This episode dives into the story behind Can’t Get to Heaven—a song that started with just a chorus and two chords and evolved into something much more. Inspired by a Bob Dylan documentary and a lyric that seemingly channeled itself, the song took shape over time, drawing from unexpected influences like Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire for the bassline.
I’ll share my journey of trying to find the right organ player to match the song’s spiritual undertones—only to end up using my own demo track, imperfections and all, because it had the right vibe. We’ll talk about the human feel of music, the power of happy accidents, and why sometimes, less polish is more.
From home-recorded vocals (with some unexpected spit on the microphone) to leaving in guitar feedback noise, à la Hendrix, this track is a raw, honest piece of work. Tune in to hear the full story, behind-the-scenes moments, and bits of the song itself.
SHOW NOTES
Lyrics & Song Stories
On Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lyrics-Song-Stories-Daniel-Isle/dp/0979468566
Daniel Isle Sky
Website: https://danielislesky.com/
Listen on:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1spNvhRAUaIrFsVfmA2Amk
Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/artist/daniel-isle-sky/ARJ2g3vVghrqtzm
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/daniel-isle-sky/528753139
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK99j3abVB1UupLNOwajnow
Can’t Get to Heaven
© 2014 by Daniel Isle Sky
God’s building a heaven, how do you get in
Send me your money, your time and your sins
I’ll send them to God he’s been wait'n for them
‘Cause you can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned
Tell me brother, where have you been
Out drinking and smoking and not listening
To mother and father and teacher and school
Can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned
You can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned
Father they killed me what have I done
Son don’t you know that’s how the west was won
Some people die so others see me
You can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned
Tell me sister, where have you been
Out kissing and flirting and not listening
To mother and father and teacher and school
Can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned
Can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned
If you woke up and spoke up you’re not such a fool
Try teaching Sunday school
God’s building a heaven
But you can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned
Tell me mother where have you been
Out shopping on credit and not listening
To father and preacher I’m nobody’s fool
You can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned
You can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned
Tell me brother where have you been
Out drinking and smoking and not listening
Now tell me sister, where have you been
Out kissing and flirting, I think I’m winning
You can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned
Can’t get to Heaven unless you have sinned
Can’t get to Heaven
Unless you have sinned
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