10 Pop Songs About Angels: Guardianship, Redemption, Death & Farewell
Introduction
At Christmas, I recounted tales of angels to my daughter. She had a keen interest in angels and was curious to find out if there were any songs about them. So I decided to search on Google for well-known songs about angels. I explored numerous “best angel songs” blogs and listened to various songs.
I picked ten songs that stood out to me and organized them into “Guardianship, Redemption, Death and Farewell” themes to craft a delightful playlist of angel songs. I hope these songs will bring you happiness and motivation. Let’s delve into and appreciate these fantastic songs!
What Are the Themes of Angel Songs?
Guardianship
1. Your Guardian Angel – The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus
I will never let you fall
I’ll stand up with you forever
I’ll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you sends me to heaven
The song begins by presenting the viewpoint of a guardian angel. The gentle guitar melody in the beginning sets the stage for the emotion, while the fervent collaboration of the entire band culminates at the end, creating a powerful emotional contrast.
This structural design transitions from quiet to explosive, ultimately interpreting the guardian oath with the intense rhythm of punk rock – “I will never let you fall” and “Even if saving you sends me to heaven”. This effectively communicates a sense of hope and determination, illustrating that the angel is committed to safeguarding you and is prepared to make sacrifices.
2. Angels – Elle Limebear
Angels always around you
On guard day and night
No harm will overtake you
You have angels, you have angels
This song sounds very soothing. The composition features a progressive structure, slowly introducing electronic beats, piano, and harmonies, complemented by the beautiful voice of Elle Limebear, crafting an emotional journey that transitions from tranquility to sublimation.
It conveys the idea that angels will shelter and safeguard you from danger. When facing difficulties in life, embrace courage and perseverance; an angel is always by your side, offering support and protection.
3. Angels Among Us – Alabama
Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give
To guide us with the light of love
The tune of this song is straightforward and calming. The opening features a majestic organ, accompanied by the piano and Alabama’s chanting, leading to a climax enriched by strings and a children’s choir, evoking a sense of warmth, innocence, and hopefulness.
It expresses that there are angels in our lives, who have been quietly watching over, guiding, and safeguarding us. Sometimes they appear as unfamiliar faces, offering assistance and sharing love and kindness.
4. Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel) – Billy Joel
Goodnight, my angel
Time to close your eyes
This song features a gentle and calming melody, with Billy’s heartfelt voice harmonizing beautifully with the piano, resulting in a cozy and personal ambiance. The lyrics beautifully express his affection for his daughter and his wish to shield her from the challenges of the world. This song, centered around love and protection, has profoundly impacted the hearts of many parents and children, becoming a precious emotional resonance in their hearts.
The song is quite appropriate for children to enjoy. My daughter particularly enjoys listening to it before bedtime.
Redemption
1. Calling All Angels -Train
And I’m calling all angels
And I’m calling all you angels
And I won’t give up if you don’t give up
The song begins with a piano note reminiscent of church bells, symbolizing divine calls, and is soon accompanied by a swelling of strings that rise like a tide. The verse section features straightforward guitar and drum rhythms that complement Monahan’s confiding singing. The chorus incorporates organ sounds and harmony layering to evoke a grand atmosphere reminiscent of a gospel choir.
It conveys a yearning for hope and faith, calling on all angels, calling on people to come together, confront challenges as one, and extend love and support to those who require it the most.
2. Angels – Robbie Williams
And through it all she offers me protection
A lot of love and affection, whether I’m right or wrong
And down the waterfall, wherever it may take me
I know that life won’t break me
When I come to call, she won’t forsake me
I’m loving angels instead
This song possesses a beautiful melody and evokes deep emotions. The initial single-note melody on the piano intentionally mimics the sound of church bells, establishing a sacred atmosphere. The strings, drums, and harmonies gradually rise to a climax, while Robbie’s serene voice evokes a profound sense of peace, melancholy, and yearning.
It explores the quest for life’s significance and the conviction that one is accompanied by angels. Even when faced with difficulties, we must persevere in our search for salvation.
3. Angel Spread Your Wings – Judy Collins
Angel spread your wings, I want to fly away with you
Take me in your arms, I know you’re dying to
Fly away forever, fly away forever, fly away forever
Angel spread your wings
The song features a soothing and simple melody, complemented by synth arpeggios and drum beats, alongside Judy’s soft and mellow voice, evoking a sense of purity and beauty. As we listen to her sing, it feels as though we could truly soar through the sky with the angels.
This song narrates the story of a woman pleading with the angels to carry her away. It conveys a yearning for solace, a search for hope and guidance amid struggles and challenges. It highlights the importance of maintaining faith and seeking relief, even in the most desperate times, much like the symbolism of angelic wings.
4. Send Me an Angel – Scorpions
Here I am (Here I am)
Will you send me an angel?
Here I am (Here I am)
In the land of the morning star
This is a relatively calming of rock music. The prelude employs guitar chords to establish a serene atmosphere, evoking the celestial sensation of church bells and setting a sacred tone for the entire song. The climax features an electric guitar with a strong rhythm and soaring melody, combined with the distinctive and powerful voice of lead singer Klaus Meine, evoking a sense of tranquility and strength.
This song opens with a plea for the guidance of a guardian angel, conveying a quest for direction and hope amidst darkness and despair. The recurring lyric “Will you send me an angel” highlights a longing for hope and salvation.
Death and Farewell
1. Anthem of the Angels – Breaking Benjamin
There is nothing left of you,
I can see it in your eyes
Sing the anthem of the angels,
And say the last goodbye
This is a rock song involving a powerful melody and stands as one of Breaking Benjamin’s most significant contributions. The piece begins with a grand string arrangement, soon transitioning into an energetic electric guitar riff. The climax features a powerful electric guitar paired with gentle strings, alongside the lead singer Benjamin’s voice, creating a striking contrast of “praying and shouting”.
This song discusses the profound experience of losing a loved one. It conveys feelings of sorrow and farewell to the departed while offering spiritual solace to the living. The “angel” in the lyrics serves as a guide to death while also representing a symbol of spiritual comfort. “Sing the anthem of the angels” could symbolize the elevation of the soul at life’s conclusion, or serve as a requiem for those who have passed, offering solace through a ceremonial goodbye.
2. Angel – Sarah McLachlan
You’re in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here
This song features a lovely melody and a gentle rhythm. The piece begins with a calming piano, followed by faint string music after the climax. Together with Sarah’s soft voice, it evokes feelings of calm, affection, and touching.
It drew inspiration from reports of musicians succumbing to heroin overdoses amid pressure. The expresses critiques the music industry’s exploitation of talent while also offering support and encouragement to those in trouble.
The song, while originally critiquing the exploitation within the music industry and an encouragement to people in difficult, has evolved into a well-known piece often played during funerals and memorial services. The lyrics “You’re in the arms of the angel; may you find some comfort here” represent the tranquility of the departed, having been liberated from pain. The lyrics initially represented the angel’s arms as a sanctuary for the soul, but gradually were reshaped into the public’s collective memory as the peace on the other side of death.
Why Do Angels Resonate with People in Music?
Angels resonate with people in music as they are frequently depicted as symbols of hope and comfort.
In lyrics, angels frequently symbolize light, guidance, and protection. When people encounter challenges and difficulties, angels serve as a guiding light, offering support and strength to navigate the path ahead. As Sarah McLachlan sang, “You’re in the arms of the angel; may you find some comfort here,” each listener connected with their hidden sorrow and the hope for healing woven into the music.
Furthermore, the universal and uplifting significance of angels allows them to rise above diverse backgrounds and beliefs, fostering emotional connections with a broad audience. Angels in music, embodying purity and selflessness, evoke a longing for beauty and contemplation of life’s meaning, thus triggering a deep resonance in the hearts of the audience.
Conclusion
Angels have always been a favorite theme of musicians. They represent love, protection, and redemption, while also serving as artistic expressions of death and farewell. They connect with the resonance deep within our hearts. This resonance arises from the shared yearning of humanity for love, safety, and redemption.
I hope that one of the ten songs shared this time will resonate with you and wish for these melodies to be with you during times of solitude or uncertainty, helping you discover your angel within the notes.