The lyrics of "Plastic Jesus" describe the narrator's devotion to a plastic Jesus figurine that sits on the dashboard of their car, offering protection and guidance through various trials and tribulations. The humorous and irreverent tone of the song portrays the plastic Jesus as a loyal companion, even being used as a flask for alcohol, although there are moments of acknowledgment that the figure is merely a decoration with limitations.

Meaning of "Plastic Jesus" by Jello Biafra

"Plastic Jesus" by Jello Biafra delves into the themes of faith, consumerism, and the absurdity of modern religious practices. The narrator's reliance on the plastic Jesus figurine as a source of protection and guidance satirizes the idea of using materialistic objects as substitutes for genuine spiritual beliefs. The irreverent and humorous tone underscores the critique of organized religion, exposing the superficiality and absurdity of relegating faith to a mere decoration in the fast-paced, consumer-driven world. By using the plastic Jesus as a flask for alcohol and as a tool for intimidation on the road, the song highlights the hypocritical and contradictory nature of religious symbolism and the distortion of religious values in contemporary society. Ultimately, the lyrics serve as a commentary on the emptiness of substituting genuine faith with materialistic, shallow representations.