Being a queer person of faith means different things to different folks. Although these identities might be seemingly opposing, the number of LGBTQ+ folks who follow and believe in religion is significant. Living with these identities might get extremely difficult when society wants us to fit ourselves into concrete labelled boxes. You are not alone in this struggle. Here are some songs that might speak to you.
1. "Fire on Fire" by Sam Smith
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In this song, Sam Smith sings of the potentially dangerous yet incredibly strong emotional connection they experience with their partner.
Lyrics in the song that are truly the most relatable:
"They say that we're out of control and some say we're sinners / But don't let them ruin our beautiful rhythms"
2. "Take Me to Church" by Hozier
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This song is about church-fueled homophobia and persecution of queer people.
Lyrics in the song that are truly the most relatable:
"No masters or kings when the ritual begins / There is no sweeter innocence than our gentle sin / In the madness and soil of that sad earthly scene"
3. "Heaven" by Troye Sivan (ft. Betty Who)
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The song talks about the feeling of having to change an integral part of oneself to get to heaven.
Lyrics in the song that are truly the most relatable:
"Without losing a piece of me / How do I get to heaven? / Without changing a part of me / How do I get to heaven?"
4. "HIM" by Sam Smith
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The song deals with the conflict of one's queerness and one's religious upbringing.
Lyrics in the song that are truly the most relatable:
"Holy Father, we need to talk / I have a secret that I can't keep / I'm not the boy that you thought you wanted / Please don't get angry, have faith in me"
5. "I Want to Break Free" by Queen
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This iconic anthem sings of personal liberation.
Lyrics in the song that are truly the most relatable:
"I've got to break free / God knows; God knows I want to break free"
6. "Pray" by Sam Smith
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The song is a celebration of the singer's personal relationship with God.
Lyrics in the song that are truly the most relatable:
"I'm not a saint, I'm more of a sinner / I don't wanna lose, but I fear for the winners"
7. "God Is" by The Outer Banks
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This is another underrated song that captures the conflict between one’s queerness and relationship with God.
Lyrics in the song that are truly the most relatable:
"God was never angry / God was not against me / God was never far away / God is not disappointed”
8. "Tethered" by She/They
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This song talks about the internal conflict of growing up in a religious setting as a queer person.
Lyrics in the song that are truly the most relatable:
"Though this world does not like change / And this storm may throw your faith / I have still loved you the same / They do not speak for me"
9. "The Queer Gospel" by Erin McKeown
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This song is a response to the ongoing trend of "religious freedom" legislation being passed by some US states.
Lyrics in the song that are truly the most relatable:
"But we put the sin in sincere / We put the do in the doubt / God is perfectly clear / We are perfectly out"
10. "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga
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This song is a proud celebration of one’s varying identities.
Lyrics in the song that are truly the most relatable:
"I'm beautiful in my way 'cause God makes no mistakes / I'm on the right track, baby, I was born this way"
11. "Pride" by Grace Petrie
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This song is a Pride anthem.
Lyrics in the song that are truly the most relatable:
"And if everything that I'm made of / Was fashioned by your God above / It was Him that gave this kind of love to me"
12. "Bless This Hell" by Mary Lambert
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This song talks about the singer’s inner turmoil.
Lyrics in the song that are truly the most relatable:
"How could I deserve this good? / Maybe I could be good / How could I deserve this good? / Maybe I could be good"
13. "Rainbow" by Kesha
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This song is a reminder that the artist and the audience can get through anything.
Lyrics in the song that are truly the most relatable:
"I've found a rainbow, rainbow, baby / Trust me, I know, life is scary / But just put those colours on, girl / Come and play along with me tonight"
14. "Hallelujah" by Brandi Carlile
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This song talks about suffering, longing, doubt, repentance, and love.
Lyrics in the song that are truly the most relatable:
"Maybe there is a God above / But all I've ever learned from love / Was how to shoot somebody who outdrew ya / And it's not a cry that you hear at night / It's not somebody who's seen the light / It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah"
15. "Pray It Away" by Alex G
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This song talks about love, trust, and disbelief.
Lyrics in the song that are truly the most relatable:
"Are you making / Space for my saving? / Or am I breaking? / Should I pray it away / Pray it away?"
16. "Promised Land" by Semler
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This song talks about navigating queerness in a Christian setting.
Lyrics in the song that are truly the most relatable:
"Well I don't know who you think I am / But I belong in the Promised Land / I don't know who you think I am / But I'll be ready at the Father's hand"
17. "The Village" by Wrabel
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This song talks about the questioning queer folks have to go through.
Lyrics in the song that are truly the most relatable:
"They say, 'Don't dare, don't you even go there / Cutting off your long hair / You do as you're told' / Tell you, wake up, go put on your makeup / This is just a phase you're gonna outgrow"
18. "Faith" by Jaime Anderson
Just as the title indicates, the song talks about faith in oneself and God.
Lyrics in the song that are truly the most relatable:
"Did you think to yourself Peace begins with me"
And lastly...
19. "Count The Cost" by Kylie Marble
This song is a prayer to God.
Lyrics in the song that are truly the most relatable:
"God give me the strength to give it away / The courage to get what the world cannot say”