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Spirit in the Sky
Norman Greenbaum Lyrics


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When I die and they lay me to rest
Gonna go to the place that's the best
When I lay me down to die
Goin' up to the spirit in the sky

Goin' up to the spirit in the sky (spirit in the sky)
That's where I'm gonna go when I die (when I die)
When I die and they lay me to rest
I'm gonna go to the place that's the best




Prepare yourself you know it's a must
Gotta have a friend in Jesus
So you know that when you die
He's gonna recommend you
To the spirit in the sky (spirit in the sky)

Oh he'll recommend you to the spirit in the sky
That's where you're gonna go when you die (when you die)
When you die and they lay you to rest
You're gonna go to the place that's the best

Never been a sinner, I never sinned
I got a friend in Jesus
So you know that when I die
He's gonna set me up
with the spirit in the sky

Oh set me up with the spirit in the sky (spirit in the sky)
That's where I'm gonna go when I die (when I die)
When I die and they lay me to rest
I'm gonna go to the place that's the best
Go to the place that's the best

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Spirit in the Sky" by Norman Greenbaum express his belief in the afterlife and his conviction that he will go to the best place when he dies - the spirit in the sky. Greenbaum sings about the need to prepare oneself for death by having a friend in Jesus, who will recommend one to the spirit in the sky. He believes that he will be set up with the spirit in the sky because he has never been a sinner and he has a friend in Jesus, who will help him reach his final destination after death.


The song can be interpreted as a celebration of life after death, with the spirit in the sky being a metaphor for heaven or the afterlife. The upbeat and lively tone of the song, along with the gospel and rock influences in the music, contribute to its sense of optimism and hope. Greenbaum's lyrics borrow from Christian themes and beliefs, reflecting his own religious background, but are also accessible to those who may not share his faith.


Overall, "Spirit in the Sky" is a powerful and uplifting song that expresses Norman Greenbaum's faith in the afterlife and his belief that he will go to the best place when he dies.


Line by Line Meaning

When I die and they lay me to rest
When my physical body dies and is buried


Gonna go to the place that's the best
I believe in an afterlife that's great


When I lay me down to die
When my life comes to an end


Goin' up to the spirit in the sky
I believe my soul will ascend to an ideal afterlife


That's where I'm gonna go when I die (when I die)
I have faith that my soul will ascend to an ideal afterlife


Prepare yourself you know it's a must
You should get ready for the afterlife


Gotta have a friend in Jesus
Having someone like Jesus to help you is important


So you know that when you die
If you have Jesus as a friend, you'll have someone who can vouch for you after death


He's gonna recommend you
Jesus will recommend you to the afterlife


Never been a sinner, I never sinned
I believe I've always been a good person


I got a friend in Jesus
I believe I have someone on my side in the afterlife


He's gonna set me up
Jesus will help me get my ideal afterlife


Go to the place that's the best
Go to the afterlife that's great




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Norman Greenbaum

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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