15 Songs That Reference Things Associated with Religion features music courtesy of Anthony Hamilton, Behemoth, Kesha, Sarah Bareilles, and Travis Scott.  

Cutting straight to the chase, religion appears as a central theme many times on the playlists appearing on The Musical Hype.  We’ve covered a little bit of everything: atheism (and less full-blown skepticism), the antichrist, the afterlife, blessings, faith, and course God. Interestingly, regardless of where you stand on religion or spirituality, its explicit presence, or lack thereof, it seems to be prevalent.  This playlist, “15 Songs That Reference Things Associated with Religion,” selects a few gems from some previous playlists associated with religion.  Also, there are some newer songs atleast loosely associated with the “R” word.  Musicians providing the soundtrack include Anthony Hamilton (“Amen”), Behemoth (“Havohej Pantocrator”), Kesha (“Praying”), Sarah Bareilles (“Armor”), and Travis Scott (“STOP TRYING TO BE GOD”).

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1. The National, “You Had Your Soul with You”

I Am Easy to Find • 4AD • 2019

Reference: the soul

“You had your soul with you, I was in no mood…” The National returned ‘sooner than later’ with “You Had Your Soul with You”, the alluring promo single from their 2019 LP, I Am Easy to Find. “You Had Your Soul with You” commences uniquely with a couple of measures of biting, glitching electronic sounds, before gaining stability with a full-fledged rock groove.  Beyond the groove, “You Had Your Soul with You” evolves into more of a traditional sound, while still incorporating some creative, accentuating cues.

Frontman Matt Berninger sounds as compelling as ever, diving right into the first verse with his distinct baritone.  Behind him is a busy backdrop that’s never dull, incorporating ample rhythm between the drums, guitars and strings. Regarding the form of the record, there is no true chorus – only verses (three).  That said, the aforementioned lyrics are reiterated following the third verse. Notably, “You Had Your Soul with You” features guest vocals courtesy of Gail Ann Dorsey.  On the third verse, she sings two lines of lyrics as a solo, before being joined by Berninger. The results are nothing short of marvelous.

“I have owed it to my heart, every word I’ve said

You have no idea how hard I died when you left.”

“You Had Your Soul with You” previously appeared on the playlist, 11 Awesome Songs that Tickled My Fancy in March 2019.

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2. MARINA, “Handmade Heaven”

LOVE + FEAR • Atlantic UK • 2019

Reference: heaven

“I carry along a feel of unease / I want to belong like the birds in the trees.” Hmm, sounds like a perfect example of escapism, a common topic in music of various genres.  MARINA drops the name Marina and the Diamonds for her 2019 studio album, LOVE + FEAR.  Initially, the Welsh pop singer released LOVE only, from which our song at hand, “Handmade Heaven” appears. Even on LOVE + FEAR, “Handmade Heaven” serves as the opening record.

MARINA sounds fantastic on “Handmade Heaven,” flaunting her lovely, upper register, and singing with incredible ease while still packing a punch.  Amplifying her performance is warm production work, that’s also pretty epic at the same time.  The most dynamic moment arrives on the chorus, which is also the most memorable moment of the “Handmade Heaven.”

“But in this handmade heaven, I come alive

Bluebirds forever color the sky

In this handmade heaven, we forget the time

‘Cause birds of feather fly together.”

During the stellar chorus, the vocal production is ‘on fleek’ and the instrumental palette is incredibly rich – synths, drums, strings, etc.  Another noteworthy moment? The bridge, where MARINA sings:

“And I could no longer ignore

The ivy growing tall

This life don’t suit me anymore

The writing’s on the wall.”

“Handmade Heaven” previously appeared on the playlist 13 Songs Associated with Heaven and/or Paradise.

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3. Avril Lavigne, “Head Above Water”

Head Above Water • BMG Rights Management • 2019

Reference: Faith 

“And I can’t see in the stormy weather / I can’t seem to keep it all together / And I, I can’t swim the ocean like this forever / and I can’t breathe.” Canadian pop artist Avril Lavigne shined on her 2018 comeback single, “Head Above Water”, a powerful ballad that finds Lavigne thankful for surviving a scare with Lyme Disease. In terms of her career, “Head Above Water” is a welcome change of pace, dipping into CCM and religious music. Faith is key on this inspirational, uplifting record.  On the first verse, Lavigne references being safe – surviving and weathering the storm.

She follows up with powerful vocals on the chorus, summarizing the deep emotions she’s been experiencing and petitioning God to help her persevere through.

“God, keep my head above water

Don’t let me drown, it gets harder

I’ll meet you there at the altar

As I fall down to my knees

Don’t let me drown, drown, drown

Don’t let me, don’t let me, don’t let me drown.”

The second verse is shorter than the first, but still meaningful and thoughtful: “Come dry me off and hold me close / I need you now, I need you most.” On the bridge (appears at the top of this review), Lavigne continues to confirm her fight to live despite adversity.   “Head Above Water” has appeared on multiple playlists, including Recapping 40 Stunning Ballads from 2018.

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4. Sara Bareilles, “Armor”

Amidst the Chaos • Epic • 2019

Reference: The Bible

“Let it begin / Let Adam in / Step one / Original sin… / Can I ask a question / To present day / How the hell did Eve end up with all the damn blame?”  The main reason why “Armor”, a highlight from the 2019 Sara Bareilles album, Amidst the Chaos, makes an appearance on this religion-associated playlist is the aforementioned lyrical excerpt.  Bareilles references the original sin from the Garden of Eden, referenced in Genesis 3.  From Bareilles’ perspective, Eve gets the short end of the stick in regard to blame for being tossed out of the Garden of Eden.

For some background, here’s an excerpt, specifically Genesis 3:4-6 (Common English Bible):

⁴ The snake said to the woman, “You won’t die! ⁵ God knows that on the day you eat from it, you will see clearly and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” ⁶ The woman saw that the tree was beautiful with delicious food and that the tree would provide wisdom, so she took some of its fruit and ate it, and also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

Later, as the story goes, God gets angry, and Adam blames Eve who then blames the snake and all are punished (Genesis 12-13; 16):

¹² The man said, “The woman you gave me, she gave me some fruit^[c] from the tree, and I ate.” ¹³ The Lord God said to the woman, “What have you done?!” And the woman said, “The snake tricked me, and I ate.” ¹⁶ To the woman he said, “I will make your pregnancy very painful; in pain you will bear children.  You will desire your husband, but he will rule over you.”

The outcome sucks of course.  Focusing more on the record itself, in the context of Amidst the Chaos, “Armor” provides contrast, keeping things quite interesting.  Prominent Left hand, bassy piano (performed by Bareilles herself) adds some bite to this girl-power anthem, where she asserts at one point, “You think I am high and mighty, mister? / Wait till you meet my little sister.”  Lyrically, speaks about the power of women, even in the midst of disadvantage. The ‘little sister’ line in particular suggests that women will only have a stronger voice in the future.

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5. Travis Scott, “STOP TRYING TO BE GOD”

ASTROWORLD • Epic • 2018

References: God; God status

“Stop tryna be God Almighty / Fuck the money, never leave your people behind, yeah / It’s never love, no matter what you try.” “STOP TRYING TO BE GOD” definitely ranks among the crème de la crème of ASTROWORLD.  Grammy-nominated rapper Travis Scott is totally team anti-god-status/anti god-complex, which have been prevalent in the hip-hop community.  At one time, god-status was ‘trending’ in hip-hop music.  It hasn’t disappeared, but rappers have also moved to other things.

Kid Cudi and legendary Earth, Wind & Fire singer Philip Bailey appear on the pre-chorus and chorus (“Hmm, hmm / Stop tryna be God”).  Arguably the best uncredited guest feature (lots on ASTROWORLD) comes courtesy of hip-hop’s ‘it boy,’ James Blake. He sounds fantastic as he sings the inquiring bridge.  “Is it the complex of the saint / That’s keepin’ you so, so still?”  Also, there’s a Stevie Wonder feature (harmonica primarily).  “STOP TRYING TO BE GOD” appeared on the previous playlist, God is in the Midst of These 11 Secular Songs.

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6. Behemoth, “Havohej Pantocrator”

I Loved You at Your Darkest • Metal Blade • 2018

Reference: The Antichrist; Satan; Atheism

“Our father, who art in hell / Unhallowed be thy name / Thy legions come / Thy enemies begone / On earth as it is in the netherworld.” Hmm, not The Lord’s Prayer that I was taught as a child, that’s for sure! Gdansk, Poland death metal band Behemoth is well-known for their anti-Christian, Satanic themes – understatement.  Throughout their brilliant 2018 album, I Love You at Your Darkest, the anti-Christian/religion sentiment runs rampant.  According to frontman and mastermind Nergal, “It doesn’t get more blasphemous than this”. That’s pretty damning. A prime example of this blasphemy is the song at hand, “Havohej Pantocrator.”

What the ‘hell’ does “Havohej Pantocrator” even mean? Well, if Nergal and Behemoth were ‘playing nice,’ that title should be Christ [Jehovah] Pantocrator. But of course, they’re not playing nice. Ultimately, it’s a clever reverse of a famous icon – ‘Havohej’ is merely ‘Jehovah’ spelled backwards.  As for Pantocrator,  it simply means “the omnipotent lord of the universe: almighty ruler.”  Put the two together, and Behemoth are clearly crowning the Antichrist as the supreme deity.

“By thou holy name, Satan

And his command

Heaven shall burn!

By thou holy name, Lucifer

At his command

Heaven shall blaze!”

“Havohej Pantocrator” appeared on a previously playlist, 13 Disturbing Songs About the Antichrist.

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7. Father John Misty, “God’s Favorite Customer”

God’s Favorite Customer • Sub Pop • 2018

Reference: God; losing religion

Listening to “God’s Favorite Customer,” the superb title track from Father John Misty’s 2018 LP, Josh Tillman’s religious past is perceptible through the musical arrangement, production, harmonic scheme, and the songwriting.  The instrumentation plays a sizable role in the effectiveness of this number, incorporating electric piano, organ, and harmonica, in addition to the standard acoustic piano, acoustic guitars, drums, and supporting vocals (Weyes Blood).

The supporting vocals are absolutely chilling. Beyond the gospel-infused cues, there’s also the spiritual lyrics of the chorus, even as Tillman is no longer “God’s Favorite Customer” as he was when he was an evangelical Christian.

“Speak to me

Won’t you speak, sweet angel?

Don’t you remember me?

I was God’s favorite customer.”

“God’s Favorite Customer” has appeared on multiple playlists, including God is in the Midst of These 11 Secular Songs, Recapping 40 Stunning Ballads from 2018, 13 Superb Gospel-Tinged Secular Songs.

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8. Florence + The Machine, “Big God”

High as Hope • Virgin • 2018

Reference: God

“You need a big God / Big enough to hold your love.”  On “Big God”, a standout from High as Hope, Florence + The Machine (Florence Welch specifically) struggles in the aftermath of being ‘ghosted’ in her relationship. “I still like you the most / You’ll always be my favorite ghost,” she sings at the end of the first verse.

The brilliant single makes ample spiritual references, but the big picture isn’t about God.  No, Welch is focused on being fulfilled by love, likening fulfillment to something the size of a higher power.  After commencing with minimal production, by the song’s outro, horns and strings expand the sound. Obviously, “Big God” wouldn’t be the first Florence + The Machine song that finds her depressed and sad – it kind of goes with the territory…  What is clear is that the end of this particular relationship has got her down, and she’s struggling to move on.

“Big God” has appeared on multiple playlists including God is in the Midst of These 11 Secular Songs, 15 Songs That Center Around Sadness & Depression, and Recapping 40 Stunning Ballads from 2018.

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9. Lecrae, “Blessings”

Ft. Ty Dolla $ign

All Things Work Together • Reach • 2017

Reference: Blessings 

“If I ever took a loss, I learned a lesson / I won’t ever think I’m better than the next man / I’ve been down before the come up, I ain’t stressin’ / Baby I’m too busy countin’ all these blessings.” “Blessings” is among the highlights from All Things Work Together, the 2017 album by Grammy-winning Christian rapper Lecrae.  On “Blessings,” Lecrae enlists one of urban music’s hottest artists for the assist, Ty Dolla $ign.  While Ty Dolla $ign isn’t typically associated with the religious or spiritual, he is responsible for the aforementioned, memorably sung hook.

Later, Ty gets his chance to shine on once again on the second verse.  He doesn’t reference God, but he also avoids the hellish.  As for Lecrae, he spits ferociously.  His approach and appeal are secular for the most part, but he gives the glory to God: “Won’t take the credit, I know where we get it / Them blessings be comin’ from God above.” An infectious post-hook adds the cherry on top: “Count it up, count it up, count it up / Blessings.” “Blessings” previously appeared on the playlist 11 Songs Filled with Blessings.

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10. Kesha, “Praying”

Rainbow • Kemosabe • 2017

Reference: Prayer; Repentance 

“…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’.” Kesha gave us all chills on the Grammy-nominated single “Praying”, one of the best moments from her long-awaited, 2017 album, Rainbow.  “Praying” marked a departure – 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.

Dr. Luke, who goes nameless but is implied throughout the song, 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…”

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. “Praying” has appeared on numerous playlists including 13 Superb Gospel-Tinged Secular Songs.

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11. Imagine Dragons, “Believer”

Evolve • Interscope • 2017

Reference: Beliefs, being a Believer

“Believer”, a highlight from the Grammy-nominated pop album, Evolve, plays true to the identity established by Grammy-winning alternative rock band Imagine Dragons.  The drums are gargantuan, packing a mean punch. Frontman Dan Reynolds continues to deliver overt vocals, with a bite.  He also employs a mean falsetto which is key here, particularly during the chorus.

 

“I was broken from a young age

Taking my sulking to the masses

Write down my poems for the few

That looked at me took to me, shook to me, feeling me…”

Rhythmically, the melody of the aforementioned pre-chorus on “Believer” is quick-paced, with a dash of hip-hop sensibility. The chorus – the crème de la crème – is anthemic, with a strong urban influence.  All in all, it’s tough NOT to be a believer in “Believer.” Adversity and sadness overcome!

“Pain!

You made me a, you made me a believer, believer

You break me down, you build me up, believer, believer, believer

Pain!

I let the bullets fly, oh let them rain

My life, my love, my drive, it came from

Pain!

You made me a, you made me a believer, believer.”

“Believer” previously appeared on the playlist 15 Songs That Center Around Sadness & Depression.

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12. Tyler Childers, “Purgatory”

Purgatory • Hickman Holler • 2017

Reference: Purgatory

“Catholic girl, pray for me / You’re my only hope for Heaven.” Well, ‘hell,’ that ain’t good Tyler Childers, sigh. The up-tempo bluegrass-styled country record “Purgatory” serves as the title track from the Kentucky musician’s 2017 debut album.  Sure, I played around with words when mentioning ‘hell’ earlier, mainly because in many Christian religions, you either rewarded in heaven, or are damned to hell.  In Catholicism, there’s also Purgatory.

Purgatory is defined by Encyclopædia Britannica as “the condition, process, or place of purification or temporary punishment in which, according to medieval Christian and Roman Catholic belief, the souls of those who die in a state of grace are made ready for heaven.” Essentially, Tyler Childers is squarely in the middle, and quite possibly closer to the fiery pit without his Catholic girl. “I know that hell / Is just as real as I’m surely breathin’,” he sings, continuing, “But I’ve heard tale / Of a middle ground, I think will work for me.”

“Purgatory” previously appeared on the playlist 11 Songs That Explore the Afterlife.

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13. Anthony Hamilton, “Amen”

What I’m Feelin’ • RCA • 2016

References: Amen

“If I had to testify, I could only say she’s the truth / It’s like prayers went up and sent me you.” Anthony Hamilton is among the most underrated R&B artists in the game.  After years and years trying to make it in the game, he finally earned his breakthrough album with Comin’ From Where I’m From in 2003 (talk about the exemplification of the modern soul album).  Even though the North Carolina soul singer has failed to rack up the same commercial sales as some of his contemporaries, he’s rightfully been a highly-demanded collaborator.

On “Amen,” reprised from the playlist 8 Secular ‘Amen’ Songs, the forty-something Grammy-winner superbly dips into ‘trap soul’ without ‘selling his soul’ you might say. He keeps it churchy, southern, and soulful, but adds a dash of swagger.

“Got me saying Amen

From the bed to the stove

From the church to the job

Best thing I know.”

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14. Yeah Yeah Yeahs, “Sacrilege”

Mosquito • Interscope • 2013

References: Sin; Christianity; Religious skepticism; hypocrisy

“Fallen for a guy / Fell down from the sky / Halo round his head / Feathers in our bed / In our bed, in our bed.” “Sacrilege” serves as the opener from Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ 2013 album, Mosquito.  Karen O and company don’t explicitly denounce God or religion, but they do highlight the hypocrisy that some supposed Christians exhibit.  Arguably, the aforementioned lyrics suggest this angel from above (a Christian, we’ll presume) isn’t as angelic what he says he is or pretends to be, etc. He’s sinning as much as ‘the devil’ who’s in bed with him, not to get too Biblical or preachy.  Notably, “Sacrilege” also features a gospel choir…

“Asked if I would try / To leave this all behind / Halo round his head / Burning in our bed / In our bed, in our bed.” The music video for “Sacrilege” is more disturbing than the song itself.  It features British Model Lily Cole burned at the stake for her promiscuity and adultery with the men, as well as a woman, in town.  Remember, one of the Ten Commandments is, thou shalt not commit adultery. Sure, they are literally burning her at the stake, but the bigger takeaway is the utter hypocrisy. “Sacrilege” previously appeared on the playlist 13 Superb Gospel-Tinged Secular Songs.

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15. Bring Me the Horizon, “Shadow Moses”

Sempiternal • Epitaph • 2013

References: Moses…not really; eternity 

“Can you tell from the look in our eyes / (We’re going nowhere?) / We live our lives like we’re ready to die / (We’re going nowhere).” Man, oh, man, those are pretty damning lyrics! That said, it’s not really surprising considering the source, English metalcore collective Bring Me the Horizon, led by Oli Sykes.  The frontman is turned all-the-way-up on “Shadow Moses,” a single and surefire gem from the band’s 2013 album, Sempiternal. If sempiternal is an unfamiliar term, let me school you.  According to good old Merriam-Webster, sempiternal simply means “of never-ending duration: eternal.”  So, Sykes and company could’ve just opted for eternal, but, sempiternal sounds much cooler and of course, more damning.

Death is firmly planted on Sykes’ mind – well metaphorically. At the end of the verse, he states, “I thought I buried you, what’s dead can never die, fuck.” In addition to the aggressive, pessimistic chorus, and the fitting f-bomb closing out the verse, the best lyrical section of “Shadow Moses” comes courtesy of the ‘breakdown.’

“This is sempiternal

Will we ever see the end?

This is sempiternal

Over and over, again and again

Rise from the dead you say?

Secrets don’t sleep till they’re took to the grave

Signal the sirens, rally the troops

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s the moment of truth.”

“Shadow Moses” previously appeared on the playlist 13 Songs Where the Shadows Are Looming.

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“15 Songs That Reference Things Associated with Religion” [Photo Credits: 4AD, Atlantic UK, BMG Rights Management, Epic, Epitaph, Hickman Holler, Interscope, Kemosabe, Metal Blade, Pexels, Pixabay, RCA, Reach, Sub Pop, Virgin]

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