Music & Lyrics

At times, I tend to binge on music. Like a kid on Christmas morning that plays exclusively with a new toy until they've discovered every detail and function, so am I with music. The usual culprit is Christy Nockels. Ever since I started listening to Watermark in college, there is something about that music that drives me to worship. There are still songs that I could still listen to over and over ("Incorruptible," "Knees to the Earth," to name a few).

The only problem I encounter is sometimes I tend to focus on the music and not the lyrics, therefore bypassing the heart of worship...

Lately, I have been binge-listening to David Crowder Band's "Church Music." It's an album designed to be listened to from start to finish, since each song leads right into the next. I bought it in late September and, according to my iTunes play count, I've listened to it 22 times (which surprised me, because I would've thought it would've been closer to 100!)

However, I noticed the other day that I had no idea what some of the lyrics were to even my favorite songs on the album... I knew different bits and pieces, but never gave much thought to the lyrics as a whole. I realized I was like D & E, who love listening to the music as well, but have little or no idea what is being communicated.

So I opened the digital booklet with all the lyrics and spent some time just reading. I was amazed and ashamed at the same time. Amazed at the poetry and imagery, but ashamed that I had so carelessly bypassed the heart and meaning behind it all. (Of course, there are deeper spiritual implications from this discovery, but that's for me and my Father to discuss.)

Anyways, here are the lyrics to my favorite song (and the one that I most directly relate to) called "SMS (Shine)". If you haven't given this album a listen, I think you should... especially in your 73 minutes of spare time.

Send me a sign

A hint, a whisper

Throw me a line

'Cause I am listening

Come break the quiet

Breathe your awakening

Bring me the light

'Cause I am fading

Surround me with the rush of angels' wings

Shine Your light so I can see You

Pull me up, I need to be near You

Hold me, I need to feel love

Can You overcome this heart that's overcome?

You sent a sign

A hint, a whisper

Human divine

Heaven is listening

Death laid low quiet

Yet in the night, a stirring

All around the rush of angels

O the wonder of the greatest love has come

Shine Your light so all can see it

Lift it up, 'cause the whole world needs it

Love has come, what joy to hear it

He has overcome, He has overcome

(Lyrics by David Crowder & Jack Parker)