Not much going on PRF-wise. I was listening to this old song, after I saw that Heather had usurped my iPod and I would have to resort to...a CD!!! I used to think the tune was romantic, now I see it as a prayer for traveling dads/husbands because it is asking for protection and strength for those left behind. From an unlikely source, Michael Stipe, so I imagine he didn't intend it the way I'm taking it, but he is a pretty good lyricist. If you can criticize him for being too nebulous on some pieces (see "Hairshirt" and many others), the flip side is you can always invoke "listening-license" that allows you to infuse your own context and meaning.
These lyrics are more direct and they're free of some environmental or political thing (as far as I can tell) but they're not so on the money that one knows exactly what he's saying. I have always thought that is the hallmark of art, anyway. Some try so hard at poetic language that it comes across as pompous and just weird and vague. Then you have others who are just too on point, with no interpretive elements at all (Um, 80s music might fit that tendency, as a genre). When you can put it right in the middle, between a clear meaning and something utterly mysterious, you've done it. And I think the same holds true for visual art as well. Paul Simon mastered this technique, never quite giving you the whole story and yet, not trying to impress you with ambiguity. S&G started out as a country/folk group, borrowing heavily from groups like the Everly Brothers, and kind of stumbled across this amazing talent for poetic language and became what they are.
I didn't intend to criticize but that does remind me of another topic. Ever wandered into a Christian bookstore and wondered why most of the stuff in there that is supposed to be artistic is kinda crappy? It feels like you're at the flea market, with all the trinkets and t-shirts and everything. We might laugh at this or disagree and that's fine, but if you agree, isn't it part of a deeper issue - that of conceding real art and as Christians, avoiding it altogether? I think back to the Renaissance when popular music and visual art was often aimed at glorifying God. I could go on and on (as you know) but I'll stop by suggesting that evangelicals have run so far from science, art, humanities, that they're no longer very good at these things. With some exceptions of course, but is it any wonder why the academic community at large, and art, etc. are characteristically anti-Christian?
Anyway, back to the obscure song. The melody is really kinda nostalgic, and I usually end up singing it all day after hearing it. Since this may be unknown even perhaps to those familiar with REM's work, here it is. You can hear it here. http://www.amazon.com/Green-R-E-M/dp/B000002LFU
Artist: REM
Album: Green
Song: Eleventh, Untitled Song
This world is big and so-awake
I stayed up late to hear your voice
This light is here to keep you warm
This song is here to keep you strong
I made a list of things to say
But all I really want to say
All I really want to say is
Hold her and keep him strong
While I´m away from here
Hold her and keep her strong
While I´m away from here
I´ve seen the world and so-awake
And stay up late to hear me sing
Just hold her
I´ve seen the world and so-awake
And stay up late to hear me sing
Just hold him
Hold her and keep her strong
While I´m away from here
Hold him and keep him strong
While I´m away from here
1 comment:
I was thinking about your blog and immediately thought of one of my all-time favorites that I believe fits perfectly with what you are describing. Enjoy. Shaq
"Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm"
Once there was this kid who
Got into an accident and couldn't come to school
But when he finally came back
His hair had turned from black into bright white
He said that it was from when
The car had smashed so hard
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm
Once there was this girl who
Wouldn't go and change with the girls in the change room
But when they finally made her
They saw birthmarks all over her body
She couldn't quite explain it
They'd always just been there
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm
But both girl and boy were glad
'Cause one kid had it worse than that
'Cause then there was this boy whose
Parents made him come directly home right after school
And when they went to their church
They shook and lurched all over the church floor
He couldn't quite explain it
They'd always just gone there
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm
Post a Comment