"Spirit In The Sky"
The music video for Spirit In The Sky by Norman Greenbaum is a colorful and psychedelic journey. It features animated flowers, eyeballs, and lips, all singing along to the upbeat tempo of the song. The video is sure to put a smile on your face and get your feet moving.
- CATEGORY: All Time Favorite Music
- BAND: Norman Greenbaum
- GENRE: Psychedelic rock, Hard rock, Gospel
- YEAR: 1969
Released in 1969, "Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum is a timeless classic that blends rock, folk, and gospel influences into an infectious foot-stomper. Despite its upbeat tempo and playful spirit, the song's lyrics grapple with themes of death and the afterlife.
Greenbaum, a Jewish songwriter, found inspiration in an unlikely source: a televised performance of a gospel song by Porter Wagoner. He channeled that inspiration into "Spirit in the Sky," a song that celebrates the idea of the human spirit transcending physical limitations.
The song's opening line, "I'm gonna go up to the spirit in the sky," sets the stage for a joyous journey beyond the earthly realm. Greenbaum paints a vivid picture of this celestial paradise, filled with "Golden rivers of honey / Flowing milk and wine."
Despite its seemingly lighthearted tone, the song doesn't shy away from the realities of death. Lines like "People keep on tellin' me there's no afterlife / But then why are the stars shinin' so bright?" hint at a deeper yearning for something beyond earthly existence.
The song's catchy chorus, with its repeated "Spirit in the sky" refrain, is guaranteed to get stuck in your head. The driving guitars, pounding drums, and Greenbaum's soulful vocals create an irresistible groove that makes it impossible not to move.
"Spirit in the Sky" has transcended its time and genre to become a cultural touchstone. It has been featured in countless films and television shows, and its instantly recognizable melody continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.