9. Depeche Mode, “Personal Jesus”

[Violator]

“Your own personal Jesus / someone to hear your prayers / someone who cares / your own personal Jesus / Someone to hear your prayers / Someone who’s there”

Depeche Mode makes it simple on “Personal Jesus.” Jesus isn’t referring in the least to the son of God.  Rather, Jesus in the context seems to be a lover.  Yes, “Jesus is Love,” or so Commodores and Lionel Richie told us, but it’s not quite the same love Depeche Mode implies.

“Lift up the receiver / I’ll make you a believer / I will deliver / I’ll make you a believer” 

10. Lady Gaga, “Black Jesus + Amen Fashion”

[Born This Way, 2011]

“Amen! / On the runway, dressed in his best / Amen, fashion! / On the runway, work it, Black Jesus”

Lady Gaga doesn’t seem to be referencing Jesus explicitly on “Black Jesus + Amen Fashion.”  According to an interview with E!, “Black Jesus + Amen Fashion” is “a representation of an entirely new way of living.” Downtown New York opened her eyes, apparently.

Photo Credit: Reprise