A Look at Song Lyrics
Recently I listened to a podcast that was recommended to me. It was discussing the lyrics to the songs that we sing in church and that are played on Christian radio. I think it is a great wake-up call for us to pay attention to what we are endorsing and what we are allowing in our brain. However I do think there were some points that were exaggerated or taken too far in the extreme.
One point I think I disagree with is that it is better to listen to openly secular music than to listen to music that is billed as Christian but does not have theologically sound lyrics. I see a point in the deception of calling it something that it's not, however I don't think that Christians must be doing something defined as Christian every minute of the day because there are many things in life that are amoral. Songs that are amoral are fine to listen to and sing, but many secular songs are not amoral--they are immoral! Some promote and celebrate sinful behavior, some degrade wonderful behavior, etc. These are as theologically unsound as some poorly-defined "worship" songs and are harmful to our consciences as well.
It was also said that for any artist or radio station that defines itself as "Christian", every song sang or played is automatically a "worship" song. I disagree with this as well.
I already have issues with the way the word *worship* is used. It is common practice to use this term to refer to the music part of a church service--where the focus is on learning and remembering who God is and communicating to Him honor, gratitude, etc. I think this is what they were thinking of when they say "worship" song. Many churches also repeatedly spend time to explain that giving in the offering, serving in church ministries, going to our weekday jobs, being a witness in our daily lives are worship too. So why do we keep on creating confusion by calling music "worship" ? There is a specialness to the music part of a typical church service that I haven't yet found an appropriate term for, but I will keep trying!
One point I think I disagree with is that it is better to listen to openly secular music than to listen to music that is billed as Christian but does not have theologically sound lyrics. I see a point in the deception of calling it something that it's not, however I don't think that Christians must be doing something defined as Christian every minute of the day because there are many things in life that are amoral. Songs that are amoral are fine to listen to and sing, but many secular songs are not amoral--they are immoral! Some promote and celebrate sinful behavior, some degrade wonderful behavior, etc. These are as theologically unsound as some poorly-defined "worship" songs and are harmful to our consciences as well.
It was also said that for any artist or radio station that defines itself as "Christian", every song sang or played is automatically a "worship" song. I disagree with this as well.
I already have issues with the way the word *worship* is used. It is common practice to use this term to refer to the music part of a church service--where the focus is on learning and remembering who God is and communicating to Him honor, gratitude, etc. I think this is what they were thinking of when they say "worship" song. Many churches also repeatedly spend time to explain that giving in the offering, serving in church ministries, going to our weekday jobs, being a witness in our daily lives are worship too. So why do we keep on creating confusion by calling music "worship" ? There is a specialness to the music part of a typical church service that I haven't yet found an appropriate term for, but I will keep trying!
Message vs. Musicality
The podcast went on to say that the correctness of the lyrics to a song are far far more important than the musical qualities or the enjoyment of the melody or beat, and that we can easily be distracted by our enjoyment of melody, harmony, tempo, and forget to pay attention to what the song is actually saying. This I agree with completely. I have caught myself tapping the steering wheel to a song playing on the radio and suddenly thought, "Wait, what did those lyrics just say?? I better check into that!"
There absolutely is nothing wrong with enjoying the elements of music, playing an instrument with excellence, singing on key or with harmony, clapping in rhythm. That can be enjoyed for itself at times. But in a church service, these are means to an end not a means in themselves. There have been times when a musically gifted individual has been permitted--even encouraged--to participate in leading the music portion of the service when the lifestyle and attitude of that person was completely at odds. Such people are often called "worship leaders" but how can they lead anyone to something they are not doing? I've seen a policy or rule be discarded for one person while upheld for others seemingly based solely on the musical ability desired at that moment. It doesn't seem right to have musicality elevated above spirituality.
We may be spoiled in our culture today. There is so much musical talent and choices. But I have been in services where the musical talent was limited and I have been to other countries where they did not have the abundance of instruments or sound equipment, and the true Spirit of worship was still overwhelming.
It seems we have lost so much in our knowledge of God, of the Bible, and of doctrine in every field of Christianity. It is no surprise that it is contaminating music as well. If people don't understand who God really is, how can they sing about Him correctly? If people have been constantly inundated with the idea that sin is just a mistake or an error, how can they grasp the magnitude of what it does to our relationship with God and what Christ had to do to restore us? Don't we sing "Amazing Grace" with fuller understanding when we know that we are a "wretch like me"?
There absolutely is nothing wrong with enjoying the elements of music, playing an instrument with excellence, singing on key or with harmony, clapping in rhythm. That can be enjoyed for itself at times. But in a church service, these are means to an end not a means in themselves. There have been times when a musically gifted individual has been permitted--even encouraged--to participate in leading the music portion of the service when the lifestyle and attitude of that person was completely at odds. Such people are often called "worship leaders" but how can they lead anyone to something they are not doing? I've seen a policy or rule be discarded for one person while upheld for others seemingly based solely on the musical ability desired at that moment. It doesn't seem right to have musicality elevated above spirituality.
We may be spoiled in our culture today. There is so much musical talent and choices. But I have been in services where the musical talent was limited and I have been to other countries where they did not have the abundance of instruments or sound equipment, and the true Spirit of worship was still overwhelming.
It seems we have lost so much in our knowledge of God, of the Bible, and of doctrine in every field of Christianity. It is no surprise that it is contaminating music as well. If people don't understand who God really is, how can they sing about Him correctly? If people have been constantly inundated with the idea that sin is just a mistake or an error, how can they grasp the magnitude of what it does to our relationship with God and what Christ had to do to restore us? Don't we sing "Amazing Grace" with fuller understanding when we know that we are a "wretch like me"?
Examples Examined
Some songs were given as examples.
1. Holy Spirit by Bryan and Katie Torwalt (as far as I can tell by my research).
Those in the podcast took exception to the idea to welcome the Holy Spirit, stating that 1.) The Holy Spirit, being God, is present everywhere already, and 2.) that He doesn't need permission to do it. I myself and all those I questioned about this song never even entertained those thoughts. The meaning taken by consensus is "We recognize You are here, we greet You with pleasure and courtesy, we yield to You." This is confirmed by the words in the bridge of the desire to become more aware of the presence of God.
2. Alone by Hollyn. Their main complaint here was the attitude towards God, which I definitely see. The same terms are used to describe a relationship with God that are usually used to describe a relationship with a boyfriend. But God is not a boyfriend. It is a completely different relationship than that. Also when she calls herself a punk it takes away from the seriousness of sin. And it seems to insinuate that God should know that is just how she is and make allowance for it. God never makes allowance for sin! Praise God, He made provision for it!
3. Tell Your Heart to Beat Again by Danny Gokie
They didn't seem to even understand what the song was saying. They said it sounded like it meant that we would actually be in command of our actual physical heart beating. That ever entered my mind.
I take it to mean we can choose to wallow in emotional heartbreak or we can decide to behave outside of our feelings. I once attended a banquet with a someone who had lost her mother and this banquet reminded her of her mother. But instead of allowing her emotions to heal, she nursed them. She brought a picture of her mother with her and continuously looked at it and commented about it and cried the whole night.
Even medical science has documented how the will and determination of a patient has expedited their recovery, sometimes against all odds. It does not insinuate that we are God and can live without Him purposing it. I take great encouragement from the idea that what happens to me does not define me and that I can be the person I am from this point forward in my life no matter what I have gone through. With God's help, I can be restored and improved. I can refuse to allow my emotions to carry me along, stop and breathe, and refocus on the Lord and his purposes.
They also compared the "unbeating heart" to the analogy of "dry bones" as if it was comparable to salvation. There is no indication of this in the song. It is a renewal of purpose, a rededication to continue the walk, not a regeneration experience.
1. Holy Spirit by Bryan and Katie Torwalt (as far as I can tell by my research).
Those in the podcast took exception to the idea to welcome the Holy Spirit, stating that 1.) The Holy Spirit, being God, is present everywhere already, and 2.) that He doesn't need permission to do it. I myself and all those I questioned about this song never even entertained those thoughts. The meaning taken by consensus is "We recognize You are here, we greet You with pleasure and courtesy, we yield to You." This is confirmed by the words in the bridge of the desire to become more aware of the presence of God.
2. Alone by Hollyn. Their main complaint here was the attitude towards God, which I definitely see. The same terms are used to describe a relationship with God that are usually used to describe a relationship with a boyfriend. But God is not a boyfriend. It is a completely different relationship than that. Also when she calls herself a punk it takes away from the seriousness of sin. And it seems to insinuate that God should know that is just how she is and make allowance for it. God never makes allowance for sin! Praise God, He made provision for it!
3. Tell Your Heart to Beat Again by Danny Gokie
They didn't seem to even understand what the song was saying. They said it sounded like it meant that we would actually be in command of our actual physical heart beating. That ever entered my mind.
I take it to mean we can choose to wallow in emotional heartbreak or we can decide to behave outside of our feelings. I once attended a banquet with a someone who had lost her mother and this banquet reminded her of her mother. But instead of allowing her emotions to heal, she nursed them. She brought a picture of her mother with her and continuously looked at it and commented about it and cried the whole night.
Even medical science has documented how the will and determination of a patient has expedited their recovery, sometimes against all odds. It does not insinuate that we are God and can live without Him purposing it. I take great encouragement from the idea that what happens to me does not define me and that I can be the person I am from this point forward in my life no matter what I have gone through. With God's help, I can be restored and improved. I can refuse to allow my emotions to carry me along, stop and breathe, and refocus on the Lord and his purposes.
They also compared the "unbeating heart" to the analogy of "dry bones" as if it was comparable to salvation. There is no indication of this in the song. It is a renewal of purpose, a rededication to continue the walk, not a regeneration experience.
4. Breathe by Johnny Diaz
One criticism they had is that it is self-centered, all about the me, me, me, but the song also says that it's not right to do that and the singer realizes it and wants to change it. The parable of the rich fool was all about him too, to show how that way of thinking can fail you.They also say that it is just a bunch of lyrics about doing everyday stuff, but it is about letting those things consume you and take all your time and energy. It actually reminds me of the story of Mary and Martha, when Martha was letting the practical needs of life get in the way of a relationship with Jesus. He said Mary chose the better thing just to sit at His feet. As is referenced in the bridge.
5. Happiness by NeedToBreathe
They mentioned this song, but didn't get to talk about it before the podcast was over. I have heard the song, but hadn't formed an opinion on it. I looked up the lyrics, and I agree that they are not very theologically strong.
Cautions I see:
Happiness is a temporary, emotion that is dependent on circumstance, however I don't see the song idolizing or even advocating this.
Dreams are not a reputable source of information.
Songs can't "set you free."
It's a bit hard to tell if the "you" is supposed to refer to God, or to a person.
One criticism they had is that it is self-centered, all about the me, me, me, but the song also says that it's not right to do that and the singer realizes it and wants to change it. The parable of the rich fool was all about him too, to show how that way of thinking can fail you.They also say that it is just a bunch of lyrics about doing everyday stuff, but it is about letting those things consume you and take all your time and energy. It actually reminds me of the story of Mary and Martha, when Martha was letting the practical needs of life get in the way of a relationship with Jesus. He said Mary chose the better thing just to sit at His feet. As is referenced in the bridge.
5. Happiness by NeedToBreathe
They mentioned this song, but didn't get to talk about it before the podcast was over. I have heard the song, but hadn't formed an opinion on it. I looked up the lyrics, and I agree that they are not very theologically strong.
Cautions I see:
Happiness is a temporary, emotion that is dependent on circumstance, however I don't see the song idolizing or even advocating this.
Dreams are not a reputable source of information.
Songs can't "set you free."
It's a bit hard to tell if the "you" is supposed to refer to God, or to a person.
Final Thoughts and Take Aways
They said Scripture tells us to sing worship songs to God, the god of the Bible, but didn't cite any passage to support their statement. They said that our songs shouldn't be able to be sung to Thor or Appolyon or the Mormon god, etc. but any person deceived enough to believe in one of those false gods could just as easily apply a song to them that could only realistically describe the One True God.
**We should be checking out the songs we allow ourselves to listen to and measuring them against Scripture (as well as podcasts, and blog posts!)
**We shouldn't allow enjoyment of the musical elements of a song to be more important than the lyrics.
**We should be checking out the songs we allow ourselves to listen to and measuring them against Scripture (as well as podcasts, and blog posts!)
**We shouldn't allow enjoyment of the musical elements of a song to be more important than the lyrics.
No comments:
Post a Comment