It doesn't have to be "Christian Music" to be Christian music

Lent 2008: Week 1, Day 5

Greg Witt, a talented local guitarist, and I had a conversation a couple of weeks ago about music. I asked him if a tune like "Eruption" or "You Really Got Me," both by Van Halen, were "glorifying to God." While Greg admitted that some songs are certainly not in keeping with a higher power's intent on music being a gift based on questionable lyrical content, plenty of "non-Christian, secular" music is pleasing to God.

It doesn't have to be "Christian" music for God to give it the thumbs up. Musicians are gifted with an ability to bring other people enjoyment through use of a talent that most people don't possess. Greg, in fact, said it may even be more of a challenge to be an artist who is a Christian rather than a Christian artist. Christian musicians are, in effect, often "preaching to the choir," not that there's anything wrong with that. Artists who possess a Christian faith and who play mainstream secular rock for instance, have an opportunity to gift a listener not only with their talent, but with a message.

What then are some examples? I perused through my iPod this week and found 25 songs that are "mainstream" -- many of which have been played by Top 40 or rock and roll radio stations -- but also contain a message that is either outright Christian or spiritual, or whose lyrical content reflects the values and ideals that Christ would have us practice in day-to-day living.

As always, your list would probably be different than mine. Feel free to add or disagree ...

25 Inspirational mainstream Rock/Pop Songs

"Have I Told You Lately," Van Morrison. It may sound like a love song from one person to another, but according to Morrison, it's his prayer to God.

"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," U2. For the searchers, and for those with questions on the journey. And there are many.

"Do Right," Paul Davis. Three and a half decades old now, the lyrics are blatantly Christian, not the only Paul Davis song to address faith.

"Love is the Answer," England Dan and John Ford Coley "Light of the world/Shine on the world/ Love is the Answer/Shine on us all/Set us free/Love is the Answer." Would have easily fit into any Christian Music format when it debuted over 30 years ago. (And can someone tell me if "England Dan" Seals is from Rankin like I've heard?)

"Shower the People," James Taylor. Many of JT's songs are laced with lyrics that reflect spiritual teachings. This has always been his most powerful song to me.

"I Hope You Dance," LeeAnn Womack. Livin' life to the fullest.

"Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)," George Harrison. A simple prayer; had it been written in Old Testament times, it would have fit in perfectly with the Psalms.

"Heavenly Day," Patty Griffin. A simple hymn of appreciation

"Morning Has Broken," Cat Stevens. A Christian hymn from the 1920s beautifully and simply brought back to life in the '70s.

"Wedding Song (There is Love)," Peter, Paul and Mary. "He is now to be among you at the calling of your hearts. ... The union of your spirits here has caused Him to remain, for whenever two or more of you are gathered in His name, there is love." Pretty much sums it up.

"Jesus Was an Only Son," Bruce Springsteen. Unless you download this song from "Devils and Dirt" you'll likely never hear it. But its lyrics and message reflect Springsteen's Catholic upbringing and the relationship between Christ and mother Mary. Probably the most blatantly Christian song Springsteen has ever recorded. In the final verse, he sings, "Well Jesus kissed his mother's hands/Whispered, "Mother, still your tears,/For remember the soul of the universe/Willed a world and it appeared."

"Almost Home," Vince Gill. A haunting conversation with God. God played by Monahans' native Guy Clark.

"But for the Grace of God," Keith Urban. I tried to steer clear of country songs on this list because there are so many in that genre. But this one is so good it deserves to be here.

"Walking in Memphis," Marc Cohn. A celebration of the transcendent power of music, especially the Memphis blues and southern gospel sound. "Tell me are you  a Christian, son? Ma'am I am tonight."

"What You Give Away," Vince Gill. Could be the theme song of faith-based charities everywhere.

"The Rising," Bruce Springsteen. The story of first responders' fatal climb up the World Trade Centers as they burn above and ultimately collapse on top of them. And what becomes of those heroes as they ascend into heaven. There is something stirring and strongly spiritual going on inside of this song.

"Turn! Turn! Turn!, The Byrds. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Almost word for word.

"Peace Train," Cat Stevens Widely known for his conversion to Islam in the 1990s, he often sang about peace and other Christian ideals in his early career.

"Heart of the Matter," Don Henley. Forgiveness, especially when there is nothing to be gained from it selfishly, is one of the best examples of a foundation of faith.

"Ngiculela-Es Una Historia-I Am Singing," Stevie Wonder A celebration of the joys of singing.

"Yah Mo Be There," James Ingram. "Heavenly father watching us all/We take from each other and give nothing at all/Well it's a dog-gone shame/But never too late for change/So if your luck runs low/Just reach out and call his name."

"People Get Ready," Rod Stewart. If Rod Stewart and Jeff Beck had done an entire album of gospel music, it would have been transforming, spiritual and incredibly uplifting.

"The Water is Wide," David Kauffman. Eight minutes of beautiful, quiet contemplation. The song recorded by many musicians is a simple nod to the notion that we can't do it alone.

"Go Rest High on That Mountain," Vince Gill ... and then when death comes, we are still in need of a higher power's help to get us to the highest of mountains.

"Let It Be," The Beatles. McCartney's song was, like Harrison's "Give Me Love," a simple prayer-like hymn and an acquiescing that we need help on the road from here to there.

Comments

[Jenn Jennings]

Good blog, Jimm-in-ey Cricket! ( :
This was an interesting read; I have a lot of those U2 songs and Bruce Springsteen tunes on my iPod too, but I didn't know the Rising was about 9-11.

[Sharon Crozier]

I have seen "You Needed Me" done in sign language in which "You" is God. Also, there is a Country song (I think the title is) My Town. It is a very Christian song.

[Jimmy]

Thanks Jenn. The whole CD was inspired by 9/11.

Sharon ... I did not know that about "You Needed Me." Anne Murray is back, too :)

[Rob O.]

Dan Seals was born in McCamey.

I may not necesarily condone Eddie Van Halen's (for example) lifestyle choices or whatever, I believe his music is glorifying to God because it so obviously transcends what the "normal" human can accomplish.

[Steve Drummond]

Going way back, I think the words to the Jim Reeves classic "Welcome to my world" sound like a prayer from God to his people. Garth Brooks' "Unanswered Prayer" is another song with a great spiritual message.

[Papa Ray]

Most are too young to know of Sam Cooke, some spelled it back in the day as "Cook". A young guy who happened to have a fine voice and a hard start and a bad finish.

For a listen to the past and some "Christian Music",go here.

">http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00006LI1I/musthearcom">

These songs are with the group known as "The Stirrers".

For some background go here.

http://www.counterpunch.org/wolff1224.html

Not your traditional, nor main stream (especially back then) but Great Music any way you want to cut it.

Papa Ray

[cliffyg]

I always liked the song 'Jesus is just alright', originaly done by the 'Byrds', but I love the way the 'Doobie Brothers' re-did it!

[jimmy]

Excellent point, Rob.

Steve and Ray, thank you for your input.

[Pablo]

The fact of the matter is that the lyrics are not the only thing to consider when judging if a song is glorifiying to God or not, what spirit was behind each song?, Lenon at least said they were "bigger than Jesus"... Is that at all Christian?

Best,

[becky h.]

Pablo, it is true that Lennon said the "bigger than Jesus" thing (while taken out of context, still a dumb thing for him or anyone to say). However, I have read that Sir Paul Mcartney, who wrote many of his songs about a loved one (i.e., his mother, his father, his dog, Julian Lennon), is very spiritual. He was raised a Christian. Whether or not he is practicing, I do not know. I know that "Let it Be" was based on the advice his mother would give him during times of sorrow, worry or grief: the wise words, "Let it Be." I think that God probably more than loves that song, because it has a lot to do with letting go and letting God. Paul's lyrics have always been more on the uplifting side, to my knowledge, and that's why I'm still a fan of his to this day. So, to say that you are more popular than Jesus, even if you mean that people are being a little psychotic about being your fan, is not very Christian. John Lennon was saying what he felt people were doing, and he thought it was insane that the Beatles were being worshipped. We should always be careful about what we say when it comes to God, lest we unknowingly blaspheme. John Lennon has never lived that one down, sadly.

[becky h.]

To stay on topic, I've always thought "You Needed Me" WAS about Jesus! Another U2 song that is good, and I've seen done as a very compelling skit, is "(Pride)In the Name of Love"... which is about both Martin Luther King, Jr, and Jesus (at least).

One man caught on a barbed wire fence
One man he resist
One man washed on an empty beach.
One man betrayed with a kiss

In the name of love
What more in the name of love
In the name of love
What more in the name of love

(nobody like you...)

Early morning, April 4
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride

...and it goes on. I really love this song.

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I agree with that headline you know, there are hundreds of songs with a message that might be easily added into a Christian band's album... Now, we have to understand these kind of songs might easily pass also as Hindu or any other religion that professes peace, understanding, love and so and so.

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Interesting topic, I think for a tune or band to be Christians it has to come from the heart.

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