If it doesn't, HolyC might

Is this a reference?

Yes, it's a reference to the David Bowie song "Modern Love," whose refrain includes the line, "Modern love gets me to the church on time."

... which in itself is a reference to the song "Get Me to the Church on Time" from the musical "My Fair Lady".

lyric from Bowie's Modern Love.

Does it walk beside me?

It'll get you up the hill .. backwards.