For the love of rock
Vol II, Issue 12 – Spirit in the sky (15 July 2017)
Name of song– Spirit in the sky
Singer- Normal Greenbaum
Album- Spirit in the sky
Writers– Norman Greenbaum
Release year– 1969
Peak chart positions (1969-1970)
# 4 – US Billboard Hot 100
# 1 – Australia
# 1 – Canada
# 1 – Germany
# 1 – Ireland
# 1 – UK
# 2 – Belgium
# 2 – Norway
# 1 – Netherlands
# 1 – Austria
# 1 – Switzerland
# 22 – Billboard rank for the year 1970
# 85 – VH1’s 100 Greatest One Hit Wonders
# 333 – 500 Greatest Songs of All Times-Rolling Stones Magazine
Similar artists– The Raspberries, Elvin Bishop, Three Dog Night, Mungo Jerry
Spirit in the sky
Reviewers- Bikash Shrestha/Nirab Kayastha
One Hit Wonders do make wonders. It did in 1970 when Norman Greenbaum made top of the charts worldwide with his single – “Spirit in the sky”. Norman Greenbaum did have low charting singles besides this one, but this was the one which made him famous all over the world. American Singer and songwriter Greenbaum had been a member of a psychedelic jug band Dr. West’s Medicine Show and Junk Band. After splitting up, he went solo and created this amazing number and the rest is history.
“Spirit in the sky” was released as a single from the album of the same name in 1969. The album was most successful one of Greenbaum and the song had amazing chart records worldwide. The song did have a clear theme of Christianity into it, but interestingly, Norman Greenbaum was a Jew.
“Spirit in the sky” is a psychedelic rock song with gospel base. The song was conceived after he had seen Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner sing a gospel song. Although he had no idea about gospel music, he wrote a gospel song after being inspired from them. Later, he confessed that the real inspiration for the song was the Western movies. It is rumored that the song was written within 15 minutes. The song starts with an amazing guitar riff, which is almost impossible for anyone to produce, then the subtle bass comes into play, and then thunderous clapping and the drums follow. Once Greenbaum starts the vocals, you are taken into a spiritual journey into the sky. Meanwhile, you can’t get over the heavenly riffs, clapping, drums and the bass. Credit for the unearthly guitar sound goes to Greenbaum and lead guitarist Russel DaShiell. The lyrics are really supernatural and really catchy. It would be almost perfect song to be played after any one dies! The song is a short one, with the riff going on and on till the end. The lead guitar fading at the end is also equally memorable.
No doubt, a protoype one hit wonder, “Spirit in the sky” does take any rock enthusiast into the blissful journey of psychedelic rock with soft influence of gospel music. Greenbaum has successfully lifted all the rockers spirit into the sky, literally!!
Happy listening!!
Resources– Wikipedia.org, Allmusic.com
Spirit in the sky
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
Lyrics link-http://www.lyrics.com/lyric/26691265
Youtube video link- https://youtu.be/_LkPxmXeu_A