joel, go to hell | Beaming with Pride

In the 101^st edition of Beaming with Pride (2025), we highlight “go to hell” performed by Swedish pop singer-songwriter joel.

Prepare to beam with P-R-I-D-E! Beaming with Pride celebrates, embraces, and spotlights songs by LGBTQ musicians or allies.  Here, we provide background and insight into musicians, analyze, plus go gaga over the decadent bops served up.  When songs dictate deeper and more transcendent discussion, we ensure the point is fully articulated.  All styles of music are welcome, whether the songs are classics or brand-new. So, without further ado, in the 101^st edition of Beaming with Pride (2025), we highlight “go to hell” performed by joel.

Joel (him/his) begins his 2025 single, “go to hell”, grandly. The excerpted lyric is a key moment. Why? Joel has a lot on his mind.  What, exactly? Being able to love freely, without judgment.  If joel loves him, being gay, is he bound for hell? Religion and sexuality often clash, and the superbly penned “go to hell” explores this.  Following the striking intro, joel brings things back down. Joel penned “go to hell” with producer Aron Bergerwall Gedin.

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Joel delivers a truly beautiful vocal performance throughout “go to hell.” He sings with incredible sincerity.  The songwriting is authentic and thoughtful, while the melodies are lovely. The vibes are cooler during the verses.  Even so, what joel sings about, reflectively, carries significant weight. “I’ll be damned if I don’t hold your hand white-knuckled / But what if I’m damned if I do?” Joel sings in the first verse and continues, “If I grab your waist, hold you like the other couples / Are we both suddenly doomed?” Joel is concerned with what society thinks about his same-sex relationship. Gay relationships still raise eyebrows, even though they shouldn’t. Location, location, location can be key to the level of judgment and disapproval. In the second pre-chorus, joel asks more questions related to perception: “What if the disaster and fire-preaching pastors / And old men in their tractors / Are on to something?” Answer: THEY’RE NOT! The chorus is bigger, with Joel denouncing the haters and embracing his love.

“If heaven doesn’t want us, will you go to hell with me?
If we don’t get what was promised, do you think
You’ll take the heat?
If it all comes undone
If what feels right is wrong
And the prophets and priests have us beat
Then if heaven doesn’t want us, will you go to hell with me?”

The call and response provide emphasis, highlighting the significance of the situation. Love is love, baby, even if it means potentially being hell-bound! A big instrumental break follows the second chorus.  The break features big drums and ripe guitar. This leads to a high-flying, powerful bridge, where the music remains dynamic.  Joel incorporates scripture (referencing Ruth) and memorably sings, “God knows some brimstone might do us both good.” During the final chorus, he brings things down, exhibiting sound musicianship. “Go to hell” is a special, thought-provoking pop song. However, what shouldn’t take much thought from humans is to stop judging others and allowing them to love who they love.

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joel » “go to hell” » Gallebo Recordings » 2025

joel, go to hell: Beaming with Pride No. 101 (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner/ The Musical Hype; Gallebo Recordings; Elias Souza, Mario Spencer, Mizuno K, from Pexels; AcatXIo, All_CC0_Public_domain, CatsWithGlasses, David, ernestflowerss, Kelly, M. Harris, Marek Studzinski, OpenClipart-Vectors, from Pixabay]

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