God Gave Me Everything

Album: Goddess In The Doorway (2001)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Lenny Kravitz helped Jagger write and produce this, and he also played guitar on the song. Kravitz and Jagger are good friends, dating back to 1991 when Mick showed up at Lenny's 1991 concert in Paris and joined him on stage to sing the Rolling Stones song "No Expectations." In 1994, Kravitz was an opening act for the Stones.
  • "God Gave Me Everything" was the first single from Goddess In The Doorway, Mick Jagger's first solo album since 1993. The Rolling Stones lead singer isn't known for his spirituality, but on this track he's very explicit about his feelings toward God.

    The song's co-writer, Lenny Kravitz, is outspoken about his faith in God. The lyric reflects his belief that God is part of everyday life, not just during church on Sunday.
  • This was released to radio in November 2001, but it was released over the internet on October 23 so that it would be eligible for a Grammy the next year. It was one of the first songs sold via download, and it cost $3.49 through Liquid Audio, which was the first company to provide this technology (this was long before iTunes). Along with "Dig In" by Lenny Kravitz, it was the first Virgin Records single sold through download. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France
  • Jagger played a small club in Los Angeles a week before a documentary about his life called Being Mick aired on ABC. He performed this twice at the club so they could use the footage in the documentary, which aired on Thanksgiving, 2001.
  • As part of the promotion for Jagger's documentary, ABC played a video of the song mixed with football clips during halftime of Monday Night Football.
  • This appears, appropriately enough, in the 2003 film Bruce Almighty. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Brett - Edmonton, Canada
  • The video was directed by Mark Romanek, who also did Kravitz' "Are You Gonna Go My Way." He had Kravitz and Jagger wear camera rigs attached to their bodies, which they walked around in to get footage. This technique can be seen in many movies, including Mean Streets and Requiem for a Dream.
  • Mick Jagger came up with the words in a mere half an hour. "I had the melody, but no words apart from a bit of chorus," Kravitz told Mojo magazine. "He came to my Roxie studio in Miami. I mumbled some words. He took a pen and paper and 30 minutes later had the lyrics. He goes into the vocal booth and starts singing from top to bottom perfectly. I say, 'My god, that was amazing, and he says,' We'll get the real vocal later.' He tried over and over again. Of course we used the original."

Comments: 4

  • Luna Loud from Royal Woods, MichiganKiller Tune! To everyone who thought Mick was a Satanist or even "Lucifer Himself", just because he wrote a song called "Sympathy For The Devil", I request you listen to this song.
  • John from New YorkJagger has always been spiritual
  • Vince from Sunderland UkThis is a very spiritual song, it reminds me of the Gospel of Thomas, god is in everything, he can be found in a grain of sand, or a baby's cry, even the clear blue sky. He is singing that god provides everything we see , hear, touch, feel and smell. I never realised Mick Jagger had a spiritual side.
  • Annabeth from Kutztown, PaZak, it's about how a guy has everything he needs, and he's willing to give it all to this girl he loves. Is that helpful?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)Song Writing

How a gym teacher, a janitor, and a junkie became part of some very famous band names.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Art Alexakis of Everclear

Art Alexakis of EverclearSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer of Everclear, Art is also their primary songwriter.

Bass Player Scott Edwards

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."

Evolution Of The Prince Symbol

Evolution Of The Prince SymbolSong Writing

The evolution of the symbol that was Prince's name from 1993-2000.

Krishna Das

Krishna DasSongwriter Interviews

The top chant artist in the Western world, Krishna Das talks about how these Hindu mantras compare to Christian worship songs.