11 Songs That Reference the Lord

Reading Time: 13 min read

11 Songs That Reference the Lord features music courtesy of Andrea Bocelli, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, George Harrison, Kanye West, and Ricky Dillard.

Folks, prepare to let Him into your life! Who is Him, you ask? Why, THE LORD! On 11 Songs That Reference the Lord, the keyword is Lord. Often, the songs that appear on this playlist are faith-based and specifically mention the Lord. There is, of course, an exception – look at you “Lord of the Flies” courtesy of Kxllswxtch & Pouya (NOT a church song in the least). Anyways, 11 Songs That Reference the Lord features music courtesy of Andrea Bocelli, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony (churchier than Kxllswxtch & Pouya, I promise), George Harrison, Kanye West, and Ricky Dillard among others. So, prepare to get your praise on (most of the time) on 11 Songs That Reference the Lord!

1. Ricky Dillard, “I Love The Lord (Live)”

Choirmaster II // Capitol CMG, Inc. // 2024

“I love the Lord, I love the Lord, I love the Lord” – what a profession of faith! On “I Love The Lord (Live)”, Grammy-nominated gospel musician Ricky Dillard and his anointed choir give all the praise to The Lord. “I Love The Lord” commences Dillard’s 2024 live album, Choirmaster II. Dillard penned this thoughtful song alongside Terrence J Dooley. He also produces alongside Quadrius Salters. It’s hard not to be spiritually refreshed listening to this powerful affirmation of faith. The main lyrics continue, in all their glorious praise: “I love the Lord, I really, really love the Lord / I love the Lord, I love the Lord, I love the Lord.” Amen!

Beyond the core lyrics, Dillard and company further amplify the praise with variations. At one point, the Choir affirms, “He’s been so good, He’s been so good, He’s been so Good.” More frequently, they assert, with riffs by Ricky, “Yes I love Him / And I adore Him / I lift my hands / I bow before Him / Deep in my heart / I really, really love the Lord / I love the Lord, I love the Lord, I love the Lord.” THANK YA JESUS 🙌! Beyond the spirited lyrics and high-flying vocals, the instrumental is EVERYTHING! The jubilant sounds of the keys! The exalting trumpets! The robust bass line! It all contributes to the spiritual experience. Also, a lit, complex harmonic progression, multiple key changes, and vamps amplify the praise! What I’m saying is, the musical lift is epic on “I Love The Lord (Live)”!

Appears in 🔻:

Ricky Dillard, I Love The Lord (Live): Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 5 (2024)

2. Cissy Houston, “The Lord is My Shepherd”

The Preacher’s Wife // Arista // 1996

“The Lord is my shepherd / I shall not want / He maketh me, to lie down / In green pastures.” One of many gems from The Preacher’s Wife original soundtrack album is “The Lord Is My Shepherd”. “The Lord is My Shepherd” is a traditional song, based upon the text of my personal favorite psalm, Psalm 23.  While Whitney Houston performs much of The Preacher’s Wife’s songs, it is her mother, Cissy Houston, who takes the reins on “The Lord is My Shepherd.” Cissy gets a mighty assist, courtesy of Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir.  The choir superbly backs the elder Houston, taking the listeners right to church! As strong as the choir is, Cissy Houston is elite too.  Her voice is pure and beautiful.  While Cissy often found herself in a background role, never achieving the career of her daughter, her instrument shines too.  She amazes, highlighting key lyrics of the Psalm and riffing (“I wanna thank you for comforting me / Every day”). She sings with incredible control, yet also brings expression and nuance to the table. Among the best moments is her outro, which provides a sensational music lift: “Wonderful counselor / Prince of peace / Mighty good shepherd / I love the Lord.” Of course, the arrangement provides a big lift too – piano, organ, bass, and drums, combined with choir! Yes sir! If you didn’t already know, you find out that the Lord is, indeed, a mighty, good shepherd. 

Appears in 🔻:

Cissy Houston, The Lord is My Shepherd: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 64 (2023)

3. Kxllswxtch & Pouya, “Lord of the Flies”

“Lord of the Flies” // Pouya // 2021

“Bye, uh, runnin’ from the pigs, I don’t fuck with them guys / I’ma make ‘em drop dead, feed ‘em to the flies, uh.” Charming, Kxllswxtch. “Lord of the Flies” is a brief but potent collaboration between Kxllswxtch and Pouya. The pair are backed by sick, malicious, minimalist production courtesy of MATHIASTYNER. Kxllswxtch kicks things off, flaunting a fabulous cadence and flow, and unapologetic rhymes that are brash AF. He continues in the chorus, “Let my choppa greet y’all if my pistol shy, uh / Hit her from the back, ‘til my dick touch her spine, uh.” Woo! He follows that fucking line with a verse that keeps the same energy. “Bitch, stop talking to me ‘cause this dick come with a fee, uh / She do what I say, Mr. Meeseeks,” he asserts, adding, “Cum on top of her tongue, she like, ‘Feed me,’ uh / Pilin’ up the bodies I’m chasing, um, eradicate the human species.” Lordy, lord! Pouya concludes in the second verse with his own unforgettable, NSFW lines. “When I woke up today, I sold my soul for a pack of Marlboro Lights / Black dice and a pocket pussy should suffice.” That speaks volumes… So does, “I traded in my Nikes for a shotgun and killed / Every bully from my high school that go me / Fucked up, embarrassed, feelin’ like a fuckin’ dump truck / Collected trash, but what happens when that bitch is overstuffed?” Kxllswxtch and Pouya are savage AF on “Lord of the Flies.”

4. BRELAND, “Praise The Lord” (Ft. Thomas Rhett) 

Cross Country // Bad Realm / Atlantic // 2022  

“Praise the Lord for southern women, Hemi engines, crispy chicken.” Um, sure, BRELAND – if you say so!  The black country musician represents a new breed of country music.  Is it a bit polarizing? Perhaps, but if nothing else, he’s interesting. He collaborates with Grammy-nominated country standout, Thomas Rhett, on the laudatory “Praise the Lord”.  “Praise the Lord” appears as the third track on his 2022 album, Cross Country. What else does BRELAND praise the Most High for? “East Atlanta, Country Grammar, and my nana.” Again, to him I say, sure…    

The colorful chorus, excerpted above, is the first section of “Praise the Lord” the listener hears.  Next, BRELAND drops the first verse, which continues the praise.  It’s not all Christian of course, as he offers up praise “for my bartender, turns a single into two / We went crazy out there last night, we need saving in this pew.” JESUS!  Thomas Rhett enters the fray in the second verse, thankful for his children, his Chevrolet (of course), and “cold beer conversation and broken cowboy boots.” I guess that’s how they do it in country music!  The music supporting BRELAND and Rhett is bombastic, energetic, and a blend of hip-hop, pop, gospel, and country.  It is something to hear for sure! Tongue-in-cheek to the nth degree, “Praise the Lord” is certainly entertaining if nothing else. 

Appears in 🔻:

5. Kanye West, “Jesus Lord” (Ft. Jay Electronica)

Donda // Def Jam // 2021 

The song to beat on Donda, the 10th studio album by Kanye West is “Jesus Lord” featuring Jay Electronica.  It’s no secret that Donda, named after West’s late mother, had the messiest rollout of his career.  Ultimately, the 27-track, nearly two-hour-long LP has its fair share of rewarding moments, including the song at hand. “Jesus Lord” is nine-minutes-long – ambitious – but it’s well worth it. The mellow production work is sensational, enlisting MIKE DEAN, Swizz Beatz, and Gesaffelstein behind the boards.  Even though the sound is mellow – reverent and reflective – there’s hard-knocking beat that’s consistent throughout. West delivers a fine verse, reflecting on his life, particularly the loss of his mother: “Mama, you was the life of the party /… When you lost your life, it took the life out the party / That woman road with me like a Harley.”  This is a prime example where you sense the grief West has experienced.  Jay Electronica thrills on the second verse, featuring clever pop cultural and spiritual references.  Two more moments solidify the greatness of this song: West’s spiritual chorus, and the moving outro by Larry Hoover Jr. in support of his incarcerated father, Larry Hoover Sr.   

Appears in 🔻:

6. Andrae Crouch, “Jesus Is Lord”

I’ll Be Thinking of You // Light // 1979

“Every knee shall bow / Every tongue confess / That Jesus is Lord / That Jesus is Lord.” Amen 👏 🙌! Those spiritual lyrics from the Andraé Crouch classic, “Jesus is Lord” are Biblical ⛪️. Specifically, the scripture used in this faith-based song comes from Philippians 2:10-11. The CEB (Common English Bible) version reads: 10 so that at the name of Jesus everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth might bow 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. This lively gospel record from the 1979 album, I’ll Be Thinking of You, penned by Crouch alongside Rev. Patrick Henderson, lauds Jesus, in all His glory.

Andraé Crouch is fired up praising The Most High 🙌 🙌 🙌. “Jesus was / (Wounded) / For my transgressions / … And He was bruised / (Bruised) / For my iniquities.” WOO! Crouch’s vocals are gritty, powerful, and oozing with soul – the soul coming from the black church, of course. Crouch is accompanied by an anointed rhythm section (piano, organ, bass, and drums), horns and an anointed choir. The choir amplifies Crouch’s magnificent lead, sending on home the TRUTH: “Jesus! / (He was sent from the Father) / Jesus! / (He’s a great Messiah) / Jesus! / (He’s bread for the hungry) / Jesus! / (He’s water for the thirsty).” Andraé Crouch and his gifted musicians make the praise lit. Not only is the pastoring uplifting, so is the instrumental – those riffs on 🎵 “Jesus is Lord” are heaven-sent! Notably, Crouch re-recorded the record on his 2007 album, Mighty Wind, alongside Karen Clark-Sheard.

Appears in 🔻:

Andraé Crouch, Jesus is Lord: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 59 (2023)

7. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, “Order My Steps (Dear Lord)” 

Strength & Loyalty // Interscope // 2007 

Grammy-winning Midwest collective, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, released a spiritual  gem from their 2007 album, Strength & Loyalty. That highlight was “Order My Steps (Dear Lord)”. On “Order My Steps,” Layzie Bone, Krayzie Bone, and Wish Bone get a lift from a fellow Grammy winner, Yolanda Adams. The conception of  “Order My Steps (Dear Lord)” kicks ass (and takes names).  Bradd Young and Pretty Boy put in serious work, integrating a sample with fresh, animated contemporary drum programming and scintillating keys! 

Yolanda Adams sounds amazing riffing throughout this repurposing of the beloved gospel classic, “Order My Steps in Your Word”, famously performed by the GMWA Women of Worship.  Notably, much of “Order My Steps” is in a minor key, which provides an optimal background for a dramatic rap record.  Adams also performs the chorus alongside the pitched-up sample. Those awesome Bone brothers crush it with their rhymes, rapping agilely. Layzie Bone shines as he spits, “Cause in his name no weapon should be formed against me / Simply know that the world gon’ tempt me Satan is the enemy / God, please help us I don’t want to be selfish / I don’t want to live my life tryin’ to be rebellious.” As for Krayzie Bone, “The scriptures could mean your survival and I don’t wanna die no neva / I wanna live forever and I would a lot better / So, when Armageddon really come true what chu gon’ do?” And last but not least, Wish Bone asserts: 

“You can feel it if you open up, you can get it if you need love 

As much as a mustard seed is all you need 

Small person pays for the air that we breathe 

And the baby is born, place to go when we leave 

Food that we eat, weapon when we sleep 

It’s a miracle no believin’ the Lord.” 

All told,  “Order My Steps (Dear Lord)” is a Midwest rap banger that’s the total sugar honey iced tea!  

Appears in 🔻:  

8. George Harrison, “My Sweet Lord”

All Things Must Pass // G.H. Estate Limited / BMG Rights Management (US) LLC // 1970

“My sweet Lord / I really wanna see you / Really wanna be with you / Really wanna see you, Lord, but it takes so long, my Lord.” Clearly, faith was important to the late, great, George Harrison. Harrison professes his faith in his no. 1 hit, “My Sweet Lord”, which appears on his 1970 album, All Things Must Pass. The excerpted lyrics are applicable to Christian religions – the idea of a relationship with God. That said, ultimately, Harrison makes ample references to eastern religion, specifically, Hinduism.

“My, my, my Lord (Hare Krishna)” clearly separates this from Christianity. Still, Harrison serves up many hallelujahs, though eventually, its Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Gurur Brahma, etc. Considering Hinduism, the lengthiness to see The Lord doesn’t mirror what many Christian religions ascribe to – heaven versus reincarnation.

Regardless of the religious specifics, which are intriguing, what makes “My Sweet Lord” a musical lift is the embracement of faith and believing in something. The lyrics are uncomplicated, which, interestingly, is similar to many Christian and gospel songs. Harrison sounds fantastic, while he and Phil Spector construct a marvelous, folk-gospel backdrop. Even if “My Sweet Lord” isn’t a gospel standard, there is ample faith, not to mention plenty of instrumentalists! Of course, we can’t mention “My Sweet Lord” without that lawsuit – we’ve all been highly inspired by others’ music, haven’t we? Yes Lord! Also, the late, great Billy Preston recorded this Harrison classic, too!

Appears in 🔻:

9. Inez Andrews, “Lord, Don’t Move the Mountain”

Headline News // Geffen // 1999  

Inez Andrews (1929 – 2012) is one of the greatest gospel singers of all time, period.  Her voice was incredibly versatile, ranging from her robust lower, mid-register to a dynamic, gritty upper register. Arguably, musicians like Mahalia Jackson get more acknowledgement for their craft but Inez ranks right among the best of the best. Two personal favorites include “Mary Don’t You Weep” with The Caravans and “The Greatest Warrior”.  Her biggest hit – the one that sits atop the mountaintop – is “Lord, Don’t Move the Mountain”. According to her Malaco biography:  

[Andrews] scored her biggest hit in 1973 with Lord, Don’t Move That Mountain. Recorded in Chicago by veteran R&B and gospel producer Gene Barge, her rousing rendition of the Doris Akers composition sold so well that it placed on Billboard’s Best Selling Soul Singles chart, peaking at No. 48.  

So, what makes “Lord, Don’t Move the Mountain” a truly mountainous record in Andrews’ career and gospel music? First and foremost, it’s that anointed instrument.  I can’t overemphasize how gifted Andrews was, singing with incredible confidence and filled with the holy spirit.  Furthermore, the songwriter is also a legend, the late great Doris Akers, responsible for penning some of the greatest hymns of all time.  The lyrics are utterly inspiring, providing encouragement to keep on keeping and ultimately overcome despite those pesky stumbling blocks.    

“Lord don’t move the mountain 

But give me strength to climb 

Lord don’t take away my stumbling blocks 

But lead me all around.” 

There’s also the production, which successfully plays to both the church crowd as well as soul enthusiasts in 1973. “Lord, Don’t Move the Mountain” is nothing short of a classic. 

Appears in 🔻:  

10. James Cleveland, “Aren’t You Glad You Know The Lord”

The King of Gospel Music // Malaco // 2021 

“Aren’t you glad you know the Lord / In the pardon of your sins / Glad you know Him for yourself / And glad that you let him come in.” Those lyrics appear on the thoughtful, spiritually uplifting James Cleveland record, “Aren’t You Glad You Know the Lord”.  Cleveland performed this pop-to-gospel transformation alongside The Northern & Southern Choirs of the GMWA. Notably, this inspiration selection most recently appears on the compilation, The King of Gospel Music, released in 2021. Notably, “Aren’t You Glad You Know the Lord” borrows its melody from Whitney Houston’s gem, “Didn’t We Almost Have It All”. Cleveland mentions during a spoken word portion of the song about “borrowing the tune,” giving Houston props for the message of the song, written by Michael Masser and Will Jennings.  The lyrics are few, as excerpted above, but they are potent, giving God props for being merciful, omnipotent, and, of course, The Great I Am. Cleveland and choir sing exceptionally riding this borrowed tune marvelously.  They make you feel the meaning of this song.

Appears in 🔻:  

11. Andrea Bocelli & The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, “The Lord’s Prayer”

My Christmas // Sugar Srl // 2009

Many Christmas albums include a classic penned by Albert Hay Malotte, “The Lord’s Prayer”. “The Lord’s Prayer” is not strictly a holiday song, of course. Furthermore, the lyrics – the text – comes from of the most famous scriptures in The Bible, Psalms 23. This is Malotte’s best-known piece, covered by numerous musicians. Andrea Bocelli, assisted by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, covers this faith-based gem on his multiplatinum Christmas album, My Christmas, released in 2009. The first voice(s) heard come from The Tabernacle Choir who sound incredibly warm and reverent (“Our Father / Which art in heaven / Hallowed be Thy name”). They set the tone sensationally. Also, setting the tone sensationally is the lovely instrumental arrangement, which includes an orchestra, piano, and organ. David Foster, producer extraordinaire, crafts a classy and refined backdrop.

When Bocelli enters the mix, his vocals are gorgeous. His tone – celestial to the nth degree. He reiterates the text sung by the choir, continuing the beloved Biblical scripture: “They kingdom come / Thy will be done / On Earth / As it is in heaven.” When Bocelli and choir sing together, the musical experience grows even more emotional, spiritual, holy. This occurs twice. The first is “Give us this day / Our daily bread,” and most memorably, the powerful ending: “For Thine / Is the kingdom / And the power / And the glory / Forever / Amen.” Andrea Bocelli and The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square shine on “The Lord’s Prayer”. Notably, Bocelli has also duetted on the Malotte classic alongside his handsome, talented son, Matteo Bocelli.

Appears in 🔻:

Andrea Bocelli & The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, The Lord’s Prayer: Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 11 (2024)

11 Songs That Reference the Lord (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista, Atlantic, Bad Realm, BMG Rights Management (US) LLC, Capitol CMG Inc., Def Jam, Geffen, G.H. Estate Limited, Interscope, Light, Malaco, Pouya, Sugar Srl; Chil Vera, Ray Shrewsberry from Pixabay]

11 Songs That Reference the Lord | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on April 19, 2024April 19, 2024