That post of Ali's that I linked to yesterday about 'holying-up' your online presence sparked some interesting discussions, on her post and also a couple of other places.
I stated that for me, my big issue is music, and that when I get to my 'song of the week' post each Friday, I often don't choose my real song of the week, for fear of offending, or have people judge me by it. Silly, I know.
I think there's definitely wisdom in being careful what you post, because others may not be as cool with some stuff as you are, but at the same time, it's important to be genuine and not put on a show.
So, as you probably know, for the past year I've been pretty obsessed with metal of all kinds. I listen to this music a lot, and for the most part am at peace with that. It doesn't tempt me to sin, as other things might, which I try to stay away from, and my conscience seems to stay pretty clear on this issue.
At the same time though, it will be no surprise that as well as the music being very heavy and full on, the lyrics are often a long way from being biblical, and the bands themselves are often pretty anti God.
I know this is nothing to sweep under the rug, but think about the rest of secular music. And movies. And books. Do you only listen to music by Christians about Christian things? I would say a bigger thing for me is the wisdom to keep a balance. If I'm going to listen to that stuff, it's important that I don't do it non-stop, without feeding my mind with other things. I try to do that.
Anyway,to get to the point, to show my hand honestly, this week I'll do something a bit different, and post the song that's really been my song of the week. I'd love you to have a listen, but feel free to give it a miss if you don't think it would be helpful. Interested in any feedback you have as well.
It is a song by a band called Death, (who had that name before there was that term 'death metal'). A sad irony is that Chuck Schuldiner, the singer/guitarist actually died of brain cancer in 2001. But, something that really fascinates me, is that there is speculation that Schuldiner actually became a Christian. A considerable turn-around considering the band had an inverted cross in it's logo. On later albums the cross was turned up the right way, and things were said that gave the impression of conversion. Interesting, and hopeful.
Anyway, I'll finally shut up, and just play the song. Monster riffs, amazing vocals, unusual progressive tempo changes, and the great line 'beware of the sharp-edged weapon called human being'. A great metal song. Without further ado..
'Bite The Pain'Death (1998)
Listen~
10 comments:
Musically, it's not my style, but I see no problem.
What do you mean that these lyrics are 'a long way from biblical'? I think that the songs gives a pretty accurate picture of things. Don't think the bible would contradict the idea that people are dangerous.
Look down at the body
you may see no trace of wounds
but in the eye
the eye of the beholder
one cannot assume.
Not a drop of blood is drawn
but you know how it bleeds
beware of the sharp edged weapon
called human being
I like the acid tears bit at the end.
Much more edifying than nice songs like this:
Romeo take me somewhere, we can be alone
I’ll be waiting, all there’s left to do is run
You’ll be the prince and I’ll be the princess
It’s a love story, baby, just say yes...
Now THAT, Simone, is the kind of comment I was really hoping for! Thanks for taking the time.
I didn't mean these particular lyrics were a long way from biblical, I was more referring to the genre as a whole.
And I absolutely agree with your point that what is often taken to be harmless pop lyrics are actually a further diversion from a biblical stance than other genres that might just 'sound' more 'ungodly'.
Is Alice Cooper considered metal? I watched an interview of him on Rove a while ago and was so impressed by how gentle, intelligent and thoughful he was. I didn't realise he was a christian. He was talking about his latest show in Sydney which features a lot of elements from the horror genre. My first reaction was "how does that go with christianity?" but then I realised that death no longer holds power for us as Christians. Why fear it? And aren't his mock-gruesome shows similar to the prophets saying "where oh death is your victory? where o death is your sting?"
Just a random thought I had.
thanks Soph, that is an interesting thought. You know, I really like horror, and I guess it's just a fantasy, escapism thing. It's not about evil, it's about suspended my belief and getting scared for a bit.
Alice Cooper is a very interesting and likable guy. This is a cool quote about his faith--
Although he originally tended to shy away from speaking publicly about his religious beliefs, Cooper has in recent years been quite vocal about his faith as a born-again Christian.[92][93] He has avoided so called "celebrity Christianity" because, as Cooper states himself: "It's really easy to focus on Alice Cooper and not on Christ. I'm a rock singer. I'm nothing more than that. I'm not a philosopher. I consider myself low on the totem pole of knowledgeable Christians.[94] So, don't look for answers from me".[95]
When asked by the British Sunday Times newspaper in 2001 how a shock-rocker could be a Christian, Cooper is credited with providing this response "Drinking beer is easy. Trashing your hotel room is easy. But being a Christian, that's a tough call. That's real rebellion!"
Ben, well, you are never going to lead me astray with your music taste, because I have to say, I found that really hard work to listen to, all 7 seconds of it that I persevered with. :).
But, yes, I agree with Simone on the lyrics. Glen Hansard wailing stuff like "my ship was sold right up the river" and letting me wallow in misery is probably more likely to do me harm.
So, I just found this old video of the song I just quoted. It's a bit like yours really ;). No seriously, there is a suitable amount of yelling and throwing the guitar around. Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkf7MznDRBg&feature=related
I liked the song very much. Makes my neck hurt though :)
I've known other people who were afraid to post their true likes/dislikes on their blog for the same reason, they were afraid to offend their readers. But it is your blog, it's an expression of you, and a way for your readers to get to know you. Not everyone is going to like/dislike or agree/disagree, but that's why it's freedom of expression. Nobody should withhold who they are because they're afraid to offend. If someone is offended, then they should just choose not to read it, if they want to comment, they can politely say, well, that's just not me. Never be afraid to be you, it's what makes you who you are, and why we read your blog. You should hear the grief I get from my friends and family because I love opera....oy.
Yes, Ben, sorry if I made a bit too much fun, when/if you'd made yourself vulnerable. But the point that was buried in that is that, it's not the people who aren't into whatever it is you're promoting who will potentially stumble on it (back to the Romans 14 idea), neither is it the people who are offended by it (I think that's a different issue altogether) - it's the people who go "wow, Ben/Ali watches/listens to XXX, and I'd really like to get into XXX, and if they're doing it then I can too", only for them it's a problem. That's more the issue when it comes to causing others to stumble if you ask me, not them questioning YOU because you listen to it (so in that sense it's not about your "reputation" at all). Anyway, just thought I would clarify on that. That is why people posting heavy metal isn't going to bother me - because it's not my particular thing.
By the way, I thought the story with Alice is that he grew up a minister's kid, then totally rebelled and went his own way, before coming back to Christ later on - but maybe that is just one of those rumours that floats around youth groups etc.
And p.s. I wasn't trying to imply that I think there's something inherently wrong with heavy metal, because I actually don't, that was just the example.
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