The Controversy of Christian Lyric

Since this song really started this thread hopping about what was appropriate or not, I decided to write the author and ask him what the song was saying. He responded just a few minutes ago with the following explanation of his song, Vegas. In His Grip, joshua

VEGAS
Caleb Carruth © 2002

A brief encounter in the city of sin,
In walks the devil, isn't she so beautiful?
She says "I hear they grow nice things in Texas,
That will mind-alter your perceptions..."
I correspond the secret, no, respond with a smile.

Don't believe my lies, I've been known to let you down,
In practice, I preach it's better not to offend than to change a life.
Forgive me, I've sentenced you to die.
As it all comes down to this one thing:
I know my faith it is a lie.

It's not nerves that I won't speak
Nor the apathy within me.
She chose or HE chose and if I speak will she be culpable?

I've had it up to here now,
I do this all the time.
Make war with my insides and insights that blind
And I know that you are the way the truth and life!
A gift freely given;

Forgive me, I've sentenced you to die.
As it all comes down to this one thing:
I know my faith it is a lie.
And I know You know...


"My friends and I took a road trip out to California one year. While we sat in traffic on Hoover dam, some people thought it would be a good idea to hang out of the sun roof. This led to the sunroof breaking.

The closest dealership that could fix it was in Las Vegas, so we saw this as a perfect opportunity to experience the city.

Some went site-seeing, while myself and my friend Jason sat at a Mitsubishi dealership. We were there for 8 hours in the waiting room along with some other people. (One guy worked for the military and when pressed about Area 51 got all silent on us). Another was the girl that's mentioned in the song.

The whole day, our group of people in the waiting room just chatted about where we were from. When we were asked, we responded with "Texas". And from there we jumped into an incredible conversation on how apparently psychodelic mushrooms grow like crazy all over the Texas highways. We were completely unaware of this fact. And personally, while it might be a little true, we believe that perhaps her impressions of Texas were a bit off.

So, as we all sat there conversing about our lives and dreams, and as I randomly flipped through my friend's autobiography of Billy Graham, never once did a conversation about the love of Christ or His free gift of salvation come up. It was THE perfect time to do so, that I am sure of.

That's pretty much the setting. And I think you'll be able to understand the rest of the song with all that in mind. Hope this helps better explain it.

-Caleb

 

Mike, where is that from? I don't recognize the author's name. I feel that maybe since this thread was started for Christian lyric perusal, we should keep it restricted to just Christian lyrics. Maybe you should start a thread on lyrics that aren't Christian but point to a Christian ideal? I think that might be a great thread!

Just a thought.

 

Oh... I didn't know. I wasn't trying to take the wind out of your sails.

 

Found another one. I know this one's getting alot of press right now. I'll preface the song lyrics with Derek's own words describing this project called, "She Must and Shall Go Free." In His Grip, joshua

After ten years in a Christian band, backstage in the music industry and in the hallways of church buildings across America, my attention as a songwriter has turned to a fresh affection for the Church. It seems we know all too little of who She is, how She should dress, or what She was made for. I have found that Scripture is provocative when it comes to these issues and so these songs are not for the faint of heart. Truth is, God would rather die then be without Her, and She is both wretched and radiant. I'm convinced that there is only one righteousness suitable for Jesus' bride, and He is jealous for her love. For the believer, truth is freedom. Even truth that is hard to hear. May these songs stir all of us to see, as if for the first time, that we have (still) a great need for a Savior, and a great Savior for our need. --God bless, derek

[I hope I don't offend someone with this edit. I didn't judge the lyrics quoted to be suitable for a Baptist discussion board. Some may disagree with me, but since I am one who has been entrusted with overseeing this forum, my judgment prevails.

Joshua, this is no reflection on you. I know you were merely posting controversial lyrics.

Your friendly co-moderator,
Aaron ]

[ August 10, 2003, 06:41 PM: Message edited by: Aaron ]

 

I deeply apologize for offending so many with my last post. In this setting, I was merely trying to post controversial lyrics for discussion. My intent was not to shock, irritate or agitate anyone, and I'm deeply sorry for doing so.

At first, I also found the above song, "Wedding Dress" offensive, but upon further listening, felt like I could understand the author's statement. Like Gomer, and others in Scripture who were ill-reputed and used as symbolism for the Church, I heard Derek's song in that light. This is not an attempt to recapture the issue or get the last word, merely to explain my thoughts for posting in the first place.

Please accept my apologies, and if the moderators feel the need to edit or erase the post, or this entire thread, I will understand. I am still learning my way around here.

Sincerely,
joshua