Life's What You Make It

Talk Talk

Here is a song that was somewhat popular during the 80s but not for the contemplative lyrics.
BabyLife's what you make it - can't escape it. BabyYesterday's favourite - don't you hate it?Ev'rything's alright - live's what you make it -Ev'rything's alright. BabyLife's what you make it - don't backdate it. BabyDon't try to shake it - beauty is naked. Ev'rything's alright - live's what you make it -Ev'rything's alright - what you make it. BabyLife's what you make it - celebrate it Anticipate it - yesterday's faded. Nothing can change it - life's what you make it. Ev'rything's alright - life's what you make it. Ev'rything's alright - life's what you make it. Ev'rything's alright - ev'rything's alright.

There are two ways to look at this song...

and two ways to address this song.

1st. The Zig Ziglar Mentality

This song could be talking about how you can make your life to be anything that you hope and dream about. So, if your life is doing so well then you must be to blame. However, you can't expect to have a great life by just existing and not putting your hard work and positive thoughts into it.

The Biblical Response to this: Matthew 6:30-34 "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, 'what will we eat?' or 'what will we drink?' or 'what will we wear for clothing?' For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Jesus is more concerned about seeking God's Kingdom and Righteousness that God requires than to waste your thinking on being positive. If your mind is on Christ, then what is required for this life will be present for you.

2nd. Don't worry be happy

This song could be talking about taking what life gives you and making the best of it. When the good and bad times come, your attitude will determine how you view your life. In light of the two options, I think this is probably the intended meaning of this song.

The biblical response to this: I would refer to the same passage in Matthew 6:25-34 (30-34 is quoted above)

The only reason that someone can not worry and be happy is to have a secure understanding of 'Who is in control?' and 'Where am I to be for an eternity?' Uncertainty won't ever be overcome by just a good attitude. When fear seeks to strike in someone's heart, the reality of God almighty coming into this world to provide forgiveness of sins and to justify an ungodly person by dying on the cross and being resurrected is the only source of hope.

Cocteau Twins

Pitch The Baby
(click on title to hear samples)

The Cocteau Twins is definitely an alternative group from the 80's that isn't being copied anymore. I think the unique vocal harmonies from this girl group plus the highly synthisized sound was what made me listen. I don't remember thinking so much about the words as much as enjoying the sound of their group. Does that sound strange? Maybe not so much, when I began to let you in on a secret...

When I began to consider some of the lyrics to think about Biblically from their "Heaven or Las Vegas" album, I ran into something really bizarre. Check out the lyrics for this particular song:

Pitch the Baby
It don't have to be too good for you Only up to the waist-deep end
Pitch the baby She doesn't even know you're Sleeping up as we see her our sun
Hear the language Come dress your baby Only hope to not bust somethin' Here
I want to grow And keep her warm Man there must be something We've not found
I only want to love you I only want to love you It don't have to be too good for you Only
up to the waist-deep end Pitch the baby She doesn't even know you're Sleeping
up as we see her our sun Hear the language Come dress your baby Only hope to not bust somethin' Here I want to grow And keep her warm Man there must be something We've not found I only want to love you It don't have to be too good for me I only want to love you
It don't have to be too good for me I only want to love you I wander through the streets Thinking I'll fill their hearts with some sugar As everyone seems to notice Everyone says you favor me

These lyrics kind of confirmed what I was thinking in the back of my mind as I listen to this band in college. These lyrics don't have a complete thought and they are more about amusing than saying anything in depth. If you think that I am making this up, here is what the lead vocalist Liz Fraser has said in a few interviews:

"A lot of the stuff I was singing about [in the early 1980's] was all metaphorical. I wasn't talking like I am now. I guess it's back to how much personal power you feel that you have. Like, if I'm 17 and I don't even know when I'm hungry, am I tired, have I had any sleep - if you don't even know that, then how can you talk about lyrics that come from such an unconscious place? I always said 'I dont' know', and I didn't." [Alternative Press, 1995].

"What they are [pre-Four-Calendar Café lyrics], are words that I've taken from...maybe seen written down...in a language that I don't understand, and liking them...and maybe...making new words as well out of them. I mean I've got reams and reams of words that I don't have a clue what they mean, but...I wanted them because, I knew I'd be able to express myself without giving anything away." [NPR Interview, 1993].

It sure made me feel better about my ability to discern a song, when I knew it had no coherent thoughts. This my friends is postmodernism before postmodernism was cool. (not that I think it is cool but you get the point) What is wrong with throwing words together that don't make sense and don't have direction? Maybe there is no harm in secular music. In fact, if the lyrics aren't profane then it is probably perferred to listen to the Cocteau Twins then a supposed Christian group that does the same thing. But in life, a Christian should be challenged to read, study, contemplate and meditate upon the Word of God. 1 Corinthians 2:12-16 "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. but a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. but he who is piritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord that He wil instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ."

In a time of postmodernism now, the church shouldn't adopt a Cocteau Twins attitude towards their theology (if it makes you feel good). God's revelation about Himself is discovered in the Word of God. These truths from Scripture (the words) are what have eternal impact for our life.

Simple Minds

Sanctify Yourself

While the group "Simple Minds" doesn't always conjure up visions of alternative music from the 1980's, all of their music isn't bubble gum pop music from that era. This particular song is probably considered more in the "pop" genre than alternative. However, I felt like this particular song would be a good one to think through Biblically. Here are the lyrics

Is this the age of the thunder and rage Can you feel the ground move 'round your feet If you take one step closer, it'll lead to another The crossroad above is where we meet I shout out for shelter, I need you for something The whole world is out, they're all on the street Control yourself, love is all you need Control yourself, in your eyes Sanctify yourself, sanctify Be apart of me, sanctify Sanctify yourself, sanctify Sanctify yourself, set yourself free In pictures of living, in bloodshot a vision Sweet miracles and strange circumstances I see the sun up, the showdown, the cool winds that blow down On the big beat that life-long romance is You've got a gun in your hand, you're making self plans Stay with me all through the night Control yourself, love is all you need Control yourself, open up your heart Sanctify yourself, sanctify Be apart of me, sanctify Sanctify yourself, sanctify Sanctify yourself, set yourself free You can't stop the world for a boy or a girl Sweet victims of poor circumstances But you can pour back the love, sweeping down from above Giving hope and making more chances Well, I hope and I pray that maybe someday You'll come back down here and show me the way Control yourself, love is all you need Control yourself, open up your heart Open up your heart Sanctify yourself, sanctify Sanctify yourself, sanctify Sanctify yourself, set yourself free

While there are many songs from Simple Minds that are referring to romantic love and all its struggles, this one isn't necessarily one. It actually appears to be a song that is struggling with making sense of a world that seems cruel "can't stop the world for a boy or a girl Sweet victims of poor circumstances". It is also dealing with one's attempt to be sanctified for the purpose of being connected with God "Santify yourself, sanctify be a part of me". The theme of love is the answer as well as further understanding from God "and I pray that maybe someday You'll come back down here and show me the way". This song also looks at the world as being in turmoil "In this age of the thunder and rage".

Does the Bible speak on such things:

#1. Is the world a hopeless round planet that is spinning out of control?

"He (Jesus) is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." Colossians 1:16

Jesus has a firm grip of control on what is happening in all creation, otherwise things would be out of control.

"Who has cleft a channel for the flood, or a way for the thunderbolt, to bring rain on a land without people, on a desert without a man in it, to satisfy the waste and desolate land and to make the seeds of grass to sprout?" Job 38: 25-27

Clearly from this passage God (who is addressing Job) knows what happens on the earth and has a mighty say on what will and will not happen.

#2. What does sanctification have to do with God?

A quick note about the word "sanctify": It means to set apart, make something holy (unique according to God's standards).

Anyone that tries to sanctify themselves to get closer to God will fail, God is the one who must sanctify them first.

"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, no swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

One is sanctified, by being justifed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. After that, the Christian is in the process of continually being sanctified the rest of their days on the earth.

#3. Does God need to come back down to show us what to do? to explain how one becomes truly sanctified?

Understand that everyone is guilty of sin

"What then? are we better than they? Not at all; for we ahve already charged that both Jews and Greeks are all under sin; as it is written, THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE." Romans 3:9-11

There will be judgement of sin

"and the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:13-15

Jesus became the only acceptable payment for our sin

"For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with hands – the representation of the true sanctuary – but into heaven itself, and he appears now in God’s presence for us. And he did not enter to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the sanctuary year after year with blood that is not his own, for then he would have had to suffer again and again since the foundation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the consummation of the ages to put away sin by his sacrifice. And just as people are appointed to die once, and then to face judgment, so also, after Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many, to those who eagerly await him he will appear a second time, not to bear sin but to bring salvation." Hebrews 9:24-28

We must turn from a life infected with sin to trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for our salvation

"The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the Gospel" Mark 1:15

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Husker Du

Too Far Down
(click on the song title to find a link for hearing a sample)

I always liked the musical sound of Husker Du when I was in High School. They were a unique group that was a mix between punk/grunge/hard rock and even some elements of being unplugged (although never fully). While this description isn't real helpful, I find that they had a unique sound with Bob Mould. Since Mould's departure, they aren't quite the same group. Lyrically, they were known for having some cryptic-enegmatic words. Even the song that I chose to highlight, it is a bit confusing. Here are the lyrics:

I'm down again And I don't know how to tell you

But maybe this time I can't come back Because I might be too far down

I wish for real

That I could turn it on and off

Like hot and cold and up and down

Because I'm down again I'm too far down

I couldn't begin to smile

Because I can't even laugh or cry Because I just can't do it

If it was so easy to be happy Why am I so down?

All I can do is sit and wonder if it's going to end Or if I should just go away forever

When I sit and think I wish that I just could die Or let someone else be happy

By setting my own self free And you don't want the emotion

Because the taste it leaves is for real But nothing's ever real until it's gone

And I might be too far down And is this just another thrown away Or is this the end of the whole stupid road

But you wouldn't want to know how I feel anyway Because the darkest hole is at the end of the road I'm down again And I guess I'm not the only one who dreams That there's not any way to tell you Because I might be too far down

Well, clearly this is a song about depression and the intense pressure of despair. This song doesn't really tell us why the depression exists but only that it is real. In fact, the statement about "setting my own self free" is probably a reference to contemplation of suicide. What does God say about these things?

Ecclesiastes 2:9-11 "So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my hear found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun."

It is nothing new to look at life as empty. In fact the word vanity carries with it the connotation of emptiness. So, you may pour yourself into a project, hobby, relationship or a money making endeavor but you will find in the end it is really vain.

Is the answer suicide?

No, you will not set yourself free. In fact, you may very well be setting into motion your eternal existence of suffering in punishment.

The answer: Colossians 3:1-4

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

No person can truly possess hope (the Biblical definition of hope is desire & expectancy) without the Gospel. Unless, you recognize that you sin and are awaiting to be judged by God one day of sins, and that you need to trust the Lord Jesus Christ to bring forgiveness of sins and to reconcile your relationship with God ... you will still remain in the hopelessness of what the world has to offer. But if you have trusted in Jesus Christ for your forgiveness of sins, (the Gospel) you don't need to be stuck in the pit of depression. This passage in Colossians tells us that our mind's eye should be focused on our relationship and eternal existence in His presence.

Depeche Mode

Walking In My Shoes
(click on song title to hear a sample)

This band is borderline new wave and alternative. Depeche mode has been around for a long number of years but I was thinking about one of there songs just recently. Therefore, I thought I would review one of their songs and see how it lines up theologically.

I would tell you about the things they put me through
The pain I've been subjected to
But the Lord himself would blush
The countless feasts laid at my feet
Forbidden fruits for me to eat
But I think your pulse would start to rush
Now I'm not looking for absolution
Forgiveness for the things I do
But before you come to any conclusions

Try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes You'll stumble in my footsteps
Keep the same appointments I kept
If you try walking in my shoes
If you try walking in my shoes Morality would frown upon
Decency look down upon
The scapegoat fate's made of me
But I promise now, my judge and jurors
My intentions couldn't have been purer
My case is easy to see I'm not looking for a clearer conscience
Peace of mind after what I've been through
And before we talk of any repentance
Try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes You'll stumble in my footsteps

Keep the same appointments I kept If you try walking in my shoes If you try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes
Now I'm not looking for absolution Forgiveness for the things I do But before you come to any conclusions Try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes You'll stumble in my footsteps Keep the same appointments I kept
If you try walking in my shoes You'll stumble in my footsteps Keep the same appointments I kept If you try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes If you try walking in my shoes Try walking in my shoes

Melodically, I can appreciate the song's gritty dance groove that combines heavy electronics with Depeche Mode's usual harmonies. That is where the appreciation for the song stops. The blasphemy is what first startles me: "I would tell you about the things they put me through the pain I've been subjected to but the Lord Himself would blush"
I wonder if ignorance could be claimed here? Read Isaiah 53 and then realize that nobody holds a candle to what Jesus experienced in pain, suffering, isolation, being deserted, being labeled a criminal even though Jesus was making propitiation. It kind of makes you want to say to Depeche Mode ... you need a reality check dudes, the universe doesn't revolve around you - get off your high horse!

The other thing that I notice about this song is that it isn't written to ask for forgiveness. In fact, the mere thought of repentance is rather offensive: "before we talk of repentance try walking in my shoes"
While, the lyrics claim to not be seeking a justification of one's hidden sins, that is what they really are seeking. It reminds me of Romans 2:14-16 "For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them, on the day when according to my gospel, God will judge the secrets of men through Christ Jesus." Clearly, you don't make a song proclaiming all the things that are before your feet as a music superstar, unless you are seeking to defend your conscience. Depeche Mode has done a good job of doing what any lost person does, defending their actions from sin against their conscience.

Recommendation: Don't listen to be edified, but be reminded of the ugliness of sin and the hardness of heart.

R.E.M.

Everybody Hurts

R.E.M. is a band that was alternative in the early 80's but soon made the transition to the mainstream. Some of the early songs were unique and a bit difficult to decipher the lyrics. (think "driver 8") The musical sound is what made them standout in their appeal to many fans of the alternative genre. They have been known to dabble in the political/moral areas of society with some of their lyrics. However, they are not anywhere near the level of Midnight Oil in their outspokenness. My personal taste is that I can enjoy some of their music and leave some of their music.

What about the theology in any of their songs?

Here is a song that many will recognize but few may know the full lyrics:

When the day is long and the night, the night is yours alone, when you're sure you've had enough of this life, well hang on. Don't let yourself go, everybody cries and everybody hurts sometimes. Sometimes everything is wrong. Now it's time to sing along. When your day is night alone, (hold on, hold on) if you feel like letting go, (hold on) when you think you've had too much of this life, well hang on. Everybody hurts. Take comfort in your friends. Everybody hurts. Don't throw your hand. Oh, no. Don't throw your hand. If you feel like you're alone, no, no, no, you are not alone If you're on your own in this life, the days and nights are long, when you think you've had too much of this life to hang on. Well, everybody hurts sometimes, everybody cries. And everybody hurts sometimes. And everybody hurts sometimes. So, hold on, hold on. Hold on, hold on. Hold on, hold on. Hold on, hold on. (repeat & fade)(Everybody hurts. You are not alone.)

The theology of everybody hurts is essentially humanistic. The song acknowledges that pain is a part of life and that everybody experiences it to some degree. The song implores the hurting one to keep from harming himself/herself because of the dire circumstances. There are two solutions for making it through this time: 1st Use your own strength to make it through "hold on, hold on" 2nd Rely on your friends to help you in the struggle. This is a very humanistic solution to handling pain and struggle in this world.

What does God say?

The Christian has a source to overcome the rough times in life. Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

The Lord Jesus Christ is our true place of comfort because He will work His will in us. He will also respond to our situation through prayer according to the will of God. The result should be a peace in the midst of life's struggle that God is sovereignly in control.

What a greater comfort to have in a trial than this. It shows the lyrics of the song "hold on, hold on" to be incredibly worthless advice!

The song does make a good point about friends. Or should I say fellowship! The appeal to others is not bad advice during a struggle. However, the believer has even greater comfort by seeking other believers in the local Church for encouragement. I am reminded of the Scripture found in Ephesians 4:29 "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moments, so that it will give grace to those who hear."

This song is a reminder that humanism brings no encouragement and is really fatalistic.

The Smiths

Big Mouth Strikes Again

(click on above to hear a sample)

Sweetness, sweetness, I was only joking when I said I'd like to smash every tooth in your head Sweetness, sweetness, I was only joking when I said by rights you should be bludgeoned in your bed.

And now I know how Joan of Arc felt, Now I Know how Joan of Arc felt, As the Flames rose to her Roman nose And her Walk-man started to melt.

Big mouth la da da da da Big mouth la da da da Big mouth strikes again and I've got no right to take My place with the human race Oh, oh, oh oh oh Big mouth la da da da da Big mouth la da da da, Big mouth strikes again And I've got no right to take my place with the Human race.

And now i know how Joan of Arc felt, Now i know how Joan of Arc felt, As the Flames rose to her roman nose and her hearing aid started to melt

Big mouth la da da da da Big mouth la da da da da Big mouth strikes again and i've got no right to take My place with the human race Oh,oh,oh oh Big mouth la da da da da (etc)

This group is one that I became aware of because it was a popular alternative group. One of my roomies was fond of them, having a poster of Morrissey in his room. I won't go there!

These lyrics are bemoaning the fact that someone's mouth has gotten them into trouble. It is not a new problem but one that has happened to many people. The mouth is a problem because words can cause all sorts of problems. James 3:3-8 "Now, if we put the bits into the horses' mouth so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison."

However, the Christian has no excuse for this kind of verbal behavior. The church in Ephesus was exhorted to properly handle the tongue towards the church and outsiders. Ephesians 4:29 "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." or Colossians 4:6 "Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person."

This song is only edifying when you consider why the tongue is dangerous and what we as Christians are expected to do.