Plastic Jesus
Billy Idol · Devil's Playground [2005]
Rains or freezes
As long as I've got my
Plastic Jesus
Ridin' on the dashboard
Of my car
Through my trials
And tribulations
And my travels
Through the nation
With my plastic Jesus
I'll go far
Ridin' down the thoroughfare
With a nose up in the air
A wreck may be ahead
But he don't mind
Trouble comin'
He don't see
He just keeps his eye on me
And any other thing that lies behind
Chorus
With my plastic Jesus
Goodbye and I'll go far
I said with my plastic Jesus
Sitting on the dashboard of my car
When I'm in a traffic jam
He don't care if I say damn
I can let all my curses roll
'Cos Jesus' plastic doesn't hear
'Cos he has a plastic ear
The man who invented plastic
Saved my soul
Chorus
An if I weave around at night
Policemen think I'm very tight
They never find my bottle
Though they ask
'Cos plastic Jesus shelters me
For his head comes off you see
He's hollow and I use him like a flask
Woa Woa Woa
Save me
I don't care if it's dark or scary
Long as I got magnetic Mary
Ridin' on the dashboard of my car
I feel that I'm protected amply
I've got the love of the whole damn family
Ridin' on the dashboard of my car
With my plastic Jesus
I said goodbye
And I'll go far
And I said with my plastic Jesus
I said sittin' on the dashboard of my car
Outro-
When I'm goin' fornicatin'
I've got my ceramic Satan
Sittin' on the dashboard of my car
Women know I'm on the level
Thanks to the wide-eyed stoneware devil
Sneerin' from the dashboard of my car
Plastic Jesus
Billy Idol's "Plastic Jesus" stands as a defining track from his 2005 album Devil's Playground, marking a significant return to his punk rock roots after a decade of pop and rock balladry. Recorded with a raw, energetic intensity, the song features his signature raspy vocals and driving guitar work, channeling the spirit of his early 1980s hits like "White Wedding" and "Rebel Yell." The track serves as a powerful commentary on the commodification of faith, utilizing the metaphor of a plastic figure to critique modern consumerism and spiritual emptiness. Released during Idol's later career phase, the recording bridges the gap between his classic new wave era and his matured artistic perspective, resonating with fans who appreciate his ability to blend rebellious attitude with social commentary.