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Song of the Week: Can’t Get to Heaven
04/25/2025
Song of the Week: Can’t Get to Heaven
This episode dives into the story behind Can’t Get to Heaven—a song that started with just a chorus and two chords and evolved into something much more. Inspired by a Bob Dylan documentary and a lyric that seemingly channeled itself, the song took shape over time, drawing from unexpected influences like Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire for the bassline. I’ll share my journey of trying to find the right organ player to match the song’s spiritual undertones—only to end up using my own demo track, imperfections and all, because it had the right vibe. We’ll talk about the human feel of music, the power of happy accidents, and why sometimes, less polish is more. From home-recorded vocals (with some unexpected spit on the microphone) to leaving in guitar feedback noise, à la Hendrix, this track is a raw, honest piece of work. Tune in to hear the full story, behind-the-scenes moments, and bits of the song itself. SHOW NOTES Lyrics & Song Stories On Amazon: Daniel Isle SkyWebsite: Listen on: Spotify: Pandora: Apple Music: YouTube: Can’t Get to Heaven © 2014 by Daniel Isle Sky God’s building a heaven, how do you get in Send me your money, your time and your sins I’ll send them to God he’s been wait'n for them ‘Cause you can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned Tell me brother, where have you been Out drinking and smoking and not listening To mother and father and teacher and school Can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned You can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned Father they killed me what have I done Son don’t you know that’s how the west was won Some people die so others see me You can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned Tell me sister, where have you been Out kissing and flirting and not listening To mother and father and teacher and school Can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned Can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned If you woke up and spoke up you’re not such a fool Try teaching Sunday school God’s building a heaven But you can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned Tell me mother where have you been Out shopping on credit and not listening To father and preacher I’m nobody’s fool You can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned You can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned Tell me brother where have you been Out drinking and smoking and not listening Now tell me sister, where have you been Out kissing and flirting, I think I’m winning You can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned Can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned Can’t get to Heaven Unless you have sinned
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