Songs of faith and devotion have always been a staple of the country music “ouvre”. With little exception, however, many of today’s new country music singers invoke Jesus’ name not to demonstrate true faith, awe, perseverance in the face of a struggle, or simply the beauty that is “The Mystery of the Mystery” (Dolly Parton, Coat of Many Colors, 1971). Instead singers use Jesus simply to relinquish responsibility, and make everyone believe that no matter what you do, Jesus will take care of you. The title of Carrie Underwood’s breakthrough smash hit “Jesus Take the Wheel” (Some Hearts, 2005), shows just how corrupt this new breed of pandering pseudo-Christians can be. Note to Carrie: Jesus is busy, Bitch! Take your own damn wheel and show some courage, responsibility and respect for the name you invoke! Trent Tomlinson’s “One Wing in the Fire” (Country is My Rock, 2006) is much the same- about a man who, though he means well, can’t seem to get his life together. The song pleads with Jesus to see past the man’s “faults” (i,e, drunkenness, violence, etc) and let him into heaven anyway.
In my mind, these new songs about Jesus are nothing more than an attempt by singers to demonstrate that they are worthy of entry into the country music flock: “Look at me, I believe in Jesus, so I can be a country singer”. That is not an accusation I make lightly. For almost 4 decades I have listened as great spiritual songs of faith have given way to mediocre songs more interested in asking “what can Jesus do for me?” than in exploring the depths of religious belief.
Frankly, there is nothing left to say about Jesus. Wonderful songs such as “You’ll be There” (George Strait, Somewhere down in Texas, 2005), “I Believe” (Brooks & Dunn, Hillbilly Deluxe, 2005), “When I Get Where I’m Going” (Brad Paisley/Dolly Parton, Time Well Wasted, 2005) and the magnificent “If You’re Reading This” (Tim McGraw, ACM Music Awards, 2007) demonstrate how evocatively, and humbly, religion can be explored through country music, without condescending to the listener, pandering to the radio audience, or even mentioning Jesus by name! Sugarland’s powerhouse “One Blue Sky” (Enjoy the Ride, 2006) is perhaps the perfect evocation of faith: strength and humility in the face of God’s awesome power. It is a purely spiritual song, where the survivors of a massive flood question Nature’s wrath but insist on looking heavenward for inspiration to hang on.
True songs of faith are ultimately testaments of the human condition. Unfortunately, most of today’s new crop of singers do not have the intellectual capability to see past Jesus “The Man” and simply use his name to vainly sell CDs. They are “throwin’ in with Jesus” while it is convenient for them to do so.
In my mind, these new songs about Jesus are nothing more than an attempt by singers to demonstrate that they are worthy of entry into the country music flock: “Look at me, I believe in Jesus, so I can be a country singer”. That is not an accusation I make lightly. For almost 4 decades I have listened as great spiritual songs of faith have given way to mediocre songs more interested in asking “what can Jesus do for me?” than in exploring the depths of religious belief.
Frankly, there is nothing left to say about Jesus. Wonderful songs such as “You’ll be There” (George Strait, Somewhere down in Texas, 2005), “I Believe” (Brooks & Dunn, Hillbilly Deluxe, 2005), “When I Get Where I’m Going” (Brad Paisley/Dolly Parton, Time Well Wasted, 2005) and the magnificent “If You’re Reading This” (Tim McGraw, ACM Music Awards, 2007) demonstrate how evocatively, and humbly, religion can be explored through country music, without condescending to the listener, pandering to the radio audience, or even mentioning Jesus by name! Sugarland’s powerhouse “One Blue Sky” (Enjoy the Ride, 2006) is perhaps the perfect evocation of faith: strength and humility in the face of God’s awesome power. It is a purely spiritual song, where the survivors of a massive flood question Nature’s wrath but insist on looking heavenward for inspiration to hang on.
True songs of faith are ultimately testaments of the human condition. Unfortunately, most of today’s new crop of singers do not have the intellectual capability to see past Jesus “The Man” and simply use his name to vainly sell CDs. They are “throwin’ in with Jesus” while it is convenient for them to do so.
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