Religiously Skeptical Gems 2.0 | Playlist

13. Vampire Weekend, “Unbelievers”

Album: Modern Vampires of the City, 2013

“We know the fire awaits unbelievers / All of the sinners the same / Girl you and I will die unbelievers bound to the tracks of the train.”

Modern Vampires of the City, the third studio album by alternative-indie rock band Vampire Weekend, featured numerous songs that referenced religion. “Unbelievers” sticks out like a sore thumb among the bunch.

“If I’m born again, I know that the world will disagree / Want a little grace, but who’s going to say a little grace for me?”

Throughout its course, Ezra Koenig seems to question his place in the world and arguably, beyond what he can see.  It’s deep and while Christians may denounce his doubts or the questions he raises, isn’t there some validity?

“I’m not excited but should I be? / Is this the fate that half of the world has planned for me? / I know I love you and you love the sea / But what holy water contains a little drop, little drop for me?”

14. Frank Ocean, “Bad Religion”

Album: Channel Orange, 2012

Alternative R&B singer/songwriter Frank Ocean is clearly skeptical of religion on “Bad Religion,” one of the gems from his Grammy-winning Channel Orange.  Basically, the song finds Ocean confiding in his taxi driver.  His driver urges him to pray, which Frank just isn’t feeling.

“If it brings me to my knees / It’s a bad religion / This unrequited love / To me it’s nothing but a one-man cult / And cyanide in my Styrofoam cup / I can never make him love me / Never make him love me.”

Deep for a number of reasons.  One is the mere fact that Ocean references Jim Jones and his revolutionary suicide.  Another is that he equates most, if not all religion as cultish.

15. Anthony David, “God Said”

Album: As Above So Below, 2011

Anthony David is in quite a predicament.  He’s a southern black man who’s an atheist and considers himself a secular humanist.  For the nonbeliever, there’s one song that stands out in his catalogue: “God Said.”

“So, you can’t put the blame on me I’m doing what God said / What God said, what God said.”

Clearly, David shows he doesn’t put stock into God himself.  Furthermore, he seems to question how well it’s working out for those who do.

“He can help me win the fight with his power / Yes, he speaks through me and it’s always positive / ‘Cause I can just ask for forgiveness and it’s over.”

16. Muse, “Thoughts of a Dying Atheist”

Album: Absolution, 2003

“And I know the moment’s near / And there’s nothing we can do / Look through a faithless eye / Are you afraid to die?”

Matthew Bellamy is definitely an atheist.  Years ago, on a list for a different publication entitled 15 Musicians Who Oppose Religion, Muse song “Megalomania” was referenced.  However, perhaps “Thoughts of a Dying Atheist” would’ve been more suitable.  As his character nears death, he’s scared because he believes in nothing and faces the end.

“It scares the hell out of me / And the end is all I can see.”

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