Spirit in the Sky

Norman Greenbaum

About Spirit in the Sky

"Spirit in the Sky" is a song written and originally recorded by Norman Greenbaum and released in late 1969. The single became a gold record, selling two million copies from 1969 to 1970, and reached number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart (April 18, 1970), where it lasted for 15 weeks in the Top 100, and #1 on WCFL on March 16, 1970 and on WLS on March 23, 1970, just before Easter. Billboard ranked the record the No. 22 song of 1970. It also climbed to number one on the UK, Australian and Canadian charts in 1970. Rolling Stone ranked "Spirit in the Sky" No. 333 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The song was featured on the 1969 album of the same name. Cover versions by Doctor and the Medics and Gareth Gates have also made the number 1 spot in the UK. 


Year:
2006
4:00
60 
#1

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When I die and they lay me to rest
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
Gonna go to the place that's the best

Prepare yourself you know it's a must
Gotta 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 lay you to rest
You're 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
Go to the place that's the best

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Norman Greenbaum

Norman Greenbaum (born November 20, 1942, Malden, Massachusetts, United States) is an American singer-songwriter. He is best known for writing and performing the song "Spirit in the Sky." more »

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Written by: Norman Greenbaum

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Creation
"Spirit in the Sky" was written and sung by Norman Greenbaum in 1969.
Inspirations
Norman Greenbaum was inspired to write the song after watching Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner on TV, even though he was Jewish, the song has clear Christian themes.
Popularity
The song was an international hit, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart
Unique Sound
Greenbaum used a Fender Telecaster guitar with a fuzz box built into the body to achieve the song's unique sound.
One-hit Wonder
Despite its huge success, Greenbaum didn't have any other hit songs making him a one-hit wonder.
Film Appearances
"Spirit in the Sky" has been featured in multiple films including "Apollo 13," "Ocean's Eleven," and "Guardians of the Galaxy."
Cover Versions
Over 60 artists have covered the song, including Elton John, Gareth Gates, and Bauhaus's Peter Murphy.
Death-Related Use
Because of its lyrics about death and the afterlife, it's often played at funerals or featured in films and television series about death.
Chart Success
The song took off after it was released, swiftly climbing to the top of the Billboard chart and eventually it sold 2 million copies.
Dynamic Lyrics
The song's lyrics about a man dying and being welcomed by Jesus in heaven are balanced by a catchy, upbeat melody.

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    Spirit in the Sky

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1970

    Billboard #3


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