God" | Xtc, "dear

: Many listeners find the song deeply emotional because it speaks to a "heartbroken believer"—someone who desperately wants to believe but finds the reality of the world makes it impossible. Impact and Controversy

: A central thesis of the song is the idea that mankind created God, rather than the other way around: "Did you make mankind after we made you?".

XTC 's "Dear God," written by Andy Partridge, is one of the most polarizing and enduring tracks of the 1980s. Originally released as a B-side to the single "Grass" in 1986, it was excluded from the initial pressing of the album Skylarking because Partridge felt he had "failed" to capture the vastness of human belief in such a short song. However, intense radio play in the United States—driven by its controversial lyrics—forced a re-release of the album that included the track. The Inspiration and Composition XTC, "Dear God"

The song is structured as a letter to a deity, evolving from humble requests for a "reduction in the amount of tears" to a full-scale rejection of religious dogma.

: Partridge questions why a creator would allow starvation, disease, and "the babes you drown". : Many listeners find the song deeply emotional

: Partridge initially conceived the song in a skiffle style but moved toward a sound reminiscent of the Beatles' "Rocky Raccoon". The final version features a "Gershwin-y" string section intended to evoke a bluesy, "Summertime" atmosphere.

Watch the official music video, which famously uses a child's perspective to frame the song's challenging questions: XTC - Dear God YouTube• 8 Jun 2018 Originally released as a B-side to the single

: The title and concept were inspired by a series of children's books titled Dear God , which Partridge viewed as exploitative.