11 Church-Related Songs Not Intended For Church | Playlist

11 Church-Related Songs Not Intended For Church features songs by Jonah Kagen, JORDY, Kyle Alessandro, Lady Gaga, and Lambert, Hendricks & Ross.

Well, maybe… Actually, in most of the songs on 11 Church-Related Songs Not Intended for Church, the church is likely to say NO. Maybe even HELL NO… Why? The songs weren’t intended for the sanctuary. There are plenty of spiritual references, but, they don’t equate to giving all the honor and glory to God.  To be fair, there are exceptions, but, mostly, this is a nontraditional, secular affair. 11 Church-Related Songs Not Intended For Church features songs by Jonah Kagen, JORDY, Kyle Alessandro, Lady Gaga, and Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this churchy, well, not-so-churchy compendium of songs!

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. Slayyyter, “*PRAYER*”	2. Kyle Alessandro, “Rosary”	3. Lady Gaga, “Garden Of Eden”
4. JORDY, “GOD COMPLEX”	5. Jonah Kagen, “Talkin’ About Jesus”	6. The Boot Scootin’ Sissies, “Jesus, Take the Lube”
7. Nemo, “God’s A Raver”	8. Erica Mason & Jai Black, “Queer Christian”	9. Corporate Avenger, “Jesus Christ Homosexual”
10. Donny Hathaway, “Lord Help Me”		11. Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, “Sermonette”

 

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1. Slayyyter, “*PRAYER*”

WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA » RECORDS Label, LLC / Columbia Records » 2026

Let the church say, amen 🙏! “*PRAYER*” is the second-to-last track on Slayyyter’s (Catherine Garner) third studio album, WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA.  It’s succinct, lasting less than 40 seconds. Fittingly, “*PRAYER*” features churchy, gospel cues, namely, the organ.  As the excerpted lyrics suggest, Slayyyter recites a prayer, specifically, the Prayer for Peace by St. Francis of Assisi (Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone, c. 1181 – 1226).  Some of the words from the prayer are modified, but it is a petition for peace nonetheless. “For it is by self-forgetting that one finds / It is by forgiving that one is forgiven,” Slayyyter recites, and concludes, “It is by dying that one awakens to eternal life /Amen.” This interlude, composed by Garner and producer Owen Jackson, starkly contrasts the edgier, explicit moments from WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA. It’s sandwiched between “WHAT IS I LIKE, TO BE LIKED?” and “Brittany Murphy”.

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2. Kyle Alessandro, “Rosary”

AURA » Warner Music Norway AS » 2026

Norwegian pop singer-songwriter Kyle Alessandro (Kyle Alessandro Helgesen Villalobos) asserts in the pre-chorus of “Rosary”. Kyle gets all spiritual on us on “Rosary,” with bang-up results! As they say, prayer is the key of heaven.  “Rosary” is a brief but superbly written, performed, and produced song from the talented 20-year-old.  He wrote “Rosary” with Stian Gunby, Trygve Løkka Wølner, and Emilia Ora. 

“Rosary” begins with a striking instrumental introduction.  The record thrives on its vibrant production, including gorgeous, lush strings, keys, synths, and programming.  Kyle Alessandro is the star of the show.  His vocals are incredibly sweet from the opening to the closing note.  Alessandro sings with ease during the verse.  Notably, spiritual references run rampant.  “Looking for salvation in the same place,” he sings in the first verse, and continues, “Counting beads by the day.” In the second verse, he asks, “Am I worthy enough? / Not sure if I deserve it / Maybe it’s all too much / Just tell me how to earn it.” He ups the ante during the chorus, the section to beat.  In the big, unforgettable chorus, Kyle shows off the robustness and power of his instrument. He matches the dynamic nature of the accompaniment.

“For what I’ve done

It’s making me bleed, yet I just keep on going ‘round

Whatever you need, whenever I please, Lord, help me out

I’m counting the beads on this rosary, forever, forever

I’m counting the beads on this rosary.”

Beyond the chorus, the post-chorus is delightful, too, showcasing how bright Alessandro’s star is (“Perdóname, perdóname [Forgive me, forgive me]”).  Adding to the magnificence of “Rosary” are the harmonic progression (the musical underpinnings), which gives off a dash of gospel.  No, this isn’t a song intended for church, but there is a hint of gospel-pop flavor.  All told, Kyle Alessandro ate and left no crumbs on this brief but high-flying, potent pop single. Slay, King!

 

 

Appears in:

Kyle Alessandro, Rosary: Beaming with Pride No. 24 (2026) Striking Bops from March 2026

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3. Lady Gaga, “Garden Of Eden”

 MAYHEM » Interscope » 2025

Hmm, something tells me, Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta), that you aren’t referencing chocolate or peppermints… Mother Monster continues singing in the first verse of “Garden Of Eden” (cough* red flag 🚩), “You started slurrin’, and I start to squeal / I’m fallin’ over in my nine-inch heels.” Yep, the third track from her seventh studio album, MAYHEM, is NOT that innocent.  It’s not innocent at all! Citing the Garden of Eden from the book of Genesis, we know things didn’t go as planned for Adam and Eve thanks to a serpent, better known as Lucifer, aka Satan 😈. Gaga, Cirkut (Henry Walter), Watt (Andrew Watt), and Gessafelstein (Mike Lévy) penned and produced “Garden Of Eden,” in all its immoral glory.

“Garden Of Eden” is set in a minor key, which is fitting given the devilish naughtiness and sinfulness of the cut.  The production kicks ass and takes names, PERIOD.  Sleek to the nth degree, it represents some of the best work behind the boards on MAYHEM, as well as Gaga’s career as a whole. Aggressive bass programming, hard-nosed, nasty synths, and a scintillating groove provide ample fuel for Lady Gaga’s fire. 2000s-era Gaga is alive and well, reincarnated in 2025! Stefani serves up playful, personality-filled vocals. “You’re turning green from the adrenaline / This chick’s a machine, but her friend is way more fun,” she sings in the second verse, and adds, “But you can’t hear her with the music on / So you say ‘yes’ and then the party’s on.” Woo! When she’s not showing off her playful side, Gaga’s vocals are commanding, dynamic, and powerful – namely, the pre-chorus and chorus.  After urging the DJ to “hit the lights” in the pre-chorus, she states in the chorus, “I could be your girlfriend for the weekend / You could be my boyfriend for the night / My excuse to make a bad decision / Bodies getting close under the lights.” Those bad decisions are comparable to the original sin within the Garden of Eden, at least from Lady Gaga’s perspective (“Oh, take you to the Garden of Eden / Poison apple, take a bite”).  In case there was any doubt where Stefani was taking it, in the post-chorus, she asserts, with extra syllables, “I’ll t-t-take you to the Garden of Eden.” Adding to the allure of the fantastic “Garden Of Eden”, a surefire bop from MAYHEM is great vocal layering (including a sickening vocal arrangement and production), and great vocal ad-libs from Gaga. Have sin and temptation ever been more enticing?

Appears in 🔻:

Lady Gaga, Garden Of Eden: Midnight Heat No. 70 (2025) A Hodgepodge of Place Songs, Vol. 2 (2026)

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4. JORDY, “GOD COMPLEX”

GOD COMPLEX (EP) » JORDY / EMPIRE » 2026

Are you praying, JORDY (Jordy Shulman), or are you doing something else? Listening to the next line in “GOD COMPLEX”, Shulman sings, “Asking forgiveness over something I didn’t do / Got me thinking that you’re some kind of priest / Confessing over something you know that isn’t true.” Early on, in the first verse of “GOD COMPLEX,” the religious and spiritual references run rampant.  Down on my knees, forgiveness, priest, and confessing are all key words. Shulman composed the two-and-a-half-minute song with Perrin Xthona and producer mattisnotfamous (Matthew Roy Ferree).

The second verse of “GOD COMPLEX” moves beyond religion, well, sort of.  JORDY shares his plans to become friends with his ex’s ex – an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth! In the pre-choruses, Shulman discusses losing and eventually finding himself following this shitty experience. That, my friends, leads to the Chorus, the centerpiece of the record.  “You were a bad decision, bad religion, can’t believe that I committed / To a normal guy, with a god complex,” he sings, and adds, “Rather be a sinner, pull the trigger, altogether / Couldn’t tell you why, I was so obsessed.” Once more, religious and spiritual references rear their head, with JORDY singing them like a champ.  His voice is terrific as he rocks out over the pop/rock, pop-punk-infused music accompaniment.  The theme and lyrics are entertaining and honest, while the melodies are tuneful. All in all, “GOD COMPLEX” is another bop in the hands of JORDY.  Rock on!

Appears in 🔻:

Striking Bops from March 2026

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5. Jonah Kagen, “Talkin’ About Jesus”

“Talkin’ About Jesus” » Arista Records » 2026

Georgia singer-songwriter Jonah Kagen’s music goes hard, in an alternative, Americana, and folky kind of way.  On “Talkin’ About Jesus”, Kagen takes us to church – hallelujah! No, it’s not because he’s praising Jesus, but because of the top-notch vocal performance and the descriptive, honest songwriting.  Kagen wrote and produced the impressive single himself.

“Talkin’ About Jesus” commences with an enigmatic, intense drone. With the entrance of sustained chords, the rhythm increases. Eventually, it settles into an alternative record. The star of the show is Kagen, who impresses with his expressive, gritty vocals.  The coarse nature of his vocals is striking.  Something else that is striking is the honesty of the songwriting, exemplified by the excerpted lyrics from the first verse.  Jonah seems to fancy this woman… “You look so nice in this light / Yeah, you got mountains in your eyes with a sunset,” he sings in the second verse, and continues, “Yeah, God painted that / What I would give to see you again, just to paint you like a work of art.” Oh, snap! There are plenty of spiritual references, including in the crème de la crème, the chorus. The chorus is melodious and memorable including a prominent f-bomb!

“Why are we talking about Jesus?

Baby, that never helps

Yeah, love, we’re all sinners, daddy’s going to hell

I got this love in me and no one to tell

God, just fuckin’ kiss me, I don’t want no one else

I don’t want no one else.”

Why is it that holy fuck feels appropriate here? Anyway, “Talkin’ About Jesus” probably should be avoided like the plague… in church that is! But, Jonah Kagen wows, sinful ways and all! This Georgia boy has got it!

Appears in 🔻:

Striking Bops from March 2026

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6. The Boot Scootin’ Sissies, “Jesus, Take the Lube”

Balls Deep in the Bible Belt » DistroKid » 2025

😳 😳 😳… I’d say WE LISTEN, AND WE DON’T JUDGE, BUT we are definitely judging here! “I looked to the skies and said, ‘Lord, I’m weak’ / With a bottle full of Jergens and a mind full of freak / The devil’s in my pants and I can’t break through.” Yep, that sounds about right… AI-created country band, The Boot Scootin’ Sissies is something else.  That’s an understatement! The song at hand, “Jesus, Take the Lube”, is the fourth track from The Boot Scootin’ Sissies’ gay country album, Balls Deep in the Bible Belt. Lead guitarist Willie Stroker (did you catch that last name 😏), and The Boot Scootin’ Sissies penned this queer joint while Randy Bottoms produced it.  In the lyric video caption, The Boot Scootin’ Sissies provide the backstory on “Jesus, Take The Lube,” and it is one for the ages.  It should come as no surprise that it involves masturbation… An excerpt from the masturbatory commentary:

Seconds later, with sweat pouring and AM gospel blaring, he [Willie Stroker] shouted “Jesus, take the lube!” and nearly rear-ended a Subaru full of youth pastors. He says he blacked out during climax and came to writing lyrics in the fog on his own windshield. The rest of the band helped shape the verses, but the soul of the song, the desperation, the shame, the slippery grace, belongs entirely to Willie.

God damn, I mean, God bless 🙏!

It goes without saying that most country songs don’t tackle choking the chicken.  There are non-AI exceptions, of course, but masturbation is rare in country music.  But, it’s front and center with The Boot Scootin’ Sissies.  The theme and lyrics are surprising, but the sound of the record is familiar for country music: the twang, guitars, fiddle, etc.  Still, it’s the narrative that takes the cake.  The chorus is the crowning achievement, in all of its self-pleasuring glory… or hell:

“Jesus, take the lube

I’m two strokes from hell

My balls are achin’, Lord, I’m shakin’

You know this grip too well

If I bust through these Wrangler jeans

Let it baptize the dash and set me clean.”

My God, today! There is a variation, where our horny protagonist is “‘bout to blow / Got nut on my jeans and fog on the window.” Of course, it doesn’t end with the chorus.  While he’s jerking it in the car, he asserts, “Had my eyes rolled back / Right hand in place / Then I saw Jesus in the License Plate.” A divine vision? Nope, more like WWJD – What would Jesus do?  Of course, he makes it clear that the acronym on the license plate was “Starin’ straight at my meat.”  Jesus! Later, there may be divine intervention, though I have some doubts: “The engine stalled / My speakers blew, / And I swore I heard Moan, too.” Plus, he goes on to sing about nutting, a “jizz-stained breeze,” his “junk on his knees,” and “smelling his own prayer.” The big takeaway from “Jesus, Take the Lube” is never underestimate the power of man, lust, and his junk. This song, of course, should be taken with a grain of salt.  Oh, and it shouldn’t be played anywhere near the workplace…

Appears in 🔻:

The Boot Scootin’ Sissies, Jesus, Take the Lube: Spicy Tunez No. 15 (2026) 13 More Take Songs There for the Taking (2026) Lube: 5 Gems No. 13 (2026)

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7. Nemo, “God’s A Raver”

Arthouse » Universal Music GmbH » 2025

Swiss pop artist Nemo (Nemo Mettler, they/them) uses striking religious imagery in their track “God’s A Raver”. It is intentionally blasphemous, and we Stan! They don’t stop there in the first verse of this gay bop! “I’m seeing the holy light, I could die tonight,” they sing, and continue, “When you touch me, it’s biblical.” Damn, Nemo! Nemo, Maegan Cottone, and Jez Ashurst wrote the song while Nemo, Ashurst, Sacha Rudy, and Liam Maye produced it.

Beyond its provocative lyrics, the music is vibrant, particularly the piano and a strong groove. Nemo’s vocals are playful, filled with personality and sinfulness! “Oh, hey, girl, you say you wanna take me there / I’m just a little bit scared, uh, can you hold my hand for a second,” they assert in the second verse. The pre-chorus prefaces the memorable chorus: “Oh, I think I love you, love, you, love you, you.” The chorus is the crème de la crème:

“If there’s a God, we just met at the gay bar

She is a raver just like me

If there’s a God, please, forgive my behavior

I just wanna taste her on my knees.”

Oh, snap 😳! The post-chorus continues to reference religious themes: “Touching heaven, met my maker, I believe that God’s a raver.” Ooh-wee! Conservative Christians may be pissed off by “God’s A Raver”, while progressive Christians might find the song clever and appealing. As for me, it is an irresistibly delicious bop.

Appears in 🔻:

Nemo, God’s A Raver: Beaming with Pride No. 77 (2025)

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8. Erica Mason & Jai Black, “Queer Christian”

Queer Christian » Erica Mason / RUN Inc. » 2023

rapper Erica Mason reflects in the intro of “Queer Christian”. I concur that that is crazy, but not far-fetched.  Mason adds, “Meanwhile God, you see me the whole time / You know the good, the bad, the ugly and everything in between.” Amen 🙏. On “Queer Christian,” Mason shares the story of self-acceptance of her queer identity, also identifying as a Christian.  In the opening track from her 2023 album, also named Queer Christian, she concludes, “Everybody who loves God and struggles with being queer / Just know you not alone in God, there’s no fear / And no matter what they say, know that God is still here.” That deserves another amen 🙏 despite what the non-queer Christians might say.  Mason taps Jai Black for the assist in this rare, thought-provoking cut that approaches being both queer and Christian.

Accompanied by a warm, gorgeous backdrop, Erica Mason has lots to say. If you have followed a pathway where faith and sexuality conflicted, many of her experiences are relatable.  First and foremost, the ineffective praying the gay away.  Her pastor advised her, “You keep praying, serving God, these feelings will go away.” Of course, that wasn’t the case for Mason, who asserts, “I just learned to  suppress / And bottle up all my shame,” and adds, “Long as you don’t talk about it, we’ll keep handing you this mic / We don’t wanna hear about that struggle keep it private.” In the black church, there are queer parishioners.  However, it’s more of an open secret and don’t ask, don’t tell, as Mason raps about.  Of course, Erica tries to do everything to stop her desire, hoping, “You’ll stop wanting women when you go through some deliverance.” Wrong, wrong, wrong.  Ultimately, after being told what to do and how she’s wrong, Mason realizes she must be true to herself because her suppression didn’t allow her to be free, despite trying everything to free herself from homosexuality.

“But look, suppressing who you are doesn’t mean that you’re free

And a lot of y’all are gay, but you won’t say anything

But yet you quick to tell somebody how they need to be free

And if you never had that struggle

Put your feelings aside

Because the word without love is really nothing but pride.”

Erica’s letter is a powerful one filled with truth, something so many members of the LGBTQ+ community struggle with, particularly those who are Christian or part of some faith.  Beyond a terrific performance by Mason, Jai Black lends his gorgeous vocals in the background and following Mason’s meaningful verses. “We celebrate you ‘cause you are truly amazing,” he sings, and continues, “So, who are we to judge?” Again, amen 🙏. “Queer Christian” is a song that every queer person of faith needs to add to their playlist.  Non-queer Christians should listen, too.

Appears in 🔻:

Erica Mason & Jai Black, Queer Christian: Beaming with Pride No. 74 (2025) A Quirky Collection of Q Songs (2025)

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9. Corporate Avenger, “Jesus Christ Homosexual”

Freedom Is A State Of Mind » KOCH » 2001

😳 Yep, nu-metal/rap-rock band Corporate Avenger starts “Jesus Christ Homosexual” off with a controversial-assed, surely sacrilegious bang.  Beyond the song title itself, the band uses an outdated and offensive term referencing an intersex person. Oops 😬! Furthermore, they speculate, in the intro of the tenth track of Freedom Is A State Of Mind, that Mary, Jesus’ mother, might be intersex 👀.  That assertion has been explored, but most Christians, in particular, aren’t a fan of even considering such when it comes to Mother Mary. Anytime somebody notable, particularly biblical, is considered to be other in some way, it’s a hairy situation. After they motherfuckin’ go (their motherfuckin’ words, not mine), Corporate Avenger transforms a child’s mealtime prayer into something, dare I say, sus: “God is good, God is great / I think that he might be gay.” Oh, this is damnable!

“Jesus Christ Homosexual” should be taken with a grain of salt. Even with associating God as being gay 😬, the band does make a relevant point. “If Jesus Christ was God and God created all / Then Jesus Christ created the homosexual / There might be a little fag in us all!”  The choice of words, particularly the f-slur, is questionable, but far too often, homosexuality is associated with an abomination. But God did create everything, correct? Right, or so The Bible says. The second verse continues to explore the gay angle, with Corporate Avenger highlighting the gay hate purported by some Christians. “He made us in His image,” they sing, and add, “Now listen what I say / Then it’s a possibility that Jesus Christ was gay.” Outlandish? Yes, but there is a worthwhile discussion piece beyond Jesus Christ’s sexuality… It feels strange to write that statement…  Playing devil’s advocate 😈, Corporate Avenger does seem to be careful in phrasing certain things, making sure they are hypothetical.  Still, when a song is titled “Jesus Christ Homosexual”, the controversy is automatic – built in – without performing one note.  To reiterate, take this 2000s song with a grain of salt.

Appears in 🔻:

Corporate Avenger, Jesus Christ Homosexual: Controversial Songs No. 26 (2025) 15 High-Flying Homosexual Songs (2025)

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10. Donny Hathaway, “Lord Help Me”

Extension of a Man » Atlantic » 1973

Those are simple yet incredibly powerful words. When you need help, who should you call? G-O-D. Donny Hathaway (1945 – 1979) gave the world so many awesome songs, whether original or transformative covers. Perhaps the gospel-soul cut, “Lord Help Me”, isn’t the first that comes to mind, but it’s a can’t-miss, inspiring, and uplifting gem. “Lord Help Me” is the closing track from Hathaway’s innovative and most experimental album, Extension of a Man.  Although it sounds like a Hathaway original, Billy Preston (1946 – 2026) and Joe Greene (1915 – 1986) wrote it. Legends Arif Mardin (1932 – 2006) and Jerry Wexler (1917 – 2008) produced it.

“Lord Help Me” opens with a gospel choir singing the title lyrics. 19 seconds in, Donny Hathaway begins humming as they continue singing.  He begins the transition into lead vocals, throwing in thoughtful ad-libs (“Once more and again, your humble servant is calling on your name”). Hathaway delivers a soulful and sincere vocal performance, accompanied by the harmonized choral oohs. “And I’m also asking you to help my brother / He needs help too, Lordy,” he sings, and continues, “Help him to realize all that God has given / Help him to know that there’s a purpose for living.” Notably, some distinct, pitchy moments/runs from Hathaway contribute to the authenticity and character of this gospel-soul recording. By the end of the recording, Mr. Hathaway gives his all: “Please Lordy (Lord help me) / I’m asking you from my heart this evening /… You know I need you / I need you by my side / You know I wanna do the things that’s right.” Beyond hearing a once-in-a-lifetime musician at his best, I love the advanced harmonic progressions. The music is superb, with the band and choir locked in. Donny Hathaway takes us to church on “Lord Help Me”.

Appears in 🔻:

Donny Hathaway, Lord Help Me: Music Lifts No. 10 (2026)

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11. Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, “Sermonette”

The Hottest New Group in Jazz » Columbia » 1959

Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, can you please expound on this sermonette? “It tells about real true love / People lost sight of,” the talented jazz vocal trio – Dave Lambert (1917 – 1966), Jon Hendricks (1921 – 2017), and Annie Ross (1930 – 2020) – asserts, “Through their sinful livin’ / And scornin’ heaven above.” Amen! “Sermonette” is the eighth track on their 1959 album, The Hottest New Group in Jazz. I love the prominence of Ross’s voice and how it blends with Lambert and Hendricks. Renowned jazz saxophonist Cannonball Adderley (1928 – 1975) composed the original song, first recorded by his brother, trumpeter and cornetist Nat Adderley (1931 – 2000). Hendricks, a pioneer of vocalese, wrote the lyrics, transforming the instrumental track into an inspirational, vocal gem. Teo Macero (1925 – 2008) and Irving Townsend (1920 – 1981) produced it.

What other things did Lambert, Hendricks & Ross hear in the sermonette? “It tells you to love one another / To feel that each man’s your brother,” they assert, and continue, “Live right, ‘cause you know / That you reap what you sow.” Biblical: Galatians 6!  The messages delivered through song are norms that everybody should adhere to and live by.  With their pitch-perfect voices and superb vocal chemistry, the trio prudently concludes, “And so to have no regrets / And to find what you’re missin’ / Bow your head and listen / To this sermonette.” Beyond the top-notch musicianship vocally, the combo is totally in the pocket! Harry “Sweets” Edison (1915 – 1999) compels with an extended, colorful, muted trumpet solo. His improvisations are nothing short of decadent. Pianist Gildo Mahones (1929 – 2018) cooks on the keys, providing soulful comps and quoting the melody selectively.  Meanwhile, Ike Isaacs (1923 – 1981, bass) and Walter Bolden (1925 – 2002, drums) keep it tight, providing a solid foundation.  There are also claps, which further gospelize this jazzy joint. Post-solo, Lambert, Hendricks & Ross complete the sermonette masterfully. “Sweets” provides an exclamation point with his final, agile riffs. “Sermonette” is the definition of a goodie with a meaningful, powerful, and thought-provoking message.

Appears in 🔻:

Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, Sermonette: Music Lifts No. 5 (2026)

 

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11 Church-Related Songs Not Intended For Church (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista Records, Atlantic, Columbia Records, DistroKid, EMPIRE, Erica Mason, Interscope, JORDY, KOCH, RECORDS Label, LLC, RUN Inc., Universal Music GmbH, Warner Music Norway AS; Korede Adenola from Pexels; Gordon Johnson, Miyoko Goto from Pixabay]

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