Mavis Staples, Holy Ghost | Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 |

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In the 10^th edition of Music Lifts (2023), we’re uplifted by Grammy-winning, legendary soul/gospel icon Mavis Staples performing, “Holy Ghost.”

Welcome to Music Lifts , a column that seeks to highlight songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity. Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights! So, for the 10^th edition of Music Lifts (2023), we highlight “Holy Ghost” as performed by Mavis Staples..

“Some holy ghost keeps me hangin’ on, hangin’ on.” Intriguing, Mavis Staples. The Grammy-winning, legendary soul/gospel icon commences her 2013 album, One True Vine, with the spiritual record, “Holy Ghost” . Although “Holy Ghost” has a brief runtime, it is incredibly impactful. “I feel the hands, but I don’t see anyone, anyone,” she sings, referencing the unseen member of the Trinity. She adds, “Now, I don’t know much but I can tell when something’s wrong / And something’s wrong / But some holy ghost keeps me.” Interestingly, “Holy Ghost” is a cover ! It was originally performed by Minnesota indie-rock trio Low on their 2013 effort, The Invisible Way (written by Alan Sparhawk). Throughout “Holy Ghost,” Staples sounds commanding and soulful atop the folky production of Jeff Tweedy. Although reserved, Staples still packs a punch, particularly with her earthy, expressive vocal cracks. You can definitely feel the presence of the holy ghost partaking of this one .