Heathen Gospel Playlist for 2026
Sooner or later, the question arises for every atheist, humanist and freethinker: Where’s OUR gospel music?
Until heathen gospel rates a Grammy category, we listen-hunt for one-off songs that inspire us, tell our stories, express our frustrations and make us laugh. And we cobble together and share playlists. My 52-song Spotify playlist—one song for each week—is called Humanist Hymns. The songs cover a lot of ground: quantum theory, friendship, biology, Einstein, church-and-state separation, Mother’s Day and more.
Controversy will abound. “Why are there no Slipknot, Marilyn Manson or Slayer songs on the list?” Because this is my list, not yours. And because every list is biased by its creator’s age, race, geography and taste. I’m old and White, lean toward Americana, prefer lyrics I can understand and am not a musicologist. Before moving to New Mexico, I lived in Texas for 60 years and survived many of the same influences that produced Gary Busey.
What are my favorites? Glad you asked.
1. “Atheists Don’t Have No Songs” – Steep Canyon Rangers and Steve Martin (yep, that Steve Martin) lay out the problem with humor, exquisite musicianship and beautiful harmonies. Savor the song’s full effect in this video.
2. “What Would Willie Do” – When Willie Nelson rides off into the sunset, we’ll still have his enormous music catalog and Bruce Robison’s wonderful song extoling Willie’s Jesus-like virtues.
3. “Big Mistake” – If the Buddha had meditated less and practiced guitar more, he would have been David Wilcox. Dave’s upbeat tune about evolution and swimming kisses charms me every time.
4. “Probably Not” – Music writers called Susan Werner’s “The Gospel Truth” album “the first agnostic gospel album.” This wry song from the album showcases everything I love about Susan.
5. “Let the Mystery Be” – Since no one can prove or disprove the existence of God or heaven, Iris DeMent proposes a simple solution in this 2:46-minute goosebump. Can’t handle her Arkansas twang? Watch this video with a very young David Bryne and Natalie Merchant. Then go back and give Iris another chance.
6. “Teenage Immigrant Welfare Mothers on Drugs” – Written and recorded by Dave Lippman, this scapegoating send-up was perfected by the Austin Lounge Lizards. You’ll need an Apple Music subscription to access their version.
7. “Church & State” – Brandi Carlile reportedly wrote this rocker on election night 2024. She wasn’t happy. If you can handle flashing lights, watch her SNL performance from 2025.
8. “What’s Going On” – “War is not the answer. Only love can conquer hate.” Someone, please play Marvin Gaye’s song for the current administration.
9. “This Land Is Your Land” – Woody Guthrie wrote it. We’ve all sung it. These days, Bruce Springsteen owns it. He calls it one of the best songs ever written.
10. “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” – Let’s close with something completely different. Irreverent to all, blasphemous to some, Monty Python’s Life of Brian movie ends with prisoners on crosses, comforting Brian with this happy-go-lucky tune. Sing along with a tuxedo-wearing Eric Idle in this video.
Still not feeling the earth move? Then check out Godless Gospel, produced by the Freedom from Religion Foundation. At AHA’s 2025 conference in Chicago, speaker Cynthia McDonald and other singers from the group left attendees wanting to hear more … a lot more.
Maybe there’s hope for heathen gospel, after all.