"Gloria: In Excelsis Deo" is the opening track of Patti Smith’s groundbreaking 1975 debut album Horses. While it is rooted in Van Morrison’s 1964 garage rock classic "Gloria" (originally performed by Them), Smith’s version is a radical reinvention—part cover, part original composition, and a defining statement of punk poetry, sexual liberation, and artistic freedom1234.
Transformation from Cover to Manifesto
Smith did not simply cover "Gloria"; she transformed it. Drawing on her own 1970 poem "Oath" (performed at poetry readings before her music career), she begins the track with the now-iconic line:
This opening, lifted from her poem, is a defiant rejection of religious guilt and an assertion of personal responsibility and freedom. Smith has described this as her "youthful manifesto," a declaration that she wanted to be free from the constraints of religion and to own her actions, not have them absolved or condemned by external authority536.
Lyrics, Themes, and Structure
- Poetic Fusion:
Smith weaves her poetry into the loose structure of Morrison’s original, using the song as a vessel for her own narrative and commentary. Over half the lyrics are her own, and even the borrowed lines are often reimagined5. - Sexual and Gender Liberation:
Smith’s "Gloria" is a celebration of female passion and desire, subverting the original’s male gaze. The encounter with Gloria becomes a "lesbian fever dream," as Smith throws herself at the altar of Gloria’s body, turning the song into a bold assertion of queer identity and sexual autonomy14. - Religious and Cultural Subversion:
The subtitle "In Excelsis Deo" references the Christian hymn ("Glory to God in the highest"), but Smith’s "glory" is earthly, sensual, and rebellious. She contrasts spiritual glory with the glorification of love and desire between women, making the song both a personal and political statement4. - Rebellion and Freedom:
The lyrics and performance challenge not only religious dogma but also societal rules about gender and sexuality. Smith’s androgynous style, raw delivery, and poetic honesty inspired a new generation of punk and post-punk artists, especially women16.
Cultural Impact
- Punk Landmark:
"Gloria: In Excelsis Deo" is often cited as a foundational punk recording, with Smith’s brutally honest lyrics and performance style influencing countless artists and bands124. - Critical Acclaim:
The track is recognized as a radical act of self-expression and a landmark in the history of rock, poetry, and queer representation.
Key Facts Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Song | "Gloria" by Van Morrison/Them (1964) |
| Smith’s Version | "Gloria: In Excelsis Deo," opening track of Horses (1975) |
| Notable Features | Iconic opening line, fusion of poetry and rock, sexual and religious themes |
| Themes | Rebellion, freedom, sexuality, gender, personal responsibility |
| Legacy | Punk classic, feminist and queer anthem, poetic innovation |
Summary
Patti Smith’s "Gloria: In Excelsis Deo" is not just a cover—it is a radical reimagining that fuses poetry, punk, and personal liberation. By blending her own manifesto of freedom with the bones of a rock classic, Smith created an anthem of rebellion, sexual autonomy, and artistic courage that continues to resonate as a foundational moment in punk and feminist music125346.
