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Spirit In The Sky - Norman Greenbaum

Spirit In The Sky

Norman Greenbaum

37 credits

Heard in the following movies & tv shows

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 (spirit in the sky) That's where I'm gonna go when I die (when I die) When I die and they lay me to rest I'm 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 (spirit in the sky) Oh he'll recommend you to the spirit in the sky That's where you're gonna go when you die (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 (spirit in the sky) That's where I'm gonna go when I die (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

About

"Spirit in the Sky" is a song by Norman Greenbaum. Released in early 1969, it became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and selling over four million copies. The song has been covered by many artists, including Doctor and the Medics, who had a UK number one hit with their version in 1986. The song has actually reached #1 in the UK, by three different artists. The first being Greenbaums's version in 1970. Doctor And The Medics covered "Spirit in the Sky" in 1986, making it the second. And finally, Gareth Gates And The Kumars, did the same thing in 2003. The song features a distinctive opening guitar riff and a catchy chorus. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is about to die and is looking forward to going to heaven. Greenbaum was inspired to write the song after hearing an evangelical preacher on the radio talk about how people who don't accept Jesus will go to hell. He later said that he wrote the song as a "put-down" of the preacher and his beliefs. Despite its religious subject matter, the song was not intended to be a serious statement about religion. Greenbaum has said that he wrote it as a "fun" song and that he did not expect it to be such a huge hit. Despite its success, "Spirit in the Sky" has been criticized by some Christian groups for its supposedly blasphemous lyrics. Greenbaum has said that he is not bothered by these criticisms and that he considers the song to be "a harmless piece of fun." "Spirit in the Sky" is possibly the most prevalent movie & tv show song of all time. It has been featured in dozens of movies and television shows over the years. This includes "Suicide Squad" 2013, "W" (2013), "The Longest Yard" (2005), "House M.D." (2004), "Ocean's 11" (2001), "Michael" (1996), and many more. It has also been used in several commercials, including one for Kmart in 2013. Greenbaum still performs the song occasionally, although he is now retired from the music business. He currently lives on a ranch in Northern California.

Song Info

Release Year

1969

Genres

Rock

Moods

-

Vocals

-

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