Got any atheist anthems that you folks love listening to? I’m really all about that music life and I’m super curious to check out some atheist songs you guys might be into. Anyone have a favorite?
are you looking for just... good, secular, music?
or maybe you're looking specifically things that deal with religion, but from an atheist perspective?
Perhaps you're looking for songs that spoof worship songs?
Or maybe, just, like, worship songs that are just awful?
I built a little empire out of some crazy garbage Called 'the blood of the exploited working class' But now they've overcome their shyness Now they're calling me 'Your Highness' And a world screams: Kiss me, Son of God
Well, most only have intro songs, and those slap. But there are some standalone ones, like The Periodic Table Song. Or whatever Feynman did with bongos.
Ooh, good one! I personally like the cover of Dear God by Lawless with Sydney Wayser. I agree that the idea of an atheist anthem is a little strange, though--like a song reveling in how many fairies there aren't.
I'm sure there are some songs about atheism, but atheists aren't really making their non believe a part of their identity. So asking for an "atheist anthem" is really fucking weird. Just listen to any non religious music, which is like the absolute vast majority of all songs out there.
Listened to this sing for years before actually understanding the lyrics lol - considering I was an atheist for even longer, I wonder if my subconscious knew and just didn't tell me 🤷🏻♂️
"You can choose a ready guide
In some celestial voice
If you choose not to decide
You still have made a choice
You can choose from phantom fears
And kindness that can kill
I will choose a path that’s clear
I will choose free will."
Not necessarily an "atheist anthem" but I always liked The Seeker by The Who. It was used in Religulous documentary and I think it describes the atheist worldview in a way
I think that people arrive at atheism and agnosticism from various directions but I don't think its something that people are commonly indoctrinated with. That being the case, there are few hymns or anthems that need to be repeated, to reinforce the message.
The lyrics, "if you've got enough naievity and you've got conviction, then the answer is perfect for you," always seemed to resonate with me. I interpret them to refer to people who are born into a difficult to comprehend universe, full of far more questions than answers, who latch on to the comforting fairy tales offered by religion with great enthusiasm. I think the song is about how nobody really can comprehend the great questions of life and purpose, but people try to, and sometimes their ideas become religions. I think the song is about people who don't think for themselves, but who latch onto what they're told. Its a warning not to be comforted by explanations and opinions of others. Consensus is not truth.
"I don′t go for ancient wisdom
I don't believe just ′cos ideas are tenacious it means they are worthy
I get freaked out by churches
Some of the hymns that they sing have nice chords but the lyrics are dodgy
And yes I have all of the usual objections to the miseducation
Of children who in tax-exempt institutions are taught to externalise blame
And to feel ashamed and to judge things as plain right and wrong
But I quite like the songs"
song bites back, and the chorus makes me cry a bit
I've noticed two songs that are the opposite faces of the same coin:
Euthanasia by Will Wood. Line: ...and I know... I know it's not true. There's just no more you. But as long as there's no proof...
Notion by The Rare Occasions. Line: sure it's a calmin' notion, but it's a lie
though it is a bit hard to understand without concentrating due to the cursive singing (I always thought it was common notion until looking at the lyrics, and I do think that'd be a better fit for the opening line)
So if you come from a Christian background/upbringing I’d recommend the entirety of David Bazan’s Curse Your Branches. It’s pretty much a breakup album to god/religion
It’s a bit of a far fetch, and I might be a bit off here. (I know a better fan than me will probably correct me) But I seem to remember the Death Metal band Deicide wrote a lot of their songs about inconsistencies and hypocrisies in the bible. Albeit, mostly christian-bashing, if you will. So probably too far in that direction than what you’re looking for. They usually come across as a Satanic and/or gore theme driven, and while the gore is accurate, they have stated many times to not believe in satan either. …And of course you have to be able to enjoy the sounds of hardcore death metal as well, lol
The Bible is Bullshit — Corporate Avenger
Dumb All Over — Frank Zappa
From God's Perspective — Bo Burnham
Fuck Religion — Propaghandi
God Is A Freak — Peach PRC
God Said — Anthony David
God Thinks — Voltaire
I Will Follow You Into the Dark — Death Cab for Cutie
Jesus Was Way Cool — King Missile
Kiss Me, Son of God — They Might Be Giants
Listen to Reason — Bryan Steeksma
The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing — Frank Zappa
Notion — The Rare Occasions
Thank You God — Tim Minchin
Vanderlight — Stop Light Observations
53 Comments
FuglyDuck@lemmy.world · 24 pts · 2y
.... define.... "Aethist" music?
the vast majority of music is in fact secular.
jedi@lemm.ee · 2 pts · 2y
Well, I don't know how to explain it but I love Bad Religion songs
FuglyDuck@lemmy.world · 6 pts · 2y
are you looking for just... good, secular, music? or maybe you're looking specifically things that deal with religion, but from an atheist perspective? Perhaps you're looking for songs that spoof worship songs? Or maybe, just, like, worship songs that are just awful?
or do you mean, music by atheists?
tetris11@lemmy.ml · 3 pts · 2y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLcp8Dm-ejU
I built a little empire out of some crazy garbage
Called 'the blood of the exploited working class'
But now they've overcome their shyness
Now they're calling me 'Your Highness'
And a world screams: Kiss me, Son of God
ChaoticNeutralCzech@feddit.de · 2 pts · 2y
Children's science shows are bound to have some mediocre songs, right?
jedi@lemm.ee · 1 pts · 2y
you're right!
ChaoticNeutralCzech@feddit.de · 1 pts · 2y
Well, most only have intro songs, and those slap. But there are some standalone ones, like The Periodic Table Song. Or whatever Feynman did with bongos.
AFKBRBChocolate@lemmy.world · 14 pts · 2y
The only one that comes to mind is "Dear God," by XTC. The singer is writing a letter to God about why he doesn't believe in him.
The concept of an atheist anthem seems odd to me though. It's like asking for a national anthem for someone who doesn't have a country.
Pons_Aelius@kbin.social · 5 pts · 2y
Thanks for reminding me about this, have not listened to it in years.
Link for those who have not heard it. “Dear God,” by XTC
Sadly the lyrics are a relevant as the day they were penned.
And all the people that you made in your image, see them
Fighting in the street
'Cause they can't make opinions meet
About God
jedi@lemm.ee · 2 pts · 2y
Classic. I like this song.
AFKBRBChocolate@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 2y
Me too! The video is low budget, but I liked it too.
Squiddles@kbin.social · 2 pts · 2y
Ooh, good one! I personally like the cover of Dear God by Lawless with Sydney Wayser. I agree that the idea of an atheist anthem is a little strange, though--like a song reveling in how many fairies there aren't.
SatanicNotMessianic@lemmy.ml · 1 pts · 2y
It’s called The Internationale, comrade.
Here’s a cinematic version.
And just as a bonus, a cinematic version of Hasta Siempre.
DarkThoughts@kbin.social · 14 pts · 2y
I'm sure there are some songs about atheism, but atheists aren't really making their non believe a part of their identity. So asking for an "atheist anthem" is really fucking weird. Just listen to any non religious music, which is like the absolute vast majority of all songs out there.
AmidFuror@kbin.social · 2 pts · 2y
Written in m/atheism
Echinoderm@aussie.zone · 10 pts · 2y
Lots of stuff by Tim Minchin, including my favourite Christmas song, White Wine in the Sun.
jedi@lemm.ee · 3 pts · 2y
Thank you! Many people have recommended this to me.
ivanafterall@kbin.social · 7 pts · 2y
A Perfect Circle - Judith will always be my ultimate.
Midnitte@kbin.social · 3 pts · 2y
Listened to this sing for years before actually understanding the lyrics lol - considering I was an atheist for even longer, I wonder if my subconscious knew and just didn't tell me 🤷🏻♂️
ozamataz@lemm.ee · 7 pts · 2y
Frank Zappa has a few good ones...
Dumb All Over (I think this live version is superior to the album version)
The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing (lyrics)
kent_eh@lemmy.ca · 2 pts · 2y
I think "heavenly bank account" would fit on that list too.
ChaoticNeutralCzech@feddit.de · 6 pts · 2y
The Times They Are A-Changin' by Bob Dylan
Imagine by John Lennon
Volkditty@kbin.social · 6 pts · 2y
"Glory Hallelujah," by Frank Turner
jedi@lemm.ee · 1 pts · 2y
This one is the best so far!
jordanlund@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 2y
My wife suggests Freewill and Totem both by Rush:
https://youtu.be/OnxkfLe4G74
"You can choose a ready guide
In some celestial voice
If you choose not to decide
You still have made a choice
You can choose from phantom fears
And kindness that can kill
I will choose a path that’s clear
I will choose free will."
https://youtu.be/mI208DRLsFc
"I believe in what I see,
I believe in what I hear
I believe that what I'm feeling
changes how the world appears"
jedi@lemm.ee · 1 pts · 2y
Never heard this one before. Thanks!
CleoTheWizard@lemmy.world · 5 pts · 2y
You will not beat the song about gods perspective by Bo Burnham. It’s comedy but it’s both beautiful and brilliant.
jedi@lemm.ee · 2 pts · 2y
I have this on my playlist! very funny and brilliant
CareHare@sh.itjust.works · 5 pts · 2y
Genesis with Jesus he knows me is hilarious satire and a really good song.
matrixrunner@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 2y
And the recent cover by Ghost is excellent too.
BadEngineering@kbin.social · 4 pts · 2y
If you like punk rock, pretty much the entirety of Bad Religion's music is atheist.
killeronthecorner@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 2y
Storm by Tim Minchin
kent_eh@lemmy.ca · 4 pts · 2y
Atheists don't have no songs
EfreetSK@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 2y
Not necessarily an "atheist anthem" but I always liked The Seeker by The Who. It was used in Religulous documentary and I think it describes the atheist worldview in a way
cantsurf@lemm.ee · 3 pts · 2y
I think that people arrive at atheism and agnosticism from various directions but I don't think its something that people are commonly indoctrinated with. That being the case, there are few hymns or anthems that need to be repeated, to reinforce the message.
However, this might be what you're asking for https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VpxikuHHG2Q&pp=ygUXYmFkIHJlbGlnaW9uIHRoZSBhbnN3ZXI%3D
Bad Religion, "the answer."
The lyrics, "if you've got enough naievity and you've got conviction, then the answer is perfect for you," always seemed to resonate with me. I interpret them to refer to people who are born into a difficult to comprehend universe, full of far more questions than answers, who latch on to the comforting fairy tales offered by religion with great enthusiasm. I think the song is about how nobody really can comprehend the great questions of life and purpose, but people try to, and sometimes their ideas become religions. I think the song is about people who don't think for themselves, but who latch onto what they're told. Its a warning not to be comforted by explanations and opinions of others. Consensus is not truth.
drog4fun@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 2y
https://youtu.be/IcjQhXSNjtg?si=3XQzXmta9NoWKj5I
https://youtu.be/gxXrTRFVUkQ?si=T4NQBxNjjuNpyE1w
https://youtu.be/JkOHDoEkPW0?si=eIXFXkHB2oVjdOV7
Knitwear@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 2y
Into My Arms - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds is a classic
Mofy@kbin.social · 2 pts · 2y
Round the winter holidays we have a tradition of plazing white wine in the sun,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCNvZqpa-7Q
"I don′t go for ancient wisdom
I don't believe just ′cos ideas are tenacious it means they are worthy
I get freaked out by churches
Some of the hymns that they sing have nice chords but the lyrics are dodgy
And yes I have all of the usual objections to the miseducation
Of children who in tax-exempt institutions are taught to externalise blame
And to feel ashamed and to judge things as plain right and wrong
But I quite like the songs"
song bites back, and the chorus makes me cry a bit
jordanlund@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 2y
Chris Smither - Origin of Species:
https://youtu.be/JVbj0Wcb5go
He does some of my other favorite tunes.
Leave the Light On:
https://youtu.be/THQO-JLjMnA
Place In Line:
https://youtu.be/MztnxPiiDbI
Hundred Dollar Valentine:
https://youtu.be/1HtvroTf9d4
insomniac_lemon@kbin.social · 2 pts · 2y
I've noticed two songs that are the opposite faces of the same coin:
Euthanasia by Will Wood. Line: ...and I know... I know it's not true. There's just no more you. But as long as there's no proof...
Notion by The Rare Occasions. Line: sure it's a calmin' notion, but it's a lie
though it is a bit hard to understand without concentrating due to the cursive singing (I always thought it was common notion until looking at the lyrics, and I do think that'd be a better fit for the opening line)
Kolanaki@yiffit.net · 2 pts · 2y
The only song I know of that is specifically about atheism is Thoughts of a Dying Atheist by Muse.
qprimed@lemmy.ml · 2 pts · 2y
gonna throw anything by baba brinkman out there.
a sample... Creationist Cousins
fancyl@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 2y
Hopsin - I'll Mind of Hopsin 7 is an angry rap about struggles with god that many of us faced in our past.
correcthorsedickbatterystaple@kbin.social · 1 pts · 2y
Can I be as my God am?
also thought it was a brilliant way to get 'goddamn' broadcast uncensored.
fancyl@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 2y
Your link doesn't work for me, but I'm guessing you are referring to God Am by Alice in Chains
jack55555@lemmy.ml · 1 pts · 2y
It’s heavy music, so not for everyone, but I hope you rot by Parkway Drive is an anti church (not really anti religion) song.
fancyl@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 2y
Not specifically atheist and I have no idea about their worldview, but One Foot by Fun. has these great lines.
HikingVet@lemmy.ca · 1 pts · 2y
All Hail Science - Allegaeon
cmbabul@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 2y
So if you come from a Christian background/upbringing I’d recommend the entirety of David Bazan’s Curse Your Branches. It’s pretty much a breakup album to god/religion
tenacious_mucus@sh.itjust.works · 1 pts · 2y
It’s a bit of a far fetch, and I might be a bit off here. (I know a better fan than me will probably correct me) But I seem to remember the Death Metal band Deicide wrote a lot of their songs about inconsistencies and hypocrisies in the bible. Albeit, mostly christian-bashing, if you will. So probably too far in that direction than what you’re looking for. They usually come across as a Satanic and/or gore theme driven, and while the gore is accurate, they have stated many times to not believe in satan either. …And of course you have to be able to enjoy the sounds of hardcore death metal as well, lol
jedi@lemm.ee · 2 pts · 2y
Well I can enjoy death Metal 🤘 Thanks!
F_Haxhausen@lemmy.world · 0 pts · 2y
Barenaked Ladies, Big Bang Theme Song?
Maybe.
DougHolland@lemmy.world · -1 pts · 2y
The Bible is Bullshit — Corporate Avenger
Dumb All Over — Frank Zappa
From God's Perspective — Bo Burnham
Fuck Religion — Propaghandi
God Is A Freak — Peach PRC
God Said — Anthony David
God Thinks — Voltaire
I Will Follow You Into the Dark — Death Cab for Cutie
Jesus Was Way Cool — King Missile
Kiss Me, Son of God — They Might Be Giants
Listen to Reason — Bryan Steeksma
The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing — Frank Zappa
Notion — The Rare Occasions
Thank You God — Tim Minchin
Vanderlight — Stop Light Observations