The Meaning Behind The Song: Drop Kick Me Jesus (Through The Goalposts Of Life) by Bobby Bare
Bobby Bare’s song “Drop Kick Me Jesus (Through The Goalposts Of Life)” may seem like a humorous, tongue-in-cheek tune at first glance, but the underlying message and meaning go much deeper. Released in 1976, the song quickly became a cult favorite among fans of country music. It climbed to number 12 on the Billboard country charts that year and has been covered by several artists since then. So, what is the true meaning behind this classic country song?
The Story Behind The Song
Bare, who was not the original writer of the song, learned it from songwriter Paul Craft. Bare was known for his humorous and offbeat songs, and this one immediately caught his attention. The melody was catchy, and the lyrics were quirky, yet it spoke to the everyday struggles of life. Bare was a devout Christian, so when he sang “Drop Kick Me Jesus,” he was doing so with sincerity and respect.
Interpretation Of The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Drop Kick Me Jesus” are cleverly written, using football terminology to discuss life’s difficulties and the need for divine intervention. The opening line, “Drop kick me, Jesus, through the goalposts of life,” is a metaphor for asking God to help guide us through life’s challenges and obstacles. The song talks about running up and down the field and making it to the end zone, a metaphor for achieving one’s goals and finding happiness.
The song also touches on a few universal human experiences, such as the feeling of being lost and the longing for a sense of purpose. The lyrics say “lost in the middle of a hopeless fight,” which anyone who has felt lost and confused can relate to. The song’s message is that we all need a little help from a higher power to guide us through life, and that’s where Jesus comes in.
The Humorous Side
Although the song’s lyrics are deep and meaningful, it’s also important to recognize the humorous, light-hearted side of the tune. After all, it is a country song, and humor has always played a significant role in country music. The humor is what makes the song stand out and has made it a cult favorite over the years.
The line “make me, oh, make me, Lord, more than I am” shows the humility and self-deprecating humor of a person who admits they need help to become a better version of themselves. The line “I don’t care who gets the credit as long as we win,” shows that it’s not always about winning or being the best, but about being part of a team.
The Significance Today
The song may have been written over 40 years ago, but its message is still significant today. John Schmid, a religion professor at Lakeland University, talks about how the song resonates with all of us. “We all have moments of feeling lost and needing guidance,” Schmid says. “And asking for divine intervention is a universal experience.”
The song’s universal message of hope in times of darkness and the need for guidance is why it continues to resonate with people today. It’s not about a particular religion or denomination, but about a universal human experience.
Cover Versions Of The Song
“Drop Kick Me Jesus” is one of those songs that has been covered by a variety of artists over the years. The song has been covered by performers such as Hank Williams Jr., Bobby Helms, and John Prine. Each artist brought their own unique style to the song and added their own flavor to the lyrics.
One of the most notable covers of the song came from the band The Rainmakers, who took the song and put their own spin on it. They made it a rock song, and lead singer Bob Walkenhorst added a spoken word section to the song, giving his interpretation of the lyrics. The Rainmakers’ version became a hit, climbing to number one on the pop charts in Belgium.
Conclusion
Bobby Bare’s “Drop Kick Me Jesus (Through The Goalposts Of Life)” may have started out as a humorous country tune, but its message of hope and divine intervention has made it a timeless classic. The song reminds us that it’s okay to ask for help when we need it and that we’re not alone in our struggles. The song’s universality is what has made it popular for over four decades, and it will continue to be a classic for years to come.
