Bblcal references in secular music

[Michael J]

I find it astounding just how many secular band use Biblical references in their songs. There are a lot out there. I think Metallica about tops the cake on this one.
> The Four Horsemen - self explanitory
> Creeping Death - tenth plague
> Ride the Lightning - righteous killing
> Holier Than Thou
> The Got That Failed
and many more

What other bands use biblical references? I'd be interested in listening to some to hear it.

 

[JamesAH]

Iron Maiden has some biblical stuff in some of their songs.

And bands like Helloween,Iced Earth,Judas Priest and a few others have some biblical stuff in some of their songs as well.

 

[Thunder Peel]

U2 has a ton of Christian and biblical references in their music. Of course, the members are Christians so that explains a lot but it's still neat to see a band in the secular market being so upfront with their faith. Check these songs out:

Yahweh
Grace
Rejoice
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
Gloria
40
All Because of You
Moment of Surrender
Breathe
Love Rescue Me
Until the End of the World
If God Will Send His Angels

 

[Vikidul]

I think Depeche Mode intentionally does this to subvert the Biblical message...

 

[blessedmomof5]

Just because one sings of these things does it mean they are of these things? are they lifting the Lord God Almighty, up in Praise?

Bible "songs" don't always come from Bibical people, you know who they are by the fruits of the spirit.Do they practice what they Sing, Preach? I am not familiar with these bands, but

Matthew 24:11 "Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

 

[united4Peace]

One of my favorite songs since Childhood has been Tin Soldier...
Coven sings it...Joni Mitchell...

YouTube - Coven - One tin soldier (with lyrics)

YouTube - One Tin Soldier

 

[Rosalila]

Michael Jackson, though he's a solo artist. Dangerous is filled with biblical references.

 

[asianangel]

Ed Kowalczyk - Grace

 

[jayem]

Back in 1965, the Byrds (anyone remember them?) recorded Pete Seeger's Turn, Turn, Turn, which has lyrics taken almost verbatim from Ecclesiastes 3:1.


YouTube - The Byrds - Turn! Turn! Turn!

When Bob Dylan was in his Christian phase in the late 70s/early 80s, he recorded 2 albums, Slow Train Coming, and Saved, that have many Biblical references.

 

[poeticlurker]

Biblical references are found in just about all kinds of Western media, including music.

Most people in the West will grow up learning a thing or two about the Bible, and they will reflect that.

 

[Singermom]

Country music is chock full of either Biblical or spiritual imagery:

"Long Black Train" - Josh Turner ("...but there's victory in the Lord...")
"I Hope You Dance" - LeeAnn Womack ("...promise me that you'll give Faith a fighting chance...")
"Blessed" - Martina MacBride ("...I thank God for all I've been given...")
"Jesus & Gravity" - Dolly Parton (the title says it all)
"Muddy Water" - Trace Adkins ("...baptize me in that muddy water, wash me clean in amazing grace...")
"Believe" - Brooks & Dunn ("...I find more and more truth in the Words written in red...")
"Three Wooden Crosses" - Randy Travis ("...he gave that Bible to my mama...")
"Live With Jesus" - Wynonna ("...I'm gonna live with Jesus in the end...")

I could go on and on...

 

[Kitty.]

Avenged Sevenfold has references to the end of time, the beast, etc.
The song 'Beast and the Harlot' has a ton of references about it. However, that doesn't make Avenged Sevenfold a good band for a Christian to listen to lol.

 

[JamesAH]

Avenged Sevenfold has references to the end of time, the beast, etc.
The song 'Beast and the Harlot' has a ton of references about it. However, that doesn't make Avenged Sevenfold a good band for a Christian to listen to lol.

Avenged Sevenfold isn't a good band to listen to period they suck.

 

[mbuc556]

Although they don't play the typical contemporary Christian music circuit, the music of Thrice is loaded with Christian imagery and references. Dustin Kensrue's lyrics are some of the most convicted that I've ever heard, and I can never listen to certain songs on Vheissu, The Alchemy Index, or Beggars without getting chills. I was fortunate to see the band play an excellent show at the King Cat Theater here in Seattle earlier this year.

 

[bps916]

Spirit In The Sky

 

[Skilletdude]

Up Through The Ashes by Kamelot. It's sung from the POV of Pontius Pilate and it's about the Crucifixion.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5gR279eU3Y

 

[spiralhoney]

GOWNS from northern Cali. They don't directly reference or quote. They reflect. They reflect and heighten the joy and pain that scripture(and it's many translations) attempt to speak of. And they may not even be aware that they are.

"I've seen that light above me baby, and the rope.
I've seen that hole above me baby, and the rope.
I've seen that light above me baby, and the rope.
I've seen that hole above me baby, and the rope.
I've heard them calling, calling. I've heard them six below.
I've heard them calling,calling,calling,calling,calling,calling,calling,calling,calling.
I've seen the light above me, baby, and the rope.
I've seen the hole above me baby, and the rope.
I've seen the sight of angels... and tearing out their wings.
So drown in the life worth living then buy a wedding ring
The weight of a meaningful home looking down that long hallway.
You can see it but what does it say? "

 

[DreamOutLoud]

U2 has a ton of Christian and biblical references in their music. Of course, the members are Christians so that explains a lot but it's still neat to see a band in the secular market being so upfront with their faith. Check these songs out:

Yahweh
Grace
Rejoice
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
Gloria
40
All Because of You
Moment of Surrender
Breathe
Love Rescue Me
Until the End of the World
If God Will Send His Angels

I must add to this list:
Wave of sorrow
Tomorrow
I will follow
Wake up dead man
Elevation

 

[Tempura]

poeticlurker nailed it. I have about 500-600 albums. None of them are purely religious, most close being Sufjan Stevens' "Seven Swans" and on the lesser extent Nick Cave's "Boatman's Call". I could blind-fold myself and play any record, and there would be a song with bible/religious references. It's everywhere. Nirvana, Tool, Radiohead, Deftones, PJ Harvey, Iron&Wine, Joseph Arthur, Neil Young, Damien Rice, Matthew Ryan etc. Everywhere.

 

[HarborOrange]

Brand New has incredible references to just about everything... Such brilliant stuff in all of their songs. Lots of religious references too. Just watch this video... There are too many for me to even begin to describe.

I love this band.

YouTube - Brand New references and allusions