80 Best Songs About Heaven (Country, Christian, and More)

Whether you believe that an afterlife is a physical place, a concept, or you don’t believe in it at all, we have all heard of Heaven. Many famous songs about heaven have been written over the years, and below we’ll be sharing many of the best ones with you.

Songs About Heaven

Some people believe that if they live a good life, they will be rewarded with a place in heaven amongst their loved ones. Others believe that you can experience Heaven right here on Earth. Still, others say that we are simply energy that transfers from one form to another, with no end in sight. Many of the world’s faiths also have conflicting opinions on the afterlife. However, whatever your faith leads you to believe, there is no doubt that an artist has written a song about it. Here is a great list of songs for you to enjoy and ponder from across all music genres.

Table of Contents

1. When I Get Where I’m Going by Brad Paisley (Featuring Dolly Parton)

Genre Country
Year Released 2005
Album Time Well Wasted

Some people sing about experiencing Heaven on Earth, while others sing about actually getting to Heaven and experiencing all of the joy they have always dreamed about. This song by Brad Paisley deals with the latter, and the song is uplifted by the heavenly voice of Dolly Parton as well. As you might imagine, this is a mid-tempo song about looking forward to the reward they’ve been promised in heaven when it’s their time to go. They reassure us that there is no need to cry anything but happy tears for them because they will finally be in their paradise.

2. I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe

Genre Gospel, Christian Rock
Year Released 1999
Album The Worship Project

One thing that I’ve noticed is that people who get through tough times generally rely on their faith to help them through whatever they’re going through at the time. The promise of getting to have eternal glory with your God can be exhilarating, and it is something that many people move forward to, especially the group “MercyMe” on their simple, acoustic guitar and piano-driven tribute to being by Jesus’s side in Heaven, titled “I Can Only Imagine.” I enjoy how lead vocalist Bart Millard’s voice simultaneously complements and contrasts with the music. It’s a little rougher and more heartfelt in the chorus.

3. Heaven by Jake Owen

Genre Country
Year Released 2011
Album Barefoot Blue Jean Night

Some people will tell you that their idea of Heaven is dying and going to the afterlife to be with their loved ones, While others will tell you that there are more Heavenly things that you can experience right here on Earth. Jake Owen addresses the latter in his seemingly sweet ballad “Heaven.” That is until you read between the lines and figure out what the song’s about. When asked, Owen said, “I’m going to take you to heaven euphorically. I’m going to take you there and make you feel good. It’s kind of a cocky song coming from a man’s perspective.” This is, without a doubt, one of my favorite country songs about Heaven.

4. Hymn Of Heaven by Phil Wickham

Genre Christian
Year Released 2021
Album Hymn Of Heaven

Hailing from San Diego, California, Phil Wickham reassures fans of Christian music everywhere that he is here to stay with his beautiful ballad “Hymn Of Heaven” from his most recent record of the same name. I want to start this off by saying that Wickham has a voice that suits gospel and contemporary Christian music perfectly. It sounds whole and pure, just like the lyrics he is singing. This track gives praise to God throughout the entire song, but it particularly focuses on a time when we will all be in heaven and no longer have to endure the pains of Earth.

5. There Will Be A Day by Jeremy Camp

Genre Contemporary Christian
Year Released 2008
Album Speaking Louder Than Before

No matter what or whom you believe in, or if you believe in anything at all, we are all going to have trials and tribulations in our respective lives that are going to test us. There’s no way around them, and we won’t be able to avoid them. We can only look forward to the day when we are all rejoicing in Heaven with no more pain here on Earth. That’s the message contained within Jeremy Camp’s single “There Will Be A Day.” The track was inspired by the Biblical scriptures Revelation 21:4 and Romans 8:18. This is without a doubt one of those songs with deep meaning.

6. Majesty of Heaven (Acoustic Version) by Chris Tomlin

Genre Christian
Year Released 2010
Album And If Our God Is for Us…

Some people make music for the sake of nothing but praising and giving thanks to God. Chris Tomlin is one of those artists, and this is on full display in his beautiful track “Majesty of Heaven (Acoustic Version),” which is from his 2010 release “And If Our God Is for Us.” It’s fairly obvious that Chris Tomlin is very happy in his faith and loves God because this song is one big praise-fest giving thanks to the Lord for anything and everything he has done. He is taking the right step toward heaven by putting God first.

7. If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away by Justin Moore

Genre Country
Year Released 2011
Album Outlaws Like Me

We are all going to lose someone we love at some point in our lives. Unfortunately, it comes with the territory. There are things that we are going to do daily that remind us of those we love, such as driving past the spot where we used to spend time with our loved ones. That’s what country music singer Justin Moore is referring to in his heartwarming and touching song “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” which is about wishing that he could take a trip to Heaven to visit all of his loved ones and take his family to meet them.

8. Outskirts Of Heaven by Warren Zeiders (Featuring Craig Campbell)

Genre Country
Year Released 2011
Album Acoustic Covers

For some people, a simple life is the only way to go. Some will tell you that when you die, the bible promises you a mansion in Heaven. However, that’s not what most people want. That includes Warren Zeiders and Craig Campbell, who put together this beautiful simplistic song about wanting to live on the outskirts of Heaven on a farm with acreage instead of in a mansion. Backed only by the strumming of an acoustic guitar, Warren Zeiders’ voice is perfect for the message that he is choosing to convey with this simple but powerful track.

9. Heaven by Jason Aldean

Genre Country
Year Released 2021
Album MACON

I’ll be the first to admit that I am not Jason Aldean’s biggest fan, but I have to give him some respect. After all, I think that he deserves some props. The country singer has dominated the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts with 36 top ten hits, including nine number-one singles. He also knocked it out of the park with his cover of the Bryan Adams classic “Heaven.” This song was tailor-made for a country version, and this track is proof that a classic song can cross multiple genres and still be a classic. Aldean just breathed new life into it.

10. Heaven by 3 Doors Down

Genre Alternative Rock, Rock
Year Released 2011
Album Time Of My Life

One of the hardest lessons that life will ever teach you is that sometimes you are going to mess up, and it’s not always going to be easy. When asked about the meaning of the song “Heaven,” 3 Doors Down lead vocalist Brad Arnold said, “The song talks about realizing that you’ve done wrong and getting back to where you should be… It’s also looking back with regret about taking so long to realize those things.” He went on to say that there are many themes in life that this can apply to. It’s a one-size-fits-all song for solving your problems. This is a powerful song about overcoming and getting back on track to the life you know you should have.

11. Heaven by Warrant

Genre Hair Metal, Glam Rock
Year Released 1989
Album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich

Lead singer Jani Lane and drummer Steven Sweet were originally in a band together called Plain Jane in 1986 before joining Warrant two days after their former band split up. Sadly, the band Only released three albums together before Jani Lane passed away from acute alcohol poisoning. However, the band managed to sell over 10 million albums worldwide, including their double-platinum debut album “Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.” Their rock ballad “Heaven” was the most successful song of their career and is about being in love with someone and feeling like you are in Heaven, despite what others may say.

12. I Wonder If Heaven Got a Ghetto by Tupac Shakur

Genre Rap, Hip-Hop
Year Released 1997
Album R U Still Down (Remember Me)?

Released as a B-side to Tupac’s single “Keep Ya Head Up,” this track was also included in the 1997 posthumous album “R U Still Down (Remember Me),” although the title was borrowed from the lyrics to a Spice 1 song called “Welcome to the Ghetto.” In this track, the rapper wonders that with all of the racial injustices and atrocities committed all over the world, does Heaven have a ghetto? I guess that’s his way of wondering if Kevin is fair and just, if there is racial equality in the afterlife, or if it’s segregated like it is here on Earth.

13. Scars In Heaven by Casting Crowns

Genre Christian Rock
Year Released 2022
Album Healer

Headed by lead vocalist and youth pastor Mark Hall, Casting Crowns has been active since 1999 and is one of the most popular bands on the Christian music scene today. The band has now surpassed a whopping 10 million albums sold in the United States, which are impressive number for a contemporary Christian rock band. The band’s newest single is called “Scars In Heaven,” and it is from their latest album, “Healer.” What I like most about this song is that it is a slow burner, yet it remains incredibly powerful, which makes the message Hall is singing more relatable.

14. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin

Genre Hard Rock, Classic Rock
Year Released 1971
Album Led Zeppelin IV

“Stairway to Heaven” is one of the most scrutinized, analyzed, and interpreted songs in all of music history. Depending on who you ask, this song can be about anything ranging from wizards and goblins to a statement about commercialism. Although I don’t claim to be an expert, what I will say is that I believe that this track is one of the greatest songs in the history of rock music, and it is about how you can’t buy your way into Heaven. It doesn’t matter how much money you have, the afterlife is reserved for those who have lived a good life.

15. Holes In The Floor Of Heaven by Steve Wariner

Genre Country
Year Released 1998
Album Burnin’ the Roadhouse Down

Eight years old is an incredibly young age for a child to have to cope with the loss of a loved one, especially when it’s the day before your birthday when you lose your grandmother. Now that I’ve broken your heart with that scenario, that’s how Steve Wariner’s track “Holes In The Floor Of Heaven” opens. To comfort him, his mother tells him that there are Holes In The Floor Of Heaven where his loved ones can look in on him. To make things worse, he loses his wife later on, and this is how he copes with missing her.

16. Heaven Nor Hell by Volbeat

Genre Alternative Metal
Year Released 2010
Album Beyond Hell/Above Heaven

Formed in Copenhagen in 2001, Volbeat is a Danish hard rock band that is still actively touring today. The band saw some success in the early 2000s, when they had three top ten hits on the Billboard Rock & Alternative Airplay charts, including the single “Heaven Nor Hell.” While this is a simple song with a basic chord structure, I have always liked it. Featured on the band’s album “Beyond Hell/Above Heaven.” The song is about a man who makes a deal with the devil, selling his soul. However, the man steals his soul back from the devil and goes into debt with him.

17. Heaven & Hell by Kendrick Lamar (Featuring Alori Joh)

Genre Rap, Hip-Hop
Year Released 2010
Album Overly Dedicated

Born in Compton, California in 1971, Kendrick Lamar Duckworth has risen to the ranks of hip-hop to become one of the most respected rappers in the game today. One of the primary reasons why Lamar is so respected and loved is because of his unique flow and wordplay. This Talent is on Full display on the track “Heaven & Hell,” which was from his fourth mixtape, “Overly Dedicated.” The first half of the song depicts what Kendrick thinks Hell on Earth is like with all of the evil in the world, while the second half addresses what the rapper thinks Heaven will be like.

18. Heaven’s Gate by Fall Out Boy

Genre Pop Punk
Year Released 2018
Album Mania

You have to give it to Fall Out Boy. When they aim to make an impression, they make an impression. This is one of the catchiest songs on this entire list. It starts almost with a 1950s doo-wop feel, but then slowly gets heavier as it builds towards the chorus, crashing back down to the doo-wop sound in the verses. I have read several interpretations of this song. However, the one I like the most is that the narrator has lost the one he loves and he is begging to get into heaven to be with her again.

19. Heaven Right Now by Thomas Rhett

Genre Country
Year Released 2021
Album Country Again (Side A / Big Machine Radio Release Special)

When someone you love passes away, if you’re anything like most people, you catch yourself talking to them from time to time, wondering if they can hear you. If you can relate to this, then you can relate to Thomas Rhett’s sweet and sentimental track “Heaven Right Now.” Rhett has lost someone who meant a great deal to him, and throughout the song, he is having a conversation with this person. He’s telling them about the things that have changed, as well as the things that haven’t. Then, he says that he’s wondering what they are doing in Heaven right now.

20. Heaven by Jay-Z

Genre Rap, Hip-Hop
Year Released 2013
Album Magna Carta Holy Grail

Shawn Corey Carter, known better by his rap moniker Jay-Z, sits atop most of his peers’ and critics’ lists of the greatest rappers of all time. In 2013, Carter released an album called “Magna Carta Holy Grail” that was originally only available as a promotion to Samsung customers. That album featured the track “Heaven,” in the song, Jay Z contemplates the uncertainties of Heaven and Hell. Jay-Z told producer Rick Rubin, “It’s just not my belief that a just God would make you burn for eternity for free will that he gave you.” He believes we are experiencing Hell on Earth.

21. Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door by Guns N’ Roses

Genre Hard Rock
Year Released 1991
Album Use Your Illusion II

There are not many cover songs that I like better than the original version, but Guns N’ Roses’ cover of Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” falls squarely in that category. Originally written by Bob Dylan for the film, Pat Garrett And Billy The Kid, this song is told from the perspective of a dying sheriff. Although Guns N’ Roses had been performing the song live before including it on “Use Your Illusion II,” the song took on a whole new meaning when they performed it for a tribute concert for Queen lead vocalist Freddie Mercury at London’s Wembley Stadium.

22. Heaven by Beyoncé

Genre R&B, Soul
Year Released 2013
Album Beyoncé

In 2013, Beyoncé released her fifth studio album, simply titled “Beyoncé.” Featured on that album is the beautiful, piano driven-ballot “Heaven,” which is a track about mourning someone who you loved, but had to lose earlier than expected. The Queen Bee showcases her vocal talent on this song perhaps more than any song I’ve heard by her. This is because she has so much emotion and so many feelings tied up into the song that she can’t help sounding heartbroken and distraught when she sings it. The song is believed to be about a miscarriage Beyoncé had before giving birth to Blue Ivy.

23. Can Heaven Wait by Luther Vandross

Genre R&B, Soul
Year Released 2001
Album Luther Vandross

I have always thought that Luther Vandross had one of the sweetest and most Soulful voices not only in R&B and soul but across every genre of music. He has a way of conveying a message in his songs that makes you feel them down in your soul. A perfect example of this can be heard on his track “Heaven Can Wait,” which is from his self-titled twelfth studio album. The song addresses the myriad of complicated and heartwrenching emotions we go through when we realize that we are losing a loved one, including bargaining for more time with them.

24. When We All Get To Heaven by Alan Jackson

Genre Country, Christian
Year Released 2006
Album Precious Memories

Even if you aren’t familiar with the country music genre, you probably know the name, Alan Jackson. He has had an unbelievable 51 top-ten hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, with a whopping 26 of them reaching the top spot on the charts. For his 12th Studio album, Jackson decided to do something a little different and release his first gospel album called “Precious Memories,” which features cover versions of his favorite Gospel tunes. One of these was “When We All Get To Heaven,” which is a joyous and uplifting song about what he thinks the afterlife will be like.

25. Telephone In Heaven by Kelly Ray

Genre Country
Year Released 2006
Album From the Heart of Kelly Ray

If you are anything like most of us, you have lost a loved one at some point in your life. Don’t you wish that there was a way that you can speak to them one more time, or even regularly? That’s the gist behind Kelly Ray’s single “Telephone In Heaven.” When asked what inspired this sentimental song, Kelly Ray replied, “I’ve just always wished we could talk to people that we love even after they are gone, and I had a dream I was on the telephone with my Dad, so I thank him for this one. Thanks, Dad.”

26. Heaven and Hell by Black Sabbath

Genre Heavy Metal
Year Released 1980
Album Heaven and Hell

If you are going to follow one of the most prolific eras in a band’s history, then you might as well go big or go home. That’s what Black Sabbath did when they followed the Ozzy Osbourne lead era of the band by hiring one of the most renowned singers in the history of heavy metal, Ronnie James Dio. This was the title track from the first of three albums that Sabbath recorded with Dio and is about the choice that people have to make between doing good and doing evil. It also became one of Ronnie’s favorite tracks to perform live.

27. Everyone Wants To Go To Heaven by Kenny Chesney (Featuring The Wailers)

Genre Country
Year Released 2008
Album Lucky Old Sun

Tennessee’s own Kenneth Arnold Chesney has been known to dabble in musical genres, combining country with reggae to create an unusual, fun, and distinctive sound that is unmistakably Kenny Chesney. In “Everyone Wants To Go To Heaven,” the singer teams up with Bob Marley’s former band The Wailers to create this bouncy tune about wanting to go to that magical place in the sky, but not being quite ready to go there now. It’s a light-hearted tune with an island feel that takes a camera slug at wanting to live your life to the fullest while you still can.

28. Heaven Gates by JayDaYoungan

Genre Rap, Hip-Hop
Year Released 2022
Album All is Well

Although I have to admit that I am not the world’s biggest fan of Auto-Tune, I will say that I like the beat and the emotions behind the track “Heaven’s Gates,” which is found on JayDaYoungan’s EP, “All is Well.” However, the lyrics leave something to be desired. The track is a call to Arms for anyone willing to test the rapper. He claims that if you are ready to meet with him, then you are ready to meet Heaven’s Gates. Honestly, there’s nothing else to this song except JayDaYoungan and the rest of his crew getting revenge for someone that they lost.

29. Threaten Me With Heaven by Vince Gill

Genre Country
Year Released 2011
Album Guitar Slinger

Vince Gill has one of the purest voices in country music, and I’ll happily debate that with anybody. He has had one of the most enduring careers in the genre and has been happily married to gospel singer Amy Grant for 22 years. Surprisingly, it was Amy’s ex-father-in-law who inspired the first single from Vince’s album “Guitar Slinger,” called “Threaten Me With Heaven.” The man had received some bad news from his doctor and responded in a rather uncanny way. He asked the doctor, “Well, what are they going to do? Threaten me with heaven?” Sadly, he took his own life a few years later.

30. How Beautiful Heaven Must Be by George Jones

Genre Country
Year Released 1965
Album Old Brush Arbors

Although George Jones is widely considered to be the undisputed King of Country Music, the Possum has also been known to record a gospel tune now and then. One of those gospel tracks was the Beautiful, slide guitar-driven song “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be,” which was from his gospel album “Old Brush Arbors.” The song speaks to the beauty of Heaven, as promised by God as a Haven for the weekend weary, and a place where people are happy and free. Sadly, George Jones passed away in 2013. However, he’s probably in Heaven now, experiencing all of this firsthand.

31. Goodbye by DMX

Genre Rap, Hip-Hop
Year Released 2006
Album Year of the Dog… Again

Earl Simmons, better known by his stage name DMX, has one of the most unique and distinctive voices in hip-hop. His gravelly growl is unmistakable, and always enhances the delivery of his usually powerful lyrics. Although DMX was known to struggle with his demons, he was also a deeply spiritual man. His spirituality and his powerful lyrics were evident on his track “Goodbye” which was featured on his album “Year of the Dog… Again.” Gladly, the song turned out to be prophetic because we lost Simmons in 2021 from a cocaine overdose. May he rest in heavenly peace.

32. Streets Of Heaven by Sherrie Austin

Genre Country
Year Released 2003
Album Streets of Heaven

“Streets Of Heaven” will tug at your heartstrings and make your eyes water. This is one of the saddest songs I have ever heard in my life. Sherrie Austin sings about her daughter, who is terminally ill and in the hospital. Late at night when everyone’s asleep, she begs God to let her daughter live a little longer because she’s not ready to part with her. The little girl is barely seven years old and her mother says that she’s much too young to go to Heaven. By the end of the song, her mother agrees to part with her and let God care for her.

33. Heaven Is Closed by Willie Nelson

Genre Country
Year Released 2018
Album Last Man Standing

Known as one of the pioneers of the outlaw country movement, Willie Nelson has been making music since 1956, it is still going strong at 90 years old. In 2018, the Red-Headed Stranger released his 67th solo album called “Last Man Standing.” That album featured the country-fried single “Heaven Is Closed,” which is about as typical of a Willie Nelson song as we’re ever going to get. In the song, Nelson pontificates about whether Heaven and Hell are the same. I don’t think that he comes up with a solution, because he says he’s content to stay where he is.

34. Say Hello 2 Heaven by Temple Of The Dog

Genre Grunge
Year Released 1991
Album Temple Of the Dog

For my money, Temple of the Dog is the greatest supergroup ever formed, and “Say Hello 2 Heaven” was a perfect way for them to close out their only album. Formed as a way for members of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam to pay tribute to former Mother Love Bone and Malfunkshun lead vocalist Andrew Wood, Temple of the Dog lead vocalist Chris Cornell tugs at the heartstrings as he belts out this ballad for his best friend who died in 1990 of a heroin overdose. This was also the only song on the album written entirely by Cornell.

35. Heaven’s EP by J Cole

Genre Rap, Hip-Hop
Year Released 2021
Album Heaven’s EP

There’s a reason why J Cole sits at or near the top of many of his peers’ list of the greatest rappers alive. Nobody can ever doubt that his lyrics are intellectually on another level, and that intellectual Talent is on Full display in the title track to “Heaven’s EP.” In this song, the rapper finds himself wondering if he has let success go to his head and has allowed him to stagnate, or if he should use his success to try harder to stay on top. He also talks about how people from his area are more likely to go to jail than to college.

36. Heaven Can Wait by Michael Jackson

Genre Pop
Year Released 2001
Album Invincible

We have had a lot of bold claims on this list, and it’s time to make another. Without a doubt, Michael Jackson always has been (and always will be) the Undisputed King of Pop. Making his professional debut at the age of six years old with The Jackson 5 and recording until his death at the age of 50, Michael Jackson has sold over 300 million albums and singles worldwide. Nevertheless, one of his songs that remains a mystery is the track “Heaven Can Wait” from his album “Invincible.” The song is about not wanting to leave his lover’s side, even to go to Heaven.

37. Lake Of Fire by Nirvana

Genre Grunge, Rock
Year Released 1994
Album MTV Unplugged in New York

Originally released by the Meat Puppets in 1984, this song was also covered by Nirvana on their famous “MTV Unplugged in New York” album in 1994. While most people who knew anything about Kurt Cobain knew that he was a huge Meat Puppets fan, nobody would have expected the band to cover this track, which serves as a metaphor for hell. However, Curt Kirkwood doesn’t even remember writing the tune, as he says he doesn’t remember writing most songs. Nirvana was joined by Curt and Cris Kirkwood of Meat Puppets when they performed three covers from the band for their unplugged set. This is one of my favorite songs that includes many metaphors.

38. Heaven For Everyone by Queen

Genre Hard Rock, Classic Rock
Year Released 1995
Album Made In Heaven

Freddie Mercury, who was the amazingly talented lead vocalist for Queen who died due to complications from the AIDS virus in 1991, had a unique vision of what he thought the world should be like. You could say that it was very similar to John Lennon’s vision of world peace in “Imagine.” At least, that’s the vibe I get from this track that was released on the posthumous album “Made In Heaven,” which was the last instance of recorded material with Freddie Mercury. Song speaks of a concept in which everyone is fed, and everyone has fun, which is Heaven for everyone.

39. Live on Forever by The Afters

Genre Christian, Electro-Christian Rock
Year Released 2016
Album God’s Not Dead 2 (Music from and inspired by the Original Motion Picture)

This song takes the title for the most refreshing, unusual, and different song that I’ve heard in the entire Christian genre while researching this list. I like this song because it has a Cutting Crew meets Nine Inch Nails meets Imagine Dragons type sound, with just a splash of Twenty-One Pilots thrown in for good measure. In “Live on Forever,” the lead vocalist sounds a lot like Dan Reynolds from Imagine Dragons. As far as the message of the song is concerned, the band is saying that because of eternal life in Heaven, we will all continue to live on forever. This is, without a doubt, one of those songs that will make you cry. If you’re looking for Christian songs about heaven, this is one I highly recommend adding to your playlist.

40. One Day (When We All Get To Heaven) (Acoustic Version) by Matt Redman

Genre Christian
Year Released 2017
Album Glory Song

Matthew James Redman is an accomplished man. He is a biblical leader, a singer-songwriter, and an author. He has been writing music to contribute to the church songbook for over 20 years now and is also a two-time Grammy Award-winning artist. Of all the songs I could have chosen to include on this list from Matt Redman, I chose One Day (When We All Get To Heaven), specifically the acoustic version, because of its beauty and simplicity. The music allows you to feel Redman’s emotions, but it also allows his voice to stand out in the song.

41. Save Our Souls by Mötley Crüe

Genre Hair Metal, Glam Rock
Year Released 1985
Album Theatre Of Pain

In 1985, Mötley Crüe lead vocalist Vince Neil was involved in a car accident that killed Hanoi Rocks’ drummer Razzle. This tragedy not only forced the members of the Crüe to face their own mortality, but it also helped set a much darker tone for the band’s third studio album “Theatre Of Pain,” especially in tracks like the harrowing “Save Our Souls.” This song is about life on the streets and having to tough it out to survive. It’s also about dealing with your demons and addictions, but praying that better days are ahead for you and your loved ones.

42. If I Get To Heaven by John Van Deusen

Genre Christian Indie
Year Released 2022
Album (I Am) Origami Pt. 4 – Marathon Daze

In his song “If I Get To Heaven,” John Van Deusen provides us with the perfect example of the shift in the sound of Christian music today. This song has almost an indie-alternative feel to it, with John Van Deusen’s soft, understated voice accompanied only by a piano. However, this is yet another example of how Simplicity can be much more effective than something that is much more complex. In this song, Van Deusen rejoices and gives thanks to God for the promise that one day he will be allowed to be in Heaven, where there will be no more pain and suffering.

43. Little Trip To Heaven (On The Wings Of Your Love) by Tom Waits

Genre Alternative, Indie
Year Released 1973
Album Closing Time

I’ve always thought that Tom Waits’ music was divisive. You either love it or hate it, but there’s no in-between. I enjoy the way that his rough, gravelly voice is juxtaposed against a backdrop of soft and elegant music. However, on this track, he pulls back on the reins a little and restrains his voice just a bit. It works beautifully as he uses the metaphor of taking a trip to heaven on the wings of love as a way to express how much he is in love with his significant other, as many musical artists often do.

44. Heaven by Nas (Featuring Jully Black)

Genre Rap, Hip-Hop
Year Released 2002
Album God’s Son

For my money, Nas is easily one of the greatest rap artists to ever live, but don’t take my word for it. He has made practically all music fans’ and critics’ top five lists imaginable with his distinctive flow, his unique voice, and his thought-provoking lyrics. In “Heaven,” Nas picks up the pace although the song almost has a gospel feel to it. The lyrics have the rapper pondering whether he would pack up and leave for heaven, or stay where he is with a person he’s with if given the chance and distance wasn’t an issue.

45. A Little Piece of Heaven by Avenged Sevenfold

Genre Metal
Year Released 2007
Album Avenged Sevenfold

Let me start by saying that while Avenged Sevenfold has one of the most criminally underrated bands in heavy metal, this song is not necessarily the best representation of their particular style. However, it is the most unusual song the band has ever released. This track is a very dark and romantic song about a man who is paranoid that his girlfriend is going to leave him, so he kills her. She comes back from the dead and then kills him in the same way. The two get married in death and go on a killing spree together. I told you this song was dark.

46. Heaven Beside You by Alice In Chains

Genre Grunge, Rock
Year Released 1994
Album Alice In Chains

Appearing on their album “Alice In Chains,” the track “Heaven Beside You” is a refreshing change of pace from the heavy grunge sound that the band helped to perfect. This would be the last album that Layne Staley recorded with the band before dying from a “speedball” overdose. Written and sung by lead guitarist Jerry Cantrell, he said that the song was “Another attempt to reconcile the fact that my life and paths are tearing me apart from the person I love. All the songs I write about her are a way for me to maybe speak to her, express things I could never express.”

47. When I Get To Heaven by Ice Cube

Genre Rap, Hip-Hop
Year Released 1993
Album Lethal Injection

I have always had an immense amount of respect for Ice Cube’s talent, whether he was releasing an album or starring in a film. Never wanting to shy away from controversy since his days in the rap crew NWA, Cube tackles the topic of religion in his controversial track “When I Get To Heaven,” which was featured on his album “Lethal Injection.” On this track, the rapper addresses the atrocities and racial injustices that are committed on young black men by religious and secular figures around the world, and wonders if he’ll have to face the same prejudices when he gets to Heaven.

48. Save A Place For Me by Matthew West

Genre Gospel, Christian
Year Released 2008
Album Something to Say

Have you ever lost someone whom you loved so much that you wanted to follow them into Heaven? Has the pain of losing them ever been so unendurable that you prayed for the Lord to take you home right then and there? Well, it’s during those times that you have to pick yourself up, brush yourself off, and continue to live your life until it’s time for you to go home. That’s the point that the AMA and Grammy-nominated artist Matthew West is conveying to us in his track “Save A Place For Me” from his album “Something To Say.”

49. See You On the Other Side by Ozzy Osbourne

Genre Heavy Metal
Year Released 1994
Album Ozzmosis

Ozzy Osbourne has been the face of heavy metal for the last five decades. Although the Prince of Darkness has slowed down over the last few years, he shows no signs of going anywhere anytime soon. In the tear-jerking ballad “See You On the Other Side,” which appears on 1994’s “Ozzmosis,” Ozzy sings about a loved one passing over to the other side. He misses them dearly but knows that they will be seeing each other again soon. This track helped propel “Ozzmosis” to the number four spot on the Billboard 200, which was the highest spot Ozzy ever held on the chart.

50. Heaven by Raw Dizzy (Featuring Lil Wayne)

Genre Rap, Hip-Hop
Year Released 2017
Album Raw Dizzy

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Raw Dizzy has a flow and a style that was made for Southern rap. Rather than focusing on how fast he can spit lyrics out, Dizzy focuses on making sure that you can understand every word he’s saying. Featured on his 2017 self-titled album, he ponders if he can make it to Heaven if you’ve had to live a life on the streets, being forced to commit crimes to feed himself and his family. The track also includes a feature from fellow New Orleans native Lil Wayne to help drive this point home even further.

51. Last Kiss by Pearl Jam

Genre Grunge, Rock
Year Released 2000
Album Lisbon, Portugal (Live)

Originally released by J. Frank Wilson & The Cavaliers in 1964, Pearl Jam’s cover of this classic reached the number two spot on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and was proof that Pearl Jam could play any style they wanted to play, and had carte blanche to cover practically any song they wished. Lead vocalist Eddie Vedder’s voice is perfect for this song, which tells the true story of Jeanette Clark and JL Hancock. The two were out on a date together just before Christmas in 1962 in Barnesville, Georgia. Sadly, their car hit a tractor-trailer and the two lovers were instantly killed.

52. Just Like Heaven by The Cure

Genre Alternative, Indie, Rock
Year Released 1987
Album Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me

As far as I’m concerned, when it comes to goth music, there’s The Cure and then there’s everybody else. Robert Smith is a living legend, and the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Trent Reznor in 2019. One of the biggest reasons for their success was their 1987 masterpiece “Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me.” That album included one of the band’s most beloved and well-known tunes, “Just Like Heaven.” Robert Smith said that the song is about his idea of Heaven, which is spending a dreamy day by the seashore with the loved one.

53. Heaven and Hell by Kanye West

Genre Rap, Hip-Hop
Year Released 2021
Album Donda

Whether or not you agree with his personal or political views, there’s no denying that Kanye West has talent on the microphone. His tracks are raw, honest, and meaningful, especially on his record “Donda,” which was dedicated to the memory of his mother. However, on his track “Heaven and Hell,” Yeezy gives us a glimpse into his personal hell, complete with marketing, television appearances, and his struggles with bipolar disorder and anxiety. He then encourages everybody to pray together, saying that we can have Heaven here on Earth if we all turn to God and let him protect us from Satan. This is an interesting song because it talks about hell and the devil here on earth, but the massive in heaven after this life.

54. Tears In Heaven by Eric Clapton

Genre Blues, Rock
Year Released 1992
Album Unplugged

Eric Clapton gave us perhaps the most sorrowful song ever recorded when he released this heartbreaking tribute to his son Conor, who died at the incredibly young age of four years old after falling out of the window of a 54-story apartment building. The living legend, who is a three-time inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, took a six-month hiatus from music after losing his son. The somber, loving tribute to Conor won Record of the Year at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards. His “Unplugged” album also took home the Grammy for Album of the Year. This is truly one of the most powerful songs about losing someone you love ever written.

55. Heaven Can Wait by Meat Loaf

Genre Rock, Classic Rock
Year Released 1977
Album Bat Out of Hell

“Bat Out of Hell” is widely recognized as one of rock music’s most beloved and classic albums, and it is certainly one of the best-selling records of all time. Originally written by Jim Steinman for a musical called Neverland, the album was supposed to be a futuristic retelling of Peter Pan. In the track “Heaven Can Wait,” which is one of the album’s slower tracks, Meat Loaf is saying that he has found Heaven on Earth with the love of his life. Therefore, just like the title indicates, Heaven can wait for him to get there just a little longer.

56. I Wish U Heaven by Prince

Genre R&B, Soul
Year Released 1988
Album Lovesexy

If you ask me, Prince was one of the most talented musicians and singers in the world and was a legend in his own time. There wasn’t an instrument that he couldn’t play, nor was there anything he couldn’t sing. He was also incredibly eclectic, with styles ranging from rock to pop to R&B and soul. The Purple One combined all of these genres on his track “I Wish U Heaven” from his album “Lovesexy,” and it works. The track is about a relationship that has gone wrong. Instead of wishing bad luck on his ex, Prince wishes her Heaven instead.

57. Wrong Side Of Heaven by Five Finger Death Punch

Genre Metal, Groove Metal
Year Released 2013
Album The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell, Volume 1

Five Finger Death Punch is well known for being avid supporters of the United States military and its servicemen and women. In their track “Wrong Side Of Heaven,” which appears on their album “The Wrong Side of Heaven and the Righteous Side of Hell, Volume 1,” they address the hardships that veterans face when they come home from war. Some of these issues include homelessness, unemployment, and the severe effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It also dresses the hardships and struggles that soldiers go through during wartime, pondering if they are doing the right thing for the right cause.

58. Breath Away From Heaven by George Harrison

Genre Rock
Year Released 1987
Album Cloud Nine

Now, here’s a surprise. We have another successful former member of The Fab Four. Surprisingly, this song was inspired by Asian music, although if I’m being honest, I would have probably expected that from John. Still, George Harrison has written an incredibly catchy pop song called “Breath Away From Heaven,” which is about a woman whose beauty is so incredible that she could take the breath away from Heaven. Either he is more in love than anybody I’ve ever heard of, or this is the most beautiful woman to have ever existed. Maybe it’s a little bit of both.

59. Heaven Is A Place On Earth by Belinda Carlisle

Genre Pop
Year Released 1987
Album Heaven on Earth

In the 1980s, The Go-Go’s decided to go their separate ways, with each member embarking on a solo career. However, Belinda Carlisle was easily the most successful solo Go-Go, with her hit single “Heaven Is A Place On Earth” reaching the top spot of the Billboard Hot 100 charts. This track is an upbeat tune about two lovers who have found true happiness in each other and compare the relationship that they share to Heaven on Earth. Carlisle says that because love is the most important thing in Heaven, they can have that now instead of waiting for the afterlife. This is easily one of the most famous songs about heaven ever written.

60. Locked Out Of Heaven by Bruno Mars

Genre R&B, Soul
Year Released 2012
Album Unorthodox Jukebox

Bruno Mars is a talented singer who can cross genres and appeal to a wide audience. That’s because the gifted vocalist combines elements of rock, pop, funk, R&B, soul, and a little jazz to create his unmistakable signature sound. By 2012, he had turned the music world upside down with his second studio album “Unorthodox Jukebox,” which featured the infectious, upbeat track “Locked Out Of Heaven.” The song is about all of the wonderful complications that come with being in love, and how he feels like he was “locked out of heaven” before he met his lover.

61. Hell Or Heaven by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Genre Southern Rock, Classic Rock
Year Released 2003
Album Vicious Cycle

Lynyrd Skynyrd is one of the pioneers of Southern rock, and they have been making music since 1964 when they were known as My Backyard in Jacksonville, Florida. Despite several lineup changes and the sudden, tragic death of lead vocalist Ronnie Van Zant, they are still touring and recording today. “Hell Or Heaven,” which is found on their twelfth studio album “Vicious Cycle,” starts off feeling like a country song, but soon shifts into a rocking gospel-flavored track about finding your happiness and making your own destiny. No matter how you live, it’s either going to be Heaven or Hell.

62. In My Heaven by Blake Shelton

Genre Country
Year Released 2003
Album The Dreamer

Country music superstar Blake Shelton is one of the most popular artists of the genre this millennium. The singer has won multiple AMA, ACM, CMA, and iHeartRadio Music Awards. He is also an eight-time Grammy nominee but unfortunately hasn’t captured one of those yet. With upbeat songs like his track “In My Heaven,” I can clearly understand why he’s won so many awards. This is a simple track about wanting the world to be a better place. Shelton envisions a world where people are friendly, honest, and fair to each other. That’s his vision of Heaven, and it sounds nice.

63. I Got Heaven Right Here On Earth by The Temptations

Genre Mo-Town, R&B, Soul
Year Released 1994
Album Emperors of Soul

When you think of that classic Motown sound, what’s the first band that comes to your mind? For me, It’s The Temptations every single time. I’ve always enjoyed their music because it reminds me of a much simpler time when things weren’t so complicated, and songs like “I Got Heaven Right Here On Earth” is a perfect example of why this music is still appreciated over 50 years after it was recorded. In this tune, just like many others, The Temptations are singing about a newfound love that has made them so happy that they feel like they are experiencing Heavenly bliss.

64. Can I Take My Gun To Heaven? by Cracker

Genre Alternative, Indie
Year Released 1992
Album Cracker

Formed in Richmond, Virginia, by lead singer David Lowery and guitarist Johnny Hickman, Cracker was an alternative rock band that experienced some success in 1992 with their self-titled debut album. One of the best cuts on that album is the blues-tinged, slow-burning rocker “Can I Take My Gun To Heaven,” which is a humorous way to look at an unhappy, unhealthy, and miserable relationship. The narrator is not happy with his girlfriend, so he’d rather take his firearm with him when it’s his time to go to Heaven. Something tells me that she wouldn’t be ecstatic to find this out.

65. Heaven Sent by Dokken

Genre Hair Metal, Glam Rock
Year Released 1987
Album Back for the Attack

Dokken was formed in Los Angeles in 1978 and became one of the more popular hair metal acts of the 1980s. The band was nominated for the inaugural Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for their live album “Beast From the East,” but split up in 1989 before reuniting four years later. One of their most popular tracks was the slow-burning, grinding “Heaven Sent,” which is about falling so hard for someone that they must be “Heaven Sent.” However, if you play with fire, sometimes you get burned much as the narrator did in this tune from their record “Back for the Attack.”

66. Letter To Heaven by Dolly Parton

Genre Country
Year Released 1963
Album Hits Made Famous by Country Queens

Dolly Parton is country music royalty. This singer has had an amazing career, selling over 100 million albums worldwide. She has had six platinum and 10 gold records in her illustrious career which has spanned over six decades. Her voice sounds like a songbird in the sweet and touching tune “Letter To Heaven.” The song has a little girl writing a letter to her mommy. In the letter, she says that she wants to go live with her mom in Heaven. When she went to mail the letter, she was hit by a truck. Her wishes were granted. She’s with her mom now.

67. Heaven by Nelly (Featuring Daley)

Genre Rap, Hip-Hop
Year Released 0213
Album M.O.

This song, which features a guest vocal performance from English pop singer Gareth Daley, is a far cry from anything I’ve ever heard by St Louis’s own Nelly. However, that’s not a bad thing. The song has a quick tempo, and a good beat, and is accompanied by the strumming of an acoustic guitar. As you might have come to expect by now, the song is about a relationship that works so well that the couple feels like they are in Heaven. This song was the third single from Nelly’s record “M.O.,” which was his seventh studio album.

68. Thought I’d Died and Gone to Heaven by Bryan Adams

Genre Rock
Year Released 1991
Album Waking Up the Neighbours

Bryan Adams is a Canadian jack of all trades. He is an accomplished singer, photographer, songwriter, and musician who joined his first band at the age of 15. By the age of 20, the singer had released his first EP before hitting it big in the United States. However, unlike many stars of the 1980s, Adams didn’t fizzle out in the 1990s. He became more popular than ever with his album “Waking Up the Neighbours,” which featured “Thought I’d Died and Gone to Heaven.” The song is about falling in love when you had no plans for a serious relationship.

69. Heaven Sent by Keyshia Cole

Genre R&B, Soul, Reggae
Year Released 2007
Album Just like You

We are all going to have that one relationship in our lives that we don’t want to see an end to, but it, unfortunately, has to. Walking away from it will be incredibly hard because it seems like that person was perfect for you. You could say that they were “Heaven Sent.” If you can relate to this sentiment, then you can relate to the message that Keyshia Cole brings on this track. The song is about having the power to walk away from something you know it’s bad for you, even if everything in you keeps pulling you towards them.

70. Somewhere In Heaven by Santana

Genre Rock, Classic Rock
Year Released 2017
Album Bill Graham Memorial Concert, San Francisco CA (3 Nov ’91)

This song by the legendary guitar player Santana opens with part of the inspirational “Promised Land” speech delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. From there, it turns into a beautiful and inspirational song where he delivers all of his praise to God, along with some amazingly tasteful guitar licks to give the song that little extra something that Santana always puts into his music. The result is a short but uplifting song that will help to raise your spirits on even the gloomiest of days, knowing that you are promised a place in Heaven by God the Father.

71. Heaven’s Now My Home by Libby L. Allen

Genre Christian
Year Released 2012
Album Soothing Messages for the Soul, Vol. 1

We all know what it’s like to lose someone before their time, but have you ever looked at it from the perspective of the loved one that passed away? Well, I would venture to guess that most people don’t. One exception to this statement can be found in the song “Heaven’s Now My Home” by Libby L. Allen from her album “Soothing Messages for the Soul, Vol. 1.” What gives this song style points is that it looks at things from the perspective of the person that is passing away, instead of focusing on the grief and sadness of the loved ones they left behind.

72. Heaven’s Dead by Audioslave

Genre Hard Rock
Year Released 2005
Album Out of Exile

So, I may be a bit biased on this one. I am a self-professed Chris Cornell fanatic. I love practically everything the man does musically, which also includes the Grammy-nominated supergroup Audioslave, which

he formed with three of the members of Rage Against the Machine. Appearing on the album “Out of Exile,” the track “Heaven’s Dead” is quite possibly one of Cornell’s most underrated vocal performances and one of my favorite Audioslave songs. When he sings the metaphor “Heaven’s dead when you get sad,” he’s saying that when you are upset you don’t want to believe in anything positive.

73. This Is My Heaven by Elvis Presley

Genre Country
Year Released 1966
Album Paradise, Hawaiian Style

Elvis Aaron Presley is one of the most popular musical artists of all time, across any genre. The rock, country, blues, and gospel singer has sold approximately 162.25 million albums worldwide and has also appeared in 31 feature films. There’s no denying that the man had star power. In 1966, he released his album “Paradise, Hawaiian Style,” which featured the single “This Is My Heaven.” The track was inspired by the music of the Hawaiian Islands and is an ode to the love of his life, Priscilla. I would say that it worked because she married him the next year.

74. Heaven Is by Def Leppard

Genre Hard Rock, Hair Metal
Year Released 1992
Album Adrenalize

Def Leppard was one of hard rock’s biggest bands in the 1980s, but they were not an overnight success. The band formed in 1977 in Sheffield, England, when lead singer Joe Elliott missed the bus and met his future guitar player Pete Willis. Pete then introduced Joe to his band Atomic Mass, where they recruited bassist Rick Savage. The band ground it out and became a household name with albums like “Pyromania” and “Hysteria.” They faded into the 1990s, but still released their album “Adrenaline,” which included the track “Heaven Is,” which pertains to finding the ultimate pleasure in the arms of a woman.

75. If You Came Back From Heaven by Lorrie Morgan

Genre Country
Year Released 1994
Album War Paint

Loretta Lynn Morgan is one of the most respected, beloved, and appreciated artists in the history of country music. Thanks to her beautiful voice, the country music Superstar has been nominated for eight ACM and AMA Awards and has also taken home two CMA Awards. With songs like her single “If You Came Back From Heaven,” I can clearly understand why she has one of the most beloved voices in the genre. The song is a heart-wrenching ballad written while she was trying to cope with the loss of her husband, Keith Whitley, who died at 33 years old from alcohol intoxication.

76. Heaven Help Us All by Stevie Wonder

Genre R&B, Soul
Year Released 1970
Album Signed, Sealed & Delivered

Nobody epitomizes the R&B, funk, and soul sound of the 1970s and the 1980s like Stevie Wonder does. This incredible artist has always had an overflow of talent, and the ability to write some of the world’s best music and most awe-inspiring and thought-provoking lyrics. These things have helped this unbelievable musician to be nominated for 74 Grammy Awards, winning 25 of them. In his uplifting anthem “Heaven Help Us All,” Stevie is asking for God to help us all mankind, no matter what your race, creed, gender, or religion may be. We all could use Heaven’s help sometimes.

77. Heaven On a Sunday by Paul McCartney (Featuring James McCartney, Linda McCartney, and Jeff Lynne)

Genre Rock
Year Released 1997
Album Flaming Pie

Sir James Paul McCartney is mostly known for being the bass player and primary songwriter for the English rock band The Beatles, while also sharing lead vocal duties with John Lennon. Inspired by Little Richard and Buddy Holly, McCartney taught himself to play guitar and piano by the age of 15 years old. In 1957, he helped to found The Quarrymen, which eventually became The Beatles. Paul had a successful solo career after the Beatles disbanded in 1970. In 1997, he released the song “Heaven On a Sunday.” As you may have guessed, the track is a metaphor for feeling incredibly peaceful.

78. Heaven In Hiding by Halsey

Genre Dance, Electronic, Pop
Year Released 2017
Album Hopeless Fountain Kingdom

Halsey made a splash in 2017 when she released her second album, “Hopeless Fountain Kingdom,” which featured “Heaven In Hiding.” However, you should be warned ahead of time that this song is not about the Christian Heaven. Instead, it is about the pleasure that the singer gets from rough lovemaking. While this particular style of music is not necessarily to my liking, I figured I’d add it to the list because it’s very different.

79. Gospel Plow by Screaming Trees

Genre Grunge, Alternative, Rock
Year Released 1996
Album Dust

Some of the songs we have today were heavily inspired by Gospel songs from long ago, and “Gospel Plow” from the Screaming Trees’ album “Dust” is no exception. The beginning of the song borrows a few lines from an old tune called “Hold On.” It’s also quite unlike anything Screaming Trees has ever done, but then it kicks into their typical post-grunge madness before fading out with a Middle Eastern flair. The track doesn’t have much to do with Heaven, God, or religion (except at the beginning of the song), but I think it’s an interesting change of pace.

80. To Be With You in Heaven by Scorpions

Genre Hard Rock
Year Released 1990
Album Crazy World

Let’s go ahead and jump right into this. “To Be With You in Heaven” definitely has the Scorpions’ name all over it. This is a band that has never strayed from its original hard rock sound, and that’s a good thing in a world where everybody is trying to jump on the latest musical fad. In this song from the 1990’s “Crazy World,” lead vocalist Klaus Meine is trying to win the affection of someone who seems to be playing hard to get. To be with her in Heaven (or to be happy with her), he’s willing to go through Hell.

Final Thoughts

No matter what your religion may be, they all have some premonitions about what the afterlife will be like. Then again, there are some people who don’t believe in the concept of an afterlife at all. I think that what it all boils down to is that Heaven is most often associated with happiness, and most people are going to spend the majority of their lives seeking out that happiness. Whether they find it in a lover’s arms or in the warm embrace of religion, as long as they eventually find happiness, isn’t that all that matters? Friends, I wish you peace and happiness wherever you may find it.

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