Lady God God

LADY GOD GOD:
An in-depth analysis
of biblical references
in the world famous
pop star’s mega hits.
By Megan Chumbley, Caroline Waters, Connor Weimer, & Jessi Vaughn

The following presentation will analyze eight popular songs written
and/or performed by Lady Gaga, their biblical references, and what message
they convey to popular culture about the Bible. Each group member has
provided their own analysis on two songs. Included after each slide is the music
video for your listening enjoyment as well as to round out the analyses of Lady
Gaga’s messages. We hope you enjoy the connections that we have found!

Judas
Lady Gaga’s song Judas penned by Stefani Germanotta (Lady Gaga’s birth name) and Nadir Khayat makes many biblical
references and is a prime example of the Bible in pop culture. The first line in Lady Gaga’s song “Judas” that makes a biblical
reference, other than his name, is ‘When he comes to me I am ready / I’ll wash his feet with my hair if he needs’ (Germanotta, Khayat).
In the gospel of John, chapter thirteen describes Jesus washing his disciples feet before the Passover. Verse ten and eleven read,
“Jesus answered, ‘Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not
every one of you.’ 11 For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean” (John 13:10-11,
NIV). Jesus was demonstrating an unconditional forgiving love by washing Judas’ feet even though Jesus knew that Judas was going
to betray him. Lady Gaga parallels this with her lyrics “I’m in love with Judas” (Germanotta, Khayat). Another interpretation of the lyrics
“I’ll wash his feet with my hair if he needs” (Germanotta, Khayat) could suggest that Gaga is referencing Luke 37, when a sinful woman
wipes Jesus’ feet with her hair and poured perfume on them (Luke 37:38, NIV). Whichever story, Germanotta and Khayat were
intending to reference, there is a direct correlation to Biblical times as washing feet was an act of love and respect. Gordon Lynch
comments on cultural symbolism with his statement, “concepts, symbols, images, and stories communicated within the ‘market-place’
of electronic media play a growing role in shaping people’s personal identities and understanding of the wider world” (Lynch 54-55).
Even though Lynch is discussing symbols in an electronic context, his point is still valid for biblical times. Their symbols and traditions
shaped the way in which they viewed the world, and now through our modern interpretations,right or wrong, we electronically spread a
popular culturalized version of biblical symbols and traditions such as washing feet. The next biblical reference that stuck out to me
was, “Even prophets forgave his crooked way”, in which Jesus is the prophet that forgave Judas’ betrayal. Towards the end of the song
Gaga sings, “Jesus is my virtue / Judas is the demon I cling to” (Germanotta, Khayat). My interpretation of this line was that Gaga uses
Jesus to represent ‘pure life’ and Judas to represent worldly sinful life. It is a common struggle all followers of Christ struggle with: what
we know is right and the sin we continually fall into.

Electric Chapel
Electric Chapel is a very general religious referencing song--it seems to be a giant metaphor for church versus
secular culture and music. The song opens with the lyrics “my body is a sanctuary”, something that comes straight from the
Bible where we are told that our bodies are sanctuaries in 1st Corinthians: “You know that your body is a sanctuary of the
Holy Spirit who is in you whom you have received from God, don’t you? You are not of yourselves.”(1 Corinthians 6:19,
ISV). We can assume that she is using this terminology to make the connection between she and the Christian culture. In
the pre-chorus, she goes on to say, “follow me, don’t be such a holy fool”. The word “holy” is also a very biblical term, it
seems that she is telling listeners to stop trying to be perfect, or maybe even to stop trying to live by the holy standards set
in the Bible. This reminds me of our readings of Jezebel--how she supposedly abused her power and led people astray.
Gaga is a huge superstar and could definitely use her power to influence people however she wants (McEntire, Emerson,
49-51). But then as we keep listening, she says, “follow me, I need something more from you, it’s not about sex and
champagne you holy fool.” I think Lady GaGa is referencing how many Christians stay away from “secular” people because
they think they are bad and sinners, but she is saying she’s not trying to corrupt them, she wants a deeper more intimate
relationship. Next she tells listeners to “meet me in a safe place, in the electric chapel, confess to me where you have been,
next to the bar, pray for your sins under the glass disco ball.” This could be interpreted in that she considers music to be her
religion, and the “chapel” is where she plays electric (pop) music. She is even inviting someone who drinks alcohol to
“confess” (another biblical/religious concept) under a disco ball, so she seems to be saying to be free and dance and let that
free you rather than going to a real church or beating yourself up.

Black Jesus † Amen Fashion
Often referred to as one of Lady Gaga’s most offensive religiously themed songs, Black Jesus † Amen Fashion is
about Lady Gaga’s time spent in New York and her love for fashion. While the song clearly has many lines that have religious
affiliation such as, “Jesus is the new black” and the cross in the middle of the title, the song itself isn’t so much centered around
religion. Many assume that Lady Gaga is referring to God and religion as fashion in the sense that it goes in and out of style.
While that could be seen as true it is a whole other topic on its own, Gaga has stated that this song isn’t about religion being a
fad but rather, “Its about how putting on a new spirit is as easy as putting on fashion. Amen.” (@ladygaga, Twitter) This shows
the audience that Gaga is more referring to religion and spirituality as being things that shouldn’t be taken too seriously but
instead being things that one should be able to play and experiment with. This song shows that Gaga isn’t about traditional
religion and she thinks that religion should be an ever growing thing changed by the world around it. Much like what Lynch has
said before about religion morphing due to things in pop culture, much like this song, Lynch states that “contemporary religion is
shaped and changed by engaging with, or appropriating, resources that are used in wider contemporary culture” (Lynch, pg 23),
Gaga is all for creating songs and art that will push boundaries with not only religion but also popular culture. With this song
Gaga is saying that it is okay to reinvent one’s spirituality and experiment with religion, similar to trying on different outfits and
experimenting with new hair styles. Much like clothes, by trying on new “spirits” whether they are Godly ones or false prophets,
one can find their true self. In the Bible it states, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love
and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7, NIV) which is exactly what Gaga talks about most in this song, through trying on different
spirits, and clothing, she found how to be a brave young woman in New York City.

Americano
Americano was written in 2011 following the repeal of Proposition 8 in California. The song has Latin
influences, and references the homophobic culture of America, of which GaGa refuses to “speak the language” as the lyrics
say. She goes on to sing about loving a woman and insists that they marry. It is a revolution song that strongly references
homosexual culture. The biggest religious reference is when she says “I don’t speak your/won’t speak your Jesus Christo”.
We can infer from this that she means that the Bible claims homosexuality to be wrong, and the majority of our culture is
Christian (or at least American claims to be a God-loving and fearing country) following the rules of the Bible. “Or do you not
know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor
adulterers nor men who have sex with men.” (1 Corinthians 6:9, NIV) GaGa is refuting the idea that homosexuality is not
accepted and that Jesus Christ does not ordain it. The last line of the song says, “don’t you try to catch me, living on the
edge of law.” She refuses to live by the law set by the Bible (and parts of our country). “If a man has sexual relations with a
man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be
on their own heads.” (Leviticus 20:13, NIV) I have to wonder if perhaps the Bible is so against homosexuality because of its
view of women becoming trouble when they are too powerful. Maybe if two of them were put together some real damage
would occur. (McEntire, Emerson pg 52)

Bloody Mary
Bloody Mary is one of the songs that Lady Gaga has made clear is about religion. Much like in the Judas video
Lady Gaga is portraying an image of Mary Magdalene. Gaga herself has said that the song is about, “Mary being divine and
human at the same time, with a subtext (maybe it's not even a subtext) about the role of a woman who is supposed to be a
superstar and a real woman at the same time. Not life alteringly deep perhaps but it works as a pop song” (Lady Gaga,
PopJustice). This song shows that Mary is this divine human who still deals with real life human feelings. Gaga lets the
audience know through her lyrics that the human feeling is her love for Jesus. The song ends with, “Oh, liberaté mi amor”
which in Spanish means “oh, free my love.” Lady Gaga makes many references to the end of Jesus’s life during the song.
She speaks of Pontius judging his actions and even in one part of the song she says, “When Pontius comes to kill the king
upon his throne. I'm ready for their stones.” Stating that she would take a stoning for Jesus, stoning was very common in the
Bible and can be seen in many different chapters throughout the book including Leviticus 24:23 when it states, “Spoke to the
sons of Israel, and they brought the one who had cursed outside the camp and stoned him with stones.” Throughout the song
Mary also says she will love Jesus after he is dead. A very true statement of the Christian religion to this day not only because
Christians worship him but also because he would later rise from the dead. To top off the many Christian themes heard
throughout this song Gaga added a choir like background to the song giving listeners the automatic sense of a church choir,
only a little darker. With this song Lady Gaga can help with what Lynch calls an “ideological critique” (Lynch, pg 24) because
through this catchy pop song Gaga has created a view and opinion on Mary Magdalene and projected it out onto the public.

Born This Way
Born This Way, written by Lady Gaga and Jeppe Larsen, was also helped produced by Fernando Garibay and
DJ White Shadow. Released in 2011, the song was written while Lady Gaga was on the road with The Monster Ball Tour.
The song immediately became a huge hit, as it brought comfort to many of those who were struggling with their own
identity. There are direct references to God in this song, with lyrics like “there’s nothing wrong with loving who you are,
cause He made you perfect babe” and “I’m beautiful in my way, cause God makes no mistakes”. At the time this song was
released, there seemed to be a large population who felt like they were not fitting the mold of what others thought they
should be. In Genesis 1:27, the Bible says, “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male
and female He created them.” God created every individual in his own image, and in Born This Way Lady Gaga really does
a great job of reminding her listeners that just because they feel different or confused, they are not alone in their struggles.
Because everyone was made in the image of God, I thought Matthew 5:48 is important as it says “Therefore you are to be
perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” God is the essence of perfection, therefore since we are all made in his image,
we are perfect in our own sense. I was able to find in our book Raising Cain, Fleeing Egypt, and Fighting Philistines: The
Old Testament in Popular Culture, a great reference that is easily relatable to the struggling of one’s identity. On page 13,
the song Flood by Jars of Clay is discussed. The song gives the meaning of those that were on Noah’s ark (having faith in
God) safety while those that didn’t believe drown in their own unfaithfulness. The book says “One cannot help imagining the
desperation of these drowning people” (pg. 13), and I think that was the entire point of Lady Gaga’s song Born This Way.
There are people who feel like they are drowning in the world, and Born This Way is calling the viewers to lend a hand of
acceptance to help.

Poker Face
Poker Face is a song written and performed by Lady Gaga. Produced by RedOne, it was released on her debut album The Fame. This was one of Lady Gaga’s major hits
that launched her into fame. Although there are no direct references to God or Jesus in the song, the overall concept can very easily be related to multiple instances in the
Bible. The song references hiding one’s true emotions behind a mask. Everyone wears some type of mask and wants to show the world the best side of them possible. Some
very important lyrics to the song reads “Can’t read my, can’t read my, no he can’t read my poker face (she’s got me like nobody)”. The reference to a poker face corresponds
directly to that of wearing a mask. Lady Gaga was able to form much of her fame around equality for all, w.
hich is why she appealed to the homosexual community so immensely. A Poker Face is the face one would make when they are trying to hide something deeper, like
struggling with their sexuality. Although there were no references about the struggle with one’s sexuality in the Bible, I did find many instances where a poker face was used.
The entire story of the crucifixion of Jesus revolves around the concept of a poker face. Even as early as The Last Supper, we see how important a poker face can be when
Judas knows he will betray Jesus, yet still dines with and acts like his friend. After the betrayal, as Jesus stands before Pontius Pilate to hear his fate, Pilate asks the crowd if
a different prisoner, Barabbas, or Jesus should be released. “When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed
his hands before the multitude, saying, ‘I am innocent of the blood of this Person. You see to it’” (Matthew 27:24). This is a very powerful line and really describes the use of a
poker face. Although Pilate believed Jesus was innocent, he had to wear the mask of a ruler and adhere to the demands of his people. Another use of a poker face occurs
when Peter denies knowing Jesus 3 times. Peter knew that if he claimed to be a follower of Jesus in this dangerous scenario, he too would most likely be killed. Peter had to
wear a poker face to ensure he could keep his life. The last use of a poker face, and definitely the most predominant in the Bible, is in the actual crucifixion of Jesus. Jesus
knew what was to be done, and although he did not want to die, he knew it was his fate. Some overlook this, but the amount of pain brought to Jesus even before he was
nailed to the cross would have killed most. To start, Jesus was forced to wear a crown of thorns which dug deeply into his skull. While wearing the crown, he was stripped
naked and lashed with a whip full of bones. After the whipping, Jesus was forced to carry the cross to his final resting point. All the while, through all the pain he was
enduring, Jesus never cried out in hate. He kept a strong face, a poker face, showing the people watching that he was not scared. Even when Jesus was nailed to the cross
and hung there dying, he said to the Lord, “Forgive them father, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Although Jesus was in pain that would have killed most, he
kept a straight face and was able to show the people watching his death that with his faith in God, he was not scared of anything. Mentioned in our text Raising Cane, the
song Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen is discussed as a song that has many different meanings, including lyrics that can easily be applied to Jesus’ death when it says, “And
even though it all went wrong, I’ll stand before the Lord of Song, with nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah”. As Jesus reaches his final moments, without ever losing faith in
God or ever showing the people his pain, he praises God with one final hallelujah before he meets the creator in heaven

The Edge of Glory
Lady Gaga’s song The Edge of Glory written by Paul Edward Blair, Stefani Germanotta, and Fernando Garibay may
not reference the Bible as directly as the song ‘Judas’, however, there is still a biblical theme to the song. Towards the end
of the song Gaga sings, “It isn’t hell if everybody knows my name tonight” (Blair, Garibay, Germanotta). The writers pose a
very pointed comment on society’s obsession with fame. In modern American culture fame has the connotations of wealth,
access, comfort, and privilege in which to some may seem like ‘heaven’. By Gaga stating that it cannot be hell if everyone
knows her name, she defines her hell as being someone who is unknown. In Matthew 16:26 Jesus says, “What good will it
be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul” (May
16:26, NIV). Here, Jesus is explaining that fame will allow the entire world to know who you are, but it comes at a price. In
‘The Edge of Glory’ Gaga is rejecting Jesus’ idea of fame and hell as she does not believe the feeling she gets from fame
can be classified as the traditional feelings of hell. Gaga’s end goal is to stand in glory or to be glorified which is seen in the
bible as a level of respect reserved for the Lord. Gaga’s obsession with fame supports my disagreement with Gordon
Lynch’s idea that pop culture, high culture, and folk culture are all different but equal (Lynch 9). Our society definitely
desires ‘high culture’ over pop or folk culture.It’s popular culture’s desire to be in high culture that perpetuates the desire for
fame. I think ‘The Edge of Glory’ really speaks to popular culture’s view of ‘earthly heaven’ and complete disregard of the
real ramifications and consequences of hell.

References
‘Americano’ - Stefani Germanotta, DJ White Shadow, Cheche Alara: http://www.metrolyrics.com/americano-lyrics-lady-gaga.html;
http://genius.com/Lady-gaga-americano-lyrics
‘Black Jesus † Amen Fashion - Stefani Germanotta, Paul Blair, Paul Edward Blair:
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/ladygaga/blackjesusamenfashion.html
‘Bloody Mary’ - Stefani Germanotta, Clinton Sparks, William Grigahcine, Paul Blair, Paul Edward Blair, William Sami Grigahcine, Fernando
Garibay: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/ladygaga/bloodymary.html
‘Born This Way’ - Stefani Germanotta, Jeppe Larsen, Fernando Garibay, DJ White Shadow:
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/ladygaga/bornthisway.html
‘The Edge of Glory’ - Stefani Germanotta, Fernando Garibay, Paul Edward Blair: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/ladygaga/theedgeofglory.html
‘Electric Chapel’ - Stefani Germanotta, Paul Blair: http://www.metrolyrics.com/electric-chapel-lyrics-lady-gaga.html; http://genius.com/1260733
The Holy Bible - New International Version & International Standard Version
‘Judas’ - Stefani Germanotta, Nadir Khayat: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/ladygaga/judas.html
Lynch, Gordon. Understanding Theology and Popular Culture. Malden, MA: Blackwell Pub., 2005. Print.
McEntire, Mark Harold, and Joel Emerson. Raising Cain, Fleeing Egypt, and Fighting Philistines: The Old Testament in Popular Music. Macon,
GA: Smyth & Helwys Pub., 2006. Print.
‘Poker Face’ - Stefani Germanotta, RedOne: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/ladygaga/pokerface.html
Smith, Alexa. "Bloody Mary Lady Gaga." Popjustice RSS. Pop Justice, 2011. Web. 23 Apr. 2015.

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