verse, she sings two lines of lyrics as a solo, before being joined by Berninger. The results are nothing short of marvelous.
“I have owed it to my heart, every word I’ve said
You have no idea how hard I died when you left.”
“You Had Your Soul with You” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Awesome Songs that Tickled My Fancy in March 2019.
LOVE + FEAR • Atlantic UK • 2019
Reference: heaven
“I carry along a feel of unease / I want to belong like the birds in the trees.” Hmm, sounds like a perfect example of escapism, a common topic in music of various genres. MARINA drops the name Marina and the Diamonds for her 2019 studio album, LOVE + FEAR. Initially, the Welsh pop singer released LOVE only, from which our song at hand, “Handmade Heaven” appears. Even on LOVE + FEAR, “Handmade Heaven” serves as the opening record.
MARINA sounds fantastic on “Handmade Heaven,” flaunting her lovely, upper register, and singing with incredible ease while still packing a punch. Amplifying her performance is warm production work, that’s also pretty epic at the same time. The most dynamic moment arrives on the chorus, which is also the most memorable moment of the “Handmade Heaven.”
“But in this handmade heaven, I come alive
Bluebirds forever color the sky
In this handmade heaven, we forget the time
‘Cause birds of feather fly together.”
During the stellar chorus, the vocal production is ‘on fleek’ and the instrumental palette is incredibly rich – synths, drums, strings, etc. Another noteworthy moment? The bridge, where MARINA sings:
“And I could no longer ignore
The ivy growing tall
This life don’t suit me anymore
The writing’s on the wall.”
“Handmade Heaven” previously appeared on the playlist 13 Songs Associated with Heaven and/or Paradise.
Head Above Water • BMG Rights Management • 2019
Reference: Faith
“And I can’t see in the stormy weather / I can’t seem to keep it all together / And I, I can’t swim the ocean like this forever / and I can’t breathe.” Canadian pop artist Avril Lavigne shined on her 2018 comeback single, “Head Above Water”, a powerful ballad that finds Lavigne thankful for surviving a scare with Lyme Disease. In terms of her career, “Head Above Water” is a welcome change of pace, dipping into CCM and religious music. Faith is key on this inspirational, uplifting record. On the first verse, Lavigne references being safe – surviving and weathering the storm.
She follows up with powerful vocals on the chorus, summarizing the deep emotions she’s been experiencing and petitioning God to help her persevere through.
“God, keep my head above water
Don’t let me drown, it gets harder
I’ll meet you there at the altar
As I fall down to my knees
Don’t let me drown, drown, drown
Don’t let me, don’t let me, don’t let me drown.”
The second verse is shorter than the first, but still meaningful and thoughtful: “Come dry me off and hold me close / I need you now, I need you most.” On the bridge (appears at the top of this review), Lavigne continues to confirm her fight to live despite adversity. “Head Above Water” has appeared on multiple playlists, including Recapping 40 Stunning Ballads from 2018.
Amidst the Chaos • Epic •2019
Reference: The Bible
“Let it begin / Let Adam in / Step one / Original sin… / Can I ask a question / To present day / How the hell did Eve end up with all the damn blame?” The main reason why “Armor”, a highlight from the 2019 Sara Bareilles album, Amidst the Chaos, makes an appearance on this religion-associated playlist is the aforementioned lyrical excerpt. Bareilles references the original sin from the Garden of Eden, referenced in Genesis 3. From Bareilles’ perspective, Eve gets the short end of the stick in regard to blame for being tossed out of the Garden of Eden.
For some background, here’s an excerpt, specifically Genesis 3:4-6 (Common English Bible):
4The snake said to the woman, “You won’t die!5God knows that on the day you eat from it, you will see clearly and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6The woman saw that the tree was beautiful with delicious food and that the tree would provide wisdom, so she took some of its fruit and ate it, and also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.
Later, as the story goes, God gets angry, and Adam blames Eve who then blames the snake and all are punished (Genesis 12-13; 16):
12The man said, “The woman you gave me, she gave me some fruit[c]from the tree, and I ate.” 13TheLordGod said to the woman, “What have you done?!” And the woman said, “The snake tricked me, and I ate.” 16To the woman he said, “I will make your pregnancy very painful; in pain you will bear children. You will desire your husband,but he will rule over you.”
The outcome sucks of course. Focusing more on the record itself, in the context of Amidst the Chaos, “Armor”provides contrast, keeping things quite interesting. Prominent Left hand, bassy piano (performed by Bareilles herself) adds some bite to this girl-power anthem, where she asserts at one point, “You think I am high and mighty, mister? / Wait till you meet my little sister.” Lyrically, speaks about the power of women, even in the midst of disadvantage. The ‘little sister’ line in particular suggests that women will only have a stronger voice in the future.
ASTROWORLD• Epic • 2018
References: God; God status
“Stop tryna be God Almighty / Fuck the money, never leave your people behind, yeah / It’s never love, no matter what you try.”“STOP TRYING TO BE GOD”definitely ranks among the crème de la crème ofASTROWORLD. Grammy-nominated rapper Travis Scott is totally team anti-god-status/anti god-complex, which have been prevalent in the hip-hop community. At one time, god-status was ‘trending’ in hip-hop music. It hasn’t disappeared, but rappers have also moved to other things.
Kid Cudiand legendaryEarth, Wind & FiresingerPhilip Baileyappear on the pre-chorus and chorus (“Hmm, hmm / Stop tryna be God”). Arguably the best uncredited guest feature (lots onASTROWORLD) comes courtesy of hip-hop’s ‘it boy,’James Blake. He sounds fantastic as he sings the inquiring bridge. “Is it the complex of the saint / That’s keepin’ you so, so still?” Also, there’s aStevie Wonderfeature (harmonica primarily). “STOP TRYING TO BE GOD” appeared on the previous playlist, God is in the Midst of These 11 Secular Songs.
I Loved You at Your Darkest • Metal Blade • 2018
Reference: The Antichrist; Satan; Atheism
“Our father, who art in hell / Unhallowed be thy name / Thy legions come / Thy enemies begone / On earth as it is in the netherworld.” Hmm, notThe Lord’s Prayerthat I was taught as a child, that’s for sure! Gdansk, Poland death metal band Behemoth is well-known for their anti-Christian, Satanic themes – understatement. Throughout their brilliant 2018 album, I Love You at Your Darkest, the anti-Christian/religion sentiment runs rampant. According to frontman and mastermindNergal,“It doesn’t get more blasphemous than this”.That’s pretty damning. A prime example of this blasphemy is the song at hand, “Havohej Pantocrator.”
What the ‘hell’ does “Havohej Pantocrator” even mean? Well, if Nergal and Behemoth were ‘playing nice,’ that title should be Christ [Jehovah] Pantocrator. But of course, they’re not playing nice. Ultimately, it’s a clever reverse of a famous icon – ‘Havohej’is merely ‘Jehovah’ spelled backwards. As forPantocrator, it simply means “the omnipotent lord of the universe: almighty ruler.” Put the two together, and Behemoth are clearly crowning the Antichrist as the supreme deity.
“By thou holy name, Satan
And his command
Heaven shall burn!
By thou holy name, Lucifer
At his command
Heaven shall blaze!”
“Havohej Pantocrator” appeared on a previously playlist, 13 Disturbing Songs About the Antichrist.
God’s Favorite Customer •Sub Pop • 2018
Reference: God; losing religion
Listening to “God’s Favorite Customer,” the superb title track from Father John Misty’s 2018 LP, Josh Tillman’s religious past is perceptible through the musical arrangement, production, harmonic scheme, and the songwriting. The instrumentation plays a sizable role in the effectiveness of this number, incorporating electric piano, organ, and harmonica, in addition to the standard acoustic piano, acoustic guitars, drums, and supporting vocals (Weyes Blood).
The supporting vocals are absolutely chilling. Beyond the gospel-infused cues, there’s also the spiritual lyrics of the chorus, even as Tillman is no longer “God’s Favorite Customer” as he was when he was an evangelical Christian.
“Speak to me
Won’t you speak, sweet angel?
Don’t you remember me?
I was God’s favorite customer.”
“God’s Favorite Customer” has appeared on multiple playlists, including God is in the Midst of These 11 Secular Songs, Recapping 40 Stunning Ballads from 2018, 13 Superb Gospel-Tinged Secular Songs.
High as Hope • Virgin •2018
Reference: God
“You need a big God / Big enough to hold your love.” On “Big God”, a standout from High as Hope, Florence + The Machine (Florence Welch specifically) struggles in the aftermath of being ‘ghosted’ in her relationship. “I still like you the most / You’ll always be my favorite ghost,” she sings at the end of the first verse.
The brilliant single makes ample spiritual references, but the big picture isn’t about God. No, Welch is focused on being fulfilled by love, likening fulfillment to something the size of a higher power. After commencing with minimal production, by the song’s outro, horns and strings expand the sound. Obviously, “Big God” wouldn’t be the first Florence + The Machine song that finds her depressed and sad – it kind of goes with the territory… What is clear is that the end of this particular relationship has got her down, and she’s struggling to move on.
“Big God” has appeared on multiple playlists including God is in the Midst of These 11 Secular Songs, ,and Recapping 40 Stunning Ballads from 2018.
Ft. Ty Dolla $ign
All Things Work Together • Reach • 2017
Reference: Blessings
“If I ever took a loss, I learned a lesson / I won’t ever think I’m better than the next man / I’ve been down before the come up, I ain’t stressin’ / Baby I’m too busy countin’ all these blessings.” “Blessings” is among the highlights from All Things Work Together, the 2017 album by Grammy-winning Christian rapper Lecrae. On “Blessings,” Lecrae enlists one of urban music’s hottest artists for the assist, Ty Dolla $ign. While Ty Dolla $ign isn’t typically associated with the religious or spiritual, he is responsible for the aforementioned, memorably sung hook.
Later, Ty gets his chance to shine on once again on the second verse. He doesn’t reference God, but he also avoids the hellish. As for Lecrae, he spits ferociously. His approach and appeal are secular for the most part, but he gives the glory to God: “Won’t take the credit, I know where we get it / Them blessings be comin’ from God above.” An infectious post-hook adds the cherry on top: “Count it up, count it up, count it up / Blessings.” “Blessings” previously appeared on the playlist 11 Songs Filled with Blessings.
Rainbow • Kemosabe • 2017
Reference: Prayer; Repentance
“…I hope you’re somewhere prayin’, prayin’ / I hope your soul is changin’, changin’ / I hope you find your peace / Falling on your knees, prayin’.” Keshagave us all chills on the Grammy-nominated single“Praying”, one of the best moments from her long-awaited, 2017 album, Rainbow. “Praying” marked a departure – a stark contrast from her past work. A ballad, it’s clear from the jump she’s aiming for empowerment for herself, and others who’ve been in an unfortunate situation. By the end of the song, the powerhouse vocals are mind-blowing.
Dr. Luke, who goes nameless but is implied throughout the song, is definitely in the doghouse:
“‘Cause you brought the flames and you put me through hell
I had to learn how to fight for myself
And we both know all the truth I could tell
I’ll just say this is I wish you farewell…”
It should also be noted thatRainbowfeatures numerous instances of Kesha ‘stepping up her game,’ opting for empowerment and thoughtfulness over gimmickry and silliness. “Praying” has appeared on numerous playlists including 13 Superb Gospel-Tinged Secular Songs.
Evolve •Interscope • 2017
Reference: Beliefs, being a Believer
“Believer”, a highlight from the Grammy-nominated pop album, Evolve, plays true to the identity established by Grammy-winning alternative rock band Imagine Dragons. The drums are gargantuan, packing a mean punch. Frontman Dan Reynolds continues to deliver overt vocals, with a bite. He also employs a mean falsetto which is key here, particularly during the chorus.
“I was broken from a young age
Taking my sulking to the masses
Write down my poems for the few
That looked at me took to me, shook to me, feeling me…”
Rhythmically, the melody of the aforementioned pre-chorus on “Believer” is quick-paced, with a dash of hip-hop sensibility. The chorus – the crème de la crème – is anthemic, with a strong urban influence. All in all, it’s tough NOT to be a believer in “Believer.” Adversity and sadness overcome!
“Pain!
You made me a, you made me a believer, believer
You break me down, you build me up, believer, believer, believer
Pain!
I let the bullets fly, oh let them rain
My life, my love, my drive, it came from
Pain!
You made me a, you made me a believer, believer.”
“Believer” previously appeared on the playlist .
Purgatory • Hickman Holler • 2017
Reference: Purgatory
“Catholic girl, pray for me / You’re my only hope for Heaven.” Well, ‘hell,’ that ain’t good Tyler Childers, sigh. The up-tempo bluegrass-styled country record “Purgatory” serves as the title track from the Kentucky musician’s 2017 debut album. Sure, I played around with words when mentioning ‘hell’ earlier, mainly because in many Christian religions, you either rewarded in heaven, or are damned to hell. In Catholicism, there’s also Purgatory.
Purgatory is defined by Encyclopædia Britannica as “the condition, process, or place of purification or temporary punishment in which, according tomedievalChristian andRoman Catholic belief, thesoulsof those who die in a state of grace are made ready forheaven.” Essentially, Tyler Childers is squarely in the middle, and quite possibly closer to the fiery pit without his Catholic girl. “I know that hell / Is just as real as I’m surely breathin’,” he sings, continuing, “But I’ve heard tale / Of a middle ground, I think will work for me.”
“Purgatory” previously appeared on the playlist 11 Songs That Explore the Afterlife.
What I’m Feelin’ •RCA • 2016
References: Amen
“If I had to testify, I could only say she’s the truth / It’s like prayers went up and sent me you.”Anthony Hamiltonis among the most underrated R&B artists in the game. After years and years trying to make it in the game, he finally earned his breakthrough album withComin’ From Where I’m Fromin 2003 (talk about the exemplification of the modern soul album). Even though the North Carolina soul singer has failed to rack up the same commercial sales as some of his contemporaries, he’s rightfully been a highly-demanded collaborator.
On“Amen,”reprised from the playlist 8 Secular ‘Amen’ Songs, the forty-something Grammy-winner superbly dips into ‘trap soul’ without ‘selling his soul’ you might say. He keeps it churchy, southern, and soulful, but adds a dash of swagger.
“Got me saying Amen
From the bed to the stove
From the church to the job
Best thing I know.”
Mosquito •Interscope • 2013
References: Sin; Christianity; Religious skepticism; hypocrisy
“Fallen for a guy / Fell down from the sky / Halo round his head / Feathers in our bed / In our bed, in our bed.”“Sacrilege”serves as the opener fromYeah Yeah Yeahs’2013 album,Mosquito. Karen Oand company don’t explicitly denounce God or religion, but they do highlight the hypocrisy thatsome supposed Christians exhibit. Arguably, the aforementioned lyrics suggest thisangel from above (a Christian, we’ll presume) isn’t as angelicwhat he says he is or pretends to be, etc. He’s sinning as much as ‘the devil’ who’s in bed with him, not to get too Biblical or preachy. Notably, “Sacrilege” also features a gospel choir…
“Asked if I would try / To leave this all behind / Halo round his head / Burning in our bed / In our bed, in our bed.” The music video for “Sacrilege” is more disturbing than the song itself. It featuresBritish Model Lily Cole burned at the stakefor herpromiscuityandadulterywith the men, as well as a woman, in town. Remember, one of the Ten Commandments is,thou shalt not commit adultery. Sure, they are literally burning her at the stake, but the bigger takeaway is the utter hypocrisy. “Sacrilege” previously appeared on the playlist 13 Superb Gospel-Tinged Secular Songs.
Sempiternal • Epitaph•2013
References: Moses…not really; eternity
“Can you tell from the look in our eyes / (We’re going nowhere?) / We live our lives like we’re ready to die / (We’re going nowhere).” Man, oh, man, those are pretty damning lyrics! That said, it’s not really surprising considering the source, English metalcore collective Bring Me the Horizon, led by Oli Sykes. The frontman is turned all-the-way-up on “Shadow Moses,” a single and surefire gem from the band’s 2013 album, Sempiternal. If sempiternal is an unfamiliar term, let me school you. According to good old Merriam-Webster, sempiternal simply means “of never-ending duration: eternal.” So, Sykes and company could’ve just opted for eternal, but, sempiternal sounds much cooler and of course, more damning.
Death is firmly planted on Sykes’ mind – well metaphorically. At the end of the verse, he states, “I thought I buried you, what’s dead can never die, fuck.” In addition to the aggressive, pessimistic chorus, and the fitting f-bomb closing out the verse, the best lyrical section of “Shadow Moses” comes courtesy of the ‘breakdown.’
“This is sempiternal
Will we ever see the end?
This is sempiternal
Over and over, again and again
Rise from the dead you say?
Secrets don’t sleep till they’re took to the grave
Signal the sirens, rally the troops
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s the moment of truth.”
“Shadow Moses” previously appeared on the playlist 13 Songs Where the Shadows Are Looming.
“15 Songs That Reference Things Associated with Religion” [Photo Credits: 4AD, Atlantic UK, BMG Rights Management, Epic, Epitaph, Hickman Holler, Interscope, Kemosabe, Metal Blade, Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, Reach, Sub Pop, Virgin]
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