Spirit in the Sky
Nina Hagen Lyrics
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I'm gonna go to the place that's the best
When they lay me down to die
I'm going up to the spirit in the sky
Going 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
Gonna have a friend in Jesus
So you know that when you die
He's gonna recommend you to the spirit in the sky
Gonna recommend you to the spirit in the sky
That's where you're gonna go when you die
When you die and they iay you to rest
You're gonna go the the place that's the best
Never been a sinner I never sin
I've got a friend in Jesus
So you know that when I die
He's gonna set me up with the spirit in the sky
Gonna 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
(This is the revolution of the spirit in the sky, greetings from Nina Hagen)
Nina Hagen's rendition of "Spirit in the Sky" is an ode to the afterlife, and the belief that there is a better place after death. The first verse speaks to the idea that when the singer dies, they will go to the best place, which is up in the sky where the spirit lives. The chorus repeats this sentiment, proclaiming that this is where the singer will go when they die.
The second verse introduces the idea of Jesus, and how he will be a friend to the singer. The lyrics imply that when the singer passes, Jesus will recommend them to the spirit in the sky. The chorus reiterates that this is where one will go when they die, emphasizing the idea that the afterlife is a better place than the one we inhabit now.
The final verse speaks to the singer's moral character, stating that they have never been a sinner, and that they have a friend in Jesus who will "set [them] up" with the spirit in the sky. The chorus repeats, solidifying the idea that the afterlife is a desirable place to go. Hagen's final statement is a nod to the revolutionary aspect of this belief, greeting her audience with a message of hope and spirituality.
Line by Line Meaning
When I die and they lay me to rest
After my death and funeral
I'm gonna go to the place that's the best
I'll go to the most wonderful place
When they lay me down to die
When I'm dying
I'm going up to the spirit in the sky
I'll ascend to the spiritual realm
Going up to the spirit in the sky
Ascending to my afterlife
That's where I'm gonna go when I die
That's where I'll end up after death
Prepare yourself you know it's a must
Get ready, it's necessary
Gonna have a friend in Jesus
Jesus will be my companion
So you know that when you die
Therefore, you should understand that at your death
He's gonna recommend you to the spirit in the sky
He will suggest the spiritual place to which you should go
That's where you're gonna go when you die
That is where you will end up after dying
Never been a sinner I never sin
I'm not a wrongdoer nor do I commit sins
I've got a friend in Jesus
I am close to Jesus
He's gonna set me up with the spirit in the sky
Jesus will help me get to my destination in the spiritual world
This is the revolution of the spirit in the sky, greetings from Nina Hagen
A declaration of the importance of the spiritual world, from Nina Hagen
When I die and they lay me to rest
After my funeral
I'm gonna go to the place that's the best
I will go to the most amazing place
Contributed by James T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
José Antônio Mechaileh
When I die and they lay me to rest
I'm gonna go to the place that's best
When they lay me down to die
Goin' on up to the spirit in the sky
Goin' on 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 a must
Gotta have a friend named Jesus
So you know that when you die
It's gonna recommend you to the spirit in the sky
(Spirit in the sky)
Goin' on up to the 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
Never been a sinner, I've never sinned
I've got a friend named Jesus
So you know that when I die
It's gonna set me up with the spirit in the sky
Goin' on 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
Goin' on 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
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
Deedee 60
NINA HAGEN is one of the greatest artists EVER! So unique and original! Incredible vocal range, punky and operatic! Have loved her since my Punk days.
Richard Brown
Always have been a fan of Nina. But I am just realizing how much better her live performances are than the studio versions.
Jim Hamilton
Best cover of this song by far!!! The guitarist was over the top great! Makes you look forward to getting to heaven! Her quirky delivery of the lyrics was cool! Love it!!!
Larz Gustafsson
One of the Queens of Punk Rock.
Catherine Guilloteau
Times didn't change, spirit is a good song for now and ever, thank you Mme Nina Hagen! ❤
Juris Klavins
Nina rocks! Billy Liesegang's guitar solo is ++, Karl Rucker's bass work is on point 🎵🎵
Bernd Grüner
Danke
motorcop505
I loved the Dr. and the Medics' cover, but this was great! Nina Rocked it out, and the guitarist jammed! What a great cover.
Deanna Dalton
This song is my dad's favorite. He passed in 1992 and the original was played at his funeral along with other tunes he liked. He would have loved Nina's version.
Christopher Wright
I hope it is played at mine.