Hallowed Ground: 4 Classic Rock Songs About Jesus Christ

From a metaphorical, historical, and religious perspective, there may be no more important and compelling figure than Jesus Christ. The philosophical fellow who lived some 2,000 years ago is known by just about everyone who walks on Earth and most people have an opinion on him, whether you are a devout follower or not.

It’s for those reasons (and more) why Jesus has shown up in many a song over the past few thousand years. And more recently, he has appeared in many a classic rock song, too. Here below, we wanted to explore a quartet of such buzzy tracks. Four songs that reference the figure who has influenced so many. Indeed, these are four classic rock songs about Jesus.

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“Jesus Is Just Alright” by The Doobie Brothers from Toulouse Street (1972)

This gospel song was first written by Art Reynolds and released on the 1966 album Tellin’ It Like It Is by The Art Reynolds Singers. But since then, the track has been covered by myriad artists, including The Doobie Brothers for their 1972 LP Toulouse Street. Inspired by a rendition of the song by The Byrds released three years prior, the Doobies’ offering hit No. 35 on the Billboard Hot 100. Featuring an epic, harmony-driven tone, The Doobie Brothers’ version has perhaps become the signature version of the song today. And on it, lead vocalist Patrick Simmons sings passionately,

A-hoping and a-love
Jesus is just alright with me
Jesus is just alright, whoa, yeah
Jesus is just alright with me
Jesus is just alright

I don’t care what they may know
I don’t care where they may go
I don’t care what they may know
Jesus is just alright, oh yeah

Jesus, He’s my friend
Jesus, well, He’s my friend
He took me by the hand
He led me far from this land
Jesus, He’s my friend

“Personal Jesus” by Depeche Mode from Violator (1990)

This eerie, effective song takes the concept of Jesus and personalizes it in a somewhat ironic or even sinister feeling. Jesus is looked to by millions as a source of strength and a guiding light. But this song asks what if a human being tried to embody him and persuade others? Of course, this happens all too often with false prophets. And this song by the British-born electronic group mimics that with supreme insight and talent. On the track, Dave Gahan sings,

Reach out, touch faith

Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who cares
Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who’s there

Feeling unknown
And you’re all alone
Flesh and bone
By the telephone
Lift up the receiver
I’ll make you a believer

“Jesus Christ Pose” by Soundgarden from Badmotorfinger (1991)

Chris Cornell sings like a banshee on this track from his band’s 1991 LP Badmotorfinger. And in the music video he goes so far as to resemble the religious figure, too. This grunge track expresses anger or frustration at those who take on Jesus’ iconic pose, who make believe that they are persecuted like he was. Said Cornell, “It became fashionable to be the sort of persecuted-deity guy.” And so this track is a rebuttal against that in many ways with Cornell taking those posers to task. On the blaring song, Cornell sings,

And you stare at me
In your Jesus Christ pose
Arms held out
Like you’ve been carrying a load
And you swear to me
You don’t wanna be my slave
But you’re staring at me

Like I
Like I need to be
Saved
Saved
Like I need to be
Saved
Saved

In your Jesus Christ pose
In your Jesus Christ pose

“Chocolate Jesus” by Tom Waits from Mule Variations (1999)

A humorous song from the master of vaudeville, this offering by legendary songwriter Tom Waits from his 1999 LP Mule Variations puts the idea of idolatry on its head. Almost makes it childlike. No, the singer doesn’t go to church regularly. Instead, he’s found his own place to worship—a candy store. And his God is represented in a chocolate Jesus. With a growling, howling voice, Waits sings about feeling good inside, feeling satisfied by his one and only chocolate Jesus. Belts Waits,

Don’t go to church on Sunday
Don’t get on my knees to pray
Don’t memorize the books of the Bible
I got my own special way
But I know Jesus loves me
Maybe just a little bit more

I fall on my knees every Sunday
At Zerelda Lee’s candy store

Well it’s got to be a chocolate Jesus
Make me feel good inside
Got to be a chocolate Jesus
Keep me satisfied

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