Basically, I'm whining.
Whining because there aren't very many modern Christian song-writers writing what I want. I'm whining specifically about the dearth of two qualities, eloquence and freshness. I, of course, am entirely incapable of producing poetry or songs that meet these criteria. Nevertheless, whine I will, and boldly.
By eloquence I mean a mixture of elegance and well-worded persuasiveness I'm refreshed to find modern Christian song-writers who can communicate truth through lyrics that are aesthetically pleasing. I sing plenty of songs that communicate a truth which, in itself, is stunningly beautiful. The medium of these songs, however, isn't necessarily an adequate vehicle for transporting the beauty of that truth. "As the Deer" jumps out as a prime example. No doubt many of us have felt what it is to thirst for a knowledge of God, like a man fifty miles into the desert yearns for water. The truth that the song conveys resonates with nearly all regenerate people. I love the song. But let's face it--that songwriter won't be a poet laureate nominee any time soon. The words could use some polishing, though, again, any deficiency of eloquence in the lyrics does not prevent the truth of the song, and the beauty of that truth, from being communicated.
The second quality is not altogether separate from the first. Freshness of form and thought aids the said elegance and well-worded power. Perhaps, then, it wouldn't be a bad idea for song-writers of our day to write like song-writers of our day. I'm not sure I understand the reasoning of Christian song-writers who, though they live in the 21st century, feel compelled to write as if they lived in the 17th. Perhaps I'm revealing myself to be an uncultured Gen-Y troglodyte, but I'd say that archaic grammar and vocabulary hamper eloquence and impede freshness. Imitate John Newton's depth, not his grammar.
Having said all that, I will say that I lament the relative scarcity of songs or poetry that meet my criteria, rather than the complete absence. Good song-writers exist. But bad song-writers abound.
Comments? (Dis)Agreements? Favorite song-writers?
Posted by jonsligh at March 5, 2004 03:33 PMoh, goodness.
working on it. :)
email me, jon.
As much as i myself appreciate eloquence, the flip side is the necessity of communication and (I can't believe I'm saying this) relevance. To quote the venerable Clive at a church service:
"I disliked very much their hymns, which I considered to be fifth-rate poems set to sixth-rate music. But as I went on I saw the great merit of it. . . I realized that the hymns(which were just sixth rate music) were nevertheless, being sung with devotion and benefit by an old saintly woman in rubber boots in the opposite pew from me, and then you realize that you aren’t fit to even clean those boots."
As for freshness, I agree. Christianity should transcend time and culture with its truth. Such songs should stir that heavenly sehnsucht and for a moment, make you feel fully human.
So that said, I like Peterson, Rice, Webb, and the few other song-writers who rarely get the spotlight, but whose songs help me "open up my eyes and see a more beautiful world, and let the hand of God Almighty sweep His colors through my life."
I think a very large part of the problem is that the masses don't desire anything deep. They are content with cheesy music and shallow lyrics. The pleasant and fuzzy songs are exactly what they want. And I'm speaking of people in "fundamental" circles.
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