Do you know any evangelical atheists? I’ve known a few. They preach science and logic with the same fervor as a bible thumper raving on a street corner. They’ll swat at the car radio dial like it’s on fire if scan accidentally lands on a worship station. They see any kind of faith as delusion or weakness.
I usually identify as agnostic or existentialist. I’ve had too many run ins with magic to not believe in something. A few weeks ago I caught myself saying “atheist” in a tone like an insult. In the moment I laughed but I did think about it more, and I realized that atheists need love too. So I wrote this flirty little pop song for them, along with what may be my favorite bridge.
Synths and drum machines seemed only right for a song about a science-minded sage. I wanted the chorus to feel like looking inside a fancy gaming computer, rainbow LED lights and fans whirring productively. I have a few tweaks I want to make to the lyrics, and transitions to flesh out. I don’t know what home this song will find in the future but it means a hell of a lot to me, and it’s been neat to see people’s reactions and reflections to the song sketch. I try not to judge my creations but this might be a special one. KM
Atheist
You like to be a teacher
Lecture me on everything you’ve read
Gold dust on your glasses
Cynicism on your breath
Yeah, knowledge is power
And there’s a ghost in your machine
Buried under grey matter
Rising up in your dreams
If you can meet me at the altar
I’ll bring a different kind of cross
Tell all your doubts to get lost
Hey, hey atheist
You gotta see it to believe it
You’ve got a rational mind
You say that all the time
And it’s been keeping you blind
Atheist
I know you’re dying for something to worship
To make your life complete
So get on your knees
I’ll let you worship me
I could never be a preacher
Holy men have told a lot of lies
Don’t know much about heaven
And there’s embers in my eyes
But you can meet me at the altar
I’ll bring a different kind of cross
Tell all your doubts to get lost
Hey, hey atheist
You gotta see it to believe it
You’ve got a rational mind
You say that all the time
And it’s been keeping you blind
Atheist
I know you’re dying for something to worship
To make your life complete
So get on your knees
I’ll let you worship me
What deserves our faith anymore?
Scriptures brought us only war
Science is too cold and bored
What deserves our faith anymore?
Love is the last god we’re praying for
Hey atheist
You gotta see it to believe it
You’ve got a rational mind
You say that all the time
And it’s been keeping you blind
Atheist
I know you’re dying for something to worship
To make your life complete
So get on your knees
I’ll let you worship me
What deserves our faith anymore?
Love is the last god we’re praying for