zargoth
Active Discussion Person
Posts: 308
|
Post by zargoth on Jan 17, 2006 21:08:24 GMT -5
I realise that this has the potential to generate a number of strong difference of opinions, but I think we are mature enough now... I was wondering what defines Christian lyrics? What does it mean for a song to be Christian? I guess I personally feel (like Steve Rowe has said) that Christian bands really need to be careful about their lyrical content and that they (in essence) present the gospel. There are so many bands out there that 'preach' so many other, different things. I guess I get really annoyed when I buy a new (Christian) cd, and the lyrics really don't feel all that different to a Static-X cd or Slipknot's Vol#3 cd... I really enjoy when bands are willing to really cry out to God (in an edifying way)... If I wanted to fill my head with despair and loads of 'dark' thoughts, I guess I would rather listen to Static-X (etc) than a Christian cd anyway! My thoughts on the topic, I am curious to hear what other people think. (It's cool if we disagree, we'll just agree to disagree- differences are what makes the world interesting)!!! NB: I am picking on Static-X cos I think that they are pretty cool nonetheless!
|
|
|
Post by The Centurion on Jan 18, 2006 0:42:55 GMT -5
I know what you mean, but from my experience, the bands who are on fire for God the most, have the most glorifying lyrics. the ones who focus on hate/depression, all the time usually end up going secular.
|
|
zargoth
Active Discussion Person
Posts: 308
|
Post by zargoth on Jan 18, 2006 11:46:31 GMT -5
I had never really thought of that... I heard a message this morning that basically said that due to a lot of influences in the world today we (and others) often find ourselves battling with doubt and depression. (One of the enemy's types of attacks on us). It was also noted that a great weapon to combat this is PRAISE! It is so obvious, but when we focus on Christ and give glory to him, the other things really do start to fade away. I guess then God has an opportunity to move in our lives and circumstances. I guess in essence, this is probably why I kinda do really appreciate bold Christian lyrics... If you disagree, let me know, I'm interested to hear other pples thoughts on the subject... Cheers!
|
|
|
Post by archangel on Jan 18, 2006 21:11:48 GMT -5
Well my personal opinion is that you can sing about JESUS and GOD praising him in lyrics all you like but ultimately the crunch is whether or not it is from the heart as sadly just as many have used the name of JESUS for personal gaiin in many different circles music is also one of them....
Roger Martinez is a classic example and also just because someone seems to be Christ focused through lyrical content in a song on a cd or live show does not necessarily mean they have a true heart for God in their own life and another example is even in the secular world of music when someone wins a grammy it can be all too easy for them to thank JESUS for the award so we as christians need to be aware of these things and to rely on God not the musicians for inspiration and building up on the faith as it is sad when people end up worshipping a band instead of GOD himself,,,exactly what satan would want hey....
|
|
|
Post by The Centurion on Jan 19, 2006 3:01:55 GMT -5
Good post Archangel
|
|
zargoth
Active Discussion Person
Posts: 308
|
Post by zargoth on Jan 20, 2006 8:54:17 GMT -5
That is a good point... Another question then... What would you prefer? A Christian metal scene made of artists who praise God in their music, but who don't necessarily show in their lives/ hearts, or a Christian metal scene made of artists who praise God in their hearts but rarely (if ever) share it in their music? You have got me thinking now... hmmmm
|
|
|
Post by The Centurion on Jan 20, 2006 12:20:11 GMT -5
I'd prefer a good combination of both, I like music that is honest and real with the listener.
|
|
|
Post by Todd on Jan 27, 2006 8:03:31 GMT -5
I'm of the mindset of..if the life doesn't reflect the message, the message is meaningless. basically, the bands who sing about God and praise him and live lifestyles that contradict their faith is like running the horse over with the cart......repeatedly.
|
|
|
Post by graveforsaken on Jan 27, 2006 10:39:47 GMT -5
Was talking to Zargoth tonight and he mentioned this thread. I tend to think that lyric's which glorify God can still be a blessing despite the lifestyle. I still really feel uplifted listening to one of my favourite ever CD's - Destruction Comes. I play that album once a week. In fact, it's probably the album I play the most out of any of my CD's. Songs like Before The Time and The Rising really work for me.
To give my take on the question posed by Zargoth. I see two types of Christian lyrics. Artists who are openly Christian and follow sound doctrine generally have Christian lyrics. The other type is artists who may not yet be openly Christian, or may not be in a Christian band, yet still come up with stuff that is glorifying to God. These artists don't always have Christian lyrics, but do sometimes. Artists who might fall into this category are Johnny Cash, Creed, Megadeth, Trouble, Kings X and even some bands who are marketed in the Christian scene, like Zao and some Fear Dark bands.
That's just my take.
|
|
|
Post by The Centurion on Jan 27, 2006 11:47:27 GMT -5
Yeah, it seems like everyone has good points on this issue. I think a lot of times its up to the listen and what they get out of a given song or album.
|
|
zargoth
Active Discussion Person
Posts: 308
|
Post by zargoth on Feb 12, 2006 3:01:36 GMT -5
That is pretty cool!
|
|
|
Post by shatteredlight on Apr 20, 2006 0:41:18 GMT -5
That is a good point... Another question then... What would you prefer? A Christian metal scene made of artists who praise God in their music, but who don't necessarily show in their lives/ hearts, or a Christian metal scene made of artists who praise God in their hearts but rarely (if ever) share it in their music? You have got me thinking now... hmmmm I just learned this today in philosophy class, so don't think I'm a know-it-all or anything, but the first example is ad hominum, which means it shouldn't effect the argument if the person or group had made points that seem hypocritical. I don't know if I explained that very well, but in essence, the first band may be affecting lives and helping people, even if they themselves don't believe it, whereas the second is not, regardless of what they personally believe. (I also have to get my pop two cents in) I don't like Christian groups that only sing party/have-fun songs and then get sold in One Way. Why can't every other band that doesn't have inappropriate lyrics get sold there? Just a pet peeve...yet I buy and listen to it anyway What a sad life (of ad hominum ) I lead. That's also fun to say: ad hominum, ad hominum...
|
|
sceptic
A Regular
<::SINS OF THE FATHER::>
Posts: 99
|
Post by sceptic on Jun 5, 2007 0:00:27 GMT -5
I think there is a fine line between christian and non christian lyrics for example a christian band could use lyrics from Cannibal Corpse and bands like that so long as they sing about it being bad not encouraging it...this will also be the difference between making the lyrics sound cheesy and preachy.
ie you can sing about rape and murder so long as you are getting the messgae across that it's bad and evil.
|
|
|
Post by metasaiah on Jun 5, 2007 6:43:04 GMT -5
I agree
|
|
|
Post by swordoftheheretic on Jun 7, 2007 18:06:09 GMT -5
Here's something. I like Demon Hunter. I respect that they're outspoken about their faith. Their music is great. But their lyrics do nothing for my spirit.
I'm not dissing them, just speaking from my own personal experience here. Anyone else?
|
|
|
Post by The Centurion on Jun 8, 2007 7:31:47 GMT -5
Funny that you should say that Sword, I feel that way about many Christian bands.
|
|
|
Post by Todd on Jun 8, 2007 12:19:24 GMT -5
as do i, as do i.
on a side note, I can actually understand the meaning behind Dan's songs form the EoD album the thoughtless Existence.........and me understanding metalcore/hardcore lyrics is like Paris Hilton using common sense.......it doesn't happen very often.
|
|
|
Post by exodus312 on Dec 23, 2007 8:36:35 GMT -5
I think there is a fine line between christian and non christian lyrics for example a christian band could use lyrics from Cannibal Corpse and bands like that so long as they sing about it being bad not encouraging it...this will also be the difference between making the lyrics sound cheesy and preachy. ie you can sing about rape and murder so long as you are getting the messgae across that it's bad and evil. This is quite true, yet so is the opposite, that a non-christian band can write christian lyrics and one of the best examples that I can think of is the song "Sorrow" by the definately not Christian band Bad Religion. According to Mr Brett (the guy who wrote the song), it's about the story of Job, and how, if God is such a loving god, he could let all the pain and suffering happen to Job to prove a point. Yet, even when knowing the history of the genesis of the song, the lyrics could have been written by a christian band. An excerpt: "Will you guide me now for I can't see a reason for the suffering and this long misery What if every living soul could be upright and strong? Well then I do imagine There will be (sorrow) Yeah there will be (sorrow) And there will be sorrow no more When all soldiers lay their weapons down or when all kings and all queens relinquish their crowns Or when the only true messiah rescues us from ourselves it's easy to imagine There will be (sorrow) Yeah there will be (sorrow) And there will be sorrow no more" Personally, I think that this song can be covered quite easily by a christian band, as the lyrics are quite positive. But that's just my 2 cents..
|
|
Lunkwill
Newbie
Hope I'll See You In Heaven
Posts: 46
|
Post by Lunkwill on Feb 10, 2008 7:06:55 GMT -5
If a Christian writes it then it is a Christian lyric imo. Now whether or not that lyric in evangelistic in nature or speaks of the trials we go through, evil in the world, or even anger at God (which I'm sure we've all gone though at times) is a diiferent story entirely. But to paraphrase Billy Joel, "It's still Christian Rock to me."
|
|
|
Post by josh2o on Sept 7, 2008 20:20:47 GMT -5
That is a good point... Another question then... What would you prefer? A Christian metal scene made of artists who praise God in their music, but who don't necessarily show in their lives/ hearts, or a Christian metal scene made of artists who praise God in their hearts but rarely (if ever) share it in their music? You have got me thinking now... hmmmm Everyone has different opinions on this, I know. I think if someone who isn't a Christian writes Christian oriented lyrics, I consider it hypocrisy. If a Christian writes lyrics that aren't Christian, then it's "of the world", and if it's not for God then it's against God.; there's no gray area. So when I look at it, my view of Christian lyrics is someone who's faith is reflected in their writing.
|
|