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Have you ever had a feeling Everything seems fine Something just won’t go away An emptiness inside You wonder how you got that way You’ve got everything you need You keep running through your mind The things that it might be C1 Have you thought of Jesus A moment of your time You try to fill the emptiness Does He cross your mind Have you thought of Jesus Or at the very least In the puzzle we call life (Alt Line...In the chaos of your life) He might be the missing peace Have you thought of Jesus
Have you ever had those moments People everywhere But there you are all alone It's hard to even care Trying to make it through the day You struggle to survive You wonder if there’s anyone Who even knows if you're alive C2 Have you thought of Jesus A moment of your time You try to end the loneliness Does He cross your mind Have you thought of Jesus Or at the very least In the puzzle we call life (Alt Line...In the chaos of your life) He might be the missing peace Have you thought of Jesus
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
Hi, Steven. Your title is the best hook I've seen here in ages.
Here is some advice...since the listener can't hear the Homophone, make a clear, even clichéd reference to "peace" right before the hook. That way the listener will get the hook without seeing the lyric/title. Maybe "peace of mind". Something unmistakable.
Trust me, I've learned this from experience. Pros do the same thing. Should be a simple adjustment.
"Great concept man , I don’t think it’s been done" Good job !!! "I guess peace and piece might be a problem , If listeners get it" 'Every time I hear a great idea , the pitch -trigger trips" But then I know, the only writers getting songs on by major- artists Are Sony Staff- writers "
. In the puzzle we call life He might be the missing piece That always peace Have you thought of Jesus
"That might work... " Now there's no confusion " Good Luck !!!
Last edited by bennash; 10/13/2311:48 AM.
We’re all built from the same dust and dreams, Different roads, but the same means.
I agree great hook, on paper, I had the same problem on a song called shes a jeanious, listener can't see that, I changed it, you'll hear it eventually...
Back to this, it's a great hook, I LOVE the verses, I honestly don't think the chorus works, it comes off musically as a joke type of statement, based off n that Calypso hook. That might work with a different lyric.
But the verses are great, sounds like Genesis...the band, not the book
But this is totally worth rehauling, perhaps couch's 'advice can help too
I'd stay with the verses style all the way through, you don't wanna be changing genres
Great music and lyric. Has both Bee Gees overtones and that great rather Latin-ish syncopation in the chorus.
I agree with what Rob (Couch) said concerning "peace." Especially since it's set up with "missing" and "puzzle" we're thinking it's missing "piece" and "peace" only becomes effective by reading.
But I vacillate, for it seems like a lot of intention went into the chorus, so I'm not sure changing it, per se, helps the song, since you are intentionally wanting the listener to hear it as "piece" --at least in the chorus.
You do, though, convey the idea of a lack of inner peace in the verses, so I think you were trying to get the double meaning effect by introducing ideas about inner "peace" or lack thereof, in the verses.
But I am not sure the "peace" idea the verses convey carries over into the chorus, since the setup there is so strongly writ to get a "piece" read on the word.
Perhaps you could consider "brute forcing" the idea "peace" in some way, or a lack thereof, inner turmoil, conflict, etc, in a bridge, that could solidify the double meaning in the listener's mind.
It seems like a waste of a great double meaning, to have a listener only get it from the song's title or reading the lyric, but your lyric is perfectly sound, either way. Kind of experimental, to me, to have an eye rhyme/visual rhyme be a hook in a song.
Last edited by Michael Zaneski; 10/12/2304:16 AM.
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) from the song "Songs of Love" from the album "Casanova" (1996)
What a great concept! I should have thought of that
Very interesting mix of Jazz and... Calypso? It Works!
Hey, JAPOV thanks for the listen....I kinda think the music actually works...
Steve
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
Hi, Steven. Your title is the best hook I've seen here in ages.
Here is some advice...since the listener can't hear the Homophone, make a clear, even clichéd reference to "peace" right before the hook. That way the listener will get the hook without seeing the lyric/title. Maybe "peace of mind". Something unmistakable.
Trust me, I've learned this from experience. Pros do the same thing. Should be a simple adjustment.
CG
Thanks for the listen and comment, most appreciated....I get what you’re saying 100% and agree it should be a simple fix...I’ll work on it and get back to you
Steve
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
"Great concept man , I don’t think it’s been done" Good job !!! "I guess peace and piece might be a problem , If listeners get it" 'Every time I hear a great idea , the pitch -trigger trips" But then I know, the only writers getting songs on by major- artists Are Sony Staff- writers "
. In the puzzle we call life He might be the missing piece That's always peace Have you thought of Jesus
"That might work... " Now there's no confusion " Good Luck !!!
Thanks Ben....I like your thought process...Would need to tweak the music but might work
Last edited by VNORTH2; 10/13/2311:59 AM.
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
I agree great hook, on paper, I had the same problem on a song called shes a jeanious, listener can't see that, I changed it, you'll hear it eventually...
Back to this, it's a great hook, I LOVE the verses, I honestly don't think the chorus works, it comes off musically as a joke type of statement, based off n that Calypso hook. That might work with a different lyric.
But the verses are great, sounds like Genesis...the band, not the book
But this is totally worth rehauling, perhaps couch's 'advice can help too
I'd stay with the verses style all the way through, you don't wanna be changing genres
Of course all subjective here.
Who is performing this?
Fd, thanks for the listen and comment...I get where you’re coming from on the chorus and some may see it that way “a joke type of statement, based off n that Calypso hook.” I’m inclined to not change the feel as is but will work on other possibilities that keep it in sync with the verses....
In keeping with CG’s comment, it is a simple fix and am giving some thought
If you mean who is singing....that’s me with Jon doing harmony
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
"A tad . Not much. You could get more clever on what a puzzle is all about : But I'm drawing a blank... It could be as simple as what I have " "That might be clever enough, without going overboard". "They're pretty conversational".
Last edited by bennash; 10/13/2312:48 PM.
We’re all built from the same dust and dreams, Different roads, but the same means.
Just remember Jesus Take a moment of time Consider God's point of view Calm and clear your mind Strife is temporary Heaven is eternity An everlasting promise A peace transcending Life's missing piece...
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
Great music and lyric. Has both Bee Gees overtones and that great rather Latin-ish syncopation in the chorus.
I agree with what Rob (Couch) said concerning "peace." Especially since it's set up with "missing" and "puzzle" we're thinking it's missing "piece" and "peace" only becomes effective by reading.
But I vacillate, for it seems like a lot of intention went into the chorus, so I'm not sure changing it, per se, helps the song, since you are intentionally wanting the listener to hear it as "piece" --at least in the chorus.
You do, though, convey the idea of a lack of inner peace in the verses, so I think you were trying to get the double meaning effect by introducing ideas about inner "peace" or lack thereof, in the verses.
But I am not sure the "peace" idea the verses convey carries over into the chorus, since the setup there is so strongly writ to get a "piece" read on the word.
Perhaps you could consider "brute forcing" the idea "peace" in some way, or a lack thereof, inner turmoil, conflict, etc, in a bridge, that could solidify the double meaning in the listener's mind.
It seems like a waste of a great double meaning, to have a listener only get it from the song's title or reading the lyric, but your lyric is perfectly sound, either way. Kind of experimental, to me, to have an eye rhyme/visual rhyme be a hook in a song.
Mike, thanks for the listen and comment...very insightful into what I was thinking...firstly, Jesus is both the missing piece and peace...so which to use was the dilemma...the verses evolved from a reflection on my life...they both applied to me and yet made significantly different statements, almost in opposition to each other...in V1 I’m saying everything is great yet there is something missing and just like a jigsaw puzzle is not complete when 1 piece is missing so was my life not complete without Jesus in it but without knowing that was the issue...when I did accept Him, He was the inner peace I was missing....In V2 I’m talking of the darkness/depression I suffered...having everything I ever wanted didn’t fix it...in that verse I looked for the inner peace to take away the pain and when that occurred, my life was more complete with the missing piece...Jesus
You may also have noticed the slight change in the choruses to reflect emptiness/loneliness which I suffered from at the same time...
With regard to CG comment, I 100% get where he is coming from to sort out the piece/peace conundrum and it should not be a difficult fix...I just have to wrap my head around it...
Yes the verses were written to seek out peace not piece and yet in the chorus I do speak of puzzle but it’s the puzzle of “life” (perhaps my own invention of the term...lol) and so maybe I was being “too cute by half”...but then life can have many puzzles that aren’t solved until you attain peace? Maybe I go with
In the chaos of your life He might be the missing peace
In the end do I really care if someone thinks peace and someone else piece...if it’s a deal breaker, I’ll sure care then...lolol
I hope this makes sense
Steve
Last edited by VNORTH2; 10/13/2301:17 PM.
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
Killer arrangement here. A real winner IMO in all respects!
steady-eddie
Wow! Thanks Ed....most appreciated
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
Musically, I absolutely love this arrangement. The piano is awesome! It's a great listen.
I'm maybe not the best person to comment on the lyric as, not being very religious, I don't have an emotional reaction to it. Or maybe that does make me a good person to comment on it LOL.
I think you could get over the piece/peace thing that Couch rightly points out by a spoken introduction over the opening bars. It would save you tying yourself in knots and maybe ending up with a contrived lyric built around the need to get this across.
I'm not sure about your choice of the word "Or" in the second half of the chorus. It doesn't seem to make sense. Maybe better to replace it with "'cause" or, better still, just leave it out.
Have you thought of Jesus Or at the very least In the puzzle we call life He might be the missing peace
My last comment would be that "Have you thought of Jesus" seems a little bit casual or wish-washy for the first line of the chorus, a place where we might expect something more punchy. I don't have a good suggestion. I can only come up with something corny and over-used like, "Give your heart to Jesus," which also loses the repetition of "Have you..." as an echo of the first line of the verse. Maybe JAPOV, as a Grade A certified Bible brandisher, can help there
I think you could get over the piece/peace thing that Couch rightly points out by a spoken introduction over the opening bars. It would save you tying yourself in knots and maybe ending up with a contrived lyric built around the need to get this across.
I think that's a great idea.
Either that or perhaps changing the line above "he might be the missing peace" to contain a stark contrast to "peace" such as could be created by mentioning "war" --cuz if we hear the word "war" in close proximity to hearing the word "peese," we're gonna be thinking "peace" even in the form of "missing peese."
Last edited by Michael Zaneski; 10/13/2302:05 PM.
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) from the song "Songs of Love" from the album "Casanova" (1996)
Just remember Jesus Take a moment of time Consider God's point of view Calm and clear your mind Strife is temporary Heaven is eternity An everlasting promise A peace transcending Life's missing piece...
Really like these lines a lot, JAPOV but they don’t really carry the point...I’m just bringing up something that the person may have given no thought to whatsoever...and IMO that wouldn’t be the time to talk about God’s point of view/eternity/everlasting promise...they may have tried to solve their problems other ways and all I am saying is..you know, you might want to consider Jesus which could then lead nicely into your lyric...really appreciate what you have here...actually there's a really interesting song that could come out of what you have here
Steve
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
Well, I'm of the opinion that nobody on this planet is ignorant of Jesus lol... as evidenced by all His opposition.
But, you're right... perhaps I'll take it for a spin
JAPOV ....I wasn't saying the person didn't know of Jesus...I was just saying he may have not given any thought that Jesus may be the answer...and nothing happens until the person considers Jesus
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
Yes the verses were written to seek out peace not piece and yet in the chorus I do speak of puzzle but it’s the puzzle of “life” (perhaps my own invention of the term...lol) and so maybe I was being “too cute by half”...but then life can have many puzzles that aren’t solved until you attain peace? Maybe I go with
In the chaos of your life He might be the missing peace
In the end do I really care if someone thinks peace and someone else piece...if it’s a deal breaker, I’ll sure care then...lolol
I hope this makes sense
Steve
Total sense. And yes, I think you have the right idea with "chaos" in that it's a contrast to "peace" in the title line. You just need to be happy with it!
Will everyone get it if you don't force it, contextually? No, but I agree, not sure that's a deal breaker, especially if you find you are watering down your own personal intention by forcing a unanimous "peace" read.
Last edited by Michael Zaneski; 10/13/2302:48 PM.
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) from the song "Songs of Love" from the album "Casanova" (1996)
An example of "brute forcing" a "peace" read would be something like
If we find our soul's at war He might be the missing peace
--stark, direct contrast. Not sure if it works better than "chaos" which is a strong nudge towards hearing "peace." I guess I personally prefer being nudged than taken by the ear LOLOL...
Last edited by Michael Zaneski; 10/13/2303:03 PM.
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) from the song "Songs of Love" from the album "Casanova" (1996)
Musically, I absolutely love this arrangement. The piano is awesome! It's a great listen.
I'm maybe not the best person to comment on the lyric as, not being very religious, I don't have an emotional reaction to it. Or maybe that does make me a good person to comment on it LOL.
I think you could get over the piece/peace thing that Couch rightly points out by a spoken introduction over the opening bars. It would save you tying yourself in knots and maybe ending up with a contrived lyric built around the need to get this across.
I'm not sure about your choice of the word "Or" in the second half of the chorus. It doesn't seem to make sense. Maybe better to replace it with "'cause" or, better still, just leave it out.
Have you thought of Jesus Or at the very least In the puzzle we call life He might be the missing peace
My last comment would be that "Have you thought of Jesus" seems a little bit casual or wish-washy for the first line of the chorus, a place where we might expect something more punchy. I don't have a good suggestion. I can only come up with something corny and over-used like, "Give your heart to Jesus," which also loses the repetition of "Have you..." as an echo of the first line of the verse. Maybe JAPOV, as a Grade A certified Bible brandisher, can help there
Great stuff!
Firstly, Gavin, thank you for your comments on the music...I’m a really lucky guy to have worked with Jon Hemingway on 45-50 songs over 20 years....and counting....he’s an exceptional talent.
Secondly, I’ve never thought of the song as being religious, but I guess when you introduce the name “Jesus” perhaps it skews people’s thinking...lol
Your comment on “Have you thought of Jesus”...is interesting because my intent, in most of my writings about faith, is to NOT begin a conversation with non-believers/seekers/etc with comments such as the one you have here “Give your heart to Jesus"...it’s the big mistake Christians make far too often.
I also write as if I’m talking to the person, having told me of their woes...and so it might be natural to ask someone, struggling to find an answer, a simple question...Have you thought of Jesus? I can always give it more power/punch through a re-sing and phrasing.
And the “Or at the very least” could be a natural followup to the question “Have you thought of Jesus”
I spend almost no time quoting Bible verse to anyone...ever...it goes nowhere....what I do talk about is the impact He has had in my life...and that can be relatable by many to their lives
This song is about my life and so it is perhaps more casual/laid back and I think the music conveys that as well
As far as the peace/piece scenario, I think if I make this change, peace will be better understood
In the chaos of your life He might be the missing peace
I think JAPOV and I go down slightly different roads, hopefully ending up at the same destination....LOLOL
Thanks, so much for your comments, they have been very helpful in me better understanding what I have written by getting different perspectives on the lyric, most appreciated...
Steve
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
An example of "brute forcing" a "peace" read would be something like
If we find our soul's at war He might be the missing peace
--stark, direct contrast. Not sure if it works better than "chaos" which is a strong nudge towards hearing "peace." I guess I personally prefer being nudged than taken by the ear LOLOL...
I had just mentioned to Gavin that I don’t see the song as being religious and so I have deliberately stayed away from phrases like “souls at war” which is very much Christian Biblespeak.
I don’t know how many people out there will ever read this lyric, but when they do, I want to meet them where they are...not where I am...that’s why I write a song with Jesus in it that has a calypso feel to it and I write about issues they may have without trying to tell them they had better get ready or they’re going to hell..you want to see a room empty quickly....lol
Much of what I write and produce is with this thought process in mind....I leave the P/W to others and they do a great job...but it’s not my calling...although I do write them occasionally
A bit of a long way to say...I’m cool with chaos...lol
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
Not a bad cliche "I'm Cool With Chaos"..just might be a song there
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
Just remember Jesus Take a moment of time Consider God's point of view Calm and clear your mind Strife is temporary Heaven is eternity An everlasting promise A peace transcending Life's missing piece...
Really like these lines a lot, JAPOV but they don’t really carry the point...I’m just bringing up something that the person may have given no thought to whatsoever...and IMO that wouldn’t be the time to talk about God’s point of view/eternity/everlasting promise...they may have tried to solve their problems other ways and all I am saying is..you know, you might want to consider Jesus which could then lead nicely into your lyric...really appreciate what you have here...actually there's a really interesting song that could come out of what you have here
Steve
I've fallen into a funky little acoustic blues/swing version of this... Do you mind if I give it a spin?
Hell no, I don't mind at all...I want to hear what you've done...you've got a nice start here
Steve
PS I just saw your pm and unfortunately it's tough for me to colab on music....the fellow I worked with for the last 20 years moved to Palm Springs from Nova Scotia last year and I don't have any recording ability here...we will be working via Zoom , however
Steve
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
"I didn't pay my Sirus radio bill , So K-love is on FM to listen too. They have these Christian songs , I'm pretty amazed on productions " "Country music kinda bores me . Trucks, dirt roads ect" They all spin a new way on saying I'm a (country boy) ... Not that it's a bad thing"
Last edited by bennash; 10/15/2301:48 PM.
We’re all built from the same dust and dreams, Different roads, but the same means.
Here's one of my favourite songs because of its simplicity....basically a couple of verses and that's it
3 million people at the concert...a lot of rockers would love to have those numbers!
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
I know that song. My daughters attended a Christian school and I heard a lot of this kind of music during those years. It's really good, especially the melody and chord progression - very stirring. To be honest, I think a lot of Christian songs in this genre are pretty much rearranging the fridge magnets as far as the lyrics are concerned, but a really good melody that gets those hands in the air and bodies swaying is what makes it. Even I can appreciate a good Christian song as much as I hate the endless stream of bad ones I was subjected to
Yes, it's simple, but it's got the stuff of great songs--powerful message, terse writing that's easy-to-understand, and variations on the 1 6 and 4 chords while repeating the same melody...among other things.
I do wonder, though, every time I hear the term "our God," if the possessive pronoun is necessary. Language creates or at least shapes reality to a great degree, and that possessive pronoun seems (to me) to promote a reality of different gods for different nations, and if you ask anyone they'll say, "no, there's just one God." LOL, and if you ask them to continue, they'd probably add, "there's just one God and He's our God."
So I have a problem with the term "our God" though I know the term's used innocently enough, most of the time, to mean He's experienced immersively and personally. But words can also shape reality. I do honestly wonder if "our God" --this age-old meme, isn't one that quietly clears a path towards separatism, xenophobia, etc. Don't know...just wondering...
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) from the song "Songs of Love" from the album "Casanova" (1996)
I think a lot of Christian songs in this genre are pretty much rearranging the fridge magnets as far as the lyrics are concerned
There's a bucket load of truth in that statement, Gavin
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
This was part of World Youth Day during the Pope's visit to Poland. Get the Pope to share the bill and you could have 3 million too
Yeah, it was an event to say the least....Now if Ozzie can convince the pope to tour....lolol
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
Yes, it's simple, but it's got the stuff of great songs--powerful message, terse writing that's easy-to-understand, and variations on the 1 6 and 4 chords while repeating the same melody...among other things.
I do wonder, though, every time I hear the term "our God," if the possessive pronoun is necessary. Language creates or at least shapes reality to a great degree, and that possessive pronoun seems (to me) to promote a reality of different gods for different nations, and if you ask anyone they'll say, "no, there's just one God." LOL, and if you ask them to continue, they'd probably add, "there's just one God and He's our God."
So I have a problem with the term "our God" though I know the term's used innocently enough, most of the time, to mean He's experienced immersively and personally. But words can also shape reality. I do honestly wonder if "our God" --this age-old meme, isn't one that quietly clears a path towards separatism, xenophobia, etc. Don't know...just wondering...
I think there is a reason for the simplicity of some P/W songs...many, as is the case with “How Great Is Our God” are of course meditative, particularly at a Christian Concert and as such slows everything down and getting “closer to God”. In many instances I have seen a trance-like environment permeate the building with people closing their eyes and raising their arms in the air...and talk directly to God. The worship leader will more than likely play something that has only a couple of line that are repeated over and over...then people don’t have to remember the words or open their eyes to see what is on the screen...it is an unbelievable site to see thousands in that state for sometimes 8-10 minutes...very intoxicating to hear and watch...it was the inspiration for me writing “We Come To Praise Your Name”...2 lines, 7 minutes
Without the word “Our” IMO, the connection to God or other Christians (my particular faith) is greatly diminished...its the glue...I may be wrong but I think every faith assumes their God is it...
I think separatism, xenophobia, etc do quite fine without religion even being involved
Just some thoughts
Steve
Last edited by VNORTH2; 10/15/2305:50 PM.
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
If it happens save me a couple of tickets man...lol
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
Yes, it's simple, but it's got the stuff of great songs--powerful message, terse writing that's easy-to-understand, and variations on the 1 6 and 4 chords while repeating the same melody...among other things.
I do wonder, though, every time I hear the term "our God," if the possessive pronoun is necessary. Language creates or at least shapes reality to a great degree, and that possessive pronoun seems (to me) to promote a reality of different gods for different nations, and if you ask anyone they'll say, "no, there's just one God." LOL, and if you ask them to continue, they'd probably add, "there's just one God and He's our God."
So I have a problem with the term "our God" though I know the term's used innocently enough, most of the time, to mean He's experienced immersively and personally. But words can also shape reality. I do honestly wonder if "our God" --this age-old meme, isn't one that quietly clears a path towards separatism, xenophobia, etc. Don't know...just wondering...
I think there is a reason for the simplicity of some P/W songs...many, as is the case with “How Great Is Our God” are of course meditative, particularly at a Christian Concert and as such slows everything down and getting “closer to God”. In many instances I have seen a trance-like environment permeate the building with people closing their eyes and raising their arms in the air...and talk directly to God. The worship leader will more than likely play something that has only a couple of line that are repeated over and over...then people don’t have to remember the words or open their eyes to see what is on the screen...it is an unbelievable site to see thousands in that state for sometimes 8-10 minutes...very intoxicating to hear and watch...it was the inspiration for me writing “We Come To Praise Your Name”...2 lines, 7 minutes
Without the word “Our” IMO, the connection to God or other Christians (my particular faith) is greatly diminished...its the glue...I may be wrong but I think every faith assumes their God is it...
I think separatism, xenophobia, etc do quite fine without religion even being involved
Just some thoughts
Steve
Those are thoughtful thoughts, Steve. Thanks.
I actually was a member of The Church of Religious Science, in the Eighties, which was non-denominational. Kind of "comparative religious studies" turned into a practice, gleaning the basic concepts in common with most religions.
The idea that "every faith assumes their God is it" is an idea that has always bothered me and keeps me from joining in any communal practice anymore.
I believe there is one true God, and it's the same God for everyone, things just get "lost in translation" when humans of different nations try to un-Babel things. Communication is hard enough between people!
That's why I wonder how much (or little) idiosyncrasies of language itself might be shaping the way we think.
Last edited by Michael Zaneski; 10/15/2307:25 PM.
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) from the song "Songs of Love" from the album "Casanova" (1996)
Wait a minute Mike...I just sent him my new song "I'm Cool With Chaos" to see if he wants to play with it...lol
Creators of music have a responsibility to their craft. When they have finished using all the notes and words, they must pass them down to the next generation with a simple request. “Use these to create new music.”...Steven McDonald
"I'm Cool with Chaos" is actually a great title. It sounds like jazz, to me, but if you're not pulling my leg, I look forward to hearing what Tony does with it.
Fate doesn't hang on a wrong or right choice Fortune depends on the tone of your voice
-The Divine Comedy (Neil Hannon) from the song "Songs of Love" from the album "Casanova" (1996)
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