God Is Alive, Magic Is Afoot

Album: Illuminations (1969)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Although much of Buffy Sainte-Marie's fan base balked at the time at the experimentation of her synth-enhanced sixth album, Illuminations, it is today recognized as one of the strongest records of her career. Buffy herself admitted: "Most of the songs are pretty weird," before adding, "I've always loved it."
  • The lyrics are an interpretation of a poem that appears in Leonard Cohen's 1966 novel, Beautiful Losers. "I'd read Leonard's book and there it was, " she recalled. "God Is Alive, Magic Is Afoot. I just loved it."
  • Buffy said of her one-take performance of the song: "I knew what the poem was about, and I knew how the music would feel in my head, but like, flamenco, I didn't know where I was going from line to line. If it sounds stream of consciousness that's because it is."
  • Illuminations was the first quadraphonic vocal album ever recorded.
  • Buffy recalled how the song came together in the studio: "I had a recording session scheduled and Leonard was in town. I propped two pages of his book up on a music stand and I just sang it out, ad-libbing the melody and guitar music together as I went along. I've always wanted to re-record it, as I love the way the power of the words obviously commands the music and drives it beyond any consideration of time signature."
  • In 2016, Buffy told Billboard this was the quickest composition she's ever done.

Comments: 3

  • Kaylaine from IndianaI just found a recording of this song by Chris Thile on his new Laysongs album. Now I'm going to look for Buffy's version and listen to it as well.
  • André from Ottawa Ontario CanadaDearest Buffy
    I have always loved you and will always continue...
    Thank you for being you and for everything that you give us...
  • Steve W from San DiegoThank you so much for the insight into how this great song evolved.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.