Norman Greenbaum – Spirit In The Sky

 Spirit In The Sky by Norman Greenbaum, a true classic that transcends genres and generations. Released in late 1969, this seemingly simple song captured the zeitgeist of a nation teetering between the psychedelic rock movement and a burgeoning folk revival. Greenbaum, a talented singer-songwriter who primarily resided in the world of doo-wop and pop, surprised everyone with this unexpected gem.

The song’s origins are shrouded in a delightful layer of mystery. Greenbaum himself has attributed inspiration from various sources. In one account, he credits a Hopi Indian greeting card depicting a spiritual scene that sparked the title and imagery. Another story mentions him being captivated by a performance by country gospel singer Porter Wagoner, igniting a desire to explore spiritual themes. Regardless of the initial spark, Greenbaum’s alchemy transformed these influences into a song with a life of its own.

Spirit In The Sky explodes onto the scene with its now-iconic distorted guitar riff. This wasn’t some studio trickery; Greenbaum reportedly achieved this sound by shoving a screwdriver into the pickup of his guitar. This raw, almost desperate energy sets the tone for the entire song. Greenbaum’s vocals, a soulful yelp that perfectly straddles rock and gospel, deliver lyrics that are both playful and profound.

The song’s narrative is a fascinating blend of religious imagery and cowboy folklore. We hear of a nameless narrator riding a train, a common metaphor for a journey towards the unknown. He encounters various characters on his path, including “devil with a red conk eye” and a “righteous man” preaching from a boxcar. These figures represent the internal struggles of faith and temptation that plague the narrator.

Despite the religious references, Greenbaum himself was Jewish. This adds another layer of intrigue to the song. Spirit In The Sky isn’t a dogmatic declaration of faith; it’s a more personal exploration of spirituality, questioning the afterlife and yearning for salvation.

The song’s ending is as memorable as its intro. The distorted guitar riff fades, replaced by a simple, almost childlike piano melody. Greenbaum’s voice repeats the line “going up to the spirit in the sky” with increasing fervor, leaving the listener with a sense of both hope and uncertainty.

Spirit In The Sky wasn’t an immediate success. However, it gained momentum through radio airplay and college campuses, eventually becoming a gold record, selling over two million copies in its first year. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to tap into universal themes. It speaks to our search for meaning, our fear of death, and the hope for something beyond this earthly existence. It’s a song that can be enjoyed for its catchy melody and driving rhythm, but it also rewards deeper analysis. So, put on your metaphorical headphones and prepare to take a ride on that runaway train with Norman Greenbaum.

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Lyrics

“Spirit In The Sky”