WHAT IF GOD IS ONE OF US?

"What if God was one of us?

Have you ever ask this question? I guess I've never really ask the question until I heard a song recommended to me by a friend ages ago...I think could be 3 years back.

(What if God was) One of Us by Joan Osborne

It used to be one of my favourite songs on my playlist but after awhile, it somehow got kicked out of the list. But yesterday, while watching the latest season of American Idol, a contestant actually brought back the memories of this song and boy, the contestant actually did an even better interpretation of the song. His name is Jermaine Sellers. His rendition was beautiful and suddenly, I thought of this song...and now I'm reliving it... I guess not just the song but also the memory of how I got to know this friend who shared this tune with me. We barely knew each other last time when we first talked about music and now, he's kinda like part of the gang.

Anyway, on the surface, this is a beautiful song that is written about the question, "what if God is actually one of us?" Like I said, I never wonder myself. In some ways, I don't doubt the existence of God but I never really thought about what I'll ask or say if God is actually one of us.

If God had a name what would it be?
And would you call it to his face?
If you were faced with him
In all his glory
What would you ask if you had just one question?

*And yeah, yeah, God is great
Yeah, yeah, God is good
Yeah, yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah

CHORUS:
What if God was one of us?
Just a slob like one of us
Just a stranger on the bus
Trying to make his way home

But I guess if we delve deeper within the chorus, I'd interpret the lyrics a bit differently too. I guess it is just reminding us that perhaps that someone we look up to (here using 'God' metaphorically) is actually a normal human like us too. So, there's no need really to feel insecure or not good enough.

Besides I think the song is also about flaws, that everyone has flaws. I believe in Christianity, one is not allowed to say that God has flaws (I'm not Christian though so I'm on the fence on this), but, but, what if our God or Gods have their flaws, just like us? It'll be interesting too.

Different people have different interpretation of their own God. I mean, in Islam, Allah (can I use this word?) is God. In Buddhism and Taoism, we have multiple Chinese Gods haha (for example, I always picture the God Er Lang as the hot dude...ahem excuse my fascination with hot Gods) and then we also have the God of Prosperity, Sun WuKong (the Monkey God??) etc. etc.

So what I'm saying is, who we define God is so different, depending on our beliefs. I mean, for all that I know, one could think that their mother is God for so capable in life, for example.

Okay, in summary, I'm saying that again, God is who we define as our God and sometimes  it could also metaphorically be someone that we respect and have a great admiration for because of his/her abilities.

Therefore, I'm saying that this song subtly suggests that, you know, everyone has problems, has their weaknesses, flaws, good and bad...ups and downs, perhaps even God.

This pic was taken to present the meaning of what if God is one of them strangers...

If God had a face what would it look like?
And would you want to see
If seeing meant that
You would have to believe
in things like heaven and in Jesus and the saints
and all the prophets (*)

Second verse is interesting...

I think the words highlights that sometimes, faith in God is not really something visible.

Some people don't believe in God I guess because they don't see it, so perhaps if God had a face, we would believe. In the end, I'll interpret the lines as, you see God as you wish to see Him. And once you choose to see or feel, you are believing.

Personally, I choose to believe that God is greater and mightier than us but I do believe that being God is not easy. That is why, you know, in other words, God could be like one of us, though He might face different challenges.

Trying to make his way home
Back up to heaven all alone
Nobody calling on the phone
'cept for the Pope maybe in Rome(*)

Just trying to make his way home
Like a holy rolling stone
Back up to heaven all alone
Just trying to make his way home
Nobody calling on the phone
'cept for the Pope maybe in Rome

It's a brilliant song. I don't know if you agree with my personal interpretation of the song but whatever it is, I think this song is somehow really meaningfully written...

Enjoy.

I've 3 renditions here man!

Choose the best, but seriously, I kinda love them all....

Nothing can compare to the original itself for sure. This is Joan Osborne singing "One of Us".
Simple video, capturing just normal people and the 'what if God is one of us' theme basically.

Digby sounded good here, though she's just singing the song. But I like her accompanying her vocals with the piano. She no doubt has a beautiful voice that harmonizes the piano playing. It is definitely something different from the "folk-rock" kinda style employed in the original song by Joan Osborne herself.

With such a melodic voice & smooth R&B version, how can he not be through to the next round? Even Simon was impressed.

I could make this my RINGTONE man!~ 

It IS that AWESOME!

I agree when Kara said "Jermaine, I LOVE YOU!" Best voice so far...well, I think most memorable would be the word...

With Lotsa Lurve,

TammyC off to more Criminal Minds - Season 3 already!!!