I make a point of believing my eyes when all the big words let me down
The Simple Truth is just a tissue of lies but it’s the only game in town
I’ve got no use for a wing and a prayer - I got no sin, I got no soul
But when I’m juiced and there’s nobody there, that’s when some heads have got to roll
When the dark night comes and the phantoms walk
Then I wish I believed in Marvin’s God
When the black dog barks and the tigers stalk
Then I wish I believed in Marvin’s God – Marvin’s God
I sung my song by that hole in the ground where we laid our friend to rest
I kicked the priest as the rain came down - it’s such an ugly fucking mess
I do believe there’s an infinite line between the cradle and the grave
And every life is just a flicker in time making shadows in the cave
When the White Whale blows and the Police knock
Then I wish I believed in Marvin’s God
When the vinyl warps and the needle hops
Then I wish I believed in Marvin...
Yeah, yeah, yeah! - When all the good things come to a bitter end
Yeah, yeah, yeah! - When all the bad things seem to last forever...
When the dark night comes and the phantoms walk
Then I wish I believed in Marvin’s God
When the black dog barks and the tigers stalk
Then I wish I believed in Marvin...
When the White Whale blows and the Police knock
Then I wish I believed in Marvin’s God
When the vinyl warps and the needle hops
Then I wish I believed in Marvin’s God
I am not remotely convinced by any of the conflicting fairy stories world religions use to scare or seduce us into funding their virus-like existence. However, one of the finest albums ever recorded is Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On?" where Marvin frequently refers to his faith in a benevolent God. It is a lovely idea and always reduces me to floods of tears when I hear songs like "Save the Children" and "Mercy Mercy Me". It's a shame I can't believe this kid of thing when it inspires such high art.