I kind of cringe to hear the word "banal" used to describe the writings of the New Testament. I've seen banal interpretations of the New Testament, but the writings themselves are quite rich and colorful, and full of meaning for many people. The books of the Canon reflected the prevailing theology, so they were what were selected. Certainly, they're very familiar, and that may make the apocryphal scriptures seem more exciting and colorful. I enjoy reading the stories of the apocryphal scriptures and I've learned much from them, but I think I prefer the accepted theology of the canon. You may consider it "banal," but remember that many consider it sacred.
I do believe there was a story in the apocrypal scriptures that's related to the song. I don't have my copy of the "other scriptures" here, so I can't look it up.
-Joe Offer-