Some don't have any of these instruments
Songs can be inspired by various sources, and the Bible is no exception. Even artists and bands who may not adhere to any particular religious faith have found inspiration within its pages. This gallery showcases musicians who have drawn upon biblical quotes and references to craft their songs. Whether it be literal biblical verses or lyrics influenced by its teachings, you'll find a diverse array of rock songs that have been surprisingly inspired by the Good Book.
Click through to explore this intriguing collection of songs and musicians influenced by the Bible.
Originally performed by The Limeliters in 1962 as 'To Everything There Is a Season,' The Byrds' version of the song reached no. 1 on the US Billboard Chart in 1965.
The track conveyed a message against war while also drawing inspiration from the Book of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament.
This song by Leonard Cohen, released in 1969, has a title inspired by the Bible. It explores the story of Abraham, who was instructed by God to sacrifice his son, Isaac.
Cohen adds Isaac's voice to the song, which was absent in the original story from the Old Testament.
Bob Dylan was born and raised in the Jewish faith. Although he later embraced born-again Christianity for three years (1979 to 1981), this song was released in 1965, during a period when he was, according to some critics, trying to reconcile with his Jewish heritage.
Similar to Cohen's track, this song also revolves around Isaac. The lyrics, reminiscent of Dylan's style, include verses like "Oh God said to Abraham, 'Kill me a son' / Abe says, 'Man, you must be puttin' me on'."
Metallica's 'Creeping Death' found on their 1984 album 'Ride the Lightning,' portrays the Angel of Death mentioned in the Book of Exodus. God sent this divine entity to slay the initial sons of the Egyptians.
Front man James Hetfield took inspiration from the film 'The Ten Commandments,' released in 1956, to pen the lyrics for this song. A few lines go as follows: "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."
This track by the renowned hip-hop trio from New York City was released in 1989. 'Shadrach' narrates the tale of the three Hebrews Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the Book of Daniel.
Three individuals declined to venerate the statue constructed by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. One may draw parallels between these rebels and the rap trio, given their shared Jewish ancestry, wouldn't you agree?
Inspired by a renowned miracle in the New Testament, this song can be found on the band's 1967 album, 'The Piper at the Gates of Dawn.'
The miracle detailed in John 5:8 recounts Jesus' healing of a paralyzed man who had been confined to a mat for an extended period. The band later found inspiration from the Book of Ecclesiastes when creating their renowned 1973 album titled 'Dark Side of the Moon.'
The song draws inspiration from Caravaggio's renowned artwork 'The Calling of Saint Matthew' that was itself influenced by the Gospel of Matthew.
The band requested actor Woody Harrelson recite Matthew 9:10-12 for the song, illustrating its significance.
The meaning of this Aerosmith song from 1975 is quite evident. It draws inspiration from the biblical tale of Adam and Eve's expulsion from Paradise.
Steven Tyler's lyrics feature lines 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."
This song from Bruce Springsteen's 1978 album 'Darkness on the Edge of Town' draws inspiration from the biblical story of brothers Cain and Abel.
Springsteen delves into the complexities of family dynamics, exploring the connection between Cain and his father, Adam.
U2, a well-known Christian group of bandmates, draw inspiration from biblical references. Their song, influenced by the Sermon on the Mount documented in Matthew 5:3-11, reflects their faith.
The song 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."
"The Reverend" Robert Wilkins, a country-blues guitarist and singer, wrote this song, which is not an Stones original.
The story of the prodigal son is located in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 15:11–32.
The song can be found on the rock band's 1983 album called 'Pyromania.' The lead singer, Joe Elliott, recounted the origins of the song.
Said Elliott: "We let somebody use the studio the night before, and they held a Bible study session. A Bible was left in the studio open to the hymn 'Rock of Ages.' So, I picked it up and started singing."
This song draws inspiration from the life of Jesus as depicted in the Gospels, with a unique reimagining of the biblical figure as a Scottish character.
Franz Ferdinand's front man, Alex Kapranos, explained that the song depicts "what he'd do and imagining him coming back and turning the rich into wine and drinking them and walking on the mean and maybe getting on Mary Magdalene."
This song, written by Brian May, can be found on the band's 1975 album 'A Night at the Opera,' and lasts over eight minutes.
May composed the song following a dream about a catastrophic event reminiscent of the Old Testament's flood. The lyrics also allude to the narrative of Noah's Ark.
This track by the English heavy metal legends Iron Maiden draws inspiration from the Old Testament's Book of Daniel.
More specifically, the story of Belshazzar's Feast (Daniel 5:30).
Sources: (Far Out Magazine) (Ultimate Classic Rock) (Billboard) (Metal Hammer) (Spin Magazine) (Grunge)
See also: What does the Bible say about music?
Songs and musicians influenced by the Bible
Discover the biblical vibes in these chart-topping tunes!
MUSIC Religion
Songs can be inspired by various sources, and the Bible is no exception. Even artists and bands who may not adhere to any particular religious faith have found inspiration within its pages. This gallery showcases musicians who have drawn upon biblical quotes and references to craft their songs. Whether it be literal biblical verses or lyrics influenced by its teachings, you'll find a diverse array of rock songs that have been surprisingly inspired by the Good Book.
Click through to explore this intriguing collection of songs and musicians influenced by the Bible.