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In our latest ‘secular songs’ playlist, we explore 11 songs that make reference to God.  Some are indeed sincere, but not all them are ‘sanctified.’

In February 2017, we, The Musical Hype, presented a playlist that featured 10 Powerful Songs Referencing God. After much prayer and supplication (or perhaps not so much), we return with yet another Godly playlist: 11 Secular Songs that Make Reference to God. Given the fact that these songs are secular, even if their titles mention ‘The Most High,’ that doesn’t mean that they’re necessarily Christian. It should be noted that all 11 songs were released in 2017. Without further ado, ‘God is in the midst,’ or at least, these song titles.

 

 

 

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1. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, “Call on God”

Album: Soul of a Woman

Daptone

In November 2016, the world lost a true treasure in soul musician Sharon Jones, at the age of 60.  After a late career breakthrough, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings were among the crème de la crème of the soul revivalist movement.  Jones gets a proper ‘closing act’ with the posthumously release Soul of a Woman, which includes the superb, laudatory record, “Call on God.” “Call on God” fittingly concludes Soul of a Woman in the gospel-infused, deep-, southern soul style. Jones’ vocals are incredibly powerful and sincere.  Here, at the very end, Jones is witnessing – testifying to God’s goodness, mercy, and ‘wonder working power.’

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2. Kendrick Lamar, “GOD.”

Album: DAMN.

Interscope

Damn, DAMN. is one hell of a deep album by rapper extraordinaire Kendrick Lamar.  Sigh, and the previous statement certainly wasn’t very Christian in the least.  Neither is the song “GOD.,” the penultimate record from DAMN. Here, Kendrick Lamar addresses the overconfident notion of god status. God status is clearly different from being God-fearing, let alone properly Christ-like. The chorus is the ultimate flex-fest, with celestial, triumphant production work to match:

“This what God feel like, huh, yeah / Laughin’ to the bank like, ‘A-ha!’, huh, yeah / Flex on swole like, ‘A-ha!’, huh, yeah / You feel some type of way, then a-ha! / Huh, yeah (a-ha-ha, a-ha-ha).”

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3. Arcade Fire, “Good God Damn”

Album: Everything Now

Columbia

Sigh, we’re really “batting a thousand” with this secular-Christian song thing.  This time, God falls into the hands of Arcade Fire, who add a little something extra.  It’s not just “Good God,” but it’s “Good God Damn.” Win Butler definitely gets playful with words; god damn is used dually. Restrained, this is respectable, low-key, soulful record that connects with a previous cut from Everything Now, “Creature Comfort,” specifically the suicidal tale imparted.

“You want to get messed up? / When the times get rough / Put your favorite record on baby / And fill the bathtub up.”

Now exploring god damn contextually.  In one sense, Butler seems to be literally reacting – swearing – in reference to the extreme situation.  He doesn’t ever literally swear, but there’s that implication.  The more accurate interpretation is arguably an epiphany of sorts – potentially discovering the awesomeness of God and saying, damn.  In some regards, this is one of the more intriguing songs.

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4. Wale, “Thank God”

Album: Shine

Atlantic

For his fifth studio album, Shine, D.C. rapper Wale seems to be changing up the formula.  From the start, the album contrasts the rapper’s previous work. “Thank God” starts things off with a shine at least. Wale is all about positive vibes and thankful for his success.  While he’s thankful, he also flexes, like his contemporaries. “Thank God” still possesses some signature characteristics of the rapper, but as aforementioned, also suggests he’s going to try different things throughout Shine.  Indeed, he does, and not always ‘for the better.’

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5. Reba McEntire, “Back to God”

Album: Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope, 2017

Big Machine

After so many questionable songs on this list that use God’s name, it’s necessary to reprise a powerful song from our previous playlist.  That would be the stunning “Back to God,” which appeared on the Reba McEntire gospel album, Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope. Given its country-gospel status, the entire album is incredibly uplifting.  Even so, “Back to God” ranks among the most moving moments.  With all the problems that plague the world, Reba asserts, “We gotta give this world / Back to God.” This is a song that certainly appeals to the Christian base, embracing the power of faith and prayer above all. Still, this is a secular cover, written and originally performed by Randy Houser back in 2008.

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6. RiceGum, “God Church”

Album: N/A

SYFT INC.

After adding some respectability to the sanctity of this playlist with “Back to God,” we dig ourselves an even deeper hole in the depths of Hell.  “God Church” has nothing to do with ‘the Man.’ The title of this RiceGum diss track hails from the absolute worst song of 2017 – “It’s Everyday Bro” as performed by Jake Paul and Team 10. Among the worst lyrics from the song was “God Church,” which didn’t make a lick of sense.  Expectedly, RiceGum feasts on Paul throughout, and he generally doesn’t refrain from dropping bombs – f-bombs that is.

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7. Lana Del Rey, “God Bless America – And All the Beautiful Women in It”

Album: Lust for Life

Interscope

In the context of the Lana Del Rey album Lust for Life, “God Bless America – And All the Beautiful Women in It” serves as a fitting follow-up to “Coachella – Woodstock in My Mind.”  On “Coachella,” which directly precedes “God Bless America,” Del Rey is emotional, inspired, and all over the place.  She seems to have good, transcendent intentions, regardless if she ‘meets expectations’ or not. “God Bless American” is a women’s empowerment record, written in anticipation of politics effecting women.  The melody on the chorus is simple, yet beautiful.  The messaging, the ‘ace in the hole,’ is pitch perfect for the current, turbulent socio-political climate.

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8. Phora, “God”

Album: Yours Truly Forever

Warner Bros.

Up-and-coming rapper Phora opens his 2017 debut studio album, Yours Truly Forever with a bang.  How? He starts with ‘The Alpha and the Omega’ himself, “God.”  On “God,” Phora raps about his shortcomings, admitting that he hasn’t lived the way that he should or been thankful for his blessings.  The hook in particular, coupled with the spiritual vibe of the production successfully conveys the MC’s feelings, thoughts, and introspections.

“Yeah, I’ve been unfaithful, God / At times I’ve been ungrateful, God, and / At my lowest points, I went as far sayin’, ‘I hate you, God’ / And nothin’ is okay right now / No one feels my pain right now / If I didn’t have my team, I would’ve blew out my f*ckin’ brains by now / But I’m just hopin’, yeah / I’m just hopin’ / I’m just hopin’ someone cares / Yeah, I’m just hopin’ someone’s there / Yeah, I’ve been ungrateful, God / Yeah, I’ve been unfaithful, God.”

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9. Machine Gun Kelly, “Golden God”

Album: bloom

Bad Boy / Interscope

On “Golden God,” the sixth track on bloom, the third studio album by Machine Gun Kelly, the rapper has no shortage of confidence, let alone cockiness.  Machine Gun Kelly proclaims he’s a god:

“I’m a golden god, I’m a golden god / I’m on the roof of the party / Still almost famous, still all the way dangerous.”  

Simply stated, he’s “kind of a big deal.” He still hasn’t achieved indisputable fame, but, at least in his eyes, ‘he’s got next.’   If nothing else, “Golden God” gives the listener some glorious piano lines.  That’s #winning.

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10. Dirty Heads, “God Damn Liar”

Album: SWIM TEAM

Five Seven Music  

There’s absolutely no Godly way to spin it, not that Dirty Heads are trying to. “God Damn Liar” has nothing to do God – NOTHING.  While the production work is heavenly with its fantastic reggae cues, the lyrics and performances by Dirty J and Duddy B are savage.  Profane, unapologetic, and certainly NOT Christian. Between the pre-chorus and the chorus, the word god damn is uttered nine times!

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11. CyHi The Prynce, “God Bless Your Heart”

Album: No Dope on Sundays

Sony 

In 2017, rapper CyHi The Prynce issued his debut studio album, No Dope on Sundays.  The album sort of quietly arrived, during the same week Tim McGraw & Faith Hill dropped The Rest of Our Life, and Taylor Swift-mania was going down.  Nonetheless, CyHi the Prynce supplies our playlist with “God Bless Your Heart.” The eighth track from No Dope on Sundays isn’t a gospel song – understatement.  But, it’s clear that CyHi The Prynce is thankful to God, and encourages others to exhibit a similar mindset.

“God bless your heart… / Be thankful his mercy let us say all these precious thoughts.”

 

Photo Credits: Daptone, Interscope, Columbia, Atlantic, Big Machine, SYFT INC., Warner Bros., Bad Boy, Five Seven Music, Sony

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