The Meaning Behind The Song: Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode
When “Personal Jesus” was released by Depeche Mode in 1989, it quickly became a hit and remained a popular song even today. The song may seem straightforward, but it’s actually about more than what meets the ear. From its lyrics to its music video, “Personal Jesus” portrays a deeper meaning that has resonated with millions of people.
The Lyrics
The introductory lyrics, “Reach out and touch faith” immediately suggest a religious or spiritual tone to the song. It’s a play on the phrase “Reach out and touch someone” that was used in a popular advertising campaign for AT&T in the 1980s. The first verse then sets the scene by describing a story of a woman in trouble:
“Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who cares
Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who’s there”
The chorus repeats the line “reach out and touch faith” and the phrase “personal Jesus” is used a few times throughout the song. The focus on a personal relationship with Jesus contrasts with traditional religious structures, where believers are expected to follow a set of prescribed practices. The song seems to suggest that individuals can reach out and connect with their faith in their own way.
The Music Video
When MTV first aired “Personal Jesus,” the music video became an instant sensation. The partially animated video features footage of a woman stripping down to her underwear and then trying to seduce a priest. With the gritty and seductive atmosphere of the video, viewers immediately recognized the religious imagery in the song. The video has become an iconic representation of the song, with imagery that highlights the contradictions and complexities of faith.
The Meaning behind the Song
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Depeche Mode’s frontman, Dave Gahan, explained that the inspiration for the song came from watching the television evangelist, Robert Tilton. The band found Tilton’s tactics manipulative, and “Personal Jesus” was an artistic response to that. Though the lyrics may seem straightforward on the surface, they actually represent a controversial critique of the commodification of faith.
At its core, “Personal Jesus” is an exploration of what it means to be spiritual or religious in modern times. The song tackles the concept of a personal relationship with Jesus and how that could be vastly different from organized religion. The lyrics invite the listener to explore their own personal interpretation of faith and spirituality.
The Song’s Legacy
“Personal Jesus” has remained one of Depeche Mode’s most enduring songs and has had an impact beyond the music industry. In 1990, it was covered by Johnny Cash in his stripped-down “Unchained” album, which earned him a Grammy Award. “Personal Jesus” has also been referenced and sampled by other artists, including Marilyn Manson. The song has had a lasting influence and recognition, with Rolling Stone naming it one of the 500 greatest songs of all time.
Perhaps one of the reasons “Personal Jesus” remains a legendary song is because of its deeper meaning. It’s not just a song about sex or religion but instead is a powerful reflection on how people make sense of their lives. The song encourages the listener to seek their own truth, to embrace their individuality, and connect with faith in their own way. For Depeche Mode, the song was a revolution in songwriting, and for listeners, it’s a call to action.
Conclusion
“Personal Jesus” remains a classic and influential song across generations and genres. It’s a song that invites listeners to explore and express their own faith and spirituality in a personal and meaningful way. From its meaningful lyrics to its impactful music video, “Personal Jesus” has had a lasting impact on the music industry and the world at large. Its timeless message of personal faith continues to resonate with people around the world, making it one of the greatest songs of all time.
