In the tapestry of 90s music, few songs sparked as much conversation and contemplation as Joan Osborne’s “One of Us,” often recognized by its thought-provoking lyric, “What If God Was One Of Us Song”. Released in 1995 as a single from her album Relish, this track wasn’t just a chart-topper; it was a cultural moment. Relish itself garnered critical acclaim, earning a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year, solidifying the song’s significant impact.
Yet, with the passage of time, the initial buzz surrounding “One of Us” and the fascination with Osborne’s distinctive nose ring in the music video have faded somewhat. In recent years, discussions around the song often pivot to a minor, albeit persistent, grammatical critique – the lyric “What if God was one of us” is frequently corrected to “What if God were one of us.” However, beyond these linguistic nuances, the song’s core question and its underlying themes continue to resonate, lingering in the cultural consciousness for over two decades.
The Lingering Echo of “One of Us”
For many, “One of Us” isn’t just a song; it’s a recurring thought, a feeling that resurfaces unexpectedly, much like an encounter with a past relationship. This sense of lingering familiarity, of something from childhood resurfacing, perhaps captures the essence of how many now perceive the 90s era itself. While opinions on the song’s musical merit might vary – and let’s be clear, it’s a perfectly enjoyable song – its enduring presence in our minds is less about musical preference and more about its subtle, almost subversive, nature.
Growing Up in a World Apart: Music and Boundaries
The song’s impact is particularly poignant when viewed through the lens of specific cultural or religious upbringings. Imagine growing up in a strict Seventh Day Adventist environment, where secular music was largely off-limits. For those familiar with such backgrounds, the character Lane from Gilmore Girls might come to mind, navigating a world of “no meat, no dancing, no secular music.” While Lane’s journey with Joan Osborne’s “One of Us” remains unexplored in the show, its release presented a unique dilemma for young Adventists. Here was a song referencing God, seemingly not in a negative light, potentially warranting a “free pass.” In the 90s, certain Adventist communities attempted to project an understanding of mainstream culture, even allowing drums in church as a sign of being “laid back.”
However, drums in church did not equate to open arms for Joan Osborne.
The Uncomfortable Truth of Doubt
At 11 years old, the rejection of a song seemingly about God was perplexing. What could be objectionable about a song that, if anything, evoked feelings of inadequacy for not believing? The answer, in retrospect, lies in the very element that made the song so compelling and yet so “unacceptable” within certain strict religious frameworks: it acknowledged doubt. Doubt, in fact, has become a defining feature for many who have stepped outside of rigid religious structures. It’s not just about questioning faith, but about a broader spectrum of uncertainties – from life’s grand questions to the mundane details of daily existence.
Rediscovering a 90s Anthem in a Time of Uncertainty
The year 2020, with its widespread uncertainty and lockdowns, prompted many to seek solace and control in new endeavors. Learning guitar became a popular pursuit, a way to navigate the “hell realm” and find a sense of accomplishment. For those seeking easy, familiar songs to learn, the 90s offered a treasure trove. And among the beginner-friendly 90s hits on platforms like UltimateGuitar.com? Joan Osborne’s “One of Us.”
Revisiting this song wasn’t just about learning chords; it was a deeper, more personal exploration. Past phases of rebellion – from dyed hair to questioning societal norms – felt conventional in comparison to the subtle act of engaging with a pop song that dared to use “God” in a way that wasn’t entirely reverent. Yet, in the spirit of embracing new experiences amidst a challenging time, committing to learning “One of Us,” despite its lingering discomfort, felt like a necessary step.
Tapping into Guilt, Shame, and Fear
The musical simplicity of “One of Us” – its easy chords and sing-along melody – belies its lyrical depth. The lines, “If God had a face / what would it look like / and would you want to see / if seeing meant that you would have to believe?” are not just catchy; they are profoundly unsettling. They tap into deep-seated feelings of guilt, shame, and the fear of rejection associated with questioning faith. And perhaps, like other self-destructive patterns, confronting these uncomfortable emotions through the song requires repeated engagement, a willingness to revisit and unpack the layers of meaning embedded within its simple structure.
Photo of Takoma Park Seventh-day Adventist Church used under CC BY-SA 3.0.
