Spirit In the Sky

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Set to be a “religious-Rock” song, Jewish Norman Greenbaum used “Jesus” thinking (correctly) that it would be more marketable this way…he was right. In his own words – “I’m… Read More

Dec. 19691 viewer102.5K views

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Spirit In the Sky Lyrics

[Verse 1]
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

[Chorus]
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

[Verse 2]
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)

[Chorus]
Woah, 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

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 3]
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

[Chorus]
Woah, 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

[Instrumental Outro]

About

Set to be a “religious-Rock” song, Jewish Norman Greenbaum used “Jesus” thinking (correctly) that it would be more marketable this way…he was right. In his own words – “I’m just some Jewish musician who really dug Gospel music. I decided there was a larger Jesus Gospel market out there than a Jehovah one.”

The singers take on the song –

“It appeals to one’s inner self and the need for redemption, plus, heck, who wants to go to hell?”

Not only is this a classic case of a “one hit wonder”, it was re-released by another “one hit wonder, Doctor and the Medics.

In both cases the song topped the charts in the UK.

A third version – a tongue in cheek studio recording in 2003 Gareth Gates and the Kumars also topped the charts, also in the UK.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

What did Norman Greenbaum say about "Spirit In the Sky"?

Norman Greenbaum, former member of psychedelic jug band “Dr. West’s Medicine Show and Junk Band”, was watching a performance by country and gospel singer Porter Wagoner singing a stirring song about forgiveness and redemption. With no experience or relationship to the genre, he decided immediately that he could write a gospel song. ‘'I thought, 'Yeah, I could do that,’ knowing nothing about gospel music,‘’ Mr. Greenbaum remembered. ‘'So I sat down and wrote my own gospel song. It came easy. I wrote the words in 15 minutes.’'

Even though Mr. Greenbaum no longer has the publishing rights to the song, he still receives a check for at least $10,000 every time it is licensed for a movie or ad (which is often). He also has a website where he sells hats, t-shirts, CDs, mouse pads and the like.

‘'I get e-mails from 9- and 10-year-old kids who say it’s their favorite song,’‘ Mr. Greenbaum said. ’‘I’ve gotten letters from funeral directors telling me that it’s their second-most-requested song to play at memorial services, next to 'Danny Boy.’ ‘’