Friday, November 14, 2008

Music

A big topic today being preached among other standards is music. Some people don't understand why the preacher has to preach on their music. After all, what does it hurt to listen to non - Christian songs? For starters, I'm not saying all secular songs are bad, because they're not. There are some really nice classics that have their place. But it's what the music does to you that really is what's being preached about. Some people say that it's the beat of the song, some people say it's the lyrics. Somehow, people are affected by music. A song softly played on the piano or some other instrument has the ability to relax the body. I should know. For years when I was practicing my piano, I would look over to see my dad asleep on the couch. Mom and I would snicker, but it usually wasn't too long before she joined him. Rock music - if you can call it music - gives me a headache. I can't really feel much of a beat; rather, I feel like beating my head against the wall. And if you can't understand the words, much less the beat, then there is really no point. Rap is an annoying version of reciting poetry - poetry that was sloppily put together so it would at least rhyme. Rap doesn't really make sense or is often about shooting or stealing or involves some huge catastrophe. Then you have your country - don't get me wrong, I do like my country. The funny thing about it is, I tend to listen more to the quality sound of the singer's voice or to the rhythm of the song, and don't pay any attention to the lyrics. There is a funny little saying about country that goes something like the following: What do you get when you rewind a country song? You get your wife back, your truck back, your dog, house, etc. It's funny, because it is so true. If you really pay attention to the lyrics of a country song, that's mostly what it's about. Then there are those other types of music that you can't really define. People like Michael Buble, Josh Groban, Il Divo, and Declan Galbraith. Exactly what are they? Pop? Jazz? Contemporary? I'm not completely sure. However, if you listen to Josh Groban or Il Divo, they sing in other languages for the most part. So unless you go to some lyric translation site on the web, you're not going to know what they're saying. Or unless your a linguist expert. Michael Buble is mostly jazz, but adds a lot of other flavors into the mix. As a person, he's not exactly someone I would model after. However, he has one of the most amazingly smooth voices I've heard from a guy. Declan Galbraith. I'm not sure what it is he sings. Perhaps pop? But if you listen to his song, An Angel, there really is no point to the song. It's the same thing I said about rap earlier - the words were just put together so they would at least rhyme and so they would fit to the rhythm. I'm sure you probably think I hate music. Not at all! I think music is great! Sometimes, though, we have to keep watch over what we fill our minds with. Personally, I don't really pay that much attention to lyrics of songs, which makes me feel guilty, because I probably should. I'm more affected by the beat. When no one's looking, well... Yeah, I can get crazy. Yes, I am a Christian still; I haven't changed my standards. No, I don't know how to dance, which is why it looks crazy, but yes, I do feel the beat with most songs. I'm not sure why. But the real point I'm making here is that most people are affected by music. Not only does it relax you, it can depress you, depending on the tempo and the lyrics. Music can also make you angry; rock music makes me feel angry. I want to punch the radio. But some people feel better that way, like one friend of mine. We were out the other day, and she was feeling angry, so she turned on some "angry" music, which was very angry and annoying. It made her feel better though. I guess if you can't let your anger out, you can let the rockers let it out for you. Music does have an affect on people, which is why we need to be careful of what we feed our minds with.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's funny about rewinding a country song. Seems like they're always losing something. I don't know. Some country songs are okay to listen to and other are immoral. Usually it doesn't take long to find out which one it is. I believe that music does affect a person emotionally, spiritually, and possibly even physically. The Devil knows this and uses music as a tool. That's why Christians must be careful in the music they choose to listen to. Good post!

Diane Wood said...

I think what makes a song wrong, is when something in the lyrics or beat makes you feel a way that is wrong. That includes the lyrics making you feel like doing bad things, or the beat making you feel a way that is bad for you to feel. But thats just my opinion. :)