Dear Lord

Album: Bad Reputation (1977)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song seems strangely out of place on the Bad Reputation album among tracks with titles like "Killer Without A Cause" and "Opium Trail," but although an extrovert and hard drinking womanizer, Phil Lynott was also an unabashed Catholic. The song, which he co-wrote with guitarist Scott Gorham, is a sort of prayer asking for his vanity and other character flaws to be forgiven.
  • "Dear Lord" features a "choir" which was composed entirely of Mary Hopkin. She is best known for her 1968 hit "Those Were The Days," but in 1977 she was the wife of producer Tony Visconti. He made 16 separate recordings of her voice. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 2

  • Jeff Marvel from N.wildwood Nj UsaGoing through some health issues and that song by Philip and the gang helps me out. Thanks Jeff Marvel miss you Phil
  • Tony from San DiegoAlways loved this one. Phil was my favorite song writer ever, could definitely identify with so many thoughts he conveyed. You knew he was going to die young just by listening to this once.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

Michael W. Smith

Michael W. SmithSongwriter Interviews

Smith breaks down some of his worship tracks as well as his mainstream hits, including "I Will Be Here For You" and "A Place In This World."

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"They're Playing My Song

A song he wrote and recorded from "sheer spiritual inspiration," Allen's didn't think "Southern Nights" had hit potential until Glen Campbell took it to #1 two years later.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

TV Theme Songs

TV Theme SongsFact or Fiction

Was a Beatles song a TV theme? And who came up with those Fresh Prince and Sopranos songs?

Elton John

Elton JohnFact or Fiction

Does he have beef with Gaga? Is he Sean Lennon's godfather? See if you can tell fact from fiction in the Elton John edition.