It's funny-Andy Partridge wanted this song off the album because he was embarrassed by how clumsily his lyric tackled such a big and weighty topic. So it was pulled from the album and tucked away on the b-side of their "Grass" single. Then DJs started spinning "Dear God" instead of the A-side, controversy ensued, the song became a hit, the album was re-pressed with "Dear God" on it....and now 37 years later, here we are still talking about it. Sorry, Andy. This song may not have a solution to the "problem of evil", but in a world where organized religion has so much power, and, let's just say, a mixed record - sometimes, a clumsy but heartfelt sentiment like this strikes a chord with people.
Im a big fan of XTC and....the last minute of this song always gets me. Sometimes I yell the lyrics sometimes I've even cried. Its so well written. And yeah, its just a man questioning things. I feel you on this. You got my sub friend!
LOVE the band... and LOVE the song. The only thing wrong with Christianity is a lot of the "Christians" I'd say. If people actually listened to the actual message of Christ, it would be a much better world. Thanks for your thoughtful words!!
You are sleeping on XTC Stevie. Their other hits are “The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead”, “Making Plans For Nigel”, “The Mayor Of Simpleton”, “Generals and Majors” among many others on the alternative music charts and also in the UK. XTC is one of the most underrated bands from the 80’s. Super creative, innovative and influential. And to your point about atheist vs agnostic, the only true answer is… we all don’t know, which is why I’m agnostic. Thx for this one brother!
Free will is not an answer. He could have given us free will and not had evil in the Universe. If he couldn't have done that he is, by definition not all powerful.
I think an interesting fact about the song is that the kid singing in the beginning and the end is a girl but played by a boy in the video. I don't think a hit but another XTC song that is great and catching is "I'd Like That."
Killing goats? Sir, you have some grave misunderstandings about your atheist neighbors. I suggest that you take some time to talk to actual atheists. They can help clarify for you exactly what atheism is, and more importantly, what it isn’t.
Ummm...what? Who said anything about killing goats ? I sure didn't . I had to watch my own video over again just to make sure ! Maybe you should watch it over again to confirm your statement...and give the video more views !
If you can't deal with the message, attack the messenger, I guess. Andy is one smart, funny guy. He doesn't need your approval. The host has it right about each of us finding our own way. Andy's favorite phrase: "Do what you will, but harm no one."
As an atheist I just think it's sort of sad that religious folks need a reason to be a good person.
Look, Let people believe what they want ! I'm not gonna question your belief in not believing. Do You !
@@vandalayindustries3057 wrong who?!
It's funny-Andy Partridge wanted this song off the album because he was embarrassed by how clumsily his lyric tackled such a big and weighty topic. So it was pulled from the album and tucked away on the b-side of their "Grass" single. Then DJs started spinning "Dear God" instead of the A-side, controversy ensued, the song became a hit, the album was re-pressed with "Dear God" on it....and now 37 years later, here we are still talking about it. Sorry, Andy.
This song may not have a solution to the "problem of evil", but in a world where organized religion has so much power, and, let's just say, a mixed record - sometimes, a clumsy but heartfelt sentiment like this strikes a chord with people.
Well said ! Very Democratic of you. I'm not calling you a Demorcrat . Just that last paragraph was unoffending.
Im a big fan of XTC and....the last minute of this song always gets me. Sometimes I yell the lyrics sometimes I've even cried. Its so well written.
And yeah, its just a man questioning things. I feel you on this. You got my sub friend!
thanks!
A brilliant song from XTC
"Sense Working Overtime" is of the same bent. A smart guy trying to make sense of this sometimes awful world.
LOVE the band... and LOVE the song. The only thing wrong with Christianity is a lot of the "Christians" I'd say. If people actually listened to the actual message of Christ, it would be a much better world. Thanks for your thoughtful words!!
Thank you !
You are sleeping on XTC Stevie. Their other hits are “The Ballad Of Peter Pumpkinhead”, “Making Plans For Nigel”, “The Mayor Of Simpleton”, “Generals and Majors” among many others on the alternative music charts and also in the UK. XTC is one of the most underrated bands from the 80’s. Super creative, innovative and influential. And to your point about atheist vs agnostic, the only true answer is… we all don’t know, which is why I’m agnostic. Thx for this one brother!
A superb song and great group 😊😊😊
Free will is not an answer. He could have given us free will and not had evil in the Universe. If he couldn't have done that he is, by definition not all powerful.
whats done is done !
I think an interesting fact about the song is that the kid singing in the beginning and the end is a girl but played by a boy in the video. I don't think a hit but another XTC song that is great and catching is "I'd Like That."
🙏🏾🙏🏾
Mayor of simpleton Making Plans For Nigel and senses working overtime are others of his hits
Killing goats? Sir, you have some grave misunderstandings about your atheist neighbors. I suggest that you take some time to talk to actual atheists. They can help clarify for you exactly what atheism is, and more importantly, what it isn’t.
Ummm...what? Who said anything about killing goats ? I sure didn't . I had to watch my own video over again just to make sure ! Maybe you should watch it over again to confirm your statement...and give the video more views !
02:43 you mention killing goats
The singer has always been a Beta male.
what's meant by that?
Careful, everyone can see your bigotries showing.
@@kasperg5634 whatever.
If you can't deal with the message, attack the messenger, I guess.
Andy is one smart, funny guy. He doesn't need your approval.
The host has it right about each of us finding our own way.
Andy's favorite phrase: "Do what you will, but harm no one."
@@johnmavroudis2054 is this directed at me?