When Rock of Ages was new I had the sheet music (for the guitar chords) sitting on the organ in my grandmother’s living room. She sat down and was like, “ohhh yes, that old hymn (she was a pianist in a theater during the silent era). She looked at the music and started playing. She got a weird look and started to sing in that super old school, mega-vibrato style - “Riiiiise up, gather round, rock this place… WHAT ON EARTH IS THIS!? This isn’t the song I remember!” 😂 Bonus - Her daughter, my mom, thought that “One toke over the line (sweet Jesus)” was a modern hymn, and would have us kids sing it in the car, lol.
I really liked this episode Adam, thanks. I like the Doobie Brothers Jesus is Just Alright, an old man I once knew was a very strict Southern Baptist and didn’t allow rock music in his house but when I started singing this song, he said oh, I like that song.
The most funny thing about Rock of Ages is during the satanic panic is was even accused of being a satanic song if only because no one knew was 'unta gleebin globbin globin' meant. Jokes on you, neo pharisees. The song is actually inspired from a christian hymnal.
That was a time when there was a 'Jesus revival'. Hippies were looking to find meaning in their life and some turned to Jesus. Jesus Christ Superstar came out about the same time.
That was my favorite part of this great episode. The others weren't new to me at all. Are You Going to Go My Way should have been as obvious to me as the others😆 Loving it😀🧡
I remember singing the lyrics to "Turn, Turn, Turn", without understanding what they meant, and being astonished to be informed that they came from the Bible.
@@trinaq Yes, it doesn’t sound like other Biblical passages. It’s Hebrew stoicism - life is good, life is hard, you can’t change that with money or pleasures, so just enjoy it anyway.
DUDE!! Just the clip of McGuinn PLAYING and SINGING Turn! Turn! Turn! is SO WORTH THE WATCH of this video!! McGuinn IS Classic Rock/Folk music…. HE is the reason I learned to play Acoustic Guitar.
@@ProfessorofRock You were really CALM in your freak out… I wasn’t even sure if you were ENJOYING this bit of musical treasure… Not even a smile, but I ain’t judging. I have NO IDEA how I’d have reacted. Maybe I would’ve sung along, I don’t know… LMAO!!
The Hooters "All you Zombies" from their album Nervous Night....Moses and the pharaoh, not only a great song, but that album was really really good with And We Danced.
U2's catalog is loaded with songs dripping with biblical and spiritual references. The best ones that come to mind are "Until the End of the World," which is about Jesus, the last supper, and Judas, "Daddy's Going to Pay for Your Crashed Car," which basically is a gospel song about God offering to pay for your sins, and of course...."40." There are many others, too.
I remember first reading the lyrics to _Where the Streets Have No Name_ and... _Whoa!_ I've since read that Bono was inspired during a trip Ethiopia that caused him to reflect on how the names of things divide us, but he said he was trying to sketch a feeling - about divisions via that trip, but potentially religious, potentially other topics, like romantic - so that the song was open ended without a specific meaning. Whatever his intentions, whether he knew it or not, "Where the Streets Have No Name" is essentially an explicit reference to mysticism (which almost definitionally holds that ultimate reality defies capture by language & human reason). In that light, the lyrics then read perfectly as a metaphorical yearning for the mystical/divine from the mundane world, a world whose mortal turmoil makes maintaining love difficult. Given that Bono's a Christian, it's not hard to guess who's accompanying him on that journey in the lines _"And when I go there, I go there with you. It’s all I can do"._ Given the passion of the singing and the music's overall epic mood (the driving intensity, the ecstatic release, and that otherworldly intro & outro), it's impossible for me to avoid interpreting it that way. Not that it matters, but I'm a committed atheist, so I have no bias or hope to force a religious interpretation on the song. It just strikes me that that's exactly what it is. Anyway, I was very surprised - and impressed - that a song superficially about a longing for a desert vacation could metaphorically work so perfectly as something *_entirely_* different.
"Until The End of the World" was written for the Wim Wenders film of the same name about the last days on Earth before a planetary scale nuclear disaster. Bono often referenced Biblical figures and tropes but rarely does so in a hit you over the head with it proselytizing way. If you want a U2 Jesus song, also check out "The Three Sunrises" or even "Sunday Bloody Sunday".
I watched the episode called There's An Attic In The House for an hour and they never got around to the cool room at the top of the house. Just some teenager going through horrible stuff. Turns out that the title of the episode was There's An Addict In The House. I didn't know what an addict was!
Mr. Mister’s ‘Kyrie’. From the bible…. ‘Kyrie Eleison’. What does Kyrie eleison mean? Lord, have mercy. Most people are not aware of this song’s meaning. Thanks for the video.
I would have thought for sure this would be on the list. It's such an obvious choice. I remember when it was released. People singing as loud as they could not having any idea what the lyrics meant.
"Turn! Turn! Turn!" is always going to be the most special out of these 5 for me personally. I'm sure that I first heard it when I was seven or eight, although I didn't associate it with The Byrds until I first learned thr name at age 10, and it wasn't until I was in my late teens before I learned it originated when Pete Seeger set that passage of Ecclesiastes to music. My mentor often mentioned how the Byrds' harmonies brought him to tears, and I always understood why. To invoke a recent, widespread colloquialism, I was today years old when I learned that Lenny intended for "Are You Gonna Go My Way" to be sung from the angle of Christ. I always thought it was about how people didn't think he had a defined sound of his own and he was trying to nail one down.
I don’t know how I didn’t land on your channel sooner. Your content is so fascinating, the nostalgia is so moving, adding so much more context to songs and bands associated with some of my greatest memories as a kid in the 80s. You truly are THE Professor of Rock! 🤘
Thank you for doing this episode. As a pastor, I know that sometimes people misunderstand Jesus and Christianity. It is a blessing to hear these songs. Once again, TKY, P.O.F.
I went to a Catholic school and our choir was very strict on music selection. I remember how cool it was to be able to sing Day By Day from Godspell and I Don't Know How to Love Him from Jesus Christ Superstar. It was as close to rock as the sisters would allow.
"40" by U2 is taken directly from the Psalm #40: 'I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.' Compare to the U2 lyrics: 'I waited patiently for the Lord He inclined and heard my cry He lift me up out of the pit Out of the miry clay I will sing, sing a new song ... How long to sing this song? ... You set my feet upon a rock You made my footsteps firm Many will see, many will see and hear'
Mister Mister--"Kyrie Elieson" is Greek for "Lord, Have Mercy." Midnight Oil often used Christian references. "If Christ were here he'd camera check, he'd cry so loud the planes would stop, He'd cry so loud the earth would shake and men would fall in tinsel town"--Who Can Stand in the Way (from "Red Sails in the Sunset").
Let those without sin cast the first stone” Buddy Villa Verse 24. “Just as thee sows, so shall you reap”. “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss” Proverbs- 19-71
I've sung Rock of Ages in church all of my life and have been a huge Def Leppard fan since their beginning. But somehow I never recognized the (very different) songs had the exact same title! Incidentally, my wife's family is German. And I used to hound them for a translation of the GERMANISH sounding opening lines. They insisted it was not German. Years later, I heard Joe Elliot explain it was just gibberish!
Growing up, my parents didn’t allow me to listen to any music that wasn’t Christian. Of course I snuck in MTV and the radio when they weren’t home. This episode seems right up my alley!
Your parents tried to keep you away from evil and you should thank them and love them for it. All this world ever teach is to do wrong, which never helps in the end and is full of regret. We spend more time unlearning the stupid stuff we learned than learning what truly matters. You understand that the older and wiser you get.
I always think about how amazing it is that you do what you do. What a cool story you have telling the story of music. You are truly blessed! Thanks for taking us along for this look at our history and how it affects our culture and lives.
The song that most gave me a spiritual feeling was 1973's epic, 40-minute-long "Remember the Future" by English prog-rock band Nektar about a boy who talks to a bird. If you wanted to hear it on the radio, you had to stay up and listen to the late-night DJs. Despite its limited radio play, it actually climbed to No. 19 on the U.S. Billboard 200. If you haven't heard it, you don't know what you're missing. Thank you for an inspirational episode, Adam. Have an excellent weekend!
This is a really great episode about songs that were taken from various parts of the Holy Bible and there have been many but Turn, Turn, Turn Pete Seeger/the Byrds, My Sweet Lord by George Harrison and Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum are the most well known to me thanks again Professor. 🎶🎤🎸🎸🎹🥁🎶
Professor, how about Stephen Tintin Duffy's "Kiss Me" (a reference to Song of Solomon)? It's one of my favorite new wave dance tunes from the 80s! Great idea for a show, sir!
Great episode, Adam. I would add one more, though, "I Stiil Believe" by The Call. Micheal Been has always been underrated as a lyricist, singer, and multi instrumentalist, imo. He deserves some love.
@@bookflicka8412 I liked him because he didn't present faith as a black and white, easy thing. His lyrics weren't platitudes. He presented faith as complex and challenging and a struggle. He presented it realistically. The song helped me through some dark times, too.
@@SaddleInTheRain I totally agree with you. It made him so relatable and I was happy to have some great faith based music to listen to. Was crushed when he died but know he is stoked to be with our Jesus and so much happier!
Great episode! I’d love to hear more. Rock of Ages & Turn! Turn! Turn! are favorites from my childhood. I remember discovering in church that rock of she’s was also a hymn and thinking, “How cool is that!?!”
Sting was probably the most talented musician I’ve ever seen live. He’s up there with Paul McCartney. Saw him with The Police and on his own. Not sure what the deal was with the members of The Police but they hated each other. They wouldn’t ever look at each other between sets. Great music though. 😃
Here's two others songs that has Christian Elements, Paul Davis's forgotten 1980 hit "Do Right" About his faith in Jesus (I Had no idea it was about that till a few years ago) and Barry Manilow's "I Write the Songs" (which he didn't write 😆as it was written by Beach Boy Bruce Johnston) and according to Bruce, "I" Means God and How his music effects us when we listen to it.
@@NOBodYknoys111 I don't see any dark lyrics at all when I'm scrolling threw them. Also, I should throw the fact that Some people assume that song is about Brian Wilson, but Bruce says it's not and reveals it's about God.
Excellent episode Professor! I did not know the origin of the #1 song, but very cool to find out. Please consider a follow-up. (Loved seeing those interviews too).
I play in a 10 piece band with horns. We cover vintage RnB, rock and swing. I’m also a church music director and have written songs from spiritual perspective for our band. Not wanting to start any issues with band mates about my own faith journey, they reminded me of all the songs that popular music has derived from biblical text and other religions. Really enjoyed this episode and would love to see more. Keep up the great work, Adam. I watch your POR while working out.
Great episode! But for Lazarus, you should have also mentioned Nick Cave (has a whole album named Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!, and lots of other biblical references). Amazing artist, still going strong - you should really do a feature on him, and interview him if possible. That would be epic.
Great video, Adam. Thanks for that. Keep these coming, Adam. If I may, I'd like to mention that Neal Morse (ex Spock's Beard), has a number of fantastic Bible inspired albums. You may want to check them out: Testimony, One, Question Mark, Sola Scriptura, Testimony 2 and Momentum. Finally, one of the greatest piece of classical music ever created is, of course, Handel's Messiah. The lyrics are 100% from the Bible. Some passages are out of this world. They trigger a lot of emotions in me.
I knew immediately 2 of the songs you would be talking about. Creeping Death is my all-time favorite song from Metallica, and it's pretty much for that very reason. Also, I really love the guitar work in it. I did a cover of it on my channel a few months ago, and I introduced it by mentioning what it's about. The other song I knew was from the Bible was Turn,Turn,Turn. I've known that a majority of it was from Ecclesiastes since I was young. I read the Bible every year, and every time I read those verses, I can't help but think about that song. Thank you for the daily education! I know your dad is proud of you!
Hey Professor, I really enjoy all your episodes, but this one was unique. I feel that music in general touches our spiritual side all the time. We are spiritual creatures and the more we can learn about how music influences that the better we become in the future.
Ozzy and Black Sabbath's -Judgement Day lyrics in War Pigs,was probably the biggest surprise to me back when, and it's still my favorite Ozzy song, and mostly because it's still relevant.
Back in the 80’s I told a fellow band-mate that Creeping Death was about the scene in the Ten Commandments where the angel of death/green mist moves through Egypt. Blew his mind 🤯
Happy to hear of Are You Gonna Go My Way. I honestly never paid enough attention to the lyrics in the first verse to get its meaning. I am embarrassed. So awfully cool!
...my band used to do a pretty mean cover of 'are you gonna go my way' ...super fun song to play ...every moment feels empowering ...often wondered if thats what it was about but was never sure until now ...very cool
Animals fed? ✔️ Meds taken? ✔️ POR ?? ✔️✔️✔️ It's gonna be a good day. Spirituality in music? It's as old as music itself. Love these countdown episodes. Thanks Professor. Everyone have a great weekend and be thankful to see another day. ❤️
Among the most controversial religious references in rock history were the line "The Pope owns 51 percent of General Motors." from George Harrison's "Awaiting on You All" (not released as a single, but got a lot of airplay even on AM radio in Boston) and the song "Dear God" by XTC. Harrison was not even allowed by his record label to put the lyrics on his album cover.
Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath both have a ton of songs based on the Bible and Judeo-Christian religious beliefs. I saw a video here on TH-cam that had a few Catholic priests debating whether Black Sabbath could be considered the first Christian rock band. A priest who used to be the pastor of my parish is himself a fan of Black Sabbath. He said the who "evil" image was nothing but brilliant marketing strategy. "Besides," he told me, "how evil can a person named 'Geezer' really be?"
Geezer said himself that he was writing songs of warning but were misunderstood because of the way Sabbath were marketed. I could here it myself and tried to explain it to my preacher, dad but he didn't want to hear it because he had heard the satanic panic evangelist first. Heard preachers misinterpreting lyrics all the way up to Alice in chains
Great topic. You missed one of my faves by The Call: “The Walls Came Down” which describes an early story in the Bible about Joshua’s army walking around Jericho seven times, then the city crumbled as the army blew horns.
Speaking of Ridge wallets, I’ve been using one now for a couple of years and will never change back. My previous wallet was always thick and I wore it in my back left pocket. I started having back and hip issues (you start noticing issues when you hit your 40s lol) and getting rid of the thick wallet, going to Ridge, which I now wear in the front always, and it helped actually. The Ridge also forces you to downsize to only what you need. We no longer bother with business cards these days, no gym cards, or Kroger Tom Thumb cards etc. Just DL, a couple of plastics, and my Gas Buddy. That’s it, incredibly light and couldn’t recommend one more.
Hello Professor of Rock, I am so happy that you are doing such a Spiritual journey today for Us through music, Amazing music with. the fabulous Artists I thank you so much Adam for hearing such Amazing Scriptures into music, thank you again have a Happy Thanksgiving!!🙋♀️😊🦃🌟🙏🏼✌️
LOVED this episode! Thank you Adam. I am a Christian (though not always as good of one as I should be) and really appreciate this. I had no idea about Lenny Kravitz's song, though I have jammed to it many times. Will listen to it with a whole new perspective now. Awesome!
I remember Kansas appeared on an episode of Pat Robertson's 700 Club. Pat told them the song Dust in the Wind was gloomy, depressing and anti-Christian and the band agreed. It seems they went through some sort of fundamentalist period and renounced their own work. I don't think that lasted long. Might have been in the late 80s. But I did see that, and it gobsmacked me at the time.
AWESOME EPISODE!! Man absolutely FANTASTIC!! Really shows PROOF that our God Lord and Savior is ALWAYS reaching out to our hearts in ways we wouldn't imagine! Thank You Adam for following your heart and putting together and sharing this video!!! Rock on Brother and God Bless!!!! ~George B.
At my age, (I was a child of the late 70's-80's) to find new revelations (pun intended) on songs I've literally heard a thousand times- I was an 80's Metal teenager- is astonishing. But it happens almost every time I watch an episode of P.O.R. So yes, to more episodes on songs inspired by the Bible, please!
Dear Professor, just a suggestion. You should do a video of artists who became Christians and recorded Contemporary Christian Music. Phil Keaggy (Glass Harp guitarist) Kerry Livren and Dave Hope (Kansas) Dan Peek (America) Leon Patillo (one-time singer with Santana) Joe English (one-time drummer for Wings) Ric Cua (one-time member of the Outlaws). There are others that didn't make it as big (Delanie and Bonnie, for instance, who teamed with Eric Clapton back in the day). I could go on and think of a few more, but I'll drop it here.
Don't forget Mylon LeFevre, Kyle Henderson from the Producers (I think he walked from his faith, sadly) and Denny Correll from Blues Image. Interesting enough, My folks met Leon Patillo at Church back in the 90s, where he gave his testimony.
Pet Shop Boys “Your Funny Uncle” No more pain, no fear No sorrow or dying No waiting or crying These former things have passed away Another life begins today Revelation 21:4
Poll: What is you pick for the MOST SPIRITUAL Song from the ROCK ERA? Also get up to 47% off Ridge Wallet using my link: ridge.com/professorofrock
Hooters - All You Zombies
Imperiet - Bible
Steve Miller Band - Fly Like An Eagle
Let It Be by The Beatles! Reminds me of my momma. 🥲
Greatest Love of All -- Whitney Houston.
Broken Wings - Mr. Mister
People Get Ready
Great Episode!!
I am a Christian and a rocker.
They both go together well in my opinion.
Amen!
Yup
There is no god.
"A little unorthodox"--I see what you did there! And as an Orthodox rabbi, bless you for this episode.
Thanks for watching!
HAG SAMEACH RABBI JOE!! Well, the Days of Awe are over now, but still!!
Haha!
When Rock of Ages was new I had the sheet music (for the guitar chords) sitting on the organ in my grandmother’s living room. She sat down and was like, “ohhh yes, that old hymn (she was a pianist in a theater during the silent era). She looked at the music and started playing. She got a weird look and started to sing in that super old school, mega-vibrato style - “Riiiiise up, gather round, rock this place… WHAT ON EARTH IS THIS!? This isn’t the song I remember!” 😂
Bonus - Her daughter, my mom, thought that “One toke over the line (sweet Jesus)” was a modern hymn, and would have us kids sing it in the car, lol.
Lawrence Welk introduce dit that way on national TV
Interestingly, Def Leppard got the name of the song from a hymnal that was left in the the studio they were recording in.
lol That makes me think of this... th-cam.com/video/ulDC1w1ydLI/w-d-xo.html
I really liked this episode Adam, thanks. I like the Doobie Brothers Jesus is Just Alright, an old man I once knew was a very strict Southern Baptist and didn’t allow rock music in his house but when I started singing this song, he said oh, I like that song.
The most funny thing about Rock of Ages is during the satanic panic is was even accused of being a satanic song if only because no one knew was 'unta gleebin globbin globin' meant. Jokes on you, neo pharisees. The song is actually inspired from a christian hymnal.
Monster hit in summer of 1971: Ocean with "Put Your Hand in the Hand."
Ooh I love that song!
WOW, forgot about that one! Take a look at yourself and you will look at others differently! ☮️
That was a time when there was a 'Jesus revival'. Hippies were looking to find meaning in their life and some turned to Jesus. Jesus Christ Superstar came out about the same time.
I remember!
i still have the 45❤
I must admit: I had no idea Are You Going To Go My Way was about Jesus. It makes total sense looking at it too.
I am very pleasantly surprised.
That was my favorite part of this great episode. The others weren't new to me at all. Are You Going to Go My Way should have been as obvious to me as the others😆
Loving it😀🧡
Same here.
I remember singing the lyrics to "Turn, Turn, Turn", without understanding what they meant, and being astonished to be informed that they came from the Bible.
@@trinaq yep, from the Book of Ecclesiastes
I remember hearing it on a commercial for Time Magazine.
@@mikebuck1897yeah...I remember reading Ecclesiasties and thinking "where have I heard this before?".
@@trinaq Yes, it doesn’t sound like other Biblical passages. It’s Hebrew stoicism - life is good, life is hard, you can’t change that with money or pleasures, so just enjoy it anyway.
@@eggsngritstn that's not analogous to classical Stoic schools of philosophy.
Fun fact, "Turn, Turn, Turn" was the number one song on Billboard the day I was born in 1965. I love the Bible, and I was very happy to find that out.
Awesome! That's such a good song.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 is a Bible passage that states, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven".
I absolutely love that song.
@@johndoiron9615 very cool
I know several people who had this as their birthday song.
DUDE!! Just the clip of McGuinn PLAYING and SINGING Turn! Turn! Turn! is SO WORTH THE WATCH of this video!! McGuinn IS Classic Rock/Folk music…. HE is the reason I learned to play Acoustic Guitar.
No kidding! I was freaking out!
Was that a 7-string guitar?
@@ProfessorofRock
You were really CALM in your freak out… I wasn’t even sure if you were ENJOYING this bit of musical treasure… Not even a smile, but I ain’t judging. I have NO IDEA how I’d have reacted. Maybe I would’ve sung along, I don’t know… LMAO!!
The Hooters "All you Zombies" from their album Nervous Night....Moses and the pharaoh, not only a great song, but that album was really really good with And We Danced.
I was thinking about that song, talk about Noah, Moses and the ten commandments, a really good song...
I saw them back in college, good show.
Both great songs
I had NO idea about Are You Gonna Go My Way? And it's right there in the lyrics!
Same.
Pleasantly surprised
The Byrd's turn turn and Def Leppard's Rock of ages are my 2 favorite's in the countdown.
Very cool!
Happy Birthday to Bruce Hornsby(70)... that's just the way it is!
Ha!! Today is my birthday, too, 69 😁
happy birthday, Bruce.
@@madduck2323Congratulations on this anniversary of your womb emigration!
Happy Birthday, Duck!!
@@Code.Name.V Thank you!! At this point, I figure every day above dirt is a good day!! 😉😁
U2's catalog is loaded with songs dripping with biblical and spiritual references. The best ones that come to mind are "Until the End of the World," which is about Jesus, the last supper, and Judas, "Daddy's Going to Pay for Your Crashed Car," which basically is a gospel song about God offering to pay for your sins, and of course...."40."
There are many others, too.
I remember first reading the lyrics to _Where the Streets Have No Name_ and... _Whoa!_
I've since read that Bono was inspired during a trip Ethiopia that caused him to reflect on how the names of things divide us, but he said he was trying to sketch a feeling - about divisions via that trip, but potentially religious, potentially other topics, like romantic - so that the song was open ended without a specific meaning.
Whatever his intentions, whether he knew it or not, "Where the Streets Have No Name" is essentially an explicit reference to mysticism (which almost definitionally holds that ultimate reality defies capture by language & human reason). In that light, the lyrics then read perfectly as a metaphorical yearning for the mystical/divine from the mundane world, a world whose mortal turmoil makes maintaining love difficult. Given that Bono's a Christian, it's not hard to guess who's accompanying him on that journey in the lines _"And when I go there, I go there with you. It’s all I can do"._ Given the passion of the singing and the music's overall epic mood (the driving intensity, the ecstatic release, and that otherworldly intro & outro), it's impossible for me to avoid interpreting it that way.
Not that it matters, but I'm a committed atheist, so I have no bias or hope to force a religious interpretation on the song. It just strikes me that that's exactly what it is.
Anyway, I was very surprised - and impressed - that a song superficially about a longing for a desert vacation could metaphorically work so perfectly as something *_entirely_* different.
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For is very spiritual in my opinion.
"Until The End of the World" was written for the Wim Wenders film of the same name about the last days on Earth before a planetary scale nuclear disaster. Bono often referenced Biblical figures and tropes but rarely does so in a hit you over the head with it proselytizing way. If you want a U2 Jesus song, also check out "The Three Sunrises" or even "Sunday Bloody Sunday".
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
Especially the live version on Rattle and Hum with the Gospel choir.
@@mikecaetano
It was a ‘love letter’ from Judas to Jesus. The poster is correct.
"Oh Happy Day" The Edwin Hawkins Singers. Great song!
Excellent episode. Songs with common themes are fun to lump together for playlists because they often sound nothing alike.
Thanks for watching!
A part 2 or even 3 would be awesome!
Listen, if you ever learned about many of society's controversial issues by watching the "ABC Afterschool Specials", you're gonna love this channel!
I watched the episode called There's An Attic In The House for an hour and they never got around to the cool room at the top of the house. Just some teenager going through horrible stuff. Turns out that the title of the episode was There's An Addict In The House. I didn't know what an addict was!
@apj341 I'll have to look that one up.
Love Norman Greenbaum's spirit in the sky !
great song for sure.
Favorite top three all time song. Always turned up loud when it comes on
Have you heard Larry Norman's version?
Ironically his name is jewish😂😂😂
That song is on my playlist.
Mr. Mister’s ‘Kyrie’. From the bible…. ‘Kyrie Eleison’. What does Kyrie eleison mean? Lord, have mercy. Most people are not aware of this song’s meaning. Thanks for the video.
Kylie by Mr. Mister is a good example 👏
And how many hits use Ancient Greek or Latin 😂
I would have thought for sure this would be on the list. It's such an obvious choice. I remember when it was released. People singing as loud as they could not having any idea what the lyrics meant.
Great song.
Every Catholic knows the meaning, I promise! 😂😂😂😂
"Turn! Turn! Turn!" is always going to be the most special out of these 5 for me personally. I'm sure that I first heard it when I was seven or eight, although I didn't associate it with The Byrds until I first learned thr name at age 10, and it wasn't until I was in my late teens before I learned it originated when Pete Seeger set that passage of Ecclesiastes to music. My mentor often mentioned how the Byrds' harmonies brought him to tears, and I always understood why.
To invoke a recent, widespread colloquialism, I was today years old when I learned that Lenny intended for "Are You Gonna Go My Way" to be sung from the angle of Christ. I always thought it was about how people didn't think he had a defined sound of his own and he was trying to nail one down.
Thanks Eric!
The harmonies are absolute bliss.
I never knew that about Lenny Kravitz. This was a good one Professor. Thank You.
You're very welcome
I don’t know how I didn’t land on your channel sooner. Your content is so fascinating, the nostalgia is so moving, adding so much more context to songs and bands associated with some of my greatest memories as a kid in the 80s. You truly are THE Professor of Rock! 🤘
Thanks!
Thank you for doing this episode. As a pastor, I know that sometimes people misunderstand Jesus and Christianity. It is a blessing to hear these songs. Once again, TKY, P.O.F.
Thank you for all you do Pastor!
The misunderstanding is to think there is a god. Pie in the sky fairy tale.
I went to a Catholic school and our choir was very strict on music selection. I remember how cool it was to be able to sing Day By Day from Godspell and I Don't Know How to Love Him from Jesus Christ Superstar. It was as close to rock as the sisters would allow.
I love Day by Day and often quote the lyrics, three things I pray… beautiful song
We sang "Turn, Turner, Turn". Not religious, also "One Tin Soldier "
What a life you have, Adam! These interviews are the best!
Thanks!
You should do a segment, or full episode, on Stryper.
So he picks up a guitar and puts on a concert just for the Prof. Pretty nice front row seat, Adam.
I have an alarm on my phone so I'll wake up in time to watch POR. No lie, that alarm is Are You Gonna Go My Way! 🤯
:))))))
GOD got His hand on you
This makes me want to set a music alarm to do the same thing.
"40" by U2 is taken directly from the Psalm #40:
'I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.'
Compare to the U2 lyrics:
'I waited patiently for the Lord
He inclined and heard my cry
He lift me up out of the pit
Out of the miry clay
I will sing, sing a new song
...
How long to sing this song?
...
You set my feet upon a rock
You made my footsteps firm
Many will see, many will see and hear'
And the meek shall inheret the earth
We've taken care of everything
The words you read, the songs you sing
The pictures that give pleasure to your eye
@@reloadnorth7722 We are the priests of the Temple of Syrinx!
That passage was included in songs written by Sting and Prince at different points.
Yes, in plots 3feet by 6feet by 6feet.
@@whg09231956In your case that's 12 feet under 😅
Awesome episode Professor! I didn't realize about a couple of these! Thanks for sharing!👍
Mister Mister--"Kyrie Elieson" is Greek for "Lord, Have Mercy."
Midnight Oil often used Christian references. "If Christ were here he'd camera check, he'd cry so loud the planes would stop, He'd cry so loud the earth would shake and men would fall in tinsel town"--Who Can Stand in the Way (from "Red Sails in the Sunset").
U2 has a lot of songs based in religion, my favorite may be 40. This was great episode. Thanks for doing this research and making it.
Did...Not...Know...are you gonna go my way,story. Always loved that song and now I can enjoy it even more. Thanks Professor!! God Bless..!
Let those without sin cast the first stone” Buddy Villa Verse 24. “Just as thee sows, so shall you reap”.
“Meet the new boss, same as the old boss” Proverbs- 19-71
Like the WHO!
Loved the episode. Can't forget "Put Your Hand in the Hand" and "Joy to the World"
I've sung Rock of Ages in church all of my life and have been a huge Def Leppard fan since their beginning. But somehow I never recognized the (very different) songs had the exact same title! Incidentally, my wife's family is German. And I used to hound them for a translation of the GERMANISH sounding opening lines. They insisted it was not German. Years later, I heard Joe Elliot explain it was just gibberish!
Ha ha. Yep! So cool!
I never even thought of spirituality with Rock of Ages. I thought it was just about letting loose and rock and rolling.
Awesome episode. U2 -40 is another great one
So much of U2 is inspired by the Bible, especially from the first two albums.
Growing up, my parents didn’t allow me to listen to any music that wasn’t Christian. Of course I snuck in MTV and the radio when they weren’t home. This episode seems right up my alley!
Your parents tried to keep you away from evil and you should thank them and love them for it. All this world ever teach is to do wrong, which never helps in the end and is full of regret.
We spend more time unlearning the stupid stuff we learned than learning what truly matters. You understand that the older and wiser you get.
I always think about how amazing it is that you do what you do. What a cool story you have telling the story of music. You are truly blessed! Thanks for taking us along for this look at our history and how it affects our culture and lives.
Thanks Marco!
The song that most gave me a spiritual feeling was 1973's epic, 40-minute-long "Remember the Future" by English prog-rock band Nektar about a boy who talks to a bird. If you wanted to hear it on the radio, you had to stay up and listen to the late-night DJs. Despite its limited radio play, it actually climbed to No. 19 on the U.S. Billboard 200. If you haven't heard it, you don't know what you're missing.
Thank you for an inspirational episode, Adam. Have an excellent weekend!
That song is free to listen to here on YT. 👍
I’ve never heard of that song before! Interesting.
This is a really great episode about songs that were taken from
various parts of the Holy Bible and there have been many but
Turn, Turn, Turn Pete Seeger/the Byrds, My Sweet Lord by
George Harrison and Spirit in the Sky by Norman Greenbaum
are the most well known to me thanks again Professor.
🎶🎤🎸🎸🎹🥁🎶
9:28 Grant Lee Buffalo has a song called 'Rock of Ages' too. It's a fantastic song from their album 'Mighty Joe Moon'.
Grant Lee Buffalo...so vastly underappreciated!
@Code.Name.V Yep. One of the better "alternative" bands of the 90's. Most people have no clue who they are.
Professor, how about Stephen Tintin Duffy's "Kiss Me" (a reference to Song of Solomon)? It's one of my favorite new wave dance tunes from the 80s! Great idea for a show, sir!
Oh my! Brilliant song!
The original Duran Duran singer
U2's "40" was overlooked.
Great episode, Adam. I would add one more, though, "I Stiil Believe" by The Call. Micheal Been has always been underrated as a lyricist, singer, and multi instrumentalist, imo. He deserves some love.
Great Song!!!!
YESSS! He was a good man and I love his music! His songs got me through some hard times, especially that song.
@@bookflicka8412 I liked him because he didn't present faith as a black and white, easy thing. His lyrics weren't platitudes. He presented faith as complex and challenging and a struggle. He presented it realistically. The song helped me through some dark times, too.
@@SaddleInTheRain I totally agree with you. It made him so relatable and I was happy to have some great faith based music to listen to. Was crushed when he died but know he is stoked to be with our Jesus and so much happier!
@@bookflicka8412 Yes, it made him completely relatable.
Great episode! I’d love to hear more. Rock of Ages & Turn! Turn! Turn! are favorites from my childhood. I remember discovering in church that rock of she’s was also a hymn and thinking, “How cool is that!?!”
Very cool!
Jacobs's Ladder by Bruce Hornsby is one that came to mind. I think Huey Lewis covered that too
Sting was probably the most talented musician I’ve ever seen live. He’s up there with Paul McCartney. Saw him with The Police and on his own. Not sure what the deal was with the members of The Police but they hated each other. They wouldn’t ever look at each other between sets. Great music though. 😃
Here's two others songs that has Christian Elements, Paul Davis's forgotten 1980 hit "Do Right" About his faith in Jesus (I Had no idea it was about that till a few years ago) and Barry Manilow's "I Write the Songs" (which he didn't write 😆as it was written by Beach Boy Bruce Johnston) and according to Bruce, "I" Means God and How his music effects us when we listen to it.
You should listen to I write the songs again with the opposite view. Starts out sounding like a Christian perspective but gets darker with each verse
@@NOBodYknoys111 I don't see any dark lyrics at all when I'm scrolling threw them. Also, I should throw the fact that Some people assume that song is about Brian Wilson, but Bruce says it's not and reveals it's about God.
I Write the Songs, definitely. Makes you think of some godly figure.
Excellent episode Professor! I did not know the origin of the #1 song, but very cool to find out. Please consider a follow-up. (Loved seeing those interviews too).
Very cool!
The eyes are windows to the soul, and music is a reflection thereof.
Muzick is the souls poetry put in melodic motion!!
@@FaeryMoon555 Well said.
I play in a 10 piece band with horns. We cover vintage RnB, rock and swing. I’m also a church music director and have written songs from spiritual perspective for our band. Not wanting to start any issues with band mates about my own faith journey, they reminded me of all the songs that popular music has derived from biblical text and other religions. Really enjoyed this episode and would love to see more. Keep up the great work, Adam. I watch your POR while working out.
OH man this is going to be good.
I will bet that you are correct!
Great episode! But for Lazarus, you should have also mentioned Nick Cave (has a whole album named Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!, and lots of other biblical references). Amazing artist, still going strong - you should really do a feature on him, and interview him if possible. That would be epic.
Wow! Lazarus Heart is a great song! Thanks for including it.
Professor, it’s amazing that you can get top notch stars like Sting to sit for an interview and talk about their personal experiences. So impressed!
I waited patiently for the Lord. He inclined and heard my cry.
Psalm 40
“How long to sing this song?”
40 - U2
Great video, Adam. Thanks for that. Keep these coming, Adam.
If I may, I'd like to mention that Neal Morse (ex Spock's Beard), has a number of fantastic Bible inspired albums. You may want to check them out: Testimony, One, Question Mark, Sola Scriptura, Testimony 2 and Momentum.
Finally, one of the greatest piece of classical music ever created is, of course, Handel's Messiah. The lyrics are 100% from the Bible. Some passages are out of this world. They trigger a lot of emotions in me.
Thanks for sharing!
Elvis and Vince Gill both had roots in Gospel Music and each of them brought their special talents to take spirituals to next level. ❤😊
Both have grand voices!
I knew immediately 2 of the songs you would be talking about. Creeping Death is my all-time favorite song from Metallica, and it's pretty much for that very reason. Also, I really love the guitar work in it. I did a cover of it on my channel a few months ago, and I introduced it by mentioning what it's about. The other song I knew was from the Bible was Turn,Turn,Turn. I've known that a majority of it was from Ecclesiastes since I was young. I read the Bible every year, and every time I read those verses, I can't help but think about that song. Thank you for the daily education! I know your dad is proud of you!
Hey Professor, I really enjoy all your episodes, but this one was unique. I feel that music in general touches our spiritual side all the time. We are spiritual creatures and the more we can learn about how music influences that the better we become in the future.
This is one of the top 5 Professor Of Rock videos thanks Adam
Ozzy and Black Sabbath's -Judgement Day lyrics in War Pigs,was probably the biggest surprise to me back when, and it's still my favorite Ozzy song, and mostly because it's still relevant.
Very cool!
I am not familiar with the Lenny Kravitz tune. Still a great list though. Enjoy your weekend Professor Adam.
PART II 😁 5 stories in one episode???? Heck yeah!! Bring it like a plague! Great Job Adam! ☮️
Back in the 80’s I told a fellow band-mate that Creeping Death was about the scene in the Ten Commandments where the angel of death/green mist moves through Egypt. Blew his mind 🤯
I’m glad you did this episode we need this in a time when things are not very positive in our country.
Orange Jesus is not the answer as America and the world will discover in the next four years. Selling bibles is obscene.
Man I love your channel and I always learn something new!
International treasure you are.
Thanks!
Happy to hear of Are You Gonna Go My Way. I honestly never paid enough attention to the lyrics in the first verse to get its meaning. I am embarrassed. So awfully cool!
One of your best ep's, thanks so much on this sabbath morning.
...my band used to do a pretty mean cover of 'are you gonna go my way' ...super fun song to play ...every moment feels empowering ...often wondered if thats what it was about but was never sure until now ...very cool
This was a really great and surprisingly inspirational episode. Thank you.
GREAT episode, Adam!
These are two of the songs I automatically think of: "God Gave Rock 'N Roll to You" - Argent, and "Day by Day" - Godspell. Two of my favorites
Great songs!
Samson and Delilah- Grateful Dead- tells the story so vividly.
This is my favorite episode since you got the Brian Wilson interview. Please do more of these. So cool.
Isaac Slade swiped the song Be Still from The Gospel of the Beloved Companion.
Great episode. That blows my mind about Are You Gonna Go My Way. I had no clue.
Great episode, Professor
Thanks for watching!
Animals fed? ✔️
Meds taken? ✔️
POR ?? ✔️✔️✔️
It's gonna be a good day.
Spirituality in music? It's as old as music itself.
Love these countdown episodes.
Thanks Professor.
Everyone have a great weekend and be thankful to see another day. ❤️
Roger! It appears that you are setting the standard for successful weekends!
@@Code.Name.V
Hahahahahaha!!
I just wish the best for people in these trying times. Maybe I can get a trophy? 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Here you go 🏆😀
@@rogerdeahl9629 🏆 👍🏻
@@LaManteca76
❤️🤣
I love Rock of Ages, both the hymn and the rock song. I always wondered if there was a connection and now I know! Thank!
Among the most controversial religious references in rock history were the line "The Pope owns 51 percent of General Motors." from George Harrison's "Awaiting on You All" (not released as a single, but got a lot of airplay even on AM radio in Boston) and the song "Dear God" by XTC. Harrison was not even allowed by his record label to put the lyrics on his album cover.
Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath both have a ton of songs based on the Bible and Judeo-Christian religious beliefs. I saw a video here on TH-cam that had a few Catholic priests debating whether Black Sabbath could be considered the first Christian rock band.
A priest who used to be the pastor of my parish is himself a fan of Black Sabbath. He said the who "evil" image was nothing but brilliant marketing strategy. "Besides," he told me, "how evil can a person named 'Geezer' really be?"
Geezer said himself that he was writing songs of warning but were misunderstood because of the way Sabbath were marketed. I could here it myself and tried to explain it to my preacher, dad but he didn't want to hear it because he had heard the satanic panic evangelist first. Heard preachers misinterpreting lyrics all the way up to Alice in chains
I don’t see anything wrong with the name Geezer. Lol
I was fortunate enough to see Byrds when they were on tour in Sioux Falls S.D. back in the day.
_Are You Gonna Go My Way_ ... did not see that coming, although obvious now in hindsight.
Great tune - makes me like it even more.
So let it be written, so let it be done
🤘 Perfect quote from the song.
Iconic
Inspiration for songs comes from all directions .
☕️☕️🎶🎵🎶
The spoken Word made this whole universe.
JESUS IS THE WORD WHO MADE THE WORLD
@exclamationpointman3852 I take it that you must be a Christian. Me too. 😎
Your coversge of biblical influence inspired me to subscribe. Your expose' was gracious and not mocking, well done!
Great topic.
You missed one of my faves by The Call:
“The Walls Came Down”
which describes an early story in the Bible about Joshua’s army walking around Jericho seven times, then the city crumbled as the army blew horns.
Speaking of Ridge wallets, I’ve been using one now for a couple of years and will never change back. My previous wallet was always thick and I wore it in my back left pocket. I started having back and hip issues (you start noticing issues when you hit your 40s lol) and getting rid of the thick wallet, going to Ridge, which I now wear in the front always, and it helped actually. The Ridge also forces you to downsize to only what you need. We no longer bother with business cards these days, no gym cards, or Kroger Tom Thumb cards etc. Just DL, a couple of plastics, and my Gas Buddy. That’s it, incredibly light and couldn’t recommend one more.
Hello Professor of Rock, I am so happy that you are doing such a Spiritual journey today for Us through music, Amazing music with. the fabulous Artists I thank you so much Adam for hearing such Amazing Scriptures into music, thank you again have a Happy Thanksgiving!!🙋♀️😊🦃🌟🙏🏼✌️
Thanks! You too!
LOVED this episode! Thank you Adam. I am a Christian (though not always as good of one as I should be) and really appreciate this. I had no idea about Lenny Kravitz's song, though I have jammed to it many times. Will listen to it with a whole new perspective now. Awesome!
A thought here: 'Dust In The Wind' by Kansas could borderline qualify, as could 'Carry On My Wayward Son'.
For sure!
There was a Christian girl group that covered Carry On My Wayward Son.
I remember Kansas appeared on an episode of Pat Robertson's 700 Club. Pat told them the song Dust in the Wind was gloomy, depressing and anti-Christian and the band agreed. It seems they went through some sort of fundamentalist period and renounced their own work. I don't think that lasted long. Might have been in the late 80s. But I did see that, and it gobsmacked me at the time.
It is about going to heaven, after all.
I had no idea about the #1 on that. He's a musician that's kept guitar rock alive.
AWESOME EPISODE!! Man absolutely FANTASTIC!! Really shows PROOF that our God Lord and Savior is ALWAYS reaching out to our hearts in ways we wouldn't imagine!
Thank You Adam for following your heart and putting together and sharing this video!!!
Rock on Brother and God Bless!!!!
~George B.
Your got it!
AMEN to that!!
There is no god. Hashtag pray for religious people that they may see the error of their ways and embrace secularism. Amen.
At my age, (I was a child of the late 70's-80's) to find new revelations (pun intended) on songs I've literally heard a thousand times- I was an 80's Metal teenager- is astonishing. But it happens almost every time I watch an episode of P.O.R. So yes, to more episodes on songs inspired by the Bible, please!
Yes! #1.. It really shocked me! I've learnt a lot today 😊
Thanks!
Dear Professor, just a suggestion.
You should do a video of artists who became Christians and recorded Contemporary Christian Music. Phil Keaggy (Glass Harp guitarist) Kerry Livren and Dave Hope (Kansas) Dan Peek (America) Leon Patillo (one-time singer with Santana) Joe English (one-time drummer for Wings) Ric Cua (one-time member of the Outlaws). There are others that didn't make it as big (Delanie and Bonnie, for instance, who teamed with Eric Clapton back in the day). I could go on and think of a few more, but I'll drop it here.
Don't forget Mylon LeFevre, Kyle Henderson from the Producers (I think he walked from his faith, sadly) and Denny Correll from Blues Image. Interesting enough, My folks met Leon Patillo at Church back in the 90s, where he gave his testimony.
Dion Dimucci from Dion and the Belmonts
Mark Farner from Grand Funk (Railroad)
Alice Cooper
Pet Shop Boys “Your Funny Uncle”
No more pain, no fear
No sorrow or dying
No waiting or crying
These former things have passed away
Another life begins today
Revelation 21:4