11 Secular Songs About Praying, Preaching & Baptism | Playlist 🎧

“11 Secular Songs About Praying, Preaching & Baptism” features music courtesy of Future, Panic! At the Disco, Kesha, and Sam Smith.

“Wow, I really like the beat / I got some shit up on my chest / I think it’s time I preach, it’s time I preach / Yeah, yeah, it’s time I preach.” For Vancouver SonReal, well, simply put, it felt it was time that he ‘preach’ on his 2015 single, “Preach”.  Fair enough.  This playlist is the latest addition to our religious-tinged playlists which don’t tend to be very religious in the least.  The same can be said about 11 Secular Songs About Praying, Preaching & Baptism. The key word? S-E-C-U-L-U-R. Musicians contributing to at least the air or religiosity gracing this list include Future (“Talk Shit Like a Preacher” and “Baptiize”), Panic! At the Disco (“Say Amen (Saturday Night)”), Kesha (“Praying”), and Sam Smith (“Pray” / “Pray (Remix)”).

1.Future, “Talk Shit Like a Preacher”

Future Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD • Epic • 2019

“I designered my sneakers, yeah / I done fucked my teacher / Talk shit like a preacher (talk) / On the corner with a beeper (on the corner with a beeper).” Whoa! “Done fucked my teacher” and “Talk shit like a preacher?” Wow Future, wow! The southern rapper keeps things ‘short and sweet’ on the colorfully-titled “Talk Shit Like a Preacher,” the eighth song from his 2019 LP, Future Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD. On “Talk Shit Like a Preacher,” he references sex, money, material, and all things ‘flex.’ Fair warning – don’t play this one in church!

2. Future, “Baptiize”

Future Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD • Epic • 2019

Long after “Talk Shit Like a Preacher” in the context of Future Hndrxx Presents: The WIZRD,  the listeners get another ‘religious’ cut, “Baptiize.” The content of “Baptiize,” much like “Talk Shit Like a Preacher,” is unlikely to grace your minister’s Sunday sermon, particularly when Future asserts, “Went and baptized my wrist in VVS,” sigh.  Despite the blasphemy, there’s lots to ‘eat up’ about this joint, including Future sampling himself (“Slave Master”) and the banging second part of the record.

3. Years & Years, “Preacher”

Palo Santo • Polydor • 2018

“But you’re hiding, yeah, you’re hiding / You should come on out.” British synth-pop band Years & Years returned in 2018 with a compelling sophomore album, Palo Santo. Palo Santo masterfully incorporates social issues, sexuality, and spirituality. Among many highlights from the album is “Preacher,” which stands out thanks to the pronounced nature of those social, sexual, and spiritual themes. Frontman Olly Alexander urges his love interest to live his truth as opposed to lying about his sexuality. On the chorus, he sings, “He’s a preacher, but he’s preaching a lie / … I’m a creature with a fever so high / … And my temptation, you can’t escape it / God, baby, take me tonight.” Yeah, probably another ‘preacher’ song you shouldn’t play in church.

4. Panic! At the Disco, “Say Amen (Saturday Night)”

Pray for the Wicked • Fueled by Ramen • 2018

Brendon Urie and Panic! At the Disco are ‘tuned-in and turned-up’ “Say Amen (Saturday Night)”. The production is a work of art, including fantastic keyboard work and synths.  Later, the gargantuan chorus adds horns and massive, pummeling drums.

The choruses represent the most epic moments for sure, as well as summing up the record’s message.

“I pray for the wicked on the weekend
Mama, can I get another amen?
Oh, oh, it’s Saturday night, yeah
Swear to God, I ain’t ever gonna repent
Mama, can I get another amen?
Oh, oh, it’s Saturday night, yeah.”

The push-and-pull is what makes “Say Amen (Saturday Night)” so compelling. Urie is struggling with spirituality versus being free and living it up.

5. Keiynan Lonsdale, “Preach”

Preach [Single] • Keiynan Lonsdale • 2018

“I like the way I get to know you / Feel all your human nature / Can’t see a day without ya.” Keiynan Lonsdale is an actor, dancer, and musician from Australia, known for his role in the CW television series The Flash, and film roles in Insurgent and Love, Simon. Notably, he’s a member of the LGBTQ community, but dislikes labels (he’s been labeled by media as bisexual).

“Talk me that shit I like it soulful.” On Lonsdale’s end of things, he’s incredibly soulful on “Preach.” ‘Straight out the gate,’ his talent is keenly perceptible.  He sounds incredible, particularly when he reaches the high-flying chorus. What does he ‘preach’ about?  Love, and he’s trying to really get to know the person he’s infatuated with to the fullest.

“Maybe we’ll fuck up sometimes
But who the fuck cares
I want your faults, your errors
Fuck all those insta scammers
You show me textures I would never have seen.”

A different kind of sermon? Perhaps.

6. Swizz Beatz, “Preach”

Ft. Jim Jones

POISON • Epic • 2018

“Preach / Oh my, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh.” “Preach” (featuring Jim Jones) served as a single from Swizz Beatz’s 10-track, 2018 LP, Poison. “Preach” may not change the world by being transcendent (understatement), but it has it’s selling points.  First and foremost, the production work is pretty doggone cool.  Swizz Beatz keeps things rhythmic and minimalist – keyboard, vocal synth lines, and an anchoring beat.  This is ample ‘fuel for the fire’ of Jim Jones, whose ever-unique, underrated flow works superbly with the distinct, quirky production.

“Shit, I’m from Harlem, where that stuntin’ is outrageous
Went up in the dealer just to cop somethin’ outrageous
Yeah we got parents, but the drug dealers raised us
And shit, I prayed to God, but the lord never saved us.”

In addition to his work behind the boards, Swizz also adds some vocals on the utterly simple, aforementioned hook.

7. Kesha, “Praying”

Rainbow • Kemosabe • 2017

Kesha gave us all chills on “Praying”, the promo single for Rainbow.  “Praying” marked 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. The most surprising moment is when she nails a high F that no one – NO ONE – thought she could hit. Judging by the content, Dr. Luke 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
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’.”

It should also be noted that Rainbow features numerous instances of Kesha ‘stepping up her game,’ opting for empowerment and thoughtfulness over gimmickry and silliness.

8. Sam Smith, “Pray”

Ft. Logic

The Thrill of It All • Capitol • 2017

“You won’t find me in church (no) reading the Bible (no) / I am still here and I’m still your disciple / I’m down on my knees, I’m beggin’ you, please / I’m broken, alone and afraid.” Sam Smith excels at balladry.  On “Too Good at Goodbyes”, he focused on the plight of love.  On “Pray”, the second single from his sophomore album, The Thrill of it All, he shifts to religion.  He expresses his skepticism towards religion, yet feels he needs to pray and try to believe in something.

“I’m young and I’m foolish, I’ve made bad decisions
I block out the news, turn my back on religion...
Lately, that shit ain’t been gettin’ me higher
I lift up my head and the world is on fire
There’s dread in my heart and fear in my bones
And I just don’t know what to say
Maybe I’ll pray...
I have never believed in You, no
But I’m gonna pray.”

When Smith released the music video for the single in 2018, it arrived in remixed form featuring rapper Logic. “Pray (Remix)” finds Logic kicking things off with a brief verse, prior to the exceptional, nuanced vocals of Sam Smith.

“They never knew my struggle
Rose above the bubble
Rather live inside they bubble then go through the trouble of
Havin’ they double-double vision correct it…”

9. Kid Cudi, “Baptized in Fire”

Ft. Travis Scott

Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin’ • Republic • 2016

“A fresh n*gga at large, a fresh n*gga go hard / All my youngins say keep it goin’ / all my youngins they dumb and reppin’, they always knowin.” “Baptized in Fire” features dark, enigmatic production work. The record is anchored by a hard-hitting beat. Kid Cudi delivers nimble rhymes, returning to his signature sound.  Notably, he raps in an undertone. A number of memorable rhymes appear throughout, including “You bitches in my ear, they sayin’ they love me / Uh, you don’t love Scott, you loving Kid Cudi,” excerpted from the first verse. On this particular excerpt, Cudi suggests women love his status as a celebrity – notoriety, money, shallowness.

“Nightmares kept a n*gga from closin’ his lids / Since a kid I’ve been haunted by visions of death / such a trip, not normal, I customed the grip.” Arguably, his best rhymes occur on the second verse, including referencing nightmares – think Man on the Moon.  Travis Scott takes over duties on the hook:

“Life ain’t easy sober, we live so geeky
Did just what you taught us
Kept peace, no drama
Phone home to the moon
Did you change your number?
If and when, you get this message
Need you back home...”

Ultimately, Kid Cudi flexes hard on “Baptized in Fire.”

10. Drake, “Preach”

Ft. PARTYNEXTDOOR

If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late • Cash Money • 2015 

Three words: “Young n*gga preach.” “Preach,” which appears on Drake’s 2015 mixtape, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, features the aforementioned predictable, if fitting hook. Unsurprisingly, both Drake and featured guest PARTYNEXTDOOR “preach,” despite the fact it’s sacrilege… Neither seems to care about preaching without being ordained of course. It’s even more suspect when the lyric “But hearing the scripture with that many sixes you should be afraid” rears its ‘blasphemous’ head, sigh. Sure, Drake is referencing the number ‘six’ from Toronto’s area code (he’s the “6God” after all), but how could anyone resist referencing the The Number of the Beast? Iron Maiden certainly embraced it.

11. Barry White, “Practice What You Preach”

The Icon is Love • A&M • 1994

For the most part, we keep the playlists on the contemporary side.  That said, we couldn’t close out any playlist that incorporates ‘preaching’ without paying ode to the late, great Barry White. That man just oozed with soul, sigh. Sure, there’s a couple of legends we could’ve tapped, but White came to mind at the time with that rare late career hit, “Practice What You Preach.” “Practice What You Preach” is a record that so many veteran artists wish they could experience after their most lucrative period.  White had already blessed the world with the likes of “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe,” “You’re My First, My Last, My Everything,” and of course, “It’s Ecstasy When You Lay Down Next to Me.”  He was 50 years old when the parent album, The Icon is Love was released.

“I’ve had, my share of love / And some say I’m damn good / But if you think, you can turn me out / Baby I wish that you would.” Obviously, “Practice What You Preach” isn’t about moral or spiritual values, but about making love.  Anyone shocked that most clergy would blush listening to this grown-folks R&B record?

“Cause you keep telling me this and telling me that
You say once I’m with you, I’ll never go back
You say there’s a lesson that you want to teach
Well here I am baby, practice what you preach.”

[📷: A&M, Capitol, Cash Money, Epic, Fueled by Ramen, Keiynan Lonsdale, Kemosabe, Polydor, Republic]