The Biblical Inspiration Behind Popular Rock Songs
Song inspiration can come from anywhere. And guess what? Even the Bible can ignite that creative flame. Not all the folks showcased in this gallery are devout believers, but many of them turned to the Holy Book for some serious lyrical inspiration. Whether they straight-up quoted verses or weaved biblical references into their tunes, this collection has got it all. Keep reading as we dive into the world of rock songs with holy influence.
Song: Get Out of Your Own Way - U2
"Get Out Of Your Own Way" is a song from the 2017 album Songs of Experience. U2, a famously Christian group, unsurprisingly draws inspiration from biblical references, as they did for this track.
Inspiration: The Sermon On The Mount
The song takes inspiration from the Sermon on the Mount, as described in Matthew 5:3-11. The lyrics feature phrases like "Blessed are the arrogant: for theirs is the kingdom of their own company / Blessed are the superstars: for in the magnificence of their light we understand better our own insignificance / Blessed are the filthy rich: for you can only truly own what you give away, like your pain."
Song: Story of Isaac - Leonard Cohen
"Story of Isaac" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. It was released on his third studio album, Songs from a Room in 1969. The song is inspired by the biblical story of the binding of Isaac, found in the Book of Genesis.
Inspiration: Abraham And Isaac
"Story of Isaac" bears a biblical title and delves into the story of Abraham, who was instructed by God to sacrifice his son, Isaac. In this song, Cohen gives Isaac a voice that is absent in the original Old Testament story.
Song: Take Up Thy Stethoscope and Walk - Pink Floyd
The song mentioned can be found in the band's 1967 album 'The Piper at the Gates of Dawn' and draws inspiration from a well-known miracle performed by Jesus in the New Testament.
Inspiration: John 5:8
In John 5:8, there is a description of a particular miracle performed by Jesus. He heals a man who has been paralyzed and confined to a mat for a long time. The band went on to find inspiration for their famous 1973 album 'Dark Side of the Moon' from the Book of Ecclesiastes.
Song: Creeping Death - Metallica
The song "Creeping Death" is featured on Metallica's 1984 album Ride the Lightning. Its lyrics depict the Angel of Death mentioned in the Book of Exodus, sent by God to kill the firstborn sons of the Egyptians.
Inspiration: The Angel Of Death
Frontman James Hetfield found inspiration in the 1956 movie The Ten Commandments and proceeded to pen lyrics for the song. Among them were the lines "Slaves, Hebrews, born to serve the pharaoh / Heed to his every word, live in fear / So let it be written, so let it be done / To kill the first-born pharaoh son / I'm Creeping Death."
Song: Shadrach - Beastie Boys
In 1989, the renowned hip-hop trio from New York City unveiled this track. 'Shadrach' narrates the tale of the three Hebrews Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, as described in the Book of Daniel.
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Inspiration: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
According to this tale, the statue constructed by the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, was rejected by three men who refused to worship it. It is interesting to note how these three rebels, who happen to have Jewish heritage, might resonate with the rap trio.
Song: The Calling - The Killers
"The Calling" is a track from The Killers' album Wonderful Wonderful, which was released in 2017. This song draws inspiration from Baroque artist Caravaggio's renowned painting, 'The Calling of Saint Matthew."
Inspiration: The Book Of Matthew
The painting depicts the biblical scene of the calling of Matthew, who would later become one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. The band went to the extent of requesting actor Woody Harrelson to recite Matthew 9:10-12 for the song.
Song: Highway 61 Revisited - Bob Dylan
Bob Dylan, who was born and raised Jewish, briefly embraced born-again Christianity from 1979 to 1981. However, it is worth noting that this song was released in 1965, during a period when he was said to be grappling with his Jewish roots, as suggested by certain critics.
Inspiration: Abraham And Isaac
This song, much like Cohen's, also revolves around Isaac. Its lyrics, reminiscent of Dylan's style, include lines like "Oh God said to Abraham, 'Kill me a son'/Abe says, 'Man, you must be puttin' me on.'"
Song: Adam's Apple - Aerosmith
"Adam's Apple" is a track from rock band Aerosmith's album Toys in the Attic. The meaning behind this 1975 song by Aerosmith is quite evident, isn't it? It draws inspiration from the biblical tale of Adam and Eve's expulsion from Paradise.
Inspiration: Adam And Eve
Frontman Steven Tyler's lyrics feature verses like "Man he was believer/ Lady was deceiver / So the story goes but you see / That snake was he / She just climbed right up his tree."
Song: The Prophet's Song - Queen
Queen's 1975 album A Night at the Opera features this impressive eight-minute-plus song which was written by guitarist Brian May. This makes it the longest song in the British band's discography.
Inspiration: Noah's Ark
"A Prophet's Song" contains many biblical references. May was inspired to write the song after a dream about a natural disaster resembling the Old Testament flood. The song also alludes to the story of Noah's Ark.
Song: Adam Raised a Cain - Bruce Springsteen
"Adam Raised a Cain" is a song by American rock musician Bruce Springsteen. It appears on his critically acclaimed album "Darkness on the Edge of Town," released in 1978. The song explores themes of familial conflict, rebellion, and the complex relationship between fathers and sons.
Inspiration: Adam And Cain
The title references the biblical figure of Adam, the first man, and his son Cain, who famously committed fratricide by killing his brother Abel. Springsteen explores the complexities of family relationships, particularly how Cain's existence was influenced by his father.
Song: Prodigal Son - The Rolling Stones
The song is not an original from the Stones, but rather written by the country-blues guitarist and singer "The Reverend" Robert Wilkins. However, the song was featured on the Rolling Stones LP, Beggar's Banquet.
Inspiration: Luke 15:11-32
The Gospel of Luke contains the parable of the prodigal son, which can be found in Luke 15:11–32. This is where Robert Wilkins found his inspiration for the original song.
Song: Rock of Ages by Def Leppard
The song can be found on the 1983 album Pyromania by the British rockers Def Leppard. Frontman Joe Elliott shared the story behind the creation of this song, which includes biblical inspiration.
Inspiration: A Hymn Called "Rock Of Ages"
Elliott mentioned that the studio was made available to someone the previous night who conducted a Bible study session. Upon entering the studio, Elliott noticed an open Bible with the hymn 'Rock of Ages' and spontaneously began singing.
Song: The Fallen - Franz Ferdinand
Scottish indie rock band Franz Ferdinand released "The Fallen" as the third single from their 2005 album You Could Have It So Much Better. This unconventional song was surprisingly inspired by the life of Jesus.
Inspiration: The Life Of Jesus
According to the band, "The Fallen" draws inspiration from the life of Jesus, as depicted in the Gospels. The lyrics borrow from parts of the New Testament in the Bible.
Song: Turn! Turn! Turn! - The Byrds
In 1962, the folk group The Limeliters first performed the song titled "To Everything There Is a Season." In 1965, The Byrds released their version of the song, titled "Turn! Turn! Turn!" which reached no. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Chart.
Inspiration: The Book Of Ecclesiastes
The track conveyed a message against war and drew inspiration from the Biblical Book of Ecclesiastes, incorporating lines from the Old Testament. Specifically, the words were adapted almost entirely from the English version of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
Song: The Writing on the Wall - Iron Maiden
"The Writing on the Wall" is a song by English heavy metal legends Iron Maiden, and was released as the lead single from their 2021 album Senjutsu. The song comes from the Old Testament's Book of Daniel.
Inspiration: The Book Of Daniel
This song specifically alludes to Daniel 5:30, the story of Belshazzar's Feast, and contains many biblical references. Belshazzar's Feast has become a famous biblical account, illustrating the consequences of arrogance, blasphemy, and the downfall of a powerful ruler.
