Plastic Jesus
The Flaming Lips Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Long as I got my plastic Jesus
Sittin' on the dashboard of my car
Comes in colors, pink and pleasant
Glows in the dark, it's iridescent
Take it with you when you travel far
Get yourself a sweet Madonna
Dressed in rhinestone, settin' on a
Pedestal of Abalone Shells
Goin' 90, I ain't scared
'Cause I got the Virgin Mary
Assuring me that I won't go to hell
The Flaming Lips's song "Plastic Jesus" is a satirical take on the religious devotion that people have. The lyrics "I don't care if it rains or freezes, long as I got my plastic Jesus" are a reflection of the mentality that some individuals have towards religion - they do not take into account the teachings or essence of the religion itself, but rather the symbolic nature that it holds for them. The line "sittin' on the dashboard of my car" is a metaphorical representation of the idea that religion is used only as a means of convenience, much like a decoration one would place in their car. The colors, pink and pleasant, and iridescent, emphasizes the superficiality that is enshrouded in religious devotions.
The lyrics also touch on the concept of faith through the use of Madonna and Virgin Mary. The lines "get yourself a sweet Madonna, dressed in rhinestone, settin' on a, pedestal of Abalone Shells" imply the idea of idolizing religious figures and worshipping them as if they are important relics. The line "I ain't scared, 'cause I got the Virgin Mary, assuring me that I won't go to hell" suggests that individuals take refuge in the religious symbols and seek protection from the consequences of their actions rather than taking accountability for their own actions.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't care if it rains or freezes
I am not bothered by any type of weather condition
Long as I got my plastic Jesus
As long as I have my plastic religious symbol
Sittin' on the dashboard of my car
Placed in a prominent position in my vehicle
Comes in colors, pink and pleasant
Available in various colors, including a pleasing pink shade
Glows in the dark, it's iridescent
Has a special feature that makes it glow in the dark and change color depending on the light
Take it with you when you travel far
It is convenient to bring along during long travels
Get yourself a sweet Madonna
Acquire a decorative image or statue of the Virgin Mary
Dressed in rhinestone, settin' on a
Adorned with shiny rhinestones, displayed on a
Pedestal of Abalone Shells
A stand made of shells from a type of sea snails
Goin' 90, I ain't scared
Driving at high speed, without fear
'Cause I got the Virgin Mary
Confident and protected by the presence of the Virgin Mary
Assuring me that I won't go to hell
Believing that I will be saved from eternal damnation
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ed Rush, George Cromarty
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@verbalpics
For anyone who doesn't know, this song is featured in a movie from 1967 called "Cool Hand Luke" and has been around a really long time before the Flaming Lips covered it.
@iNuchalHead
Watching that for the first time tonight. Y'all, don't sleep on it like I did!
@andrewbannout9056
One of the most soothing yet eeriest songs I’ve ever heard
@TheJACKCOLORADO
Watch Cool Hand Luke.
@wwgt
Much respect to the FL! awesome !!
@IdiotAmigo
This always reminds me of that King Crimson song, The Great Deceiver. Both the songs were probably written with a very similar image in mind.
As the Crimson song goes, "Cigarettes, ice cream, figurines of the Virgin Mary".
Check them out if you haven't yet - they have been a huge influence for most modern psychedelic and progressive bands, such as the Lips.
@jamesmcgurl314
Crimson is the greatest. .obsessed ...swallowed all their music ... john Weston was a genius...all of the incarnations...going to see them again in 2019..seen em in 2017 in jersey
@Eric06410
It’s a cover song. It’s a folk country song from the 50’s.
@happpyvitamin
plastic jesus never fails me.
@motherthirteen
my favorite song to sing on guitar