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.

The Sundays

I kicked a boy
(click on the above link to hear a sample)

The lyrics:

When the weathers fine, when its sunny outside
Think about the time I kicked a boy til he cried
Oh, I couldve been wrong, but I don't think I was
He's such a child
When I am alone, I remember so well
How merrily I tripped a boy so he fell
Oh I couldve been wrong, but I don't think I was
He's totally wild
And Ive been wondering lately just whose gonna save me
Now I have a cold, and no story to tell
I'd marry you but I'm so unwell
And I could've been wrong Well I don't think I was
He's totally wild
And I've been wondering lately Just whose gonna save me
Yes you should've been wise Oh hysterical child
Where'd you learn to do that

The group the Sundays gets into my 80's alternative music list because it was released in 1990. I have to recognize my friend and roommate at the time Jeff for introducing me to them. I actually enjoyed them so much that I would borrow the CD and listen to it when Jeff was out. I believe the Bible calls that stealing. None the less, I learned about this group from Jeff.

This song is known but didn't top the charts like their songs "wild horses" and "Here's where the story ends". Yet, this song is a great picture of the depravity of man. So, I chose to review it here. It seems the content of the lyrics focuses on a girl having a troubled conscience about doing physical harm to a boy from her childhood. She seems to be reflecting on her regret. However, she takes herself off the hook by saying 'he was wild'. Does Scripture say anything about that?

1 Peter 3:8-9 "To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult ..."

While this passage is addressed to Christians, unbelievers are not allowed to ignore righteous acts. Returning an evil deed (kicking) because someone committed an evil deed against you is an act of sin.

Romans 1:28-29 "and just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips"

This passage addresses why a child could justify kicking another child. It is the problem of the depravity of sin that affects every human being. However, even in the lyrics, it appears she is questioning if she is really well. It is a question that every person must ask if they are going to receive salvation. It is part of the process of repentance in the life of an unbeliever. Once, someone acknowledges that sin is a problem that makes them very unwell..... they may be ready to hear the solution that is found in Jesus Christ.

This song is a great reminder of the lost justifying their sinful actions. It is also a reminder that they may be aware that something is really wrong. What a motivation to talk with people that are looking at their past sins with questions. The Gospel is the greatest news to people, who realize just how sick they have become because of sin.

If you like acoustical guitars and a great harmonious voice, the Sundays fill the bill. If you are thinking about the lyrics to this song, remember the depravity of humanity!

BOB MOULD

Sinners and Their Repentances

(click on title to hear a sample of the song)

I have to give credit to my college roommate “Pat” for helping me to hear Bob Mould for the first time. Actually, I had listened to Husker Du but wasn’t aware that the singer/song writer had a solo album. The album “Workbook” came blaring through the Chevy S-10 pickup, while my buddy was working in the backyard. The guitar rift for his first song (no words) was a great sounding tune that hooked me. The song that I am taking a look at is called “Sinners and their Repentances”. Here are the lyrics and the commentary:

All those things i've done before, It doesn't matter anymore
I see the errors of my oh-so-humble ways
Better run before, There's no way that i can cover for
All these things catch up to me, We've all sinned before
I have sinned before
While, I am not sure what the lyrics are conveying in the first line, the song admits that the issue of sin is a reality for all. In fact, “pride” may be part of a sin issue that is being admitted. Scripture confirms this, Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”

These sins, they seem to fit you well
Since i have known these sins so well
All these sins i've known before, They just don't concern me anymore
A secret voice in my sleep, Better speak before
Know there's someone right behind the door, I don't seem to speak with ease
Falling, Falling down
I see these words don't work so well
I say these words so well, See me saying "oh, well"
It's easy to save face in this world
There is recognition of the type of sins being committed by someone as Mould recognizes that he has engaged in the same type of sins. Yet, he doesn’t seem to be bothered by them. Or maybe he really is struggling with the sin and hasn’t come to grips with the true reality of it? It reminds me of the passage found in Romans 2:14-16 “For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.” Those without God may be aware of certain sins, but that doesn’t mean they are at the point of conviction. Yet, it can be used as a great opportunity for the Christian to share the gospel with them (if they admit even this).

How can you qualify, Difference between a sin and a lie
I see my silver lining in the sky, But now i can't decide
If you told the truth or you lied, You seem to sin so well
This light's so bright, It seems to hurt my eyes
You seem to sin so well
If the crush of your emotions, Leave you lying in the dust
Then take it all right out on me, And leave me in the rain to rust
The lyrics begin to get a little more enigmatic and I may not be fully capturing the intent of these words (but I will try). I think there is an acknowledgement of the problem in trying to categorize sin. All sin is a sin no matter what type is committed. James 2:10 reminds me of this truth: “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all.”
What is the silver lining in the sky? That would have to be answered by Bob Mould. In relationship to sin, it would be repentance of all sins and trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is the grace of God at work which is the only silver lining to a life contaminated by sin. Unfortunately, this song doesn’t take you to the greatness of God that is the source of hope. However, for me Romans 6:23 is more than silver lining in the sky: “for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Recommendation:
If you want to be reminded of the reality of man’s conscience dealing with sin, here is a song that deals with this assessment. There is no good news to it and it leaves a bleak picture. Yet, that bleak picture is a reality for most of humanity. Maybe it is a song to reflect upon before you share with a lost soul!

THE THE

THE SINKING FEELING (lyrics)
(click on the title to be linked to hear a sample of the song)
All my books lay on the table Waitin' to unfold
I sit and stare at my reflection While the darkness chills my bones
My head fills like a junk shop In desperate need of repair
The path of least resistance Leads to the garbage heap of despair
(I think I'd better get back in bed)
I'm just a symptom of the moral decay That's gnawing at the heart of the country

You can't destroy your problems By destroying yourself
Death is not the answer For your soul may burn in hell
My memory, my fond deceiver Is turning all my past into pain
While I'm being raped by progress Tomorrow's world is here to stay
(They wouldn't have it any other way)
I'm just a symptom of the moral decay That's gnawing at the heart of the country

Sometimes in a song you can find crystal clear lyrics that are mixed in with vague, enigmatic words. Such is the case with this band’s song. “The The” is an enjoyable group from a musical standpoint because of their diverse use of musical instruments. What attracted me to the music of this band was a unique sound: new wave at one point; cajun at another; and even a heavy drum beat at times. I can’t think of any other musical group that could quite be considered a copycat.

The lyrics to this song seem to describe a person at a juncture in time that doesn’t know where life is going. All my books lay on the table Waitin' to unfold
I sit and stare at my reflection While the darkness chills my bones
Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 describes the futility of man trying to know how all things on earth will work in time. “When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on earth, how neither day nor night do one’s eyes see sleep, then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. However much man may toil in seeking, he will not find it out. Even though a wise man claims to know, he cannot find it out.”

The lyrics also describe what would seem to be an admission of the corruptness of the human mind and the sins that follow from it.
My head fills like a junk shop In desperate need of repair
The path of least resistance Leads to the garbage heap of despair
(I think I'd better get back in bed)
Romans 1:28-31 illustrates the depravity of the mind because of sin “and since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.”

The chorus is pretty straightforward about the issue of sin. While the lyrics seem to be blaming the country (culture) for the problem, rather than the real problem.
I'm just a symptom of the moral decay That's gnawing at the heart of the country
Romans 3:10-12 direct us to the true problem of sin, it is our nature that is contaminated with sin (not an outside influence). “As it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.”

There is something else in the lyrics that ring true, although I doubt the writer may have been aware of it. It is a picture that the problem isn’t solved by killing yourself to get rid of the angst of sin (problems). In fact, you may be destined to hell if you kill yourself to rid the problem, which would be a bigger problem.
You can't destroy your problems By destroying yourself
Death is not the answer For your soul may burn in hell
I cannot speak for the writer of these lyrics because he may have a Roman Catholic understanding of ‘suicide’. However, I can speak for the Scriptures that affirm that someone that hasn’t been reconciled to God is stuck in sin and will be judged for sin by an eternal punishment in the lake of fire. Matthew 13:41-42 says “The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Is there anything redeeming from this song?
Listening to this song might focus your attention on the desperate condition that people can feel because of sin. It is not a song of hope because there is not gospel of Jesus Christ in it. For the Christian, it might be a reminder of the greatness of Jesus Christ and the hopelessness of humanity. If this song can help you praise God for your salvation, then you have done a good job of using it to “think on the things above”. However, this song has no good news to it’s lyrics in themselves. So, it will not automatically take you to the foot of the cross!