“One of Us” is a soulful and thought-provoking song by American singer Joan Osborne, released in November 1995 as the lead single from her debut album, Relish. Written by Eric Bazilian of The Hooters and produced by Rick Chertoff, the song explores themes of spirituality, humanity, and the nature of faith. Its introspective lyrics and Osborne’s emotive vocal performance made it a standout track of the 1990s, resonating with audiences around the world.
The song’s lyrics pose a series of questions that challenge conventional ideas of divinity, most notably in the chorus: “What if God was one of us? Just a slob like one of us?” This provocative and empathetic perspective invites listeners to consider the humanity of God and the idea of divinity existing in everyday life. Musically, “One of Us” is a rock ballad with folk and blues influences.
The music video, directed by Mark Seliger and Fred Woodward, complements the song’s themes with a series of moody, reflective visuals. Osborne is depicted singing in various urban and natural settings, emphasizing the song’s connection to everyday life and spirituality. It was filmed on Coney Island, NY.
“One of Us” became a major commercial success, topping the singles chart in Australia and Canada, and achieving top 10 positions in numerous countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The song was nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year, further cementing its place as a defining track of the decade.