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Post by michelle on Apr 19, 2008 22:09:58 GMT -8
I listen to music a lot. I always have my iPod on when I'm on the bus, I listen to it all day at work. I listen to it for at least half of the day. There are many occasions that God has moved me or revealed part of Himself to me through music. There are not many songs that I listen to that I do not find some connection or reference to God through, even when that was not the intention of the songwriter. I decided that I wanted to have a space where people can post lyrics or snippets of lyrics to songs that they connect to God and share what the lyrics mean to them. Josh and I started talking about this, but it was more specific to Billy Joel songs. I have many, many to post, so this actually may turn out like more of a blog, but here goes. There are a couple of songs that have been almost life changing for me and I know God gave them to me in times that I needed to hear them. The first is Trinity by Jennifer Knapp. I had never heard that song until I started attending Aletheia before it was Aletheia. When I first heard it, I immediately fell in love with it because it is a beautiful song. But it wasn't until I had fallen away from God and the church that it really sunk in with me. I felt convicted about the lifestyle I was living. The sinful side of me wanted to not ever listen to the song again, but I seriously could not stop listening to it. Specifically the lines (which I later learned are from a Psalm): "To the pure, all things are pure. To those who defile, unbelieving nothing is pure. Their minds, their conscience defiled. They profess to know God, but deceive Him by deeds all the while." When I would listen to those words, I would cry because I knew I was one of those people. I claimed to believe in God and Jesus, but I was not living that way and I was not showing people truth in Christ through how I was living. At the same time in my life I could not stop listening to a song called "Calling the Moon" by Dar Williams. It's a little new agey, but if you think of God as the moon and Jesus as the sun, it's a pretty powerful song. I've bolded the lines that were particularly convicting to me or spoke to me the most about the moment I was in. "The moon wanted more of my night I turned off the engine and the headlights The trees appeared as they'd never been gone I promised the fields I'd return from now on And the moon kept on rising I had no more to say I put my roadmaps away And surrendered the dayAnd I know you'll be calling me soon And if I don't answer I'm calling the moon Calling the moon I was calling her then I'm wondering will she take me againOh, I am calling the moon When I called the moon back to me I thought she wanted my beauty I shone in the best that vanity buys I covered the path where my life turned to lies And the moon kept on rising But I felt nothing at all She comes when the empire falls And shines on crumbling wallsCalling the moon By the name that she chose As Tennessee wandered in moth-eaten robes Oh, I am calling the moon Calling the moon Oh I'm calling the moon Oh, make sense of me, night I can see so much from this cold height The moon said oh darkness my work is done I've poured this bottle of light from the sunBut their anger keeps on rising And they don't understand I've shown them all that I can That the world is at hand And I know they'll be calling me soon And if I don't answer I'm only the moon I can see by her light This one's going out to the moon tonight Oh, I am calling the moon Calling the moon 'Cause I know what it's worth To tug at the seas and illumine the earth Oh, I am calling the moon Oh, I am calling the moon " Here's a link to listen to a little piece. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000SZ4GUC/ref=dm_mu_dp_trk8?ie=UTF8&qid=1208671691&sr=1-6
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Post by rose on Apr 19, 2008 22:44:37 GMT -8
I absolutely LOVE Trinity by Jennifer Knapp. It's almost perfection! ;D
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on that song and the other one as well. Yes, there are lots of songs that point to God even when the song writer didn't intend to. I'll have to think some more (at a decent hour) and post a fave or two of my own.
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Post by michelle on Jul 8, 2008 9:08:50 GMT -8
The other day I was listening to Helter Skelter, the song not book on tape, and thinking about where some of our church family is right now. I couldn't help but think about how God is like the parent at the end of the slide, ready to catch us when we get to the bottom (or valleys of our lives). And while we can see Him when we are at the top of the slide, we actually get to slide into his arms when reach our bottom.
When I get to the bottom I go back to the top of the slide Where I stop and turn and I go for a ride Till I get to the bottom and I see you again
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Post by Josh on Jul 8, 2008 20:42:13 GMT -8
Yes, that really captures it well. I've been playing Helter Skelter on the guitar all day now!
And it captures the ups and downs of the life of a whole church community too.
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Post by Josh on Jul 9, 2008 13:55:24 GMT -8
I just noticed that U2 changed it so the subject is "you" throughout the whole song, instead of "I" on the verses and "you" on the chorus. This lends to a much more spiritual interpretation on the chorus- with God speaking the words throughout. When you get to the bottom you go back to the top of the slide then you stop and you turn and you go for a ride and you get to the bottom and you see Me again, oh yeahI'll try and exegete the rest of the song Do you, don't you, want Me to love you? [ sounds just like the prophets] I'm coming down fast, I'm miles above you. [ quite eschatological] tell me, tell me, tell me the answer [ choose ye yourselves this day whom you will serve] you may be a lover but you ain't no dancer [ though by this time you ought to be teachers, some of you need milk, not solid food] helter skelter, helter skelter [ prophets again] Will you, won't you want Me to make you [ righteous, that is ] I'm coming down fast but don't let me break you [ echoes of the stone that crushes] Tell me tell me tell me the answer You may be a lover but you ain't no dancer
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Post by michelle on Jul 28, 2008 19:47:06 GMT -8
I have recently become obsessed with "All Because of You" by U2. This is a snippet of the lyrics that I finds really resonate with me as a Christian:
I'm not broke but you can see the cracks You can make me perfect again
All because of you All because of you All because of you I am...I am
Now change "I am...I am" to "I Am...I Am". The first time I heard this song, I immediately thought of how God refers to himself in the Old Testament. I just love Bono!!
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Post by sarah on Aug 5, 2008 18:35:10 GMT -8
Ok, so this is a funny little song on one of Lindsay's cd's but I love it and it has been known to make me cry a time or two. I am not certain why exactly. I suspect it is about the choice we have in perspective in our circumstances.
Justin Roberts “Roller In The Coaster”
Well here’s a happy song You can sing along You won’t mind the road up ahead Might be a rocky one But we’ll get it done Then we’ll roller in the coaster And shine in the sun
Well I know know know You can tip toe toe Everywhere you go go go Or you can laugh and stomp and dance and sing and go out where those wild things are
And you can sing this happy song You can sing along You won’t mind the road up ahead Why it’s a lovely one And until its done Well we’ll roller in the coaster And shine in the sun
Oh my my my You can try try try To be all cool and subtle But I recommend rainboots Snowsuits big hills and puddles And lots of cuddles
So you can sing this a happy song You can sing along You won’t mind the road up ahead Might be a rocky one But we’ll get it done Then we’ll roller in the coaster And shine in the sun
When it rains you can stay inside In your pjs and your slippers Or you can call up a friend and say Say let’s go get wet In our raincoats and our flippers
And tell the whole wide world about this Happy song You can sing along You won’t mind the road up ahead Might be a rocky one But we'll get it done then we'll We’ll just roller in the coaster And shine in the sun to this Happy song You can sing along You won’t mind the road up ahead Why it's a lovely one and Until it's done we'll just Roller in the coaster And shine in the sun
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Post by Josh on Aug 7, 2008 8:22:58 GMT -8
Wow. I think it's obvious why it's been known to make you cry. You've been living this. It's so incredible how God can give us fuel for the most difficult parts of our journey from the most unlikely sources.
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Post by michelle on Dec 25, 2008 22:22:49 GMT -8
I was just listening to what I believe is one of the most beautifully, romantic and powerful songs ever. It's "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera (it's weird that I don't like the play, but I love the music!). Tonight, I heard a different kind of romance. I heard this beautiful dialogue between Jesus and us. Here are the lyrics. Raoul is Jesus and Christine is us. If you've never listened to the song I highly recommend it. Reading the words does not do the song justice at all.
RAOUL No more talk of darkness, Forget these wide-eyed fears; I'm here, nothing can harm you, My words will warm and calm you. Let me be your freedom, Let daylight dry your tears; I'm here, with you, beside you, To guard you and to guide you. CHRISTINE Say you love me every waking moment, Turn my head with talk of summertime. Say you need me with you now and always; Promise me that all you say is true, That's all I ask of you. RAOUL Let me be your shelter, Let me be your light; You're safe, no one will find you, Your fears are far behind you. CHRISTINE All I want is freedom, A world with no more night; And you, always beside me, To hold me and to hide me. RAOUL Then say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime; Let me lead you from your solitude. Say you need me with you, here beside you, Anywhere you go, let me go too, Christine, that's all I ask of you CHRISTINE Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime; Say the word and I will follow you. TOGETHER Share each day with me, Each night, each morning. CHRISTINE Say you love me! RAOUL You know I do. RAOUL & CHRISTINE Love me, that's all I ask of you
*On a side note, I find it interesting how this song plays into what are sometimes the natural roles of men and women in a relationship. The man wants to be the protector and provider ("let me be your shelter") and the woman wants affirmation of feelings ("say you love me").
**Another note, I think my favorite part of this song is: Say you need me with you, here beside you, Anywhere you go, let me go too, I find some...I don't know the word I'm looking for...comfort, peace(?) in knowing that Jesus longs for us to say we need him and that he is begging us to be able to go along too. This reminds me of my dog. Whenver I'm getting ready to go anywhere, Ponce looks at me with such excitement wondering if I'm going to let him come with me wherever I go. I can see Jesus being like this. Waiting anxiously for us to invite him along. And he gets so excited when we say "Let's go" and sits at the door anxiously awaiting our return when we don't let him go with us.
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Post by meghan on Dec 25, 2008 23:20:22 GMT -8
I was just thinking, in the car, about how much I love this song, yet how I never listen to it because it's not readily available to me.
"The Blues" by Switchfoot.
Is this the New Year or just another night? Is this the new fear or just another fright? Is this the new tear or just another desperation?
Is this the finger or just another fist? Is this the kingdom or just a hit n' miss? A misdirection, most in all this desperation
Is this what they call freedom? Is this what you call pain? Is this what they call discontented fame?
It'll be a day like this one When the world caves in When the world caves in When the world caves in
I'm singing this one like a broken piece of glass From broken arms an' broken noses in the back Is this the New Year or just another desperation?
You're pushing till you're shoving You bend until you break Till you stand on the broken fields where our fathers lay
It'll be a day like this one When the world caves in When the world caves in When the world caves in When the world caves in When the world caves in When the world caves in
There's nothing here worth saving, Is no one here at all? Is there any net left that could break our fall?
It'll be a day like this one When the sky falls down and the hungry and poor and deserted are found Are you discontented? Have you been pushing hard? Have you been throwing down this broken house of cards?
It'll be a day like this one When the world caves in When the world caves in When the world caves in
Is there nothing left now? Nothing left to sing Are there any left who hasn't kiss the enemy? Is this the New Year or just another desperation?
Does justice never find you? Do the wicked never lose? Is there any honest song to sing besides these blues?
And nothing is okay Till the world caves in
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tara
New Member
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Post by tara on Jan 25, 2009 18:44:25 GMT -8
I totally get the thing with the Phantom of the Opera song. I was at the Symphony last night and a guy sang it and I got all teary thinking about how God wants our relationships to be like that. I never pictured it in terms of how he wants us to think of him, but it is beautiful to see that in the words.
Lately I am really into Sara Groves. She is an amazing songwriter. I will post a few of my favorites on here in between cooking dinner and breaking up the Battle of the Legos in the living room.
The first is called : You Cannot Lose My Love
You will lose your baby teeth • At times you'll lose your faith in me • You will lose a lot of things • But you cannot lose my love • • You may lose your appetite • Your guiding sense of wrong and right • You may lose your will to fight • But you cannot lose my love • • You will lose your confidence • In times of trial your common sense • You may lose your innocence • But you cannot lose my love • • Many things can be misplaced • Your very memories be erased • No matter what the time or space • You cannot lose my love • • You cannot lose • You cannot lose • You cannot lose my love • •
It is an amazing lullaby. I play it for my 8 year old every morning in the car. I forgot last week and he asked me to play "his song". As we listen to it, I imagine Jesus singing it to me.
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tara
New Member
Posts: 29
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Post by tara on Jan 25, 2009 18:47:25 GMT -8
This one is amazing.
Less Like Scars by Sara Groves It's been a hard year • But I'm climbing out of the rubble • These lessons are hard • Healing changes are subtle • But every day it's... • Less like tearing more like building • Less like captive more like willing • Less like breakdown more like surrender • Less like haunting more like remember • And I feel you here • And you're picking up the pieces • Forever faithful • It seemed out of my hands a bad situation • But you are able • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars and more like character • • Less like a prison a prison more like my room • Less like a casket more like a womb • Less like dying more like transcending • Less like fear, less like an ending • • And I feel you here • And you're picking up the pieces • Forever faithful • It seemed out of my hands a bad situation • But you are able • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars • • Just a little while ago • I couldn't feel the power or the hope • I couldn't cope, I couldn't feel a thing • Just a little while back • I was desperate, broken, laid out • Hoping you would come • • And I need you • And I want you here • And I feel you... • • And I feel you here • And you're picking up the pieces • Forever faithful • It seemed out of my hands a bad situation • But you are able • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars • And more like character • •
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Post by michelle on Jan 25, 2009 23:23:18 GMT -8
I totally get the thing with the Phantom of the Opera song. I was at the Symphony last night and a guy sang it and I got all teary thinking about how God wants our relationships to be like that. I never pictured it in terms of how he wants us to think of him, but it is beautiful to see that in the words. Isn't it amazing how you can listen to a song 100 times and then all of the sudden you hear it with another meaning? Lately I am really into Sara Groves. She is an amazing songwriter. I will post a few of my favorites on here in between cooking dinner and breaking up the Battle of the Legos in the living room. The first is called : You Cannot Lose My Love You will lose your baby teeth • At times you'll lose your faith in me • You will lose a lot of things • But you cannot lose my love • • You may lose your appetite • Your guiding sense of wrong and right • You may lose your will to fight • But you cannot lose my love • • You will lose your confidence • In times of trial your common sense • You may lose your innocence • But you cannot lose my love • • Many things can be misplaced • Your very memories be erased • No matter what the time or space • You cannot lose my love • • You cannot lose • You cannot lose • You cannot lose my love • • It is an amazing lullaby. I play it for my 8 year old every morning in the car. I forgot last week and he asked me to play "his song". As we listen to it, I imagine Jesus singing it to me. That sounds like a really beautiful song. I am going to have to check her out.
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Post by michelle on Jan 25, 2009 23:26:12 GMT -8
This one is amazing. Less Like Scars by Sara Groves It's been a hard year • But I'm climbing out of the rubble • These lessons are hard • Healing changes are subtle • But every day it's... • Less like tearing more like building • Less like captive more like willing • Less like breakdown more like surrender • Less like haunting more like remember • And I feel you here • And you're picking up the pieces • Forever faithful • It seemed out of my hands a bad situation • But you are able • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars and more like character • • Less like a prison a prison more like my room • Less like a casket more like a womb • Less like dying more like transcending • Less like fear, less like an ending • • And I feel you here • And you're picking up the pieces • Forever faithful • It seemed out of my hands a bad situation • But you are able • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars • • Just a little while ago • I couldn't feel the power or the hope • I couldn't cope, I couldn't feel a thing • Just a little while back • I was desperate, broken, laid out • Hoping you would come • • And I need you • And I want you here • And I feel you... • • And I feel you here • And you're picking up the pieces • Forever faithful • It seemed out of my hands a bad situation • But you are able • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars • And in your hands the pain and hurt • look less like scars • And more like character • • It sounds like Sara Groves is very good at expressing things that can be very healing to you right now. I know how much I am comforted by music during really hard times. There is something about it that can speak straight to a soul.
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Post by michelle on Mar 25, 2009 10:28:36 GMT -8
So there are a couple of lyrics from the new U2 album that really stand out to me. These are both from "Moment of Surrender":
It's not if I believe in love If love believes in me
This brings to mind out God's love is there, ALWAYS, regardless of whether we feel it, want it, know it, or believe it. It doesn't matter. There is NOTHING we can do to make God not love us because he loved us before we exsisted. God IS love, so God must love...no matter what. He cannot stop being love any more than we can stop being human. That is so beautiful.
I’ve been in every black hole At the alter of a Dark star My body's now begging Though it’s begging to get back Begging to get back To my heart To the rhythm of my soul To the rhythm of my consciousness To the rhythm that yearns To be released from control
We've probably all been at a place of darkness, where we've let ourselves fall so far from God. Isn't it just like the heart to want to get back to God? I think it is such a beautiful way to say that our heart belongs with God and anything less will leave us begging for more. "I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts."
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Post by Josh on Mar 25, 2009 17:42:34 GMT -8
Yeah, there's a lot of gems on "No Line"...
I like this one:
I can stand up for hope, faith, love But while I'm getting over certainty Stop helping God across the road like a little old lady
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Post by michelle on Mar 26, 2009 6:56:35 GMT -8
Josh, the more I listen to that song, the more I absolutely love it.
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