God Is Really Real Explained

God Is Really Real
Cover:God Is Really Real Single.jpg
Type:single
Artist:AJR
Album:The Maybe Man
Recorded:2022–2023
Genre:Pop
Length:2:59
Label:Mercury
Producer:Ryan Met
Prev Title:The Dumb Song
Prev Year:2023
Next Title:Yes I'm a Mess
Next Year:2023

"God Is Really Real" is a song by American pop band AJR. It was released by Mercury Records and serves as the eleventh track on the band's fifth studio album The Maybe Man. Despite not being planned as a single, the song, which is dedicated to the brothers' terminally ill father,[1] was surprise-released to YouTube on July 3, 2023. The single was officially released on streaming services on July 5, 2023.

Background

For over a year, AJR's father Gary Metzger battled cancer.[2] [3] [4] His deteriorating health led the band to publicly announce his condition on July 1 through social media,[5] with the band cancelling all of that month's planned concerts, including headlining Summerfest[6] and later opening for Imagine Dragons.[7] Gary died hours after the single's initial YouTube release on July 3,[8] with the band giving an update before taking a temporary leave from social media.[9] They claimed that they wanted the song to be available before he died.

Composition

"God Is Really Real" is composed in time signature in the key of F major and follows a tempo of 270 beats per minute (bpm).

Similarly to "Dear Winter" from the band's third studio album Neotheater, the song's sole instrument is an acoustic guitar, with "God Is Really Real" additionally having an orchestral backing.[10]

Lyric video

Two days before the single's official release date, a lyric video directed by AJR and edited by Austin Roa was released on July 3, 2023.[1] The lyrics are handwritten by Ryan Met in a small notebook, with the band filming the video inside the hospital where their father was staying.[5]

Personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.[11]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Arthur. Joseph. The Wichitan’s Song of the Week: "God is Really Real". The Wichitan. October 31, 2023. November 17, 2023.
  2. Web site: Edwards. Eve. AJR's dad died just days after the band cancelled shows to be at his side. HITC. July 5, 2023. November 16, 2023.
  3. AJR. November 14, 2023 . AJR Breaks Down "The Maybe Man" . YouTube video . English . November 17, 2023 . 16:25 . Zach Sang Show.
  4. Web site: Boisvert. Lauren. Brothers of AJR Open Up About Losing Their Father During Creation of New Album. American Songwriter. en-US. November 24, 2023. January 22, 2024.
  5. Web site: Patterson. Charmaine. AJR Brothers Reveal Their Father Has Died After Lengthy Illness. https://web.archive.org/web/20230704140935/https://themessenger.com/entertainment/ajr-brothers-reveal-their-father-has-died-after-lengthy-illness. dead. July 4, 2023. The Messenger. July 4, 2023. November 16, 2023.
  6. Web site: Mueller. Matt. After canceling in 2023, AJR will headline Summerfest next year on the Fourth of July. OnMilwaukee. November 9, 2023. January 22, 2024.
  7. Web site: Neog. Anupal Sraban. Who are AJR's parents? Popular trio announces death of father after prolonged illness. Sportskeeda. July 5, 2023. November 16, 2023.
  8. Web site: Mcewen. Alex. Alternative band AJR release new song in tribute of their late dad Gary. Culturess. en-US. July 5, 2023. January 22, 2024.
  9. Web site: Kahler. Tanner. After Summerfest cancellations, AJR announces their father has died. WISN-TV. July 3, 2023. November 16, 2023.
  10. Web site: Smith. Steve. AJR Dad Died: What Was The Cause?. Vizaca. July 5, 2023. November 16, 2023.
  11. Web site: Credits / God is Really Real / AJR . July 5, 2023 . . November 16, 2023.

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