Another oldie!
This song also dates from 1990, when I lived in Kemptown, Brighton, England, having just graduated from University, and having a few cr*p jobs.
I used to knock about with a friend and neighbour James (‘Jamsie’) Carrick, who now lives in New Zealand. We used to play this song together a lot.
The origin of the song was twofold: firstly, a visit Joe and I paid to the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham, UK, around 1990, where we saw all these old model British motorcycles like the Brough Superior which Lawrence of Arabia famously rode.
Secondly, it’s a comment on the phrase “the devil has the best tunes”. I have always been struck by how “uncool” religion and religious symbolism can be. Certainly compared to the movies!
The song was simply asserting that religion might do better if it updated itself somewhat…and became a little hipper.
Although I am not religious per se, I am a fan of Pope Francis, who I believe is bringing a lot of humanity and perspective to faith, at once reminding us of the humility of Jesus’ original mission as well as modernising.
I kind of think of Pope Francis as the “Vicar on a Harley”. Finally, a much cooler father of faith!