I am at work, and this is not a good time for me to put my first post down on the Council. I know this. As a result, this will be pretty quick.
But anyway: I really think you should hear this. It's called 'Black and Gold', and it's by a guy named Sam Sparro.
He's 25, gay, Australian, and an MK. Discuss?
Update: To be clear, I'm not posting this because it's a new song that I like. I'm posting it because it's a piece of pop media (!!) dealing with classic questions about the intersection of meaning, value, and the existence of God. I am always amazed when I hear anyone dealing honestly with faith and what it means (or doesn't mean) to us, and even more blown away when it's someone who is coming from outside "the club", which Sam almost certainly is.
I come away wondering, why can't 'Christian' artists and writers be this honest? Why do 'God-fearing' people always feel like they (we?) have to toe a party line whenever they're out among the unwashed masses? I don't mean to imply that this song is hopeless or depressing, because its neither, it just doesn't have it's theology wrapped up neatly in a bow. Man I appreciate that, because my God doesn't come that way either.
I don't believe that God can be tied down by a 'system' anymore. If he's there, I believe that He can only be lived and lived with. Anything else is a joke, an attempt to reduce a living, perfect, infinate Person to a math equation.
Since all of us (I think that's right) are at least former youth workers, I think this especially relevant since it's theistic media that a) comes from outside the Christian music farm and b) is honest music without a mission/ulterior motive other than being a part of the discussion of experiencing God. Oh, and c) it's really catchy.
When was the last time you heard something like that? Hearing this song reminds me of what my cultural life is missing.
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2 comments:
James that's really interesting I just heard that song this weekend whilst in the fair city of MB. Knowing the background makes it much more interesting.
I wonder how the interplay between art and life works (assuming we can put all marketing aside) If art reflects life then i'm troubled at how un-explored or thought through Christian artists faith seems to be *says the arrogant 27 year old.
but if most "Christian artist..." are creating art for the purpose of life reflecting it. (which is totally an MTV move) then on the one hand it's shallow but on the other hand who can blame them for wanting to reflect something neatly wrapped up in a bow? Just some early morning thoughts from N. Chuck Town.
Firstly, the song is catchy. And somehow I agree with the idea that lots of what christian musicians expose as music is so canned. I can't remember who but two different musicians wih whom I've played said they weren't weren't christian musicians but rather musicians (and darned good ones) who happen to be christians. I wonder if the 'product' would look and sound different if the focus was on writing great music that reflects life wih God instead of mediocre music about God.
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