130 Pop, Rock and Country Songs About God, Faith, and Church
Secular Songs About Faith
Got Faith?
My mother didn't see it coming when my 5-year-old nephew looked at her with big doe eyes and asked, "Nana, do you know God?" What a loaded question for a child to ask an agnostic. She replied that she had heard of Him, then changed the subject.
People rarely keep religion to themselves. They talk about spirituality with others whether it's welcomed or not. They broadcast their beliefs on bumper stickers and t-shirts. And yes, they certainly sing about it.
While we all know what to expect from a gospel song, you might not expect faith to infuse pop, rock, and country songs as much as it does. But listen closely because it's there. Popular singers are no exception to prosthelizing. There is plenty of prayer, witnessing for Christ, and talking to God in secular music.
Make a playlist of inspirational secular songs about God, faith and church, if that's the way you roll. And if not, then make this an intellectual challenge to see how many of these pop, rock, and country songs you've heard of. We won't judge, either way.
1. "Something in the Water" by Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood is no stranger to mixing her music with her religion. She grew up singing in chuch. This 2015 crossover hit won a Grammy and topped both the country and Christian charts. It describes the change that took place in a young woman's life after she was baptized.
2. "Believe" by Brooks & Dunn
In this 2005 country song, a narrator recalls an influential old man from his childhood who was a faithful follower of Christ. The man has recently died, leaving the narrator to reflect on life and the everafter:
I can't quote the Book
The chapter or the verse
You can't tell me it all ends
In a slow ride in a hearse.
3. "What If God Was One of Us?" by Joan Osborne
Look for some thought-provoking questions in this 1995 rock song by Joan Osborne, a one-hit wonder. It'll make you think about how you treat other people. The underlying message is that God is in us all, imperfect as we may each be.
Reader Poll
When it comes to religion, what way do you roll?
4. "You Found Me" by The Fray
The narrator in this 2008 rock song sees God on a street corner and confronts Him about not being there when tragedies struck. He feels abandoned and is searching for answers about why bad things happen to good people.
5. "Back to God" by Reba McEntire
Country singer Reba McEntire puts her faith front and center with this 2017 song. It urges others who are experiencing heartbreak, disappointment, and life tragedies to give the world back to God.
Reba divorced her husband of 26 years in late 2015, and he began a serious relationship with one of her couple's friends. Ouch.
6. "What I've Done" by Linkin Park
The narrator in this hard rock song from 2007 seeks forgiveness and a break with the sins of the past. He regrets past actions and wants a clean slate: "Let mercy come and wash away what I've done."
7. "My Church" by Maren Morris
If you don't go to church, this 2016 country song may make you want to. The narrator acknowledges that she has cussed, cheated, and lied but finds redemption when she listens to country music. Call her spiritual but not religious.
8. "When I Get Where I'm Going" by Brad Paisley (featuring Dolly Parton)
In this 2005 country song, the narrator is looking forward to the day he can shed the early struggles and pain that have been weighing him down in this life. He hopes that when he meets his Maker, he will sing with the angels, see his loved ones that have passed on, and stand in the light forever.
9. "Arms Wide Open" by Creed
When my daughter was born, I felt transformed because I wasn't just living for myself anymore. I had another person depending on me for survival and mentoring.
The birth of one's first child is an awe-inspiring, life changing event, and this 2000 rock song won a Grammy Award for good reason. It portrays a new father's earnest prayer to teach his child how to embrace the world with arms wide open.
10. "God's Will" by Martina McBride
The narrator in this 2004 country song recounts meeting and getting to know a physically disabled child who was selfless in that he prayed for everyone but himself. His faithful devotion to God showed her the truth.
11. "I Can Only Imagine" by Wyonna Judd
Wyonna Judd gets choked up when she sings this touching 2005 country song. It was first recorded by Christian rock group MercyMe and crossed over to mainstream charts.
The tune describes the hopeful wondering of what it will be like when the narrator stands before God:
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for You Jesus, or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing "hallelujah," will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine.
12. "Jesus Take the Wheel" by Carrie Underwood
Driving home on a snowy night with her infant in the backseat, a young mother loses control of her car. Fortunately, they both survive the incident, and she credits Jesus for steering her to safety. Immediately following the harrowing event, she recommits herself to Christ, letting Him take the wheel in steering her life.
This 2005 country ballad was Carrie Underwood's first single on her debut album, and it won two Grammy Awards. Carrie Underwood was the 2005 winner of the fourth season of American Idol competition.
Reader Poll
Who is "behind the wheel" in your life?
13. "Brother" by Needtobreathe (featuring Gavin DeGraw)
The Christian rock band Needtobreathe achieved this crossover hit in 2015 with this heartfelt tune. It describes the loving kinship that exists between fellow human beings—a comraderie that mirrors God's love for humanity:
Brother, let me be your shelter
Never leave you all alone
I can be the one you call
When you’re low.
14. "Shine" by Collective Soul
This uplifting rock song from 1993 is a prayer in which the narrator asks God to show him a sign. He asks that the Holy Spirit's light shine down on him from heaven and teach him the way.
In a sad irony, the shooter in the Virginia Tech Massacre reportedly listened to this song obsessively and even scrawled some of its lyrics on his dorm room wall. Allowing that tragedy to be this song's legacy betrays the pure and spiritual message of this lovely song.
Interesting Facts About Religions
Did You Know?
|
|---|
The religion with the largest number of followers worldwide is Christianity, followed by Islam and "unaffiliated."
|
The Bible is the best-selling book of all time.
|
Although Judaism, Islam, and Christianity share the belief in one God, most other world religions are polytheistic (e.g., Hinduism, Mahayana Buddhism).
|
Some religions refuse modern technology such as telephones, computers, and electricity (e.g., Amish). Others decline medical treatment (e.g., Christian Scientists; Jehovah's Witness refuse blood transfusions).
|
Atheists are more likely than U.S. Christians to express a sense of wonder about the universe, according to surveys.
|
There are more than 4,200 religions in the world.
|
Although most religions have some concept of an afterlife or reincarnation, some religions do not (e.g., some sects of Taoism, some traditional African relgions). Other religions teach that heaven or hell is a state of mind (e.g., Christian Science).
|
15. "I Saw God Today" by George Strait
In this 2008 country song, a new father leaves the hospital where his daughter was just born and sees the fingerprints of God everywhere. Viewing the sunset and a flower pushing up through the cracks of a sidewalk, he sees the entire world through a brand new lens.
16. "You Raise Me Up" by Josh Groban
This inspirational 2003 song became an international hit and has been recorded by over 125 different artists thus far. Pure praise music, it has since become a contemporary hymn. The song is one of worship in which the narrator praises God, in awe of the strength that He provides to cope with life's burdens.
17. "From a Distance" by Bette Midler
This hopeful pop song released in 1990 depicts God watching our troubled world from a distance. It celebrates the peace, harmony, and hope that await us in His kingdom where there are no guns, violence, bombs, hunger, or disease.
18. "Beer With Jesus" by Thomas Rhett
Does Jesus even drink beer? The guy in this 2013 country song imagines that He does. He further wonders what it would be like to have a couple rounds of cold ones with Him, then rattles off a list of questions that he would ask, including
- How'd you turn the other cheek?
- How'd you change a sinner's heart?
- Have you been there from the start?
- When are you coming back?
- What's on the other side?
- Are my dead loved ones alright?
19. "Three Wooden Crosses" by Randy Travis
According to the tale relayed in this 2002 country song, a farmer, a teacher, a hooker, and a preacher are strangers bound for Mexico on an ill-fated tour bus. Each has different purposes for taking the journey, but three of them have their lives cut short when the bus is in an accident. Only the prostitute survives.
In a hopeful twist, the preacher spends his dying moments placing a bloodstained Bible in the woman's hands. This act changes her life. The song is told from the perspective of her son many years later.
20. "Jesus to a Child" by George Michael
Before his death in 2016, George Michael routinely dedicated live performances of this 1996 song to his Brazilian lover who died of an AIDS-related brain hemorrhage. The song compares the purity of one person's love for another to Jesus' love for a child. The love is blissful and revisits him when he is lonely and cold in order to make him complete.
Even More Songs About God, Faith, and Church
Song
| Artist
| Year Released
|
|---|---|---|
21. Hey Jesus
| The Indigo Girls
| 1987
|
22. Angels Among Us
| Alabama
| 1993
|
23. Bittersweet Symphony
| The Verve
| 1997
|
24. Pray for Peace
| Reba McEntire
| 2014
|
25. Bridge Over Troubled Water
| Simon & Garfunkel
| 1970
|
26. Pocketful of Sunshine
| Natasha Bedingfield
| 2008
|
27. Me and God
| Josh Turner
| 2006
|
28. Soul Meets Body
| Death Cab For Cutie
| 2005
|
29. New Again
| Sara Evans and Brad Paisley
| 2004
|
30. God Gave Me You
| Blake Shelton
| 2011
|
31. Jesus
| Queen
| 1973
|
32. Where the Streets Have No Name
| U2
| 1987
|
33. Let It Be
| The Beatles
| 1970
|
34. Help Pour Out the Rain
| Buddy Jewel
| 2003
|
35. Hey God
| Bon Jovi
| 1995
|
36. There Will Come a Day
| Faith Hill
| 1999
|
37. The Cave
| Mumford & Sons
| 2010
|
38. Jesus, Hold My Hand
| Vern Gosdin
| 1985
|
39. One Love
| Bob Marley & The Wailers
| 1977
|
40. Family Bible
| George Jones
| 1960
|
41. Laughing With
| Regina Spektor
| 2009
|
42. God Must Really Love Me
| Craig Morgan
| 2009
|
43. Every Grain of Sand
| Bob Dylan
| 1981
|
44. The Cross
| Prince
| 1987
|
45. Duct Taped Bible
| Trent Bourgeois
| 2006
|
46. He Ain't the Leaving Kind
| Rascal Flatts
| 2005
|
47. All These Things That I've Done
| The Killers
| 2004
|
48. Holy Roller
| Thao & The Get Down Stay Down
| 2012
|
49. Down to the River to Pray
| Alison Krauss
| 2005
|
50. Long Black Train
| Josh Turner
| 2003
|
51. Fix You
| Coldplay
| 2005
|
52. This Is God
| Phil Vassar
| 2003
|
53. I Love You This Much
| Jimmy Wayne
| 2003
|
54. Gloria
| U2
| 1981
|
55. Keep the Faith
| Bon Jovi
| 1992
|
56. I Remember You
| Jamey Johnson
| 2008
|
57. Running on Faith
| Eric Clapton
| 1989
|
58. By the Grace of God
| Katy Perry
| 2013
|
59. Dream On
| Aerosmith
| 1973
|
60. God Bless the Child
| Aretha Franklin
| 1962
|
61. The Preacher and the Stranger
| Joey + Rory
| 2013
|
62. Leave It There
| Joey + Rory
| 2013
|
63. Hello, God
| Dolly Parton
| 2002
|
64. Ten Thousand Angels Cried
| LeAnn Rimes
| 1997
|
65. After Forever
| Black Sabbath
| 1971
|
66. Go Rest High on That Mountain
| Vince Gill
| 1995
|
67. Goin' By the Book
| Johnny Cash
| 1991
|
68. The Little Girl
| John Michael Montgomery
| 2000
|
69. Monday Morning Church
| Alan Jackson
| 2004
|
70. All In It
| Justin Bieber
| 2015
|
71. So Small
| Carrie Underwood
| 2007
|
72. The Unclouded Day
| Don Henley
| 1982
|
73. Savior's Shadow
| Blake Shelton
| 2016
|
74. Coat of Many Colors
| Dolly Parton
| 1971
|
75. My Own Prison
| Creed
| 1997
|
76. There Will Come a Day
| Faith Hill
| 1999
|
77. The Man I Want to Be
| Chris Young
| 2009
|
78. Wine Into Water
| T. Graham Brown
| 2004
|
79. If I Was Jesus
| Toby Keith
| 2003
|
80. Morning Has Broken
| Cat Stevens
| 1971
|
81. Personal Jesus
| Depeche Mode
| 1990
|
82. Kyrie
| Mr. Mister
| 1985
|
83. Spirit In the Sky
| Norman Greenbaum
| 1969
|
84. My Sweet Lord
| George Harrison
| 1970
|
85. 800 Pound Jesus
| Sawyer Brown
| 1999
|
86. Hands
| Jewel
| 1998
|
87. Something to Believe In
| Bon Jovi
| 1995
|
88. California Dreamin'
| The Mamas & The Papas
| 1965
|
89. This Train Is Bound for Glory
| Jonny Cash & June Carter Cash
| 1979
|
90. People Get Ready
| The Impressions
| 1965
|
91. One Wing in the Fire
| Trent Tomlinson
| 2006
|
92. Me Without You
| TobyMac
| 2012
|
93. Call the Man
| Celine Dion
| 1997
|
94. Here I Go Again
| Whitesnake
| 1982
|
95. Overcome
| Live
| 2001
|
96. The Cure
| Unspoken
| 2017
|
97. Hello God
| Dolly Parton
| 2002
|
98. Trees
| Twenty One Pilots
| 2011
|
99. Hello World
| Lady Antebellum
| 2010
|
100. Counting Blue Cars
| Dishwalla
| 1996
|
101. Crystal Blue Persuasion
| Tommy James & the Shondells
| 1969
|
102. Are You Ready?
| PG&E
| 1970
|
103. Hallelujah
| Leonard Cohen
| 1984
|
104. Do Right
| Paul Davis
| 1980
|
105. Show Me the Way
| Styx
| 1990
|
106. Heaven
| Los Lonely Boys
| 2004
|
107. Jubilation
| Paul Anka
| 1972
|
108. Turn! Turn! Turn! (To Everything There Is a Season)
| The Byrds
| 1965
|
109. I Don't Know How to Love Him
| Helen Reddy
| 1971
|
110. Will the Circle Be Unbroken
| Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
| 2002
|
111. Oceans (Where Feet May Fall)
| Hillsong United
| 2013
|
112. I Am Made of You
| Alice Cooper
| 2001
|
113. Ashes of Eden
| Breaking Benjamin
| 2016
|
114. Fight the Good Fight
| Triumph
| 1980
|
115. Sweet Chery Wine
| Tommy James & The Shondells
| 1969
|
116. All You Zombies
| The Hooters
| 1985
|
117. God's Gonna Cut You Down
| Johnny Cash
| 2006
|
118. Unanswered Prayers
| Garth Brooks
| 1990
|
119. Put Your Hand in the Hand
| Anne Murray
| 1970
|
120. Have I Told You Lately
| Van Morrison
| 1989
|
121. Higher Love
| Steve Winwood
| 1986
|
122. The Man Comes Around
| Johnny Cash
| 2002
|
123. Have a Talk with God
| Stevie Wonder
| 1976
|
124. Jesus Is Just Alright
| The Doobie Brothers
| 1972
|
125. God Gave Rock and Roll to You
| Argent
| 1973
|
126. I Saw the Light
| Hank Williams Sr.
| 1948
|
127. Run Devil Run
| Crowder
| 2016
|
128. I Need Love
| Sam Phillip
| 1994
|
129. Wayfaring Stranger
| Natalie Merchant
| 2003
|
130. Come to Jesus
| Mindy Smith
| 2004
|
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
Questions & Answers
© 2017 FlourishAnyway
Comments
AUTHORShay Perry - That song is included at #86 on the list. Thanks for stopping by. Happy Holidays!
Hands by Jewel
- AUTHOR
Joseph Shumway - Thanks for the song suggestion!
Diamonds by Hawk Nelson
- AUTHOR
Brickman - It's not an all-inclusive list, but thanks for the song recommendations. I included several of them. Have a good week.
You have some but missed a lot.
Bargain by the Who
Dimming of the Day by Richard Thompson
I Need Love by Sam Phillips
Poor Wayfaring Stranger by Natalie Merchant
Come to Jesus by Mindy Smith
Just a few examples.
Thx Flourish ! Glad I could contribute !
- AUTHOR
Mike Johnson - Thanks for the suggestions. Both are already on there, "Will the Circle" by another artist and the Doobie Brothers song at #124. Have a terrific week.
- AUTHOR
Mike Johnson - I love that song. Added!
Will the circle be unbroken - Johnny Cash / June Carter ( orig 1907 )
Jesus is just alright - Doobie Bros
Hank Williams Sr...I saw the Light....1948
- AUTHOR
Brooke - Be well. Thank you for stopping by.
thangs rilly helped☝
-
-
- AUTHOR
John Toth - Thank you for the suggestions which I have added. Have a fabulous rest of your week.
Have a Talk With God - Stevie Wonder
Jesus is Just Alright With Me - Doobie Brothers
God Gave Rock and Roll To You - Argent
- AUTHOR
Adam Tondowsky - A big thank you for these recommendations! I also added Ocean and "Put Your Hand in the Hand" to the 1970s list of one-hit wonders playlist (mainstream top 40 in the US). Much appreciation to you. Have a great weekend!
People Get Ready by the Impressions is the Curtis Mayfield song. The Rod Stewart with Jeff Beck cover is excellent as well.
there is also Bob Dylan's Solid Rock.
As with "Turn, Turn, Turn" which is mostly directly taken from the Bible, there is also the Bob Dylan song "Father of Night" which is taken from a Jewish Prayer.
1.(Put Your) Hand in the Hand - Ocean (written by Gene MacLellan, first recorded by Anne Murray)
2.Have I Told You Lately - Van Morrison
3.People Get Ready - Curtis Mayfield (also recorded by Rod Stewart with Jeff Beck)
4.Tears of God - Los Lobos
5.Higher Love - Steve Winwood
6.The Man Comes Around - Johnny Cash
Some religious themes
1.Fallen Angel - Robbie Robertson
2.I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine - Bob Dylan
3.When the Ship Comes In - Bob Dylan
4.Blind Willie McTell - Bob Dylan
Daniel Lanois wrote "The Maker."
Both the original and The Tea Party version are very nice.
Spiritual but not necessarily religious
1.Spirit Voices - Paul Simon
- AUTHOR
James Fannon - Thanks for these suggestions which I have added.
114. Fight the Good Fight---Triumph
115. Sweet Cherry Wine---Tommy James and the Shondells
116. All You Zombies---The Hooters
- AUTHOR
Scotty Matthews - Thank you for these song suggestions. I've added some to the playlist. Have a great weekend.
I would recommend a few:
"Thirty-Three" by The Smashing Pumpkins
"The Maker" by The Tea Party
"The Messenger" by Linkin Park
"I Am Made Of You" by Alice Cooper
"Ashes Of Eden" by Breaking Benjamin
- AUTHOR
Amos - Thank you for the song suggestion. The lyrics are pure poetry.
-
-
what about ocean by hillsong united?
- AUTHOR
Sergio Y - Thank you for your suggestion. I've added it at #107. Have a fabulous week.
Please ad Jubilation of Paul Anka
- AUTHOR
Trish Torline - Thaks for this suggestion which I have added as #105. Have a great weekend.
"Show Me the Way" - Styx
- AUTHOR
Todd Durnil - Thank you for the song suggestions. I added the Paul Davis song as #104. Have a wonderful weekend.
"Do Right" by Paul Davis
"Looking Up" by Donna Summer (she has several)
"Flood" by Jars of Clay
- AUTHOR
Luis Cacio - Thank you for the suggestion which I have added. Have a Happy New Year.
Great list, but what about Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen ?
- AUTHOR
E - Thank you for those song suggestions! I've added them. Have a great day.
Crystal Blue Persuasion, Tommy James, and Are you ready PG&E.
- AUTHOR
Anthony - I like that one too! Have a great week ahead. Hope you are doing well.
- AUTHOR
Shyron - I hope you are doing well. Thanks for the song suggestion. I put Dolly Parton's version of "Hello God" on the playlist. Have a great week ahead.
Flourish, what a venue for “Little Jimmy Brown” I have heard this song at least five times this week and loved it more each time, but my favorite is still Hello God.
Blessings my dear friend
Figures . LOL. Your lists are fun. I used to do them for my country website. Maybe I should do some again. All country, of course. Haha.
Speaking of country and lists. I just heard a Sara Evans song that might fit this one. I think it's called "My Baby" and the second verse is the one that fits in here.
- AUTHOR
Shannon - I have a more general one about eyes, Pop, Rock, and Country Songs About Eyes. It has several songs about different color eyes.
Do you have a playlist about eye colors? Thought of that when I called my daughter my brown-eyed girl today.
Some radio stations that used to play all that "Old American" deep south "folk & gospel" songs seems to have disappeared years ago before i had a chance to know who the bands were. I know it's all on you tube though.
Thought you might like that Coldplay song, anyone that likes the verve, travis, keane, will like that "High speed" song, most people do.
"Katherine Jenkins" sings some great gospel songs as well.
Good play list here.
Thanks.
Thank's.
- AUTHOR
Anthony - Thanks for the note on that Coldplay song. Listened to it again.
As for the songs about God, faith, and church, if you want to make any specific song suggestions I'm certainly open to them. I have tried to limit the playlist to pop, rock, and country songs (or by those artists). There are so many wonderful gospel songs though. You're right on that. Have a good weekend.
- AUTHOR
Anthony - Although I didn't put it on this playlist, I'll keep it in mind for others. I appreciate the suggestion.
- AUTHOR
DeMontagnae - Thank you!
Great page!
- AUTHOR
Anthony - Thanks for the song suggestion.
- AUTHOR
Joanna - Absolutely! Excellent suggestion! Thanks for the addition. Have an awesome weekend.
‘Here I Go Again ‘, by Whitesnake is surprisingly spiritual. “But Lord I pray you give me strength to carry on,’....cause I know what it means, to walk along the lonely street of dreams “. This is one of very few mainstream rock songs that have ever mentioned faith.......Please add it to your list!
Thanks for that. Will look them up.
- AUTHOR
Anthony, Thank you for sharing your family connection to George Michael and your thoughts on God and music. Some of the most beautiful music I've heard has been from some of the country singers singing spiritual music. I hope you have a chance to explore some of the songs of all genres that aren't familiar to you. I'm sure you'll find some new ones you like.
FlourishAnyway. A lot of my own aunties and families also had Greek restarants in north london and still do. Some of them knew George's dad.
Not heard a lot of them songs you mentioned, but going to listen to them when i get the chance.
I was just looking up what the word "psalm" means. Basically it means "Praise" "Praise God in spite of any situation" Reason being, if God wanted to, he has the power to change any situation we find ourselves in, but in most cases, the best way to grow, is to grow despite our circumstances, it's the circumstances that God allows that makes us grow.
A lot of people struggle finding adequate words to express their heart's to God, therefore music finds its highest expression and purpose when used as a tool to extoll the Greatness of God. It can console, encourage, teach, even admonish those who are away from God.
Rich Mulling a well known christian singer from "Nashville" who died in a car accident said because he had difficulty praying, he found it much easier to express himself through music.
Also noticed the "Verve" bittersweet symphony. One of my favorite groups, really like that song, but never noticed the lyrics till now. "Well i never pray, but tonight I'm on my knees, yeah, I need to hear some sounds that recognize the pain in me, yeah, I let the melody shine, let it cleanse my mind, I feel free now"
I think we all need to hear sounds which helps us remember and recognize the pain in us at times.
- AUTHOR
Anthony - You must love George Michael like I do. Thank you for the additional information about him. Have a lovely week, friend.
Jesus to a child. George Michael. "WOW" what do you say to that ?
Did you know George's dad had a Greek restarant in north London ?
A different corner, flawless, spinning the wheel, fast love, father figure, "Don't let the sun go down" with Elton john. Great songs.
Glad you included "George Michael"
Love you for that.
- AUTHOR
Fan of George - Adding your suggestion! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Have a wonderful weekend.
My Sweet Lord, George Harrison
- AUTHOR
Tim - Kudos on these suggestions. I would never have come up with them, so thank you. Have a great day.
- AUTHOR
Randy - Thank you for the suggestion. I have added it at #80. Have a great day.
Morning has Broken by Cat Stevens (and others)
- AUTHOR
Paul Hodges - Thanks for the suggestion! I've added it at #79. Have a terrific weekend.
- AUTHOR
Suhail and K2 - Thank you! No reason not to incllude them. I like the diversity in their music. Have a great week ahead!
FlourishAnyway,
Dug this hub out and loved it for the fact that you included songs by Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, and Black Sabbath.
You rock!
Regards,
S
- AUTHOR
Dolores - I'm so glad you approve. Have a wonderful week.
I love your playlists and this was a good one. Sometimes you just have to search out the right song and your lists fit the bill.
- AUTHOR
Shyron - Thank you for sharing a bit about your background. My husband was raised Catholic and has a long line of uncles who are priests. His mother's sister is also a nun. I attended mass with him a couple of times over our marriage when his uncle was officiating, and my husband made sure I didn't go up to receive communion ("you stay here" he said, ha ha). Thank you for the song suggestions. I'm adding them. Have a lovely week and know you are appreciated.
- AUTHOR
Yves - Thank you for stopping by. I love Brooks and Dunn, too. Your input has prompted me to compile a related songlist on modern hymns. So many artists who are typically secular singers have rerecorded traditional hymns with lovely results. It will be a few articles from now, but I'll add Nicole Mullen's song to that list. While I was compiling the current list, I had a lot of songs that were not so much country, pop, or rock but nevertheless popular modern recordings of hymns by prominent artists (if that makes sense). That is the perfect songlist for them. Thank you for the idea!
How did I miss this? I don't remember receiving notification? Anyway, great list, as always, Flourish. "Believe" by Brooks and Dunn is probably my all time favorite religious song. I can listen to it multiple times and I love the video as well. Dunn's voice is amazing! Another song I really like is, Mary Did You Know, by Clay Aiken...but it is more of a Christmas song, so you can save it for then if you want to. Ha!
I have to say, the "Beer With Jesus" song sounds quite interesting. I can definitely envision Jesus drinking a beer and shooting the breeze. He drank wine, after all.
Oh yes, I have one more favorite. My Redeemer Lives, by Nicole C. Mullen. Here it is for your listening pleasure:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QvX4CwSmwY
Thanks for choosing songs about faith. I now have a list of songs to check out!
- AUTHOR
Audrey - It's not my forte either, but these songs stick out to me because they reference religion within secular genres. Thanks for stopping by! I'm loving your Poetry Month contributions.
Another spectacular play list. I was baptized first in the Church of Christ (no of Latter Day Saints,) the converted to Catholic. I love most of the old, old songs from the Church of Christ, like Just a Closer Walk With Thee, but I did not see my favorites on here.
#1 Hello, God - Dolly Parton
(Dolly Parton)
Hello God, are you out there?
Can you hear me, are you listenin’ any more?
Hello God, if we’re still on speakin’ terms
Can you help me like before?
I have questioned your existence,
My resistance leaves me cold
Can you help me go the distance?
This old world has gone to pieces
Can we fix it, is there time?
Hate and violence just increases
We’re so selfish, cruel and blind
We fight and kill each other
In your name defending you
Do you love some more than others?
We’re so lost and confused
Hello God, are you out there?
Can you hear us, are you listenin’ any more?
Hello God, if we’re still on speakin’ terms
Can you help us like before?
Oh, the free will you have given
We have made a mockery of
This is no way to be livin’,
We’re in great need of your love
Hello God
Hello God, can you grant us
Love enough to make amends
(Hello God)Is there still a chance
That we could start again
Hello God, we’ve learned our lesson
Dear God we, don’t let us go
More than ever
Hello God, hello, hello
Hello God, we really need you
We can’t make it without you
(Hello God) We beseech you
In the name of all that’s true
Hello God, please forgive us
For we know not what we do
Hello God, give us one more chance to prove ourselves to you
Hello, God, hello God
#2. When Ten Thousand Angels Cried - Leann Rimes
Stillness filled the Heavens on crucifixion day.
Some say it rained I don't know if it's true.
Well I can just imagine ten thousand angels cried
That would seem like rain to me and you.
The angels all stood ready to take Him from the tree
They waited for the words from His voice.
And when he asked the father why has thou forsaken me.
They watched the savior die of his own choice.
I've never seen ten thousand angels cry
But I'm sure they did
As they stood by
And watched the savior die.
God turned his head away
He couldn't bear the sight
It must have looked like rain
When ten thousand angels cried.
As the sun slipped away
The skies turned to grey
And when Jesus gave his all
That's when the tears began to fall
I've never seen ten thousand angels cry
But I'm sure they did
As they stood by
And watched the savior die.
God turned his head away
He couldn't bear the sight
It must have looked like rain
When ten thousand angels cried.
It must have looked like rain
When ten thousand angels cried.
Blessings to you
Well I am sorry to say that this is a genre I don't know very well--so I enjoyed learning more about some of these songs!
- AUTHOR
Gypsy - That song by Bette Midler is a very memorable one. Glad you enjoyed this playlist. Thank you for stopping by!
- AUTHOR
Venkatachari - Thank you for your support. I'm glad you enjoyed this list. Have a lovely week.
Another wonderful musical journey. There are so many religious songs. My all time favorite was when Bette Midler sang From a Distance and I just love Elvis when he sing How Great Thou Art.
A nice list of songs about God and Faith. I like your lists of songs which always contain some already heard and liked by me. It gives me further opportunity to find new beautiful songs.
Thanks for sharing these lists.
- AUTHOR
Nithya - Thank you for your kind words of support. Have a wonderful week!
A great list of devotional songs. I have heard some of them and they are superb renditions. I enjoy reading your song lists and the way you present them.
- AUTHOR
Heidi - Yes, country music seems like it dominates certain topics and doesn't touch others. Thanks for the suggestion. I've added Aretha Franklin's version of the song at #60 simply because Aretha is so amazing, nothing wrong with Billie Holiday. I appreciate you. Have a wonderful week ahead.
I figured you'd have Creed somewhere in this list! And it seems like every country singer has a faith-based song in their repertoire. :) I'd only add "God Bless the Child" by Billie Holiday and covered by a ton of artists. Hope you had a great Easter weekend!
- AUTHOR
Linda - I appreciate your support. The topic is something that I thought people would enjoy. Thanks for reading!
- AUTHOR
Annie - Thank you so much for your comment. So many secular songs have faith infused in them, and I'm happy that you found this listing interesting and useful. I appreciate your visit!
This is a great playlist for this time of year, Flourish. Your article is interesting and visually attractive, as always.
Hi,
I very much enjoyed your list. Happy Easter. Some I've heard of but some I haven't. I have a Bible Study Group and I will use some of the songs you posted from youtube as we also post different types of Gospel music to share with each other. Thank you such a wonderful article.
Annie
- AUTHOR
Larry - Many thanks. Have a good week.
- AUTHOR
Svetlana - Your musings are always interesting to read, very spontaneous and stream-of-conscious. I'm not a religious person, haven't seen the inside of a church aside from tourism in decades, but I'm philosophical about the connectedness of it all. I tried Buddhism but am kind of a failed Buddhist; I'm not patient enough. Hope your week ahead is fabulous.
Religion like music is not going anywhere and neither is religious music or music about religion, although my preference is the pipe organ music.
People need narrative, people live in the context of their narrative - we are storytellers and we have believing brains not to say that we are programmed to conform and comply. We need explanations for everything, comfort and such.
I had a nervous breakdown once when my seven-year old son told me that I don't understand the true spirit of Easter and my mother said that I had to read the bible to understand art. The final blow to my tolerance was delivered when I tried to put aside differences - that ended up very ugly.
People need faith and people need church for ceremonies, especially funerals. Buying the Bible does not warrant reading it. I happen to know more stories from the Bible than the church-goers which feels weird to me. But the Bible is not the reason to believe in God.
I do believe in education and I think it is more fun. I'd like to know what's behind "the true spirit" and I took a couple of courses to be informed.
You cannot learn if you already know. I do believe that I know Nothing. I am sure that there songs about that too.
Always love your lists:-)
- AUTHOR
Bill - This one was an initial challenge for me as well. I'm right there with you. Have a great Easter and an even better week!
- AUTHOR
Terrie Lynn - Thank you for your kind words. Have a wonderful week!
Hi flourished. You made great song choices to take us through different parts of life with god and what it brings and means to each of us. Thank you. Another well done set of songs.
"Jesus Take the Wheel" I went blank after that....on Easter....not sure what that says about me. LOL You know I love this series...keep them coming, and enjoy the holiday.
- AUTHOR
Kristen - It's sad what happened to them both. I wouldn't have taken it so nicely. Reba still works with her ex! I hope they didn't lose a lot of money in their divorces to those terrible men. On the other hand, there is Dolly Parton who has been married to the same man for over 50 years. She met him on her first day in Nashville.
- AUTHOR
Martie - It's interesting how each country has songs on pop charts that others haven't even heard of. I'm not even sure whether country music is popular in other nations, aside from the US and Canada, or whether it's more of a North American thing. Thanks for stopping by!
- AUTHOR
Louise - I like her a lot too! Her rise to fame has been so incredible.
- AUTHOR
Hi, Linda! Thank you for your addition. Have a wonderful weekend.
Great song list, Flourish. Some I've heard of and something I haven't, like Reba's newest one. Her story is relatable to Shania Twain, when her husband cheated on her with her best friend. Ouch. Now Shania is married to her ex-best friend's husband.
Beautiful songs! Some of them haven't reached my country's radio stations. I hope they will.
"Only God can turn a mess into a message, a test into a testimony, a trial into a triumph, and a victim into a victory." What a profound quote!
Great stuff! I enjoy reading your musical hubs. I'm glad you put Carrie Underwood in there. I love her voice.
Flourish - What a beautiful compilation of songs. I think I've heard each one and appreciate them. One more? What about "Dream On" (Aerosmith)?
98