The Meaning Behind The Song: Dear God by XTC
As one of the most acclaimed and controversial songs of the 1980s, “Dear God” by XTC is an honest and poignant reflection on the role of religion in our world. Written by lead vocalist and guitarist Andy Partridge, the song’s lyrics express a sense of doubt, confusion, and frustration regarding the existence of God and the hypocrisy of organized religion. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind the song and its relevance in today’s society.
The Inspiration
According to Partridge, the inspiration for “Dear God” came from a personal experience he had with his daughter. One day, she came home from school and asked him if God was real. This question caught him off guard and made him rethink his own beliefs. As he later explained in an interview with Rolling Stone:
“It suddenly occurred to me that as a parent, you’re supposed to tell your kids what’s real and not real. But I didn’t know how to answer her question. I’d never really thought about it. So, I started to write a letter back to her, a song that said everything I wanted to say. And that became ‘Dear God’.”
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Dear God” are a direct address to the deity, questioning his motives and actions. The song starts with the line “Dear God, hope you got the letter and I pray you can make it better down here.” This sets the tone for the whole song: a plea for help in a world that seems to be falling apart. The chorus, which repeats the phrase “Dear God, don’t know if you noticed but your name is on a lot of quotes in this book we’ve got here,” is a sharp criticism of the Bible and its interpretation by religious institutions.
Perhaps the most controversial part of the song is the verse that says “Did you make disease, and the diamond blue? Did you make mankind after we made you?” This is a direct challenge to the notion of a loving and benevolent God who created humans in his image. Instead, it suggests that if God exists, he must be responsible for the suffering and injustice in the world. The last line of the song is a repeated plea for answers: “Dear God, if you exist, I hope you come to visit soon.”
The Reception
“Dear God” was initially released as a B-side to XTC’s single “Grass” in 1986. However, it quickly gained popularity and controversy, leading to it being re-released as an A-side in 1987. The song’s radio airplay was limited due to its controversial subject matter, but it became a cult classic and a staple of alternative rock radio in the years to come.
Many religious organizations and individuals criticized the song for its perceived blasphemy and lack of respect for the Bible. However, others praised it for its honesty and bravery in tackling a taboo topic. In a 2011 interview with NPR, Partridge revealed that he received a lot of hate mail after the song’s release, but also a lot of support from people who shared his doubts and frustrations.
The Legacy
In many ways, “Dear God” can be seen as a precursor to the rise of the “spiritual but not religious” movement, which emphasizes personal beliefs and experiences over traditional dogma. It also represents a growing disillusionment with mainstream religion and a desire for more authentic and meaningful forms of spirituality.
The song’s impact can be seen in the many covers, remixes, and parodies that have been created over the years. It has been covered by artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Counting Crows, and Joan Osborne, and has even been played at political rallies and protests. In 2001, Rolling Stone included it on its list of “The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time”, cementing its status as a classic of alternative rock.
The Conclusion
“Dear God” by XTC remains one of the most powerful and thought-provoking songs of the last century. Its honest and challenging lyrics continue to resonate with listeners who are grappling with the role of religion in their lives. As Partridge himself said in an interview with The Independent:
“Religion is probably the most important thing in people’s lives… It’s the most important decision you’ll ever make, to either believe or not to believe. And once you’ve made that decision, you’re stuck with it. And so are the people around you. That’s what the song is about. It’s about the consequences.”
Whether you agree or disagree with the song’s message, there is no denying its impact and legacy. “Dear God” is a testament to the power of music to ask difficult questions and challenge our assumptions about the world.
