Most of us know that St. Cecilia—whose feast day is November 22nd—is the patroness of music and musicians. Many of us know that many Catholic artists, such as Audrey Assad, have written songs inspired by saints. Saints and religious were a popular subject for classical composers but did you all know that even secular artists (some who aren’t even Catholic!) have written songs for or inspired by saints? True story!
In honor of St. Cecilia’s feast day, here are 15 songs across musical genres that have been inspired by, written for, or simply named after saints.
1. “St. Cecilia” by The Foo Fighters
“I got this feeling, I can’t keep it down anymore
Bring me some healing
Saint Cecilia, carry me home to your house of broken bones”
2. “I Dreamed of St. Augustine” by Bob Dylan
“I dreamed I saw St. Augustine
Alive as you or me
Tearing through these quarters
In the utmost misery
With a blanket underneath his arm
And a coat of solid gold
Searching for the very souls
Whom already have been sold…”
3. “St. Jude” by Brian Setzer
“If you proclaim the mystery of faith
You’ll be absolved from daily strife
Through Him, in Him, and within Him
Springs our eternal life…”
4. “Simon (Petros)” by Alanna-Marie Boudreau
“Oh, if I could love you more than all the saints
And angels combined
If I could give you just one tiny thing
It would be my own life…”
5. “Therese” by The Chairman Dances
“I let fall a shower of roses…”
6. “Song for St. Valentine” by Harrison Lemke
“O bloodied saint of bloodless letter-love:
Would you pray for us?”
7. “Romero” by The Project
“Let my death, if accepted by God,
Be for my people’s liberty…”
8. “Teresa” by Audrey Assad (Inspired by St. Teresa of Calcutta)
“And You know I’m not asking You for a sign
I trusted Your promise, I gave You my life
But I guess I just miss You
I feel so alone in the silence…”
9. “O Maria” by El Padrecito and FoundNation
“Assumed into Heaven at the hour of your death,
The Bible says that all generations call you blessed…”
10. “St. Stephen” by Grateful Dead
“Saint Stephen will remain
All he’s lost he shall regain…”
11. “St. Jude” by Florence + the Machine
“And I was on the island and you were there too
But somehow through the storm I couldn’t get to you
St. Jude, somehow she knew…”
12. “Hymn to St. Raphael Archangel” by Johannes Brahms
“Comfort unfailing, help thou the ailing, Saint Raphael
Troubles distress us, evils oppress us,
O help, O help, Saint Raphael…”
13. “St. Cecilia Mass” by Charles Gounod
“Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,
but only say a word and I shall be healed…”
14. “St. Matthew Passion” by Johann Sebastian Bach
(Final chorus only)
15. “The Gift of St. Cecilia” by Jars of Clay
(Instrumental)
Of course, this isn’t a comprehensive list and musicians will continue to write songs about saints until the end of time. There are even some saints, such as St. Hildegard von Bingen, who have written their own musical masterpieces.
However you celebrate this feast day, may music continue to inspire you to be the best version of yourselves and bring glory to God’s kingdom!
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