Would Jesus have said, “We’ve got to love and rub-a-dub”? I’m not sure. But I am pretty sure he said something like, “Are you gonna go my way?”

I have reserved this space on Sunday for the God Quote of the week. The last two Sundays I’ve explored popular songs in which the meaning has often been lost or confused. First it was “Let My Love Open the Door” by Pete Townshend, next it was “Higher Love” by Steve Winwood. Both songs contained a much deeper spiritual tone than they are often given credit for. This Sunday it is Lenny Kravitz and his hit song “Are You Gonna Go My Way”.

This is a funky rock hit that channels a whole lot of Hendrix and just about every other scorching, guitar-driven song that has hit it big. It is easy to see how the meaning might have been lost in the relentless beat and Sturm und Twang of Kravitz and company. But Lenny is singing in the voice of Jesus Christ. This song is about choosing to follow the path Jesus laid out for us: Love, peace, justice, truth.

Are you gonna go his way? ‘Cause, baby, he’s got to know…

Are You Gonna Go My Way

I was born long ago
I am the chosen I’m the one
I have come to save the day
And I won’t leave until I’m done

So that’s why you’ve got to try
You got to breath and have some fun
Though I’m not paid I play this game
And I won’t stop until I’m done

But what I really want to know is
Are you gonna go my way?
And I got to got to know

I don’t know why we always cry
This we must leave and get undone
We must engage and rearrange
And turn this planet back to one

So tell me why we got to die
And kill each other one by one
We’ve got to love and rub-a-dub
We’ve got to dance and be in love

But what I really want to know is
Are you gonna go my way?
And I got to got to know

Are you gonna go my way?
‘Cause baby I got to know
Yeah

Writer/s: CRAIG DAVID ROSS, LENNY KRAVITZ
Publisher: Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.