What Are Some Songs That Reference 'This Shall Too Pass'?

Ever notice how 'this too shall pass' pops up in songs like a secret handshake among musicians? The most unexpected version I’ve stumbled upon is in 'This Too Shall Pass' by British rapper Stormzy—he flips the phrase into a grime anthem about overcoming street struggles. Contrast that with Sara Bareilles’ stripped-down live performance of her unreleased song 'This Too Shall Pass,' where you can hear the audience sniffling. My vinyl collection includes a rare 1973 psychedelic rock take by Ultimate Spinach (yep, that’s the band’s real name) that turns the saying into a 7-minute trippy jam. Even K-pop group BTS references it indirectly in 'Spring Day' through metaphors of melting snow. What hooks me is how the phrase morphs to fit each artist’s worldview—from gospel choirs to punk screamers, it’s all about finding light in the temporary darkness.

Music has always been my refuge when life feels overwhelming, and I love how certain songs weave timeless wisdom into their lyrics. One track that immediately comes to mind is 'This Too Shall Pass' by OK Go—their iconic Rube Goldberg machine music video perfectly mirrors the song's theme of resilience. Then there's Danny Schmidt's folk gem 'This Too Shall Pass,' which feels like a warm hug with its gentle guitar and poetic reflections. I’ve also found comfort in Yolanda Adams' gospel rendition, where her powerhouse vocals turn the phrase into a spiritual anthem. Even hip-hop touches on it—Kanye West’s 'Saint Pablo' samples the phrase, though with a more chaotic energy. These songs remind me that no matter how heavy things feel, nothing lasts forever, and that’s weirdly comforting.

A deeper cut I adore is 'This Too Shall Pass' by the band Relient K—their pop-punk take is surprisingly poignant, blending youthful energy with mature introspection. And let’s not forget Sufjan Stevens’ 'The Predatory Wasp of the Palisades,' which doesn’t use the exact phrase but captures its essence through haunting imagery of impermanence. It’s fascinating how artists across genres keep returning to this ancient Persian adage, each offering a unique lens on endurance. Lately, I’ve been humming Iron & Wine’s cover of 'This Too Shall Pass'—his whispery voice makes the message feel like a secret shared between friends. Music truly is the best therapist.

As a playlist curator for moody evenings, I geek out over songs that turn proverbs into melodies. My favorite hidden treasure? 'This Too Shall Pass' by Ingrid Michaelson—her piano-driven version is like a lullaby for grown-ups. Then there’s the rock opera twist in The Dear Hunter’s 'This Too Shall Pass,' where the phrase crescendos into a full orchestral breakdown. For something jazzier, Gregory Porter’s smooth baritone wraps around the words in 'This Too Shall Pass' like velvet. Even video game soundtracks nod to it—'This Too Shall Pass' from the 'Hades' OST blends ancient Greek themes with synth beats. What’s wild is how these songs span decades; the earliest I’ve found is a 1960s folk version by The Kingston Trio. Each artist plants the same seed of hope but lets it grow in totally different soil.

The first time I heard 'This Too Shall Pass' wasn’t in a song but in my grandma’s kitchen—she’d hum it while cooking. Now I collect musical versions like postcards. There’s the acapella twist by Home Free that gives me goosebumps, and the industrial clang of Nine Inch Nails’ 'The Way Out Is Through' (same idea, different wording). My weirdest find? A death metal band named 'This Too Shall Pass' that screams the lyrics over blast beats. Funny how two words can stretch from lullabies to mosh pits.