God Is Really Real

AJR's song 'God Is Really Real' delves into the emotional turmoil and existential questioning that arises when faced with a loved one's severe illness. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the narrator's father, bedridden with a serious health condition, juxtaposed against the backdrop of the narrator's life and responsibilities, such as performing with his band in Paris. This stark contrast highlights the dissonance between personal crises and the world's ongoing, indifferent march forward.

The song explores the theme of faith, particularly how it fluctuates in times of desperation. The chorus, 'God is really real when you really really need him,' suggests that belief in a higher power or karma often intensifies when one is in dire need of hope or intervention. This sentiment is further emphasized by the line, 'Life’s fuckin’ long ’till it stops, and God’s fuckin’ fake ’till he’s not,' which captures the cynicism and conditional nature of faith that many people experience during crises.

Additionally, the song touches on the modern world's distractions and the emotional isolation that can accompany personal struggles. References to robots excelling at art and the collective sadness of society underscore a sense of disconnection and the overwhelming nature of contemporary life. The narrator's wishful thinking about breaking his father out of the hospital and taking him on tour reflects a deep yearning for normalcy and escape from the harsh reality of illness. The closing lines, where the narrator expresses his love through the song rather than direct words, reveal a vulnerability and a struggle with traditional expressions of emotion, encapsulating the complex interplay of love, fear, and hope.