Despite not winning the competition, he was soon signed up with Simon Cowell's record label BMG, alongside the Pop Idol winner, Will Young. (Cowell had been one of the Pop Idol judges, and had been notorious for his harsh criticisms of many of the contestants.) His first single, a cover of Unchained Melody, entered the UK Top 40 at number one, knocking Will Young's first single - the double A-sided "Evergreen"/"Anything is Possible" - off the top of the chart (as Young's single was intended for the winner of Pop Idol Gates also recorded versions of both songs, which were used as B-sides for Unchained Melody). These were possibly the fastest covers, having been released only three weeks after Will Young's record breaking versions. The single was voted 2002's Record of the Year by ITV viewers.
With The Kumars, Gates sang the 2003 Comic Relief charity single, "Spirit In The Sky", another cover of an old song. This was also a new entry at number one, and stayed there for two weeks. He also appeared in the charity's Celebrity Driving School.
Gareth also suffers from a stammer, but with the help of the McGuire program he has almost overcome it. He now works with the McGuire program passing on the things he has learnt to others suffering from stammers.
In 2002, Smash Hits magazine dedicated the 7th of November as International Gareth Day for his fans. On this day, fans around the world light candles and pay homage to the singer.
Gareth infamously lost his virginity in a London hotel to glamour model Jordan who was pregnant at the time. Despite initially denying the incident, he later admitted the affair.
The first single from Gates' third album was "Changes" which was released on 9 April 2007. The single peaked at Number 14. A second single, "Angel on My Shoulder", was released on 18 June 2007, peaking at Number 22. Both singles remained in the UK Top 40 for only one week. Gates' third album, Pictures of the Other Side, was released on 25 June 2007. It proved to be Gates' lowest selling album to date and spent only two weeks on the UK album chart, entering at Number 23 before falling to Number 66 the following week, then dropping out of the chart altogether.
Spirit In the Sky
Gareth Gates Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
That's where I'm gonna go when I die
When I die and they lay me to rest
Prepare yourself you know it's a must
Got to have a friend in Jesus
So you know that when you die
He's gonna recommend you
To the spirit in the sky
Goin' up to the spirit in the sky
That's where I'm gonna go when I die
When I die and they lay me to rest
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
That's where I'm gonna go when I die
When I die and they lay me to rest
I'm gonna go to the place that's the best
Oh set me up with the spirit in the sky
That's where I'm gonna go when I die
When I die and they lay me to rest
I'm gonna go to the place that's the best
Goin' on up to the spirit in the sky
That's where I'm gonna go when I die
When I die and they lay me to rest
Gonna go to the place that's the best
Go to the place that's the best
Go to the place that's the best
Go to the place that's the best
The song "Spirit in the Sky" by Gareth Gates feat. The Kumars, is about an individual's belief in the afterlife and their desire to go to a better place after death. The lyrics express the idea that when the singer dies, they will go to the best place, which happens to be the spirit in the sky. This may be seen as a reference to heaven or some other form of the afterlife. The repeated chorus emphasizes the singer's desire to go to the best place when they die.
The song also talks about the importance of having a friend in Jesus, as it can help a person get recommended to the spirit in the sky. The idea of being recommended by Jesus suggests that those who follow his teachings may gain entry into this better place. The song implies a belief in heaven and the idea that people who have lived a virtuous life and have faith in Jesus will go there after they die.
In conclusion, "Spirit in the Sky" is a song that speaks to the belief in the afterlife and the desire to go to a better place. It emphasizes the importance of living a good life and having faith in Jesus. The chorus is a catchy and memorable tune that emphasizes the singer's desire to go to the best place when they die.
Line by Line Meaning
When I die and they lay me to rest
After I pass away and my body is put to rest
Gonna go to the place that's the best
I will go to the location that is perfect
When I lay me down to die
When I am about to pass away
Goin' up to the spirit in the sky
Ascending to a divine place after death
That's where I'm gonna go when I die
That is my destination after my demise
Prepare yourself you know it's a must
Get ready, it is imperative
Got to have a friend in Jesus
You need to have a connection to Jesus
So you know that when you die
This ensures that when you pass away
He's gonna recommend you
He will suggest you
To the spirit in the sky
To the divine place after death
Never been a sinner I never sinned
I have never committed a sin
I got a friend in Jesus
I have a connection with Jesus
He's gonna set me up with
He will introduce me to
Oh set me up with the spirit in the sky
Introduce me to the divine place after death
Goin' on up to the spirit in the sky
Ascending towards the divine place after death
Go to the place that's the best
Head to the most ideal location
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Norman Greenbaum
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@SmilingSynic
A Hindu family from a UK television show dancing to a song about Christianity written by an American Jew who did such a great job writing and performing the original song that even atheists love it.
@manfangui672
Well said.
@shaundodd1512
One of the best comic relief songs ever. I don't know why they don't do them no more.
@MollySpencer
Song reminds me of my nan. She was Gareth Gates dinner lady at school and she would always talk about him. She is a Christian so this was always on when I was younger. She just passed away last week
@raym4n39
2024 anyone?
@saskia2685
I was obsessed with this as a kid. And YouTube didn't exist back then, so I had wait around all day in front of the tv to catch it! And tried my best to do the dance!!
@harleykittyquinn9599
Saskia I remember doing that too haha
@beccawho761
Saskia saaaaame😂😂
@jackm091000
Saskia same here
@TheReservedGamer
Blimey, I remember those days... feels like a life time ago now :(