Xtc, "dear God" [ LATEST — Checklist ]

: Producer Todd Rundgren suggested having a child sing the first verse and final line to underscore the innocence of the initial inquiry before the lyrics shift into a biting adult critique. Eight-year-old Jasmine Veillette provided the vocals, though a boy was cast to lip-sync them in the music video. Lyrical Themes

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

: 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 : Producer Todd Rundgren suggested having a child