Politics and religion are two of the worlds most polarizing topics. It’s been that way since our earliest recorded history and the divisiveness has only grown stronger today. But breakout singer-songwriter Jonah Kagen tackles the latter topic in a most obtainable way, the subtly tender “Talkin’ About Jesus.”

Resonant and deeply personal, as much of his music-making tends to be, the folk-rooted ditty details a first date that takes a turn toward the awkward when religious differences are revealed. But instead of hurt feelings over small disparities, JK realizes he isn’t being seen for who he is but for what others expect him to be. He details the frustration:

I realized pretty quickly we weren’t meeting as two humans, but as ideas being measured against each other. The song sits in that quiet letdown – wanting curiosity instead of certainty, empathy instead of judgment — and that ache of knowing a real connection almost happened, but never quite got the chance.

That frustration is felt through the pained plucks and deliberate percussive patterns and serves as the song’s ultimate, impressing through line.

Stream below, snag a copy courtesy of Arista Records, and spread that social love:

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