… define… “Aethist” music?
the vast majority of music is in fact secular.
Well, I don’t know how to explain it but I love Bad Religion songs
are you looking for just… good, secular, music? or maybe you’re looking specifically things that deal with religion, but from an atheist perspective? Perhaps you’re looking for songs that spoof worship songs? Or maybe, just, like, worship songs that are just awful?
or do you mean, music by atheists?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLcp8Dm-ejU
I built a little empire out of some crazy garbage
Called ‘the blood of the exploited working class’
But now they’ve overcome their shyness
Now they’re calling me ‘Your Highness’
And a world screams: Kiss me, Son of GodChildren’s science shows are bound to have some mediocre songs, right?
you’re right!
Well, most only have intro songs, and those slap. But there are some standalone ones, like The Periodic Table Song. Or whatever Feynman did with bongos.
I’m sure there are some songs about atheism, but atheists aren’t really making their non believe a part of their identity. So asking for an “atheist anthem” is really fucking weird. Just listen to any non religious music, which is like the absolute vast majority of all songs out there.
Written in m/atheism
The only one that comes to mind is “Dear God,” by XTC. The singer is writing a letter to God about why he doesn’t believe in him.
The concept of an atheist anthem seems odd to me though. It’s like asking for a national anthem for someone who doesn’t have a country.
Thanks for reminding me about this, have not listened to it in years.
Link for those who have not heard it. “Dear God,” by XTC
Sadly the lyrics are a relevant as the day they were penned.
And all the people that you made in your image, see them
Fighting in the street
'Cause they can’t make opinions meet
About GodOoh, good one! I personally like the cover of Dear God by Lawless with Sydney Wayser. I agree that the idea of an atheist anthem is a little strange, though–like a song reveling in how many fairies there aren’t.
Lots of stuff by Tim Minchin, including my favourite Christmas song, White Wine in the Sun.
Thank you! Many people have recommended this to me.
The Times They Are A-Changin’ by Bob Dylan
Imagine by John LennonFrank Zappa has a few good ones…
Dumb All Over (I think this live version is superior to the album version)
I think “heavenly bank account” would fit on that list too.
He’s got twenty million dollars
In his Heavenly Bank Account . . .
All from those chumps who was
Born again
Oh yeah, oh yeah
My wife suggests Freewill and Totem both by Rush:
“You can choose a ready guide
In some celestial voice
If you choose not to decide
You still have made a choice
You can choose from phantom fears
And kindness that can kill
I will choose a path that’s clear
I will choose free will.”“I believe in what I see,
I believe in what I hear
I believe that what I’m feeling
changes how the world appears”A Perfect Circle - Judith will always be my ultimate.
Listened to this sing for years before actually understanding the lyrics lol - considering I was an atheist for even longer, I wonder if my subconscious knew and just didn’t tell me 🤷🏻♂️
Genesis with Jesus he knows me is hilarious satire and a really good song.
Not necessarily an “atheist anthem” but I always liked The Seeker by The Who. It was used in Religulous documentary and I think it describes the atheist worldview in a way
I think that people arrive at atheism and agnosticism from various directions but I don’t think its something that people are commonly indoctrinated with. That being the case, there are few hymns or anthems that need to be repeated, to reinforce the message.
However, this might be what you’re asking for https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VpxikuHHG2Q&pp=ygUXYmFkIHJlbGlnaW9uIHRoZSBhbnN3ZXI%3D
Bad Religion, “the answer.”
The lyrics, “if you’ve got enough naievity and you’ve got conviction, then the answer is perfect for you,” always seemed to resonate with me. I interpret them to refer to people who are born into a difficult to comprehend universe, full of far more questions than answers, who latch on to the comforting fairy tales offered by religion with great enthusiasm. I think the song is about how nobody really can comprehend the great questions of life and purpose, but people try to, and sometimes their ideas become religions. I think the song is about people who don’t think for themselves, but who latch onto what they’re told. Its a warning not to be comforted by explanations and opinions of others. Consensus is not truth.
Into My Arms - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds is a classic
