“For a long time now, I’ve been convinced that what happens in New York (finances), Hollywood (entertainment), Silicon Valley (technology), and Miami (fashion) has a far greater impact on how our culture thinks about reality than what happens in Washington D.C. (politics). It’s super important for us to understand that politics are reflective, not directive. That is, the political arena is the place where policies are made that reflect the values of our culture–the habits of heart and mind–that are being shaped by these other, more strategic arenas. As the Scottish politician Andrew Fletcher said, “Let me write the songs of a nation: I don’t care who writes its laws.” Tullian Tchividjian, Unfashionable, p. 95.
Based on quotes like Tullian’s above, I try to keep my ears open for songs speaking into our world. The Grammys, for instance, are an amazing time for Ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor. 5:29) to get a good view of our culture. I was moved today as I came across “The Forgiven” by Austin, Texas musician David Ramirez. He seems to do a good job in this song exegeting our culture.
The song is simple and insightful. I think it articulates an accurate view of many 21st century cultural leaders toward Christianity. The lyrics are below followed by the song. I’ve made bold the portions of the lyrics I found to be especially strong:
They love me for being honest
They love me for being myself
But the minute I mention Jesus
They want me to go to Hell
It’s hard to find the balance
When I don’t believe in one
When you mix art with business
You’re just shooting an empty gun
You’re just a songwriter, you ain’t a preacher
We came to mourn you, not to look in the mirror
Sing about those hard times, sing about those women
We love the broken, not the forgiven
These songs will only take me
As far as the people will go
If I can’t make them happy
Well then they won’t come to my shows
Maybe that’s what killed
All the great voices in the world
Always bleeding for every line
But no one was bleeding in return
You’re just a songwriter, you ain’t a preacher
We came to mourn you, not to look in the mirror
Sing about those hard times, sing about those women
We love the broken, not the forgiven
Listen to the song here:
What do you think?
2 replies to "The Forgiven by David Ramirez"
I think that’s a great song! Thanks for posting it.
I wonder if variations of this theme hit Jesus as well. As I study and preach through the gospels, I can’t help but sense the frustration in Jesus’ words as people continued to clamor for healing, food and miracles but yet ignore what he taught. Most refused to bleed with him.
Thank you, Tim.