If you’re over 40, you know the song…it’s a one hit wonder from 1969. In fact, Rolling Stone readers voted it the #3 greatest One Hit Wonder of the Rock Era! You’ve heard it countless times on the radio and you may have also heard it as part of a movie soundtrack since the late 80’s. But do you that it’s one of the most played tunes at funerals for Baby boomers and people of faith? Step inside and read about the story behind the song.

Norman Greenbaum was born in Massachusetts in 1942 and raised in a traditional (Orthodox) Jewish family. He attended Jewish schools as a youth. He was influenced by the Blues and Folk music that was very popular in the 1950’s and 60’s. He attended Boston University for two years and performed in coffeehouses around the city. Eventually he dropped out of school and moved to Los Angeles in 1965. He had short lived success with Dr. West’s Medicine show who in 1966 had a minor hit”The Eggplant that ate Chicago”. I don’t know about you but that one escapes my memory.

He formed a solo career and put out his first album which contained, “Spirit in the Sky”, his biggest hit. For those of you who have no clue what I am writing about, go to YouTube, Spotify, Pandora, etc. and give a listen. For the rest of us, here’s the lyrics:

When I die and they lay me to rest
Gonna go to the place that’s the best
When I lay me down to die
Goin’ up to the spirit in the sky
Goin’ up to the spirit in the sky
That’s where I’m gonna go when I die
When I die and they lay me to rest
Gonna go to the place that’s the best

Prepare yourself you know it’s a must
Gotta have a friend in Jesus
So you know that when you die
He’s gonna recommend you
To the spirit in the sky
Gonna recommend you
To the spirit in the sky
That’s where you’re gonna go when you die
When you die and they lay you to rest
You’re gonna go to the place that’s the best

Never been a sinner I never sinned
I got a friend in Jesus
So you know that when I die
He’s gonna set me up with
The spirit in the sky
Oh set me up with the spirit in the sky
That’s where I’m gonna go when I die
When I die and they lay me to rest
I’m gonna go to the place that’s the best
Go to the place that’s the best

The song reached #3 on the Billboard charts in 1970 and went double platinum. The artist says he was inspired to write the song after watching Porter Waggoner and Dolly Parton perform a song about a preacher on TV. He claims to have written the song’s lyrics in 15 minutes. In 1987 he allowed the song to be used in the film Maid to Order. Since that time it’s been used in more than 30 major movies, including Oceans 11, Apollo 13 and Guardians of the Galaxy-and also featured in numerous national TV ad campaigns. Norman acknowledged that he didn’t know a lot about Christianity when he wrote the tune and has answered many a letter from Christians who took offense to the lyrics ”Never been a sinner, I never sinned”. He states that he got that one wrong and was never claiming to be something he was not!

This song has been performed at many funerals over the years and with the exception of the lyrical snafu, this could be a staple on Christian rock stations and in church worship music. When you take a closer look at the lyrics, the song speaks to a cornerstone of Christian and Judaic values and possibly other religions. Since I am not a religion scholar, I can’t speak about that which I know little or nothing about.

I have identified at least six tunes that were popular in rock radio over the years and plan to introduce them over time as an ongoing series (Rock-N-Roll Jesus) of tunes that could be crossover hits from Rock to Christian rock music. I would welcome your feedback and suggestions on the subject matter!

So the next time you turn on the radio, turn an ear to the lyrics. You might just find deeper meaning to the song than just a catchy tune.

In an effort to grow the community of followers, please subscribe and follow our blog to get an email when a new blog is published. Our Facebook page, Do You Believe in Magic, also posts the blogs and other bits for Lovers of Live Music. We appreciate your interest and hope you share this with like minded folks!