Meaning of "Dear God" by XTC

XTC's "Dear God" lyrics reflect a skeptical and critical perspective on the concept of God and organized religion. The song begins with a plea to God, expressing hope that he has received the letter and a prayer for improvement on Earth. However, the songwriter quickly shifts to questioning God's role and actions. They highlight the contradiction between the idea of a loving God who created humans in his image and the suffering, starvation, and conflict that exists. The lyrics also challenge the notion of human responsibility for their actions by asking whether God created disease and evil. The songwriter questions the authenticity and credibility of religious texts by pointing out that humans wrote them. They argue that the belief in these writings is unfounded and that God should recognize this. The chorus further emphasizes the disbelief in God and the rejection of traditional religious concepts such as heaven, hell, and the existence of saints and sinners. The lyrics portray God as unreliable, responsible for wars and tragedies, and debunk the concept of the Holy Trinity. The song concludes with a resolute statement of disbelief in God.

"Dear God" challenges the traditional beliefs and assumptions surrounding the concept of God and religion. It raises critical questions about the nature of a supposedly loving, all-powerful deity who allows suffering and injustice. The lyrics express frustration with the disconnect between the idea of a benevolent God and the realities of the world. It can be seen as a commentary on organized religion, questioning the authority and legitimacy of religious texts and institutions. The songwriter ultimately rejects the concept of God, finding it incompatible with the realities they observe and the suffering they witness. The song encourages listeners to think critically about religion and the existence of God.