Article: Lyrics in Music

Ok, I'm stepping into this with no idea what I'm going to write, but here goes. First, I've never been too big on lyrical music. Classical, Jazz, Electro, and Orchestral music all appeal to me because, for the most part, they remain instrumental. I find that, especially in the case of Pop or Contemporary Christian music, I focus far too much on the lyrics, and lose the music; Pop because I cringe at the words, Contemporary because I cringe at the theology. On top of that, Lyrical music is hard to listen to when working, which is when I listen to most of my music. However, Lyrical music certainly has its place, and there are many beautiful and powerful songs that are made so through words, such as Stairway to Heaven. This brings me to the question of whether one can listen to a song that contains ideas and ideals expressed in the lyrics they don't agree with, but still enjoy the song. The easy answer is yes. You could, in a sense, push the lyrics aside and focus on the music. Or maybe you just grow calloused to the topics brought up and the words used. I personally believe that it is alright to listen to music with lyrics you don't agree with, as much as it is with any other movie or video game, all three being in the category of digital media. But as with all things, moderation, and discernment.

On Christian music, particularly contemporary, it becomes more difficult. I assume that if you're reading this post, you're a christian. If you are, then you're probably a Reformed Christian, like me, unless this blog spreads out of my inner circle of peers and colleagues so many years from now. This assumption being made, you may also have a hard time listening to christian music from other denominations, such as most of the music on Z 88.3, or other popular worship songs. I tend to stay away from such music, not out of any fear for the stability of my beliefs, but because I get too frustrated with the lyrics (Aside from the fact that music is generally...meh). However, it's generally better, in my opinion, to go along with it all, and save theological remarks for later.

Alright, that's about it. Any thoughts or comments are more than welcome; you can either comment here, or if you followed a social media link, than it would be better to comment there. I hope this shed a little insight on lyrics and music; have a fantastic day!