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KID ROCK, EMINEM AND OTHER THEOLOGIANS
by Jeffrey Hagan 8-20-16 (Disclaimer: This article is not meant to endorse any particular artist(s). I'm well aware of the atrocious lyrics and actions that are a connected to the lives of some of those mentioned. It is also not my intent to point out their moral failures and inexcusable lyrics, that would be too easy. I'm trying to take a look beyond such actions and words and into the individual and find points where it shows they may be on their own personal quest(s) in search of God) Yes, you read the title correctly. One of the things I like to do is pay attention to secular song lyrics and find any double meanings that may be implied, any knowledge of God found between the lines (or out in the open), or any sense of a seeking out of things "God related." You may be surprised at some of the knowledge and understanding a lot of today's rappers and singers have regarding spiritual things. Many of the same performers who spew vile lyrics also display some sort of knowledge of who God is and the power He holds. I think people in the music industry often get a bad rap (no pun intended). They are under a magnifying glass and every action they take, every word they speak, and every lyric they sing gets scrutinized repeatedly by anyone and everyone. In some ways I take my hat off to them. They are open and honest, often times to a fault, and they sing what they have lived or are currently living. That takes guts. Five performers, just five. I chose five popular singers/groups/rappers and did a quick search of some of their lyrics. I'm familiar with all of those I have listed and have heard most of their songs. In context it can be quite a learning experience for everyone. The five I chose were at random and I thought I'd simply share some of their lyrics and how they relate to life, God and/or religion. Perhaps show how there may be some hope in this realm of the entertainment industry as long as these performers continue to seek out that which is missing in their life. KID ROCK: Born in Michigan, Robert James Ritchie, known professionally as Kid Rock, is a multi-platinum award-winning American rock 'n roll icon whose musical style ranges from hip hop and rock to heavy metal and country and has sold over 26 million albums around the world. He is also an actor and played the character of the bully in David Spade's, "Joe Dirt." I saw Kid Rock in concert several years ago. His energy and desire to please his fans was most impressive. At one point he performed solo's on the piano, keyboard, electric guitar, bass guitar, regular guitar, drums and even the harmonica. He is indeed a man of talent. What interests me most, however, are the topics and lyrics present in his works. If one can get past the cussing and sexual exploits, layers of Kid Rock begin to peel away like those of an onion, especially as he ages and matures. ONLY GOD KNOWS WHY: "People don't know about the things I say and do They don't understand about the *hit that I've been through It's been so long since I've been home I've been gone, I've been gone for way too long Maybe I forgot all things I miss Oh somehow I know there's more to life than this "Only God Only God Only God knows why, why, why, why Only God...knows...why, why, why Only God knows why Take me to the river edge, take me to the river..." Clearly the title reveals, as do the lyrics, that Kid Rock is aware of the fact that things happen in our lives that are beyond our control and reasoning. At times "Only God Knows Why" and it appears that is good enough for him to get him through. Even if his knowledge is not "salvation knowledge" it gives me hope for this young man. In his song "Rock and Roll Jesus" he compares how he is treated and the position he's found himself in in his world, the top of his game, with that of Jesus in the realm of Christianity. This may seem blasphemous at first glance, but to me it shows he knows there in no other above Jesus. Jesus is the top. It appears he recognizes this and took some artistic liberty to make the comparison. BLUE JEANS AND A ROSARY: "All my life I've been searchin' All my life I've been uncertain... "I met an angel to rescue me She rescued me She wore blue jeans and a rosary Believes in God and believes in me..." In this song we again find him searching, searching for something that is missing. He mentions angels, granted that's how he's describing someone he fell in love with, but the theme of being rescued is not limited to this song alone. We also see a reference to God as he sings this "angel" believes in God and that is a positive characteristic he finds in her. AMEN: "It's another night in hell Another child won't live to tell Can you imagine what it's like to starve to death "And as we sit free and well Another soldier has to yell Tell my wife and children I love them in his last breath "C'mon now amen, amen, amen "Habitual offenders, scumbag lawyers with agendas I'll tell you sometimes people I don't know what's worse Natural disasters or these wolves in sheep clothes pastors Now *od *amn it I'm scared to send my children to church And how can we seek salvation when our nations race relations Got me feeling guilty of being white But faith in human nature, our creator and our savior, I'm no saint But I believe in what is right "C'mon now amen, amen I said amen, amen." Now we see Kid Rock speaking out regarding some of the world's injustices: starving children, soldiers dying in unnecessary wars/battles, crime, the legal system, the atrocities performed by so many "pastors." Race tensions and reconciliation are mentioned and he ends this section with admitting he's no saint but does have faith in our "creator and savior." Sounds like someone who has given a lot of thought to God, doesn't it? For those interested I also suggest looking up, and listening to, Kid Rock's "Lonely Road of Faith." EMINEM: Born in St. Joseph, MO, Marshall Bruce Mathers III, known professionally as Eminem, is an American rapper, songwriter, record producer, and actor from Detroit, Michigan. In addition to his solo career, he is a member of D12, and one half of the hip-hop duo Bad Meets Evil. Eminem is the best-selling artist of the 2000s in the United States. He was also rocked 83rd in Rolling Stones list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. I am sure most of those reading this are thinking "Boo! Hiss!" at the mere mention of Eminem. Quite frankly I don't blame you. Many of the things he has done are without excuse. Some, if not most, of the lyrics of his songs are not appropriate for a believer to allow into their mind. In fact, if I had kids they would not be allowed to listen to his work. However, please be reminded that I am not elevating any of these performers to a faith status they do not hold. I'm simply looking for light in the dark, hope in the chaos, a glimpse that perhaps things can change in their soul as long as they continue to keep their minds open to God. RAP GOD: "Cause I'm beginning to feel like a Rap God, Rap God All my people from the front to the back nod, back nod..." This short phrase is akin to my sentiments stated above regarding Kid Rock's "Rock and Roll Jesus." He is put on a platform, idolized and almost worshiped. He realizes that he is at the top rung of the ladder in his world, so he makes a comparison to the mightiest thing that comes to mind and for him it is God. LOSE YOUR TOURNIQUET: "Coast to coast shows, he's know as the globetrotter Lonely roads, God only knows He's grown farther from home, he's no father He goes home and barely knows his own daughter "My God my tourniquet return to me salvation my God my tourniquet return to me salvation..." Again, we have a recognition that struggles and problems happen beyond human comprehension and "God only knows." In addition, we then have a request for a return to salvation and God being compared to a tourniquet. Think about it, what does a tourniquet do? It stops the bleeding. It saves lives. It solves a deadly problem. I think it's only fair to engage our minds and interpret these songs with the same creativity the artists use when they create them. LUDACRIS: Born in Champaign, IL, Christopher Brian "Chris" Bridges, known professionally as Ludacris, is an American rapper, actor and entrepreneur. Along with his manager, Chaka Zulu, Ludacris is the co-founder of Disturbing tha Peace, an imprint distributed by Def Jam Recordings. Ludacris has won Screen Actors Guild, Critic's Choice, MTV, and Grammy Awards. DO YOUR TIME: "You looking at a man that would die for his daughter, just to let her breathe And I'd definitely die for Jesus cause he died for me." Strong words. Quite a bold statement for a hard core, trend setting rapper. Nothing is held back as he states he would not only die for his daughter, but he would die for Jesus because Jesus died for him. FREEDOM OF PREACH: "Lord, please forgive me for the mistakes I've made And thanks for keepin my momma safe when she wrecked my Escalade See I could replace a Cadillac but I can't replace my momma I'm sorry for the hip-hop beefs, we sorry for the drama "Lord, got so many questions I need the answers to And sorry for the thangs I put my baby's mama through "Searchin so looooong, I was lost in the clouds I'm tryna stay strooooong, and make you prouuuuud It took me some tiiiiime, but now I see That Heeeee resiiiiides, in me yeahhhhh yeah "We still travelin through life, findin what's right or wrong I know some folks may not agree or even like this song But I'm just speakin MY truth, cause I heard it sets you free And my conversation's with God, even though he speaks through me I'm smarter cause of my daughter, and I'm NOT too dense I'm 28 years old, it just now started makin sense..." In this track we recognize right away in the title a church and/or religious them, preaching and the freedom to do so. As the song continues we read what is basically a prayer. In the prayer we find Ludacris asking forgiveness for his mistakes, thanking God for protecting his mother during a car wreck, he's reaching out to God seeking answers to life's questions. He continues on stating how he's searching for God, trying to stay strong, and doing his best to make God proud. I don't know about you, but this song comes across as a much deeper, real, genuine, honest prayer then many of prayers I've heard recited in church. And at the risk of repeating myself, don't mistake my words as and endorsement of all of his music. Many of the themes of his songs are highly and explicitly sexual. Do with that warning what you will. CREED: Creed formed in 1995 in Tallahassee, FL. Founding members Scott Stapp and guitarist Mark Tremonti had been classmates in high school and both attended Florida State University, where Stapp studied law before dropping out to pursue music (a decision that led to conflict with his parents, as his father was a Pentecostal minister). Stapp and Tremonti began writing songs together, many of which obliquely addressed themes of Christian spirituality. During the late '90s, Creed emerged from a mass of post-grunge contenders to become one of the decade's biggest-selling rock bands. At a time when many other Seattle disciples were lapsing into inactivity or experimenting with less commercial sounds, Creed carried marched forward, grungy hard rock without apology -- and they were greatly rewarded for their persistence, selling millions upon millions of albums in only a few years' time. ONE LAST BREATH: "I'm looking down now that it's over Reflecting on all of my mistakes I thought I found the road to somewhere Somewhere in His grace I cried out heaven save me (save me) But I'm down to one last breath And with it let me say, let me say "Hold me now I'm six feet from the edge and I'm thinking Maybe six feet ain't so far down..." Here we find an artistic description of one who struggles with their faith, as if they are on a see-saw. Their faith goes up, there faith comes down. They are longing for a constant, steady faith "somewhere in His grace" and even cry out for God to "save me." Even with their faith they constantly struggle, they feel as though they are always "six feet from the edge" and may give up again because after all, "maybe six feet ain't far down..." MY SACRIFICE: "Hello my friend we meet again It's been a while, where should we begin Feels like forever Within my heart are memories Of perfect love that you gave to me Oh, I remember "When you are with me, I'm free I'm careless, I believe Above all the others we'll fly This brings tears to my eyes My sacrifice "I just want to say hello again I just want to say hello again..." I see this as another heartfelt prayer to God. A prayer of restoration, a longing to return to the intimacy once had with God. The lyrics show one has been reunited with another whom heart felt memories had been shared, whose "perfect" love had been given and who had made them finally feel free. He's speaking of an on again off again relationship with God. He's wanting to come back, he's wanting to "just say hello again," to get reacquainted. U2 (BONO): U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.. U2's early sound was based in a sort of post-punk genre but eventually grew to include influences from several genres of popular music. Their lyrics, often embellished with spiritual imagery, focus a lot on personal themes and sociopolitical issues. Three of the members openly identify themselves as Christians (all except Clayton) and since the beginning decided to pursue and promote the band's career in a manner that would be consistent with their religious beliefs, which are as mentioned above, heavy on social action. Theology professor Eugene Peterson says the band has "little patience with media-driven aspects of the Christian religion and a church and culture that shows little concern for justice and poverty and sickness." With all of that said, clearly U2 is a bit different from the other artists we looked at in this article. I include U2 though as I think many who listen to them have missed just how Christian themed the vast majority of their music is. I also included them because although 75 percent of the group identifies themselves as Christian, they were never a "cross over" band. In other words, they were never a "Christian" group that went secular or vice versa. I STILL HAVEN'T FOUND WHAT I'M LOOKING FOR "I have climbed the highest mountains I have run through the fields Only to be with you Only to be with you... "I have spoke with the tongue of angels I have held the hand of a devil It was one empty night I was cold as a stone But I still haven't found What I'm looking for But I still haven't found What I'm looking for... "I believe when the Kingdom comes Then all the colors will bleed into one Bleed into one But yes I'm still running. You broke the bonds You loosened the chains You carried the cross Of my shame Of my shame You know I believe it..." There's a particular place in my heart for this song. One of the churches I have been a part of combined this song with "Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord" and it made an incredible reflective moment during praise and worship. The references here are fairly clear: he has gone to lengths to be with God, spoke with "tongues of angels," admits "holding hands" with the devil and how cold and empty that time was and how it left him in want. Then he speaks of the Kingdom, a time when there will be no racial tensions, the "bonds" and "chains" have been broken, and how Jesus carried the cross for us, for our shame. Pretty straight forward references. One last song and then we'll conclude. No commentary will be added regarding this song, no explanation will be given, as I think anyone with a hint of an imagination will be able to recognize the themes. It's a rather straightforward song. JESUS CHRIST "Jesus Christ was a man that traveled through the land Hard working man and brave He said to the rich, 'Give your goods to the poor' So they laid Jesus Christ in His grave Yes, Jesus was a man, a carpenter by hand His followers true and brave One dirty coward called Judas Iscariot Laid poor Jesus in His grave "He went to the preacher, He went to the sheriff Told them all the same 'Sell all of your jewelry and give it to the poor' So they laid Jesus Christ in His grave "When Jesus come to town, all the working folks around Believed what he did say The bankers and the preachers, they nailed Him on the cross And they laid Jesus Christ in his grave "And the working people followed him around Singing and shouting gay But the cops and soldiers nailed him in the air And they laid Jesus Christ in his grave "Well the people held their breath when they heard about his death Everybody wondered why It was the landlord and the soldiers that they hired To nail Jesus Christ in the sky "This song was made in New York City Of rich man and preachers, and slaves If Jesus was to preach like He preached in Galillee They would lay Jesus Christ in His grave "Yes, Jesus was a man and a carpenter by hand His followers true and brave One dirty coward called Judas Iscariot As laid poor Jesus in His grave." CONCLUSION: I suppose many things could be said to wind up this piece, but I'll just mention one last thought. In fact, I'll borrow an old cliche' and state, "don't judge a book by it's cover." Now I know in some of these cases the "book covers" are gnarly and inexcusable, however, that doesn't mean the hurting person/people behind the lyrics are beyond redemption. Be encouraged that, at least by appearance, almost all of these performers seem to be searching for the truth and hopefully they'll find The Truth. You may think my attempt to find a tiny ray of light, just a hint of hope, within the dark lyrics and lives of musicians is futile and a waste of time. I understand that perspective. I am simply choosing to find a stream of good in a sea of bad, I am trying to locate a heart in search of change among the immense forest of immorality. Jeff Hagan is the President of True Grace Ministries and Theological Institute. Interested? www.preacherjeff45.wlxsite.com/truegracetheolgical Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |