Welcome to a whirlwind tour of 10 interesting replicas of world‑famous landmarks. From gleaming gold‑lined mansions in the Middle East to ultra‑accurate Egyptian tomb copies, these doppelgängers prove that iconic architecture can travel, transform, and sometimes even out‑shine the originals.

10 Interesting Replicas: A Quick Overview

10 The White House in Iraq

When Kurdish entrepreneur Shihab Shihab set out to build his dream residence, he chose to echo the “beauty and simplicity” of Washington’s White House. The $20 million project sits in Erbil, northern Iraq, a city once under Saddam Hussein’s rule. While the façade mirrors the American icon, Shihab took liberties inside: the grand staircase’s banister and ceilings are sheathed in 21‑karat gold, and a lavish Turkish bath adds a local twist.

At 32,300 sq ft (3,000 m²) the Iraqi version is modest compared with the 55,000 sq ft (5,110 m²) original, yet Shihab boasts, “I get to keep my bedroom for life while Obama has to vacate it after his term.”

9 Christ the Redeemer in Portugal

The Brazilian Christ the Redeemer towers 98 ft (30 m) above a 26‑ft (8 m) pedestal, watching over Rio. Inspired by this marvel, the Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon commissioned a sibling statue in Portugal after seeing the original in 1934. World War II gave the project extra meaning, turning the monument into a symbol of Portugal’s gratitude for escaping the worst of the conflict.

Inaugurated in 1959, Portugal’s Cristo Rei stands 90 ft (28 m) tall on a 246‑ft (75 m) pedestal in Almada, gazing across the Tagus River toward Lisbon. Visitors can ride an elevator up the pedestal for close‑up views of the statue and sweeping city panoramas.

8 The Statue of Liberty in France

While hundreds of Lady Liberty copies exist, one of the quirkiest resides at Vascoeuil Castle in France. Instead of a single torch, this version raises torches in both hands, as if cheering on a concert. Named “La Victoire de la Liberté” (The Victory of Liberty), the 1972 Salvador Dalí‑crafted sculpture is only slightly taller than an average person, far smaller than New York’s copper colossus.

A twin of Dalí’s piece can be found in his hometown of Cadaqués, bearing a plaque with Federico García Lorca’s “Ode to Salvador Dalí.” The statue also serves as a Catalan independence emblem, draped in regional flags and bearing the slogan “Llibertat presos politics” (“Freedom for political prisoners”).

7 Big Ben in India

Driving along Kolkata’s VIP Road, motorists encounter a striking clock tower that mimics London’s Big Ben. Known locally as the Kolkata Time Zone Tower, this replica was erected in 2015 and rises roughly 100 ft (30 m), a fraction of the original’s 315 ft (96 m) stature.

South Dumdum Municipality chairman Mr. Mriganka Bhattacharya says the tower sprang from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s vision of making Kolkata a rival to London, with Big Ben an obvious choice given the limited plot size.

Not everyone applauded the decision. Architecture professor Debashish Das of Jadavpur University criticized the move, arguing that copying a foreign landmark ignores the cultural and historical context that gives each structure its unique identity.

6 Moai (Easter Island Heads) in Japan

Visitors to Makomanai Takino Cemetery near Sapporo are greeted by a line of 40 moai—those iconic monolithic heads from Easter Island. While the original statues average 13 ft (4 m) tall, Japan’s versions range from 21 ft to 31 ft (6.5 m–9.5 m), making them even more imposing.

Another collection of moai stands at Sun Messe Nichinan, a park south of Miyazaki. Seven statues, each about 18 ft (5.5 m) high, overlook the sea, accompanied by an Earth Appreciation Bell, a rare insect exhibit, and African tortoises.

5 The Taj Mahal in Bangladesh

Bangladeshi filmmaker Ahsanullah Moni embarked on a five‑year mission (2003‑2008) to construct a full‑scale replica of India’s Taj Mahal. He argued that many Bangladeshis can’t afford a pilgrimage to Agra, so he brought the wonder home for the poor and hoped the project would boost tourism.

The Indian High Commission protested, warning that copying historic monuments is inappropriate. Yet spokesperson Deepak Mittal softened the stance, noting the copy is a form of flattery and unlikely to confuse travelers.

4 Stonehenge in Australia

While the ancient stones of England’s Stonehenge align with solstices, Western Australia hosts its own faithful rendition: Esperance Stonehenge. Rather than mimicking the weathered ruins, this version recreates how the stones would have originally appeared, using locally quarried granite.

Comprising 137 stones weighing a total of 2,755 tons (2,500 t), the full‑size, astronomically aligned replica sits on a farm. Owners Kim and Jillian Beale tried to sell the attraction in 2014 for $5 million AU, later reducing the price to $2.1 million AU before finally selling in 2022.

3 The World Trade Center’s Twin Towers in China

China’s theme parks—World Park in Beijing and Window of the World in Shenzhen—celebrate global landmarks, from the Eiffel Tower to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Among the exhibits stand controversial replicas of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers, unchanged despite the original towers’ tragic collapse.

These miniature towers coexist with smaller versions of the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, prompting debate over whether they serve as tribute or mere tourist curiosities.

2 The Eiffel Tower in Japan

Japan hosts several Eiffel Tower look‑alikes, but Tokyo’s iconic Tokyo Tower steals the spotlight. Completed in 1958, it reaches 1,091 ft (just shy of 333 m), a whisker taller than Paris’s 1,083 ft (330 m) original. This makes Tokyo Tower the second‑tallest structure in Japan, behind the 2,080‑ft (634 m) Tokyo Skytree.

The tower’s main observation deck sits at 492 ft (150 m), accessible via elevators or a 600‑step outdoor staircase. A higher deck at 820 ft (250 m) offers even broader vistas. Its orange‑white paint isn’t decorative—it satisfies aviation regulations requiring tall buildings to be conspicuously colored. The tower even boasts mascots, the pink‑capped Noppon Brothers.

1 Tomb of Tutankhamun in Egypt

The authentic tomb of Egypt’s boy‑king Tutankhamun remains open to visitors, but each footfall accelerates its deterioration. To preserve the fragile site, a painstaking replica opened a mile away in 2014.

Artist Adam Lowe of Factum Arte led the effort, spending five years and $690,000. Using a 3D laser scanner that captured up to one hundred million points per square meter, the team routed a computer‑controlled cutter to carve walls and sarcophagus with pinpoint accuracy. The pieces were then molded, cast, and painted with a blend of digital printing and hand work.

The replica differs slightly: its antechamber now houses a Tut museum, and the actual mummy stays in the original tomb. Egyptologists praised the project; Robert Brier of Long Island University called it a “no‑brainer” that safeguards the heritage site.

While some tourists still crave the genuine article, Lowe argues, “If deepening understanding is the goal, this replica delivers. If it’s about prejudice demanding the original, then confront that bias.”

Large corporations have perfected marketing and branding in the decades since the era portrayed on the famed TV show Mad Men. Back then, ad agencies and marketing experts were just trying to figure out how to advertise to the average consumer. Nowadays, there are all kinds of focus groups, algorithms, and tactics—both shrewd and shady—that’ll get you to buy the products these companies want you to buy. Bizarre origin stories lie at the heart of many of these household names, revealing the oddball creativity that birthed them.

10 Pez

Pez was first created as a tasty (and a bit tangy, if we’re being honest) peppermint candy in 1927. However, they weren’t initially meant for those with a sweet tooth—they were targeted at smokers. Pez was designed to encourage people to stop cmoking.

The candy’s inventor was an Austrian man named Eduard Haas III. At first, he didn’t come up with the now‑iconic Pez dispenser to disperse the candy. Instead, he simply chose to drop the candies into small metal tins. People would carry those tins around and chew on the candy pieces all day—sort of like what the other world‑famous brand Altoids does with their products in the modern era.

Anyway, back to the birth of the name. As a resident of Austria, Haas naturally spoke German. In that language, the word for peppermint is “pfefferminz.” So, being the creative guy he evidently was, Haas took the “P” from the start of that world, the “E” from the exact middle letter, and the “Z” that capped it out and created the brand name “PEZ.” The name stuck! While the candy’s shape and dispersal method have changed over the decades, the name itself has simply proven too iconic to give up.

9 WD‑40

Persistence pays off. And if you don’t believe us, just ask the guy who invented WD‑40. In 1953, a chemist desperately tried to perfect a formula that could effectively prevent corrosion. That task is best completed by displacing water, but no matter how hard he tried or experimented, he just couldn’t seem to get things done. He attempted to displace water in one way or another, again and again, for 39 straight attempts. And for 39 straight attempts, he failed. And then… the 40th time proved to be the charm!

The chemist finally had a breakthrough on his 40th crack at the formula. And he thought so highly of his success and resilience that he decided to honor that push when it came time to name the product. Thus, “WD‑40” stands for “Water Displacement, 40th formula.” Just goes to show that you shouldn’t give up on something just because you failed once or twice… or ten times… or 39 times! After all, you never quite know: the 40th time might truly be the charm!

8 Etsy

The person who founded Etsy was a guy named Rob Kalin. In 2010, a news outlet asked him the obvious question: why “Etsy”? After all, the art‑and‑crafting website was fast on the rise back then. And now, it has completely taken over the way we shop for artistic goodies and buy custom‑made things. So it’s worth wondering what led Kalin to name his website the way he did!

As it turns out, the founder simply wanted a nonsense word that he could build from scratch and make his own. So he turned to the famed Italian film director Federico Fellini for some halfway inspiration that he could mesh and mold into what he wanted!

Kalin explained: “I was watching Fellini’s 8½ and writing down what I was hearing. In Italian, you say ‘etsi’ a lot. It means ‘oh, yes.’ And in Latin, it means ‘and if.’” It’s weird, but it works for us! Besides, shouldn’t a crafting do‑it‑yourself site like Etsy have a (mostly) made‑up word as its brand name? What a fitting idea for the site!

7 Virgin

Richard Branson’s companies are all called “Virgin.” There’s Virgin Records and Virgin Airlines, and after a while, it sure does make ya wonder: What is up with all the virginity talk? Is there a joke buried in there not‑so‑subtly or something? Well, actually, yes! When the company was first founded, Richard and his pals were (rightly) worried that they didn’t know anything about business. But instead of stressing too hard about that little problem, they decided to make a joke out of it.

For a while, Branson wanted to name the company something entirely different. One of the leading early contenders for the record company’s name was “Slipped Disc.” Get it? Eventually, one of his pals suggested that they name the thing “Virgin.” You know, because they were all “virgins” at business. At first, everybody laughed. But then the name stuck around. And really, who’s laughing now?

6 Delta Airlines

The wonderful folks at Delta Airlines didn’t name their company after the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet, even though that’s a common misconception. And they didn’t name it “Delta” because they enjoyed change or disruption like many people have also come to believe. The origin of the name is far simpler than that, in reality. It all has to do with how the company started nearly a century ago: as a crop dusting service in the region comprising the lowest points around the Mississippi River!

As many of you may know, the floodplain of the Mississippi River way down south, near where it lets out into the Gulf of Mexico is known as the Mississippi Delta. A century ago, the folks who founded the airline were working there, dusting crops for local farmers.

At the time, their company was known as “Huff Dusters.” That name stunk, though, and they knew it. So, they renamed the company “Delta Airlines” to honor the region in which they were founded. Not long after that, in 1929, Delta began operating commercial flights with passengers. And the rest is history!

5 Pepsi

Pepsi was first invented in 1893 by a drugstore owner named Caleb Davis Bradham. At the time, he made up his then‑groundbreaking beverage by mixing caramel, lemon oil, nutmeg, sugar, water, and a host of other natural ingredients. And for a while, he had a simple name for it: “Brad’s Drink.” But eventually, Bradham came to see the drink as less of a refreshing treat and more of a beverage that could cure all manner of ills suffered by local folks. (Or at least that’s what he told himself—and how he marketed the thing to eager customers with money to burn!)

So, five years later, he honed in on the word “dyspepsia,” which means indigestion, and decided to use the root of that word for his drink. In 1898, he pulled away from the name “Brad’s Drink” and replaced it with “Pep Kola” after buying the rights to that name from a competitor. The “pep” was meant to signal that the drink could fix dyspepsia. Whether it did wasn’t important; he just wanted consumers to think it could. And to that end, it was very successful! A few years later, it was changed to “Pepsi Cola,” and from there, the name has not changed.

4 Target

Target may be world‑famous now as one of the biggest and most beloved retail giants ever. But it didn’t start out that way! In the day, Target was first opened by a corporation called The Dayton Company in the ripe old year of 1962. And amazingly, at the time, they opened the store without having latched onto a name! They knew they wanted to create a department store that could sell everything anybody could ever want. And they were committed to a red‑and‑white color scheme that could draw attention. But as for a name? They were adrift.

That is until the company’s publicity director came up with the name “Target.” According to his reasoning, the bullseye‑related word fit perfectly because the original store was set up to have more than 75 different departments, as well as parking for nearly 1,300 cars. Thus, it would be so big and so useful across every sector that it would be the perfect “target” for everyone’s retail needs. The name took hold—and stuck—and here we are today. And really, who doesn’t love to go to Tarjay?

3 Ikea

In 1943, a 17‑year‑old Swedish man named Ingvar Kamprad founded the company that would soon become Ikea. He brought it about thanks to a pile of money his father had given him as a reward for doing well in school. The teenager initially started very simple: He sold pens, and then wallets, picture frames, watches, jewelry, and even nylon stockings. And he named the company in a simple way, too. By putting together the two first initials that made up his name along with the two first initials of the farm and village in which he grew up!

To that end, Ingvar Kamprad combined his own name with the first letters of the farm and village Elmtaryd and Agunnaryd… and got Ikea! By the way, Ikea’s now‑famed product names also have a reason behind them.

See, Kamprad was dyslexic, so he realized early on that naming things after proper names of places in Sweden and other countries (like Klippan, Malmö, and many more) was a more effective way for him to remember the names and how they were spelled. Honestly, it’s not a bad idea!

2 Google

Pretty much everybody at this point knows that the search engine Google takes its name from the word “googol,” which is the mathematical term for the number 1 followed by 100 (yes, 100!) zeros. That’s a big number! But do you know how the search giant got to that name? The year was 1996, and founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin initially planned to call their search engine “BackRub.” That was supposed to reference the so‑called “backlinks” of the then‑primitive worldwide web. They weren’t totally crazy about the name, though, so they began discussing other options with pals and co‑workers in the research lab, where they spent all their time.

Eventually, during one final brainstorming session in September of ’97 with a Stanford University graduate student named Sean Anderson, the crew landed on the word “googolplex.” Larry suggested they shorten it just to “googol” and looked it up on the web to be sure they could purchase the domain name. And the domain was available! It’s just that… well, when Sean went to register the thing, he misspelled “googol” as “google.” The group ended up liking that one better than the correct term, though, and so it stuck.

1 Lego

When it comes to creating the name of one of the most iconic children’s toys of all time, the whole thing actually came together very simply! LEGO was founded by a Danish man named Ole Kirk Kristiansen in 1932. And to this day, it is still owned by the Kristiansen family—it just keeps getting passed down from generation to generation! That’s a pretty rare situation in this day and age of super‑corporations and mega‑companies turning into behemoths and conglomerates.

Anyway, when it came time for Ole to name his company, he settled on something very simple: the Danish words “leg godt.” That translates roughly to “play well.” He combined the words into the now‑iconic “LEGO,” that was that. He thought it looked good, sounded good, and was easy to say across nearly any language. And he was right!

0 Twitter

It may be called “X” now, but back in the day, Twitter was Twitter. Unless you are new to the website over the last 24 months, you undoubtedly can’t stop calling it Twitter and start using its new “X” moniker. Well, if you’re anything like us, at least. It’ll always be Twitter over here! But how did the original name come about, anyway? And where did co‑founder Jack Dorsey and his team get the idea that a message would be called a “tweet”?

Birds definitely come into play with this name idea. But it goes a little bit deeper than that, too. At first, Dorsey considered (and then turned down) the name “Twitch.” That’s a funny thought because Twitch would go on to become its own gaming‑ and streaming‑related social network. But Dorsey thought Twitch wasn’t quite the right name for his micro‑blogging service way back 20 years ago when he was first putting it together. So he looked elsewhere.

Recalling how he came up with the name “Twitter” in an interview years later with the BBC, Dorsey explained: “We looked in the dictionary for words around it and came across the word ‘twitter,’ and it was just perfect. The definition was ‘a short burst of inconsequential information’ and ‘chirps from birds.’ And that’s exactly what the product was.”

Rock and roll has its roots in blues, country, and other musical traditions. It has evolved over the years to include a wide variety of styles and themes. One common theme that appears in rock is the use of biblical themes and references. Many famous songs contain references to the Bible and Christian themes. These nods can be found in lyrics, music, and imagery. Some songs contain lyrics that reference specific stories from the Bible, such as the story of Adam and Eve or the story of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. Other songs explore broader themes from the Bible, such as the idea of salvation or the role of faith in one’s life.

In addition to lyrics, rock and roll often incorporates musical elements inspired by Christian traditions. For example, many rock and roll songs feature hymn-like melodies and chord progressions reminiscent of traditional hymns. Additionally, some rock songs feature gospel-style vocals and harmonies, which are often associated with Christian music. Plus, many rock bands and artists use symbols and imagery that reference specific stories or themes from the Bible. Plenty of bands use crosses or other Christian symbols in their album artwork or stage sets, while others use biblical imagery in music videos or live performances. (LINK 2)

Today, you’ll learn all about ten world-famous rock songs directly inspired by the Bible. In these ten tracks, gnarly, renegade rock singers took unlikely inspiration from the Christian world’s most famous piece of literature. The end result is a set of timeless musical classics.

10 “Sympathy for the Devil” (The Rolling Stones)

The Rolling Stones first released “Sympathy for the Devil” on their 1968 album Beggars Banquet. Penned by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, it has since become one of the band’s most iconic and well-known hits. The song is written from Satan’s perspective. It tells the tale of the Devil’s role as a tempter and deceiver. The lyrics contain several references to the Bible, including the story of Adam and Eve and the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness.

In fact, the song’s opening lines are a direct reference to the Bible’s portrayal of Satan as a tempter and deceiver. “Please allow me to introduce myself,” the track begins, “I’m a man of wealth and taste.” In the book of Genesis, Satan tempts Eve to eat the forbidden fruit by promising her knowledge and power, and in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Satan tempts Jesus in the wilderness by offering him the kingdoms of the world. Jagger and Richards know quite well what they sing in that regard!

Throughout the song, the narrator describes his actions in terms that are reminiscent of the Bible’s portrayal of Satan. In one verse, the Stones wail, “I was ’round when Jesus Christ had his moment of doubt and pain.” That’s a pretty literal nod to being present at the time of Jesus’ temptation, and playing a role in Jesus’ suffering. Plus, the song’s aforementioned and titular chorus is a direct reference to the Bible’s portrayal of Satan as a tempter and deceiver who seeks to ensnare people with his wealth and charm.

In a world where many lyrics are metaphorical, the Stones hit this one right on the head. The song’s lyrics contain explicit references to the Bible and Christian themes and explore the idea of temptation and the role that Satan plays in the lives of people.^[1]

9 “Stairway to Heaven” (Led Zeppelin)

World-renowned British rock band Led Zeppelin released “Stairway to Heaven” on their 1971 album Led Zeppelin IV. The song has become one of the most well-known and widely-loved rock songs of all time. It has also been the subject of much debate and speculation over its meaning and inspiration. Its metaphorical bent has left fans wondering about its meaning for five decades.

One popular interpretation of the song is entirely biblical. Specifically, the lyrics of the song include references to “a stairway to heaven” and “a tune that will come to you at last.” They translate roughly to the Christian concept of heaven and the idea that one’s ultimate destiny will be revealed in the end. The lyrics also mention “a lady who’s sure all that glitters is gold” and “a ring that doesn’t fade away,” which are viewed as themes of faith and eternal life.

There are also some musical elements in the song that have been interpreted as references to the Bible and Christianity. The song’s intro features a solo violin playing a melody reminiscent of a hymn. Then, the song’s main melody features a chord progression similar to that of a traditional praise song. And the song’s structure follows a traditional verse-chorus-verse format identical to the structure of many hymns.

Other interpretations of the song claim it is about a journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. The lyrics describe a person who is searching for meaning and understanding and who is trying to find their place in the world. The “stairway to heaven” could thus be a metaphor for this journey. And the “tune that will come to you at last” is interpreted by some as the realization or understanding that one is seeking.

Outwardly biblical or simply metaphorical, Led Zeppelin was clearly dealing with significant, deep themes in this song. So perhaps it’s no wonder the song has become one of rock’s most famous tracks of all time.^[2]

8 “Turn! Turn! Turn!” (The Byrds)

The Byrds released “Turn! Turn! Turn!” on their 1965 album of the same name. The song is based on the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible. In fact, the song’s lyrics are taken almost verbatim from the book. The sole exception comes in the opening lines, where the lyrics go, “to everything (turn, turn, turn), there is a season (turn, turn, turn), and a time to every purpose, under heaven.” So even when it’s not quoting the Bible, it’s still pretty biblical!

Like the book of Ecclesiastes, the rest of the track explores the theme of the cyclical nature of life and the idea that everything has its time and place. The “turn” lines repeated throughout encapsulate the theme of the cyclical nature of life and the idea that everything has its time and place. The rest of the lyrics, which are taken directly from the book of Ecclesiastes, explore this theme in more detail with different times and purposes that refer back to the opening.

The song’s music is characterized by its simple, upbeat folk-rock style, which is driven by the interplay between the guitar, bass, and drums. The Byrds were talented at creating catchy, sing-along melodies. Not just entertaining, that repetitive structure makes it easy to remember “Turn! Turn! Turn!” and sing along with it. The Byrds’ version of the track quickly became a hit. It reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart in December 1965.

The song has since been covered by numerous other artists, and it has turned into a classic of the folk-rock genre. In the years since, it has become a popular choice for sing-alongs and group performances. All the way through, its easy-to-grasp biblical themes have helped it spread across the music world.^[3]

7 “Highway 61 Revisited” (Bob Dylan)

Bob Dylan released “Highway 61 Revisited” on his 1965 album of the same name. The song is known for its bluesy, rock and roll sound. Its haunting lyrics are full of vivid imagery and cultural references. One popular interpretation of the song is that it is inspired by Christian themes. The song’s title, “Highway 61 Revisited,” is a reference to the Bible’s book of Revelation. It describes a “highway” or path that leads to the “new Jerusalem,” which is a city described as being made of gold and other precious materials. The lyrics include references to this highway and to the “new Jerusalem,” suggesting that the song is exploring the theme of spiritual enlightenment or salvation.

Dylan’s lyrics in the song also contain references to other biblical ideas, such as the story of the Tower of Babel and the idea of the apocalypse. The lyrics describe a world in chaos and turmoil, with people “crying in the dead of night” and “trying to get to heaven before they close the door.” These lyrics could be interpreted as references to the biblical stories of the Tower of Babel and the apocalypse, which both depict a world that is in disarray and in need of redemption.

Interestingly, “Highway 61 Revisited” is also known for its cultural references and vivid imagery. The song describes a journey down Highway 61, a real-life road that runs through the southern U.S. Along the way, it includes references to various landmarks and cities. The song’s lyrics are full of colorful descriptions of the people and places the narrator encounters on his journey, painting a vivid picture of life along the highway.

Still, the biblical ideas have stuck. Six decades after it was first released, Christians and Jews alike still cite Dylan’s impactful song as a nod to the story of God and his creation.^[4]

6 “Creeping Death” (Metallica)

Metallica released “Creeping Death” on their 1984 album Ride the Lightning. The heavy metal song is known for its aggressive sound and lyrics, which explore themes of death and destruction. There’s little question that the track is inspired by the Bible and the story of the tenth plague in the book of Exodus. The song’s lyrics describe a creeping death that is coming to destroy the narrator’s enemies. They include references to the biblical story of the tenth plague, in which God sent a series of plagues to afflict the ancient Egyptians in order to free the Israelites from slavery.

The lyrics describe the plagues as “creeping death,” and note the narrator’s enemies as “pharaoh’s slaves,” further suggesting a connection to the biblical story. In one verse, singer James Hetfield writes: “Slaves, Hebrews, born to serve the pharaoh / Heed to his every word, live in fear / So let it be written, let it be done / To kill the first-born pharaoh son / I’m Creeping Death.”

When Hetfield wrote the song, the band had just watched the 1956 movie The Ten Commandments, starring Charlton Heston. In that film, a memorable scene shows a fog sending in the tenth plague on screen. That fog was a theatrical choice for the film, but the imagery stuck with the rock group. They took note of the “creeping death” that devastated Egypt and put it to music.

The song’s lyrics also explore themes of death and destruction, noting “death is creeping its way in” and “hell is coming for you.” These are references to the biblical concept of death as a punishment for sin, as well as the idea of hell as a place of eternal punishment. In addition to its biblical themes, “Creeping Death” is also loved for its strong melodies and fast-paced guitar riffs. The rock sound is fast, powerful, and aggressive. In the years since its release, it has become a classic of the heavy metal genre.^[5]

5 “Take Up Thy Stethoscope and Walk” (Pink Floyd)

“Take Up Thy Stethoscope and Walk” is a song Pink Floyd released on their 1967 debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. It’s a surreal, psychedelic track, and its lyrics are full of imagery and cultural references, including some to Christianity. The song’s title is a reference to a line from the book of Genesis in which God tells Adam to “take up thy staff, and walk.” This line is often interpreted as a metaphor for the human journey through life. But it hits the note even harder with its direct quote from the good book.

In the album notes, it’s credited to bassist Roger Waters. And it features subtle references to the book of John, Chapter 5, Verse 8, in which Jesus heals a paralyzed man who spent years sitting on a mat. “Take up thy staff and walk,” Jesus tells the man—and Waters’s words carry over in the well-received rock song. Like the book of John, the narrator notes the idea of taking responsibility for one’s actions and making one’s own way in the world.

The song, and much of Pink Floyd’s work of this period, demonstrates the band’s fascination with the Bible. Plus, it showcases some of Roger Waters’s later-developed obsession with medical and biological subjects. These themes are further explored in the band’s later songs, such as those released in a 1970 collaboration with Ron Geesin.

Throughout his musical career, Waters and Pink Floyd frequently drew inspiration from the Bible. Much of that was evident in the use of material from the book of Ecclesiastes on the album Dark Side of the Moon. So it’s no wonder the band wanted to go for a religious reference with “Take Up Thy Stethoscope and Walk” when it popped up on their debut album.^[6]

4 “Adam Raised a Cain” (Bruce Springsteen)

The story of Cain and Abel in Genesis is one of the most unsettling stories in the Old Testament. It highlights the complex dynamics of relationships and family. Then, it ends in tragedy when Cain kills Abel. While this story is often discussed in relation to the actions and motivations of the brothers, it is also worth considering the role of Adam in the events that unfold. Thankfully for us, Bruce Springsteen did just that.

His song “Adam Raised a Cain,” from the album Darkness on the Edge of Town, uses the biblical story to delve into the theme of father-son relationships and the influence of parental figures. The song suggests we cannot escape the influence of our parents, just as Cain was a product of Adam. The song is a dark and thought-provoking exploration of the complex nature of the human condition.

Springsteen has said as much in interviews too. In 1978, Creem Magazine asked him about how he had used the Bible as inspiration. The Boss directly referenced that exact parable and noted how its themes seemed to be universal. “I was thinking of writing that particular song, and I went back trying to get a feeling for it,” Springsteen said of using the Bible to find inspiration for meaningful music. Of course, the New Jersey-born superstar is one of the best rockers to ever write about the workingman’s condition. But as it turns out here, Springsteen also has quite the feel for opening up about ancient religious tales, too.^[7]

3 “Rock of Ages” (Def Leppard)

In 1983, the English rock band Def Leppard released the album Pyromania, featuring the hit song “Rock of Ages.” The song is known for its energetic and over-the-top rock sound and its use of the cowbell. According to an interview with lead singer Joe Elliott, the music for the song was already written, but the band needed lyrics. They turned to the Bible for inspiration, using it as a source for the lyrics of the song.

“We let somebody use the studio the night before, and they held a Bible study session,” Elliott recalled years later. “A Bible was left in the studio open to the hymn ‘Rock of Ages.’ So, I picked it up and started singing.” Suddenly, the tune came together. The band almost immediately realized they had a hit on their hands. As they lined up music and lyrics, one of the hair metal era’s greatest rock songs quickly came together.

The biblical inspiration isn’t the only memorable part of the song, though. Rock fans can never forget its enigmatic intro, which consists of the words “gunter, glieben, glauten, globen.” The meaning of this phrase has always been a mystery to fans. We now know what it is—but it’s not biblical!

According to drummer Rick Allen, producer Mutt Lange had long since grown tired of using the traditional “one, two, three, four” countdown for songs in studio sessions. So he chose a meaningless phrase instead. As a result, the weird, random intro to “Rock of Ages” became one of the most memorable memes of headbanger music.^[8]

2 “Get out of Your Own Way” (U2)

Given their Irish and Roman Catholic background, it is not surprising that the Bible has influenced U2. In the song “Get out of Your Own Way,” the band draws on the Beatitudes, a set of verses from the Sermon on the Mount in the New Testament. These verses instruct people to be compassionate and understanding toward each other. They also offer comfort to those struggling, like the poor, humble, and grieving.

But U2 wasn’t content to do something straightforward. They took the Beatitudes from the Bible and reinterpreted them in a way that critiques contemporary life. The song’s lyrics invert the original message of the Beatitudes and offer a rebuke of modern values. For example, the song’s verse notes: “Blessed are the arrogant, for theirs is the kingdom of their own company / Blessed are the superstars, for in the magnificence of their light we understand better our own insignificance / Blessed are the filthy rich, for you can only truly own what you give away, like your pain.” These lines go very strongly against the spirit of the original Beatitudes and offer a harsh take on modern priorities.

That U2 collaborated with Kendrick Lamar on the track makes that critique all the more poignant. The rapper’s voice can be heard speaking the “anti-Beatitudes” as the song’s outro. Unlike his usual rap style, Lamar chose to speak the lines plainly. The decision gave the verse a preacher-like quality. The metaphor is thick there as a critique of the negative aspects of contemporary material culture. Beware the glorification of wealth, fame, and arrogance, U2 and Lamar warn in the powerful piece of music. But will society heed their advice?^[9]

1 “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” (Charlie Daniels Band)

This one seems pretty obvious, doesn’t it? The Charlie Daniels Band released “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” way back in 1979. The bluegrass-inspired song has been a hit ever since, thanks to its fast-paced tempo. Its memorable lyrics tell a fascinating story, too, about a fiddle-playing contest between the devil and a boy named Johnny. And the verses are chock-full of biblical allusions. After all, the song is a thinly-veiled reference to the story of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness as described in the book of Matthew.

In this story, the devil attracts Jesus by offering him the kingdoms of the world. However, Jesus resists and ultimately defeats the devil. The song’s lyrics contain several references to that story, with the devil challenging Johnny to a fiddle-playing contest and offering him a “gold fiddle” as a prize. The devil is a tempter here, just as he is in the Bible, but Jesus—and, in the song, Johnny—resist the urge to give in and instead stay strong in their beliefs.

Biblical themes and stories are rampant throughout the fiddle-powered track. The idea of good versus evil and the power of faith both shine through. In CDB’s lyrics, Johnny is described as a “Christian” who is able to defeat the devil through his faith and skill with the fiddle. In his own way, Johnny was able to overcome the temptation of mortal sin with the power of his perseverance. Just like Jesus, Johnny refused to relinquish his soul to receive material gains. Thus, the 1979 track has long-term implications for how Christians counsel each other to live their lives. So it’s really no wonder it has long been popular with conservative southern Christians.

Of course, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” is also known for its driving sound and catchy melodies. The song’s fast-paced, upbeat performance is driven by Daniels’s own amazing fiddle talents. Even outside of its Christian allusions, the single has become a classic of the country and southern rock genres. Its powerful parable and driving rhythms will have it living on for decades to come.^[10]