Keyboardist: Gail Nobles
Story by: Gail Nobles

Let me tell you about a tune that's got the soul and the spirit like no other! Paul Kelly's “Stealin’ in the Name of the Lord.” That’s today’s topic. Paul Kelly’s Stealin’ in the Name of the Lord” is a hard-hitting piece of musical genius that speaks right to the heart of the matter! This jam shines a spotlight on the so-called messengers of faith—those smooth talkers standing on the corner with their righteous claims.

We got a man raising up a congregation, promising salvation and a divine path, but oh, there's a twist! He’s saying he’s the chosen one, ready to lead us down the road to glory. But you gotta ask yourself, is he a true shepherd, or just a wolf in sheep's clothing? This tune digs into the irony of faith when it’s tangled with greed and manipulation, and trust me, it reaches an audience!

The song came from Paul Kelly’s 1972 album dirt. It was written by Paul Kelly himself.
Paul Kelly tells you what he sees. When the man on the corner starts hollering about “spare a dime,” you can hear the rhythm of desperation and the echoes of false prophets ringing in your ears. He’s pulling on heartstrings, making promises like candy, and all the while, he’s “stealin’ in the name of the Lord.” It’s a cautionary tale —one that challenges the good and the bad that can come when faith gets mixed up in the hustle of life.

And that hook! When he says, “God’s gonna bless ya,” he’s not mincing words! Paul Kelly's got a way of laying it all on the line, and that rhythm pulls you in, makes you feel motivated , and makes you think about the real purpose of belief. Is it truly about love and community, or is it sometimes about someone cashing in on the vulnerable?

This tune, it’s a masterclass in storytelling through music—a blend of rock and rhythm that had the folks dancing and pondering at the same time. Paul Kelly song Stealing in the Name of the Lord can be characterized as Gospel Blues it incorporates elements of gospel music, including themes of faith and moral struggle, along with the emotional and musical characteristics typical of the blues genre.

So keep your eyes open wide and don’t forget to check out the magic of Paul Kelly. Keep it soulful I’m Gail Nobles and you’re listening to Gospel Blues.