Depeche Mode - Personal Jesus

Depeche Mode - Personal Jesus - Meaning of the song

This was inspired by Priscilla Presley's book Elvis And Me, in which she described her relationship with Elvis Presley. Depeche Mode's Martin Gore stated:

"It's a song about being a Jesus for someone else, about having someone to give you hope and care. It's about Elvis being her man and her mentor, and how often that happens in love relationships - how everyone's heart is like a god in some way, and that's not a very balanced view of someone, is it?"

On his 2002 album American IV, The Man Comes Around, Johnny Cash recorded a stripped-down version. Martin Gore told The London Times that the band had no idea Cash had covered this song. The threesome were naturally ecstatic when they learned about the recording by the country legend. "I think when you're someone of Johnny Cash's caliber, you don't ask for permission," Gore said.

Cash explained his decision to cover this song:

"That sounded like a gospel song to me. And, when viewed as a gospel song, it works extremely well. We didn't have a major disagreement about that song; I just heard that a few people had recorded it, and the writer wanted me to try it, which I did, and I loved it. And I took a chance on it."

Personal Jesus - Lyrics

Reach out and touch faith Your own personal Jesus Someone to hear your prayers Someone who cares Your own personal Jesus Someone to hear your prayers Someone who's there Feeling unknown And you're all alone Flesh and bone By the telephone Lift up the receiver I'll make you a believer Take second best Put me to the test Things on your chest You need to confess I will deliver You know I'm a forgiver Reach out and touch faith Reach out and touch faith Your own personal Jesus Someone to hear your prayers Someone who cares Your own personal Jesus Someone to hear your prayers Someone who's there Feeling unknown And you're all alone Flesh and bone By the telephone Lift up the receiver I'll make you a believer I will deliver You know I'm a forgiver Reach out and touch faith Your own personal Jesus Reach out and touch faith