Music like the law indiscriminately cuts across all spheres and this universal culture that has been defined as the supreme mystery of human knowledge is the source of all indescribable magic! The holy book of the Christian religion has many recorded scriptures and they have been a major source of inspiration not only to the Christian Gospel genre but to other certified styles such as Pop, Rock, and Country, Hiphop/R&B and so many others with artists transforming some story from the scriptures or even just quotes from the Bible to engineer some emotion-filled songs with near-ubiquitous appeal!
I dug deep into the vast digital world and came up with 20 of the best songs in all genres that have been inspired by the scriptures in the Bible or some story that happened during those eras- BC and AD.
- Bob Marley – Exodus
The day is 27th April 2022 and Johnny Depp pulls up to the court for his trial while listening to this masterpiece- first of all, rest in peace to the legend Bob Marley, whose music is a reminder of the power of love, peace, and positivity.
This authentic and soulful reggae tune was inspired by the book of Exodus which documents the departure of Israelites from Egypt and its meaning goes deep to the freeing of slaves and the whole of humanity from the shackles of colonization and bondage.
The kind of song that brings a listener to tears; it’s so moving and spiritual and penetrates deep into a human soul no matter how many times you listen to it.
It is always said that Bob Marley asked to be buried with his guitar, a bible, a fat bud of weed, his soccer ball, and his ring given to him by the Prince of Ethiopia.
His last words spoken to his son Ziggy were, “Money can’t buy life”
- The Rizers – John 3:16
The Rizers cook up this scripture in the form of upbeat pop/rock songs to reinforce God’s word in the hearts of kids and families and the verse we grew up singing like a mantra is reinforced here even more with the melodious spark; “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Waking up to this spiritual song every Sunday morning as you prepare your kids for church feels like the best possible way to start a day- blessed and happy!
- Grimes – Genesis
In the beginning, there was a fierce female and her band, and apparently she made the whole of this masterpiece in a garage band and it just goes to show you there’s beauty in simplicity when it comes to music.
“Genesis” sounds like a really good imitation of human music made by aliens- I have never seen so much female charm in one place as in the music video.
Grimes was really ahead of her time and yet, this song gives a listener the most potent nostalgia, like it exists outside of time; pure magic and music that feels like it is a portal to other worlds!
- Dax – Book of Revelations
The question of the day is; is the World coming to an end? And if so, where will you spend eternity?
Imagine meeting Dax in person. The conversations you could have with him could be so insightful and meaningful.
This emotion-filled Hip-hop track is inspired by the end of times as captured in the Book of Revelations. He goes hard and asks the questions that others are thinking and are afraid of asking. One of those lyrics that hit hard are;
“What if Hell’s on earth?
What if being born is dying, and dying’s birth?
Would that mean life’s not God’s gift but the devils curse
And to live was to be evil cuz it’s words reversed
what if the devil entered a pastor and he lead a church…”
- Esther Muli – Psalm 91 Song, “My God, In Him I Will Trust”
Inspired by the whole of Psalm 91, this beautifully sung and spiritual tune will find refuge in a listener’s heart as Esther Muli sings in praise tone with her soft and beautiful vocals that sound angelic and call to the heavens and back.
This is an invitation for a direct route to heaven and you just have to show up and experience as your heart, mind and soul get escalated to higher grounds in ways that you really cannot explain.
And if you are feeling a little overwhelmed with all the troubles of the world, just come back to this relatable tune and take refuge in its spirituality and emotional relatability.
- Bruce Springsteen – Adam raised a Cain
This dates way back to the 70s and was inspired by the story in the bible about Adam’s generation and especially Cain who went on to kill his brother Abel.
There is so much blistering and raw energy in this rocker that if you are not careful you might find yourself possessed by the spirit of Cain!
The song sends chills down your spine and brings sweat to your brow. It is burning with passion and qualifies as one of Springsteen’s greatest- the truth of the lyrics and the fierceness of the music is deeply relatable to anyone listening in.
The virtuosic guitar work is a lesson on its own!
- Lincoln Durham – Ballad of a Prodigal Son
Most of you are accustomed to the tale of the prodigal son from the book of (Luke 15: 11-32) and Lincoln Durham reimagined this story in his own imaginative ways and came up with this sensationally affecting ballad- the beat and overall vibe of this song gives is absolutely magical.
The ballad is powerful and Charlie Collier did an amazing, highly imaginative animation to complement it. Lincoln Durham comes off as a poet first, prophet second and musician third!
If you ever need to feed your craving for creative output, then look no further than this mystical stunner.
- The Kin – Abraham
A band of talented brothers pulled up one of the most scintillating musical sounds there is and borrowing from the inspiration of Abraham’s life including the tale about wanting to sacrifice his own son Isaac in the biblical book of Genesis, they designed an artistic showpiece!
These two combine impassioned singing with heartfelt delivery and their pure and unblemished voices work in perfect sync with the melodious guitar.
This is just a raw and exceptional vocal work that sits at the touchstone of genuine genius!
- Boney M – Rivers of Babylon
Almost 43 years later and this song still hits different- this was the gift of really ingenious composers and staggering performers. These were the great times when everything felt just right with this band’s music fronted by Boney M blasting through the speakers of a neighbor’s house somewhere.
Inspired by (Psalm 137:1), everything about this masterpiece is sensational; impeccable rhythm, beautiful harmony, amazing energy complemented by beautiful patterns- melodically, harmonically and rhythmically remarkable!
And the music video features striking gowns with stunningly beautiful and dramatic colors- simply splendid!
Any time you feel like you need your soul nourished and your spirits uplifted, you know where to go as you reminisce through the good old days!
- Tom Jones – Delilah
Reimagined from the story of Samson and Delilah (Judges 16) this enticing masterpiece features one of the greatest vocalist to ever grace the universe; possibly the most naturally gifted vocalist popular music has ever seen. Never over-indulged in dramatization, which of course is part of the package- it’s just raw Welsh power and feeling, in every note. Could undoubtedly tear down a mountain with that voice! This orchestra combined with his performance is simply breathtaking. It’s quite funny that only back then could you write and sing about, jealousy, stalking and murder and make it sound so wonderfully catchy that everyone sings along to it! His voice alone in this gem literally blows the song into another realm of authentic brilliancy.
- Amazing Grace – Best Version By Far!
This is a powerful rendition of this popular song that was apparently written by an ex-captain of a slave ship and it is really strong and comes from the heart.
Inspired by the poetic hymn in (1st Chronicles 17:16-17), this emotional worship song gropes the fondest part of a human heart and soul.
This version by Judy Collins is so far the best version there is on the market and all you have to do is find a quiet place, put on the headphones, sit back and be touched by this most beautiful version that is emotionally performed and candidly delivered for that maximum relatability to anyone who may be in need of upliftment.
- Elvis Presley – How Great Thou Art
One of the favorite hymns of all time sung by one of the most iconic and true legend of the game; Elvis Presley, gone but never forgotten.
Truth be told, no one can quite sing this song the way Elvis does and it is absolutely magical. There never was and never will be anyone quite like him and we are so lucky to experience the glory that is Elvis.
This gospel song is heaven itself. Elvis was at his best singing the Lord’s gospel- he had range, he had emotion, he had delivery and he definitely had that indisputable charisma.
“How Great Thou Art” was inspired by Psalm 8 in the bible.
- Sinach – Way Maker
Arguably one of the most popular Christian songs that dominated the gospel world from Nigeria to the rest of the world, this hit Gospel tune by the Nigerian songstress Sinach has been translated into 50 languages and there are numerous versions by popular Christian musical artists from all over the world.
It has more than 200 Million views on YouTube and was actually inspired by Genesis 12:1-5 where God asks Abraham to go from his country, his people, and from his father’s household and God will show him and make him into a great nation, bless him, make his name great and he will be a blessing through which all people will be blessed.
- Hillsong Worship – Who You Say I Am
This song never gets old; in fact, it becomes better with each passing day.
“Who You Say I Am” is about freedom. Freedom from the tyranny of self, freedom from the opinion of doubters and freedom from the chains of past and hopelessness, the theme of the song is derived from the book of John 8 which is about knowing the truth and the true setting you free because, “Who the Son sets free, is free indeed”.
This song is based on the scripture about the identity of a slave who when accepted as part of family becomes accustomed to being part of the family which is the same way when we identify with God, we identify as part of God’s family which comes with that freedom of knowing who we are and who God says we are!
- Pentatonix – Hallelujah
Hallelujah is spoken by two deeply flawed Biblical heroes who cried to God in the midst of their brokenness, both undone by forbidden love. This is probably one of the deepest and most touching and most therapeutic music ever written.
Featuring 5 powerful voices in one masterpiece; they bring chills, and goosebumps and stir up emotions. And no matter what time of year, there’s always someone listening to this song.
It is also rare to see 5 master vocalists in one group, normally it’s just one who pushes the whole band up, but in this group, all 5 of them astonish with their vocal abilities and delivery – sensational!
- Josh Groban – You Raise Me Up
One of the most inspirational worship songs there is to help you reconnect with God and this version by Josh Groban is the most popular with more than 135 Million YouTube views.
Originally, “You Raise Me Up” was composed by the Norwegian-Irish duo Secret Garden. The music was written by Secret Garden’s Rolf Løvland and the lyrics were written by Brendan Graham.
This song refers to numerous instances in the scripture where God is able to uplift people and get them out of impossible situations because what may be seen as impossible to man is possible with God; Luke 18:27
- Jimmy D Psalmist – Mighty Man of War
This emotional Gospel song from Nigeria-based singer and songwriter Jimmy D Psalmist is inspired by the Holy book of Isaiah which references the Lord our God as the mighty man, the man of war, the Judge, the prophet, the diviner, and the elder.
You want a miracle? Just listen to this song over and over again and then say the Lord’s grace. He gives everything on this record and you can feel the raw emotions through his pure vocals as he sings to Jehovah in the most honest and touching ways there are.
- Elevation Worship & Maverick City – Jireh
Worship bands Elevation Worship and Maverick City came together for this masterpiece; one of their singles off of their collaborative album, “Old Church Basement” this song references the power and strength of the Lord our God to get us out of impossible situations and restore us to glory.
Inspired by numerous books such as Mathew, Corinthians, Philippians and Galatians, this certified Christian ballad reminds us to be content in every situation because in God the father, we have his presence, his peace, power, and his provision and we need not worry for he knows all the things we need and in his own generous ways, is going to provide.
- Tim Godfrey ft. Travis Greene – Nara
Psalms 116: 12-13 says, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord”.
The message in this meaningful song is deep and to anyone who may be starting to question God’s willpower over their life, they should start by counting all the blessings that have encountered up to where they are and push the play button as they sink their grateful hearts and souls into this relatable Nigerian worship song that features some impassioned performances that leave nothing to be desired.
You are going to enjoy every minute of it and there is something quite magical about this song that means you will always be back for more repeated experiences at least once every single day!
- Johnny Cash – He Turned the Water into Wine
Transforming the Gospel of John where Jesus turned water into wine, into some purely magical melodic magnificence in ways that only he can, Johnny Cash references this story that is captured in John 2:1-11 in his vivid storytelling and powerful vocals complemented with impassioned singing, “He turned the water into wine, he turned the water into wine.
In the little Canaan town the word went all around that he turned the water into wine. Well he walked upon the sea of Galilee he walked upon the sea of Galilee…” he sings
These are some of the best 20 Bible inspired songs and you can know add them to your playlist so that every time you are in the mood of feeling inspired Biblically, you know where to turn to- enjoy!
