Mining Secular Music for Biblical Nuggets
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Not sure why you view discussing a song lyric as being "triggered".
Rather than delete anything, I wish you would stick around and discuss my songs,
because it appears that I am being trolled by Lanolin.
BTW, I also wrote a song that I consider to be a "sing-a-long", but it is in the secular-humorous genre:
https://groovykerygma.bandcamp.com/track/born-to-lose-2
I discussed your song in #278
Personally, not for me as it's too long.
I think if you cut it down to a few verses and a chorus and an instrumental break, you'd have enough material left for 10 songs.
If you want to tell a gospel story, make it simpler, or if you going to prolong it, you must have a chorus that repeats your main idea.
That way people will remember it, rather than it be a showcase for your voice. Which is great by the way, but the song itself needs some work.
Check out the Psalms, many were short and simple, the long ones had a structure to them that was easily recalled and an order. The longest Psalm had an acrostic structure to it with the Hebrew alphabet. And they also made use of chiastic structure, ie, ABBA pattern.
Personally, not for me as it's too long.
I think if you cut it down to a few verses and a chorus and an instrumental break, you'd have enough material left for 10 songs.
If you want to tell a gospel story, make it simpler, or if you going to prolong it, you must have a chorus that repeats your main idea.
That way people will remember it, rather than it be a showcase for your voice. Which is great by the way, but the song itself needs some work.
Check out the Psalms, many were short and simple, the long ones had a structure to them that was easily recalled and an order. The longest Psalm had an acrostic structure to it with the Hebrew alphabet. And they also made use of chiastic structure, ie, ABBA pattern.
A hymn is something you can hum along to, and needs to have some kind of melody.
I am by no means a musical expert, but I do have an ear for it. All the lyrics I typed I knew off by heart. This is what you need to do with Scripture. Even if its just a few verses, not the entire book of Romans.
I am by no means a musical expert, but I do have an ear for it. All the lyrics I typed I knew off by heart. This is what you need to do with Scripture. Even if its just a few verses, not the entire book of Romans.
Oh, sorry, I overlooked it.
I see that you listened to "From Paul to the Proud" and liked the instrumentation.
I attempted to make it sound like what I call gypsy music in the style of Blackmore's Night,
such as "Shadow of the Moon" or "Ghost of a Rose". Have you heard those?
Yes, being a paraphrase of Paul's epistle, it is indeed a scripture in song.
Did you listen while reading along in your Bible?
(I may have heard something by Scripture in Song, but I am not familiar with The Garetts.)
If you are game, I would appreciate discussion/your opinion of the next song in my concept album:
https://groovykerygma.bandcamp.com/track/late-last-night-revelation
As/if you listen, remember that "From Paul" ended by saying that unbelievers will be damned,
and Late Last Night describes/envisions hell.
That sounded pleasant, but the closed captioning seemed to have trouble in some places,
which distracted from my appreciation of the lyrics.
Gnite.
Again, I would like to invite y'all to enjoy and provide feedback on my songs, beginning with the one that kicks off a concept album that is posted at GroovyKerygma.bandcamp.com.
Please read Romans 1:1-2-9a as you listen to it and see if you perceive several similarities:
https://groovykerygma.bandcamp.com/track/from-paul-to-the-proud
Thanks!
Please read Romans 1:1-2-9a as you listen to it and see if you perceive several similarities:
https://groovykerygma.bandcamp.com/track/from-paul-to-the-proud
Thanks!
Here are the liner notes for the concept album:
Wouldn't It Be Fine? - A wish for a wonderful world ends with a woeful question.
From Paul to the Proud - The woeful question's answer is sin that ends with damnation/hell.
Late Last Night (Revelation) - Damnation is described with a warning to cease sinning.
Until Set Free - Sin is signified as a woman's fateful choice.
Once Upon a Time - The fateful decision crossed a bridge of no return.
Someday - Lovers contemplate being parted by death.
When You're Alone - A lonely soul feels despondent and dead.
The Power of Love - A dead drug addict is set free by divine love.
Redeemed - A woman rejoices because of becoming redeemed.
Spirit of the Lord - The spiritual body of Christ rejoices together.
Ode to a Young Woman - A woman's beauty and purity inspires praise.
-------------
Bonus tracks:
Burger Queen - A young man encounters a mean girl.
The Perfect Pet - Disillusionment prompts a hard decision.
Born to Lose - A wacky guy doesn't mind mediocrity.
Loser (BTL Redux) - Reprise
Link to the first song:
https://groovykerygma.bandcamp.com/track/wouldnt-it-be-fine
Be blessed!
Wouldn't It Be Fine? - A wish for a wonderful world ends with a woeful question.
From Paul to the Proud - The woeful question's answer is sin that ends with damnation/hell.
Late Last Night (Revelation) - Damnation is described with a warning to cease sinning.
Until Set Free - Sin is signified as a woman's fateful choice.
Once Upon a Time - The fateful decision crossed a bridge of no return.
Someday - Lovers contemplate being parted by death.
When You're Alone - A lonely soul feels despondent and dead.
The Power of Love - A dead drug addict is set free by divine love.
Redeemed - A woman rejoices because of becoming redeemed.
Spirit of the Lord - The spiritual body of Christ rejoices together.
Ode to a Young Woman - A woman's beauty and purity inspires praise.
-------------
Bonus tracks:
Burger Queen - A young man encounters a mean girl.
The Perfect Pet - Disillusionment prompts a hard decision.
Born to Lose - A wacky guy doesn't mind mediocrity.
Loser (BTL Redux) - Reprise
Link to the first song:
https://groovykerygma.bandcamp.com/track/wouldnt-it-be-fine
Be blessed!
May I remind everyone that we seemed to exhaust secular music for biblical nuggets,
so we changed the OP to include para-Christian music, meaning music that affirms Christian morality
even though it may not name Jesus. MW Smith composed several of those. CCM songs are also appropriate,
such as the following song sung by Jaci Velasquez and others "God So Loved the World".
God so loved the world
That he gave his one and only son
That whosoever believes in him
Will not perish but have everlasting life
I try so hard to find the words to say
To let you know how great is this god to whom I pray
Nothing can nor ever will compare
To the peace that flows in your soul when he is living there
Oh I know you've been through so much
It's hard to contemplate letting go and reaching out in trust
But I know the simple truth That love is here for you
So take him at his word and see what he can do
The promise is yours and mine,
Take hold of this love
For the rest of your life
But it's time to take a step of faith
Be prepared for Jesus' love to carry you away
Everlasting life, You loved me
God so loved the world
He gave, He gave His one and only son, one and only son
If you just believe It will set you free
It will set you free, He loves you so much
He loves you so much, Just believe, Just believe.
so we changed the OP to include para-Christian music, meaning music that affirms Christian morality
even though it may not name Jesus. MW Smith composed several of those. CCM songs are also appropriate,
such as the following song sung by Jaci Velasquez and others "God So Loved the World".
God so loved the world
That he gave his one and only son
That whosoever believes in him
Will not perish but have everlasting life
I try so hard to find the words to say
To let you know how great is this god to whom I pray
Nothing can nor ever will compare
To the peace that flows in your soul when he is living there
Oh I know you've been through so much
It's hard to contemplate letting go and reaching out in trust
But I know the simple truth That love is here for you
So take him at his word and see what he can do
The promise is yours and mine,
Take hold of this love
For the rest of your life
But it's time to take a step of faith
Be prepared for Jesus' love to carry you away
Everlasting life, You loved me
God so loved the world
He gave, He gave His one and only son, one and only son
If you just believe It will set you free
It will set you free, He loves you so much
He loves you so much, Just believe, Just believe.
A song by Amy Grant that is relevant for CC:
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
When I feel afraid, Think I've lost my way
Still you're there right beside me
And nothing will I fear, As long as you are near
Please be near me to the end.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
I will not forget, Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering
Jesus be my guide, And hold me to your side
I will love you to the end.
Nothing will I fear as long as you are near
Please be near me to the end
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
And a light unto my path
You're the light unto my path.
(Psalm 119:105)
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
When I feel afraid, Think I've lost my way
Still you're there right beside me
And nothing will I fear, As long as you are near
Please be near me to the end.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
I will not forget, Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering
Jesus be my guide, And hold me to your side
I will love you to the end.
Nothing will I fear as long as you are near
Please be near me to the end
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path
And a light unto my path
You're the light unto my path.
(Psalm 119:105)
Another appropriate song about salvation/redemption:
Redemption Draweth Nigh
1. Years of time have come and gone since I first heard it told—
How Jesus would come again some day.
If back then it seemed so real, then I just can’t help but feel
How much closer His coming is today.
(Chorus) Signs of the times are everywhere,
And there’s a brand new feeling in the air;
Keep your eyes upon the eastern sky,
Lift up your head, redemption draweth nigh.
2. Wars and strife on every hand, and violence fills our land.
Still some people doubt He’ll come again.
But the word of God is true; He’ll redeem His chosen few.
Don’t lose hope, soon Christ Jesus will descend.
(Chorus, then repeat last line)
Redemption Draweth Nigh
1. Years of time have come and gone since I first heard it told—
How Jesus would come again some day.
If back then it seemed so real, then I just can’t help but feel
How much closer His coming is today.
(Chorus) Signs of the times are everywhere,
And there’s a brand new feeling in the air;
Keep your eyes upon the eastern sky,
Lift up your head, redemption draweth nigh.
2. Wars and strife on every hand, and violence fills our land.
Still some people doubt He’ll come again.
But the word of God is true; He’ll redeem His chosen few.
Don’t lose hope, soon Christ Jesus will descend.
(Chorus, then repeat last line)
Not heard of this
The problem with para-christian music is that its just not popular. even if some of it is set to rock style music.
What needs to happen is an already popular artist, releases a gospel song. Or a Christmas song. Or a song that mentions Jesus/God. Or a psalm, or related Bible song.
Like Elvis Presley singing How Great Thou Art.
Or Mariah Carey singing 'O Holy Night' or she and Whitney Houston 'There can be miracles' Boyz II Men 'One Sweet Day'
Whitney also sang 'Jesus loves me'
Cliff Richard 'Millenium Prayer'
The Seekers 'Oh Sinner Man'
Dolly Parton'In the garden' 'Coat of Many Colours'
Mel C 'I don't know how to love Him'
The problem with para-christian music is that its just not popular. even if some of it is set to rock style music.
What needs to happen is an already popular artist, releases a gospel song. Or a Christmas song. Or a song that mentions Jesus/God. Or a psalm, or related Bible song.
Like Elvis Presley singing How Great Thou Art.
Or Mariah Carey singing 'O Holy Night' or she and Whitney Houston 'There can be miracles' Boyz II Men 'One Sweet Day'
Whitney also sang 'Jesus loves me'
Cliff Richard 'Millenium Prayer'
The Seekers 'Oh Sinner Man'
Dolly Parton'In the garden' 'Coat of Many Colours'
Mel C 'I don't know how to love Him'
The song was before you were born in the 1970s.
I found inferior versions on YouTube, but hopefully there are better ones
sung by someone like the New Christy Minstrels. The Seekers would be excellent.
Like any genre, it takes some mining to find the greatest hits.
I saw the Seekers in concert some years ago with my Dad. They were great. Now sadly their lead singer Judith Durham has passed away. She had pitch perfect voice. When she sang, it was perfect like she sounded just as she did when she was young.
I like the folk-pop music. I can listen to it because the tunes are easy and tell a story, and the guitars have a melody. Also the harmonising.
If you like folk-pop ballads, then you might like a few of the songs on my album at
https://groovykerygma.bandcamp.com/track/wouldnt-it-be-fine
https://groovykerygma.bandcamp.com/album/groovy-kerygma
The album has a couple of hard rock songs, but most are rather country, folk, pop and easy listening, so I hope you enjoy them.
"Wouldn't It Be Fine" is in the country genre. I suggest listening to "From Paul to the Proud" while reading Rom. 1:1-2:9a. "Late Last Night (Revelation)" is a metal song that describes hell, "Until Set Free" is soft rock-pop song symbolizing all who choose to sin, "Once Upon a Time" is a ballad about lost love, and "Someday" is a ballad about losing life/dying.
"When You're Alone" describes the depths of despondency via the thrash metal genre, "The Power of Love" celebrates being rescued by Jesus via music featuring a sitar, "Spirit of the Lord" celebrates having the HS via the spiritual genre, and "Redeemed" celebrates being redeemed via an oriental genre. In "Ode to a Young Woman" Adam celebrates Eve, and the rest of the songs are just for fun.