Photo by Rossina Bossio Bossa
Nothing inspires me more than a great song, but all too often the hymns sung at church leave me unmoved. Maybe it is because I’m looking for something different in my music; I like a sense of rebellion with my spirituality. Perhaps what I’m looking for is more like Imagine by John Lennon, or Land of Confusion by Genesis. I’m sure someone has already thought to include those songs in a worship service.
What about more recent music? From the last 20 years or so? Personally, I’m a hard rock kind of guy; I know that doesn’t lend itself very well a family friendly service. By sifting through my CD collection, however, I have found a number of songs that might work in a more liberal service with little tweaking. I’ve ordered them from songs from least relevant to most relevant:
- Soon Forget, Pearl Jam - This is humorous parable about the foolishness of materialism over interpersonal relationships. The main character in this story focuses on immediate gratification, and ends up dying a rich but lonely old man whom we all will “soon forget”. It would need some lyric rewriting to make it family friendly, however.
- No Excuses, Alice in Chains - I enjoy this song as it exemplifies fellowship through hardship. It has a good up-lifting beat and two part harmony; we know how music directors love their harmony!
- The Distance, Live - By pointing out the impracticalness of so-called perfect spiritual attainment, this song earns a special place in my heart. This theme probably would appeal to the ministers more than to their congregation.
- Nothing Else Matters, Metallica - Concerning the sacred bonds of friendship and loyalty, this song has become a stirring anthem for my generation. If you are over forty, compare this song to Dream On by Aerosmith.
- The Great Below, Nine Inch Nails - This song is about the need for repentance from something greater than the self. Squeamish about that “repentance” aspect? Don’t worry; The Great Below is devoid of Christian implications. Some lyric editing would be needed, so not to be completely depressing, as this is still Nine Inch Nails. However, I feel that the music and the theme of the song more than makes up for that.
- Gravity, A Perfect Circle - About human failings and faith in the unknown to over come those failing, this song is my favorite on this list. That wouldn’t be because I idolize Maynard James Keenan… er, um, uh, I still maintain that implications by the media of altars and offerings being made on my part is unfounded rumor. Moving on.
- A Thousand Years, Sting - A love song to the Divine. Well, maybe it isn’t originally meant to be a love song to the Divine, but it certainly could be. This song is filled to the brim with mystical imagery, yet remains accessible. Very few changes needed to use as a hymn.
Well, that’s my list. I’m sure, looking deeper into my music collection, I could find more songs. However, if I tried, I’d probably end up spending the rest of the day listening to albums. I know my taste in music is far from universal, so I’d like to hear your opinion. What unorthodox music would you like to see incorporated into a worship service?
I look forward to reading your replies.
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January 4th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
You and I seem to have the same taste in music John. I’m a HUGE AiC fan, loves me some Pearl Jam and Live.
One I’ll add from AiC that I absolutely love is “Nutshell”. I think it’s about life’s hardships, feelings of loneliness and even ridicule but through it maintaining your sense of self… remaining true to your self.
Also, I love “Parabola”by Tool. It reminds me of the Buddhist concept of impermanence. I used the lyrics in a reading one time for service.
Hope the code works out on those YouTube links.
~ Jules
January 4th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Hey Julian!
You’re right - Parabola would also probably make a good hymn, if you could convince the music director of your church to adopt it. Did you use the lyrics as a responsive reading? Just a thought.
Namaste.
January 4th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
I am so glad you’ve started this conversation. I have been thinking a lot about using recorded music in worship, not necessarily as hymns but more as readings. My taste is different from yours. Some songs I’d love to use someday include:
“Sinner” by Neil Finn, about the religious journey and making meaning.
“Somewhere in Between” by Kate Bush, about the intangible sacred.
“Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?” by Moby, expressive of pain and provides comfort.
“What Do You Love More Than Love?” by Dar Williams, about values.
“Let Go” by Frou Frou, says “there’s beauty in the breakdown.”
“Partisan” and “Story of Isaac” by Leonard Cohen. “Partisan” can serve as a tool for reflection on what we’d sacrifice for our values. “Story of Isaac” indicts our culture of war with a biblical story.
“Pray for Grace” by Michael Franti & Spearhead, title says it all.
and a true hymn, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2.
The trick to using such music has to do with making it accessible to people with a variety of tastes, and I haven’t figured out a way around that. For example, my partner can’t stand Kate Bush’s voice and would not respond well to “Somewhere in Between” no matter how much he resonates with the song’s lyrics. Likewise, he’s played Metallica for me and no matter how brilliant I think the songs might be I just don’t like them. Seems like the taste problem greater with contemporary/popular music than it is with songs in our hymnal. Where do we find the songs that work for a wide swath of folks?
January 4th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
Hello Rev. Sarah!
I agree that taste in music can be a very hit-or-miss subject. Trying to find a balance can very hard, but I would say that the benefits (keeping a congregation engaged) far out-weigh the possible problems caused.
As for your song list, I think the only song I’ve actually heard is “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2. Actually, I would argue that there is a list of U2 songs about as long as my arm that could be used as hymns, but that’s just my opinion. Thank you for commenting on my site.
Namaste.
January 5th, 2008 at 1:03 am
Great conversation - a member of our congregation did a whole service using U2 music once. You’re right about the number of their songs that are appropriate for church! I had one of these conversations with a Buddhist friend once about what popular music could be used as hymns in my UU church.
Well, I’ve actually used Sting’s “Fragile” and Tracy Chapman’s “Heaven’s Here on Earth” in services I’ve presented. The Chapman is, IMO, a great humanist hymn! Another song I’d love to use someday - and may try to make the opportunity - is Indigo Girls’ “Hammer and a Nail.”
I’m glad PeaceBang pointed the way to your blog, btw!
January 5th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I didn’t even think to use it as a responsive reading. What was kinda cool though when I read it was I could hear a couple of the teenagers in the back whispering to themselves, “hey that’s Tool.”
When I finished the reading I said, “words by James Maynard Keenan, lead singer of the alternative metal band, Tool.”
Some looks of surprise from the rest of the congregation followed.
January 5th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Earthbound Spirit,
Yes, I love Tracey Chapman’s “Heaven’s Here on Earth!” The lyrics are sooooo UU. But I find the tune and accompaniment a little underwhelming compared to its message. Maybe there’s room for a fantastic UU musician to arrange it as a choir peace with a little more pizazz… Any takers?
January 6th, 2008 at 12:07 am
Hello Earthbound Spirit, welcome to my blog.
I’m stepping out of the way to allow the conversation flow.
Namaste.