: Because he wasn't Christian, he included the line "Never been a sinner / I've never sinned," which contradicts the Christian belief that all are born with sin. He later joked that if he had known better, he would have written it differently, but it didn't stop the song from becoming a hit.
Greenbaum, raised in a nearly Orthodox Jewish family, was watching a television show featuring country singer . During the show, Wagoner performed a religious song about a miner who found his way back to God. Greenbaum, who had no background in gospel music, felt he could create something similar and decided to write his own "religious" song. Other eclectic influences included: Spirit In The Sky
Though Greenbaum is often labeled a "one-hit wonder," the song remains a "forever song". It has been covered by numerous artists, including and Gareth Gates , and is a staple in movies like Guardians of the Galaxy and Apollo 13 . Today, it is frequently used as an uplifting anthem at celebrations of life and funerals. : Because he wasn't Christian, he included the
: The theme of being "buried with your shoes on"—a common trope in Westerns—found its way into his thoughts during the writing process. The Writing & Recording During the show, Wagoner performed a religious song
: Greenbaum reportedly wrote the lyrics in just 15 minutes.
: To give it an authentic feel, he brought in the Stovall Sisters , a professional gospel trio, to provide the soulful backup harmonies. The Legacy