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Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa — Chocolate Jesus
Album: Don't Explain
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1903









Released: 2011
Length: 2:37
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Well I don't go to church on Sunday
Don't get on my knees to pray
Don't memorize the books of the Bible
I got my own special way
I know Jesus loves me
Maybe just a little bit more
I fall down on my knees every Sunday
At Zerelda Lee's candy store

Well it's got to be a chocolate Jesus
Make me feel good inside
Got to be a chocolate Jesus
Keep me satisfied

Well I don't want no Anna Zabba
Don't want no Almond Joy
There ain't nothing better
Suitable for this boy
Well it's the only thing
That can pick me up
Better than a cup of gold
See only a chocolate Jesus
Can satisfy my soul

When the weather gets rough
And it's whiskey in the shade
It's best to wrap your savior
Up in cellophane
He flows like the big muddy
But that's ok
Pour him over ice cream
For a nice parfait

Well it's got to be a chocolate Jesus
Good enough for me
Got to be a chocolate Jesus
Good enough for me

Well it's got to be a chocolate Jesus
Make me feel so good inside
Got to be a chocolate Jesus
Keep me satisfied
Comments (117)add comment
 GingerandMe wrote:

Very nasty and why do it?



You question literally answers itself.

If your cover of a Tom Waits song isn't nasty, you're probably not doing it right.  The exception, of course, being "Long Way Home," which is an uncharacteristically sweet song for Waits. 
Very nasty and why do it?
 ChrisinSIsters wrote:

nasty



Yeah it is. 
nasty
 ElCamoteLoco wrote:


The Church remains silent on the vexed question of Transubstantiation when it comes to Chocolate Jesii.

Yes.  But the correct term is Jebusii.
 Laptopdog wrote:

Hearing this makes me excited that there might be a Tom Waits track after this one.



nailed it, laptopdog.  well done.
Excellent!
I was a little uncomforable hearing this at first, thinking it was insulting to Christians (of which I am not). Then I heard the version by the Blind Boys of Alabama, who are gospel singers. I lightened up and really enjoyed it. 

There's something even better about a bunch of Black men singing about how they prefer a "Chocolate Jesus." Let's face it, Jesus has been whitewashed by Europeans for millenia and his perception is far to "Vanilla." It's nice to have another angle to look at. And tasty too. 
 plaid wrote:

Waits said he was inspired to write this song after his father-in-law tried to get him into Testamints, candy with a cross printed on it and a Bible verse on the wrapper. Tom wrote the song about the logical next step.

So, bible people, look to your own before crucifying Tom or Beth about this. https://www.rollingstone.com/m...





The Church remains silent on the vexed question of Transubstantiation when it comes to Chocolate Jesii.
Something about Beth and Joe that's magical. She really knocks it outta the park of Joe's lead work! Wow... and now Tom Waits "Get Behind the Mule"... what a blessed Friday morning!  Thanks Bill and Rebecca!

Waits said he was inspired to write this song after his father-in-law tried to get him into Testamints, candy with a cross printed on it and a Bible verse on the wrapper. Tom wrote the song about the logical next step.

So, bible people, look to your own before crucifying Tom or Beth about this. https://www.rollingstone.com/m...



 gfp wrote:


GFP, that was a truly outstanding commentary... Thank you!
 bruceandjenna wrote:

What are you on about?



Oh Jesus do I love chocolate!
Beth and Joe knocked this one out of the park for sure. Love the Waits  original but this is a great interpretation . 
 Solanus wrote:
Beth has a song, the title track on her Leave The Light On album, that has a chorus of:
Break out the bottle of Jesus
Plug in the black light rosary
Somebody's waiting to save me

She is someone that has dealt with drug addiction & bi-polar disorder, but has gotten through it with religion and transcendental meditation. I think she already has an alternative, yet completely legitimate view on her salvation, even before she sings this song.
 
Look after the king of R n R 
Amy Weinhouse does a version of this!!?!! Holy...
 Laptopdog wrote:
Hearing this makes me excited that there might be a Tom Waits track after this one.
 
Get Behind the Mule
 cely wrote:
Wait, I just understood why so many people love Trump.  He IS chocolate Jesus.  Or, um, White Chocolate Jesus.
 And I just understood why people don't like you.

Beth has a song, the title track on her Leave The Light On album, that has a chorus of:
Break out the bottle of Jesus
Plug in the black light rosary
Somebody's waiting to save me

She is someone that has dealt with drug addiction & bi-polar disorder, but has gotten through it with religion and transcendental meditation. I think she already has an alternative, yet completely legitimate view on her salvation, even before she sings this song.
Wait, I just understood why so many people love Trump.  He IS chocolate Jesus.  Or, um, White Chocolate Jesus.
Love Beth an Joe!  Great version... complimented Waits! Thanks again for the great tunes
Healthy song...
just seen Beth (sans Joe) in concert UK. Truly emotional excellent performance, I think she is really growing as a live performer over last 3 years or so (and yes I ‘m sure all the back story has helped)
Hearing this makes me excited that there might be a Tom Waits track after this one.
Probably more appropriate than bunnies at Easter. I want one!
 stunix wrote:
is it provocation to play this song?   regardless of its meaning, percieved meaning, and indeed if it comes to that, compared to what is written in the bible and what is percieved to be written in the bible......   the song is here to provoke a reaction.   it was probably written and re-recorded with that purpose in mind too.
is it an entertaining, artistic, talent showing vehicle?   erm.... maybe in the same way twinkle twinkle little star is.

i give it a 2 and wouldn't miss it.
 
What are you on about?
 AnchorMan wrote:
I would have loved to have heard Amy Winehouse's version of this.
 
Yes! I had to look at the artist bc I thought it was Amy. Miss her terrible.
So many Hart/Bonamassa songs that are much better than this, IMHO. 
I would have loved to have heard Amy Winehouse's version of this.
Beth & Joe Rockin' my morning Big Time Thank You!


long lasting FUN!
Much better version of this song.  I can actually listen to it long enough to understand the lyrics.  Tom Waits schtick voice just bugs
This almost borders on mildly interesting but it's Tom's voice I need to hear singing these amazing lyrics.
 midreaming wrote:

 provocation? sure, i see it. there's that one for open minds to dance and celebrate freedom/creativity in the broad light of day. There may be another calling narrow minded thought from the tunnels of darkness, judgement and bigotry to dance along.

But here's the one I think you're afraid of - the one that calls the closed and blinded to shelter further, deeper in to their fear and darkness, to some day fade and never be missed; buried alive. dude that would totally suck.

fyi stuey.. it's not a rejection of faith to dance.  or just bury yourself under fear and hatred if that works for ya.

 it is most definitely entertaining and it's artistic. Music is a winged vehicle of consciousness not subject to the chains of religious dogma. so drop your guilt chains and whips mr. slave trader, or move along.

  Don't feed religious trolls. He needs a gospel radio. I want to know the thinking of this guy about the "I believe" song that's played several times here. I'm agnostic and I give it a 7. I'm don't mix the believed thinking with the art of music. Simple 


 flyboy wrote:

In fact he did joke.  For example, one is recorded in John 1:47 when he meets Nathaniel, although it doesn't translate well to English and you have to understand the context and the history of Israel to get it.  But it is a pretty good, ironic joke.  He also enjoyed spending time with some fun loving people.  He displayed many emotions and great love throughout his time on Earth.  He did not however have a tolerance for sin and hypocrisy.  While Jesus does have a sense of humor, I think there is obviously a line of poor taste in humor when it comes to referring to God in irreverent terms, and I believe that this song crosses that line.

 
From the peanut gallery in "Sarah Palin's Hometown".  {#Drunk}
Great cover of a great song!  :)
Not wanting to get into the religious 'debate', i would just like to mention 'Plastic Jesus' by The Levellers -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydESXqIOyHw
i've just discovered that its actually a cover - "Plastic Jesus" is an American folk song written by Ed Rush and George Cromarty in 1957. - Wikipedia)
"that piece of fish was good enough for ...."
 stunix wrote:
is it provocation to play this song?   regardless of its meaning, percieved meaning, and indeed if it comes to that, compared to what is written in the bible and what is percieved to be written in the bible......   the song is here to provoke a reaction.   it was probably written and re-recorded with that purpose in mind too.
is it an entertaining, artistic, talent showing vehicle?   erm.... maybe in the same way twinkle twinkle little star is.

i give it a 2 and wouldn't miss it.

 
 provocation? sure, i see it. there's that one for open minds to dance and celebrate freedom/creativity in the broad light of day. There may be another calling narrow minded thought from the tunnels of darkness, judgement and bigotry to dance along.

But here's the one I think you're afraid of - the one that calls the closed and blinded to shelter further, deeper in to their fear and darkness, to some day fade and never be missed; buried alive. dude that would totally suck.

fyi stuey.. it's not a rejection of faith to dance.  or just bury yourself under fear and hatred if that works for ya.

 it is most definitely entertaining and it's artistic. Music is a winged vehicle of consciousness not subject to the chains of religious dogma. so drop your guilt chains and whips mr. slave trader, or move along.
 ziakut wrote:
This is basically the only way I can enjoy Tom Waits' material. Somebody else doing it.

 
Now THIS is blasphemy!
 
is it provocation to play this song?   regardless of its meaning, percieved meaning, and indeed if it comes to that, compared to what is written in the bible and what is percieved to be written in the bible......   the song is here to provoke a reaction.   it was probably written and re-recorded with that purpose in mind too.
is it an entertaining, artistic, talent showing vehicle?   erm.... maybe in the same way twinkle twinkle little star is.

i give it a 2 and wouldn't miss it.
 flyboy wrote:

In fact he did joke.  For example, one is recorded in John 1:47 when he meets Nathaniel, although it doesn't translate well to English and you have to understand the context and the history of Israel to get it.  But it is a pretty good, ironic joke.  He also enjoyed spending time with some fun loving people.  He displayed many emotions and great love throughout his time on Earth.  He did not however have a tolerance for sin and hypocrisy.  While Jesus does have a sense of humor, I think there is obviously a line of poor taste in humor when it comes to referring to God in irreverent terms, and I believe that this song crosses that line.

 
Some  amanuensis  could write a good line, anyway.
 flyboy wrote:

In fact he did joke.  For example, one is recorded in John 1:47 when he meets Nathaniel, although it doesn't translate well to English and you have to understand the context and the history of Israel to get it.  But it is a pretty good, ironic joke.  He also enjoyed spending time with some fun loving people.  He displayed many emotions and great love throughout his time on Earth.  He did not however have a tolerance for sin and hypocrisy.  While Jesus does have a sense of humor, I think there is obviously a line of poor taste in humor when it comes to referring to God in irreverent terms, and I believe that this song crosses that line.

 
OK. Fair nuff. It is understandable (even blatantly obvious) how this song can be superficially offensive to the devout, but it can be construed in a few other ways that are not necessarily blasphemous. In fact, quite the opposite! Examining the lyrics more carefully (it really doesn't take much effort), this could be about

- a follower of Jesus ... in his "own special way". He has rejected church (who could quarrel with that given the moral turpitude that clergy have indulged in over the years, just to mention one thing) and opts for worshiping Jesus by ingesting him in the form of something sweet that really makes him physically feel good (in a way church and the teachings of the Bible never could). Moreover, it can not be just any old candy bar (no Abba-Zaba or Almond Joy): it has to be a chocolate Jesus, which is "better than a cup of gold"! (Now what televangelist would turn down a cup of gold?)

- how absurdly superficial worship has become and how so many people (if not all) worship in their own way. No two religious views are identical and most often skewed to one's own benefit, to put one's self in a better light than others, to make one's self simply feel better in spite of all their shortcomings and sins.

- the commercialization of religion in the form of Jesus replicas, even crucified on pendant chains, wrapped "up in cellophane": the marketing of religion and religious worship and its allure to the gullible consumer-worshiper!

- how the capitalist market economy in general knows no limits when in comes to making money: anything, everything, everyone (past, present or future) has become fair game in 21st century globalization madness.

This is what Waits's song is touching on for me, not poking fun at Jesus, but, true-to-form and -art, making poignant statements on society and human idiosyncrasies of the time.

Zerelda Lee's Chocolate Jesus


 gfp wrote:

Do you think Jesus had a sense of humor at all? Did Jesus ever laugh? Tell a joke? Be ironic? Self-depricating in jest? Did he fart and keep a straight face? Did he ever experience anything that made him breakout in raucous laughter?

Or did his Dad not endow him with any capability to experience joy whatsoever?

I wonder...

 
In fact he did joke.  For example, one is recorded in John 1:47 when he meets Nathaniel, although it doesn't translate well to English and you have to understand the context and the history of Israel to get it.  But it is a pretty good, ironic joke.  He also enjoyed spending time with some fun loving people.  He displayed many emotions and great love throughout his time on Earth.  He did not however have a tolerance for sin and hypocrisy.  While Jesus does have a sense of humor, I think there is obviously a line of poor taste in humor when it comes to referring to God in irreverent terms, and I believe that this song crosses that line.
 flyboy wrote:

Like stegokitty said, you apparently have your religions confused.  If this song were about Chocolate Mohammad she'd probably have a long line of people willing to rush at her with bombs strapped to their bodies.

As it is, as a Christian I'm not fond of this song.  Giving the benefit of the doubt, I find it irreverent at best.  I tend to think though that it is blasphemous, which is quite serious.  I am not however calling for anyone's demise over it, and neither is anyone else as far as I know.  Instead, I pray that God will show these people the error of their ways so that they may repent and put their trust in the actual Jesus who offers everlasting salvation from the punishment from our sins (including the sin of blasphemy) through His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead.  Then we can spend eternity together worshiping and thanking Him.

 
Do you think Jesus had a sense of humor at all? Did Jesus ever laugh? Tell a joke? Be ironic? Self-depricating in jest? Did he fart and keep a straight face? Did he ever experience anything that made him breakout in raucous laughter?

Or did his Dad not endow him with any capability to experience joy whatsoever?

I wonder...
 mkrueck wrote:
These days they are likely to get killed for words like this.

 
Like stegokitty said, you apparently have your religions confused.  If this song were about Chocolate Mohammad she'd probably have a long line of people willing to rush at her with bombs strapped to their bodies.

As it is, as a Christian I'm not fond of this song.  Giving the benefit of the doubt, I find it irreverent at best.  I tend to think though that it is blasphemous, which is quite serious.  I am not however calling for anyone's demise over it, and neither is anyone else as far as I know.  Instead, I pray that God will show these people the error of their ways so that they may repent and put their trust in the actual Jesus who offers everlasting salvation from the punishment for our sins (including the sin of blasphemy) through His death on the cross and resurrection from the dead.  Then we can spend eternity together worshiping and thanking Him.
 Webfoot wrote:
The lyrics should read "Abba Zaba" right?  I am old enough to remember them.

 
Me too! Loved 'em, although sometimes the taffy was crunchy instead of chewy, which we sometimes didn't mind.

Wikipedia even makes reference to its inclusion in Tom Wait's song.

 

Really, RP, "Anna Zabba"? Pullease correct your lyrics source, would ya?


 mkrueck wrote:
These days they are likely to get killed for words like this.

 
On what planet?
Apparently you've confused Christianity with Islam. 
Oh hello. Beth's got one sexy voice. {#Heartkiss}
This is basically the only way I can enjoy Tom Waits' material. Somebody else doing it.
These days they are likely to get killed for words like this.
The lyrics should read "Abba Zaba" right?  I am old enough to remember them.
 WonderLizard wrote:
As good a Tom Waits cover as I've heard.

 
I agree; this is a good cover.  I like how Beth and Joe add their own touches - spooky and gritty.
I am very proud to be a resident of a chocolate city.   I also grew up in Hazelwood, just a few blocs from Ferguson, Mo.  I grew up in a very poor project until I was 8 and moved to Iowa.

One of the defining experiences of my life was going to a school that was part of the project to bus students from nearby communities for the social engineering purpose of forced integration.  It was a disaster at my school.  I saw racism and cruelty (I was frequently bullied by our new classmates, which was the type of thing that triggered racist backlashes).  It caused the famous "re-segregation" and "white flight".  That school is no longer a school.
Love Joe Bonamassa...hate this song. 
it's GOT to be a chocolate jesus
 upgal wrote:
this song is ok, but what about the rest of the "don't explain" album,  absolutely great!
I got hooked with I'd rather go blind, but sinners's prayer,  and I'll take care of you,  wow!   

 
Yep, I totally agree.  An enjoyable collaboration.
hate that song. can't say it enough.
Most excellent
this song is ok, but what about the rest of the "don't explain" album,  absolutely great!
I got hooked with I'd rather go blind, but sinners's prayer,  and I'll take care of you,  wow!   
got here via psd and it Played Some Dynamite Beth Hart!  Excellant singer
Bill plays this pretty good song too often for my tastes. Time for some Pandora jazz.
Love Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa - this version of a great song is good. 
Bloody love Tom Waits...he can do no wrong and this proves ANY of his tunes are great.
all things concered give me the aba-zaba.......{#Lol}
Nope. Too often. Time to visit Pandora.
There is NO way this has only been played 4 times in 30 days.  I hear this song every other day.

Bill, what's up with the play counter?  Is it working? 
What a great cover
 Absolutely agree!

Isabeau wrote:
Fantastic tune. Her voice is outstanding.

 


Fantastic tune. Her voice is outstanding.
As good a Tom Waits cover as I've heard.
Probably tastes better than fiber-optic Jesus

marvelous cover...  love it...
 
Love this station......you never know what you'r going to hear
It's a funny song, but I'm just eff-ing Jesus'd out. My hand twitches for the off button every time I hear it.
Ohhhh I just saw Joe at the Doheny Fest.

Amazing.  He blew me away!!
Yes indeedy, gives tom W a run for his money..
Nice cover. Strong 7.
Hi name is pronounced Bon-a-massa...like BonBons..    This song is not my favorite even though I am a HUGE fan of both!!
 peterneorr wrote:

You said it!  Give this one a rest please.
 

lshinkawa wrote:
Great song, but as a regular RP listener, I'm getting really tired of it...

 



 
agreed, the original deserves the rotation more than this cover. 
https://sweetfixup.com/jeremy/homer-simpson-mmm-bacon-i1.jpg
Mmmm...Chocolate Jebus!
much prefer tom wait's original.
 
You said it!  Give this one a rest please.
 

lshinkawa wrote:
Great song, but as a regular RP listener, I'm getting really tired of it...

 


Great song, but as a regular RP listener, I'm getting really tired of it...
Had she still been alive Janice Joplin would have made a great duet here with Beth...
 zepher wrote:
Bit offensive to believers, believe it or not......

Good thing Christians turn the other cheek.  Wonder how a "Chocolate Muhammad" tune would fly?  A Chocolate Muhammad Ali song might be cryptic enough. 
 
As an Orthodox Christian, I don't find it offensive, given its whiskey-sodden Tom Waits origin. (At least that's the image he projects.)
Bit offensive to believers, believe it or not......



Good thing Christians turn the other cheek.  Wonder how a "Chocolate Muhammad" tune would fly?  A Chocolate Muhammad Ali song might be cryptic enough. 


 nightmann wrote:
sucked bill, c'mon 
 
{#Naughty}  Uh, nope!   {#No}
Her voice is unmistakable. Can you play L.A. Song sometime?
Sing it, baby!
Not as good as Tom's, but not bad either. And it has Joe playing, ups it a point or two right there.
Well, this song certainly means a lot more when I can hear the lyrics clearly... {#Shifty}
sucked bill, c'mon 



This is a good album Bill. Any chance of hearing some of the other cuts?
I have listened to other Bet Hart stuff and I think this is her best album.
I don't care if it rains or freezes...
Dang, she's got some pipes!  Checked her Amazon dossier, expecting to see a pic of a woman resembling someone more like Etta or Koko, but Noooo, she's young, pretty, and quite svelte.  Only caught the tail end of this tune, so I'm looking forward to hearing more — anything w/ Joe B makes me happy!
Niice
i like that too! nice voice.
Shared this Tom Waits favorite on my Facebook account and someone mentioned Beth Hart was on Star Search with Ed McMahon. I looked it up and they're right. She's come a long way.
GUUURRRLLLLLL !
 birdman42 wrote:
The awesomeness that is Beth Hart. Mix it in with Joe B. and you've got a sure thing.
 
Amen!!!
2 Joe B's today and I'm converted 
Solid cover!  Its nice when artist's can make a cover their own...
 RainTarp wrote:
Beth Hart sounds a lot like Amy Winehouse in this song.  A very good thing.
 
I thought that at first.  Beth can belt out a song, for sure!
I know which version I'll hear when I'm hold.
 GeneP59 wrote:
chocolate jesus  {#Eek}

More enjoyable than the song.
 
That could be the only real one!
Play Tom!
chocolate jesus  {#Eek}

More enjoyable than the song.
Meh.
Aww, I got all excited to hear Tom. Her voice is nicer, just not what I was expecting. :)
Wow, nice combo of singer/guitarist!
Beth Hart sounds a lot like Amy Winehouse in this song.  A very good thing.
And JB''s guitar is hardly in it. A great, unselfish musician. 
didnt lost soul of tom waits
What a combination ... gotta look into this Album ... she has such a raucous voice which fits perfectly with 'Smokin Joes' guitar. Didn't quite hear all lyrics but the title and chorus alone has grabbed me. 
The awesomeness that is Beth Hart. Mix it in with Joe B. and you've got a sure thing.
I don't mind this at all!
cute, i dig it.