I Can Only Imagine

Apparently my curt words implied Christian songwriters are shallow and inarticulate for producing pieces that focuses on being catchy rather than being profound. Well, to all the tactless critics out there, I would not have come to that conclusion if I was exposed to the same amount of songs, would I? I very much doubt I would only limit my musical features here to the meagre if you cared to share when I asked for recommendations.

Sorry for that outburst, innocent readers but please do not let certain hypocritical prigs to ruin this post. Before I get myself bombarded further, I am featuring a song that synchronizes eloquently evocative lyrics with emotive harmonies. The only one I know. I guess the title summarizes the main message here, and I must add that the idea does pique my mind at times. Beware though, for the tune is catchy and will most probably be stuck in your head. =)

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship you

Redeemer

This is the song that broke my stereotypical barrier in regards to Christian music. No offence to songwriters of this genre, but I did not know Christianity inspired lyrics would indulge in intelligent writing. Granted that my repertoire within the genre has never been the least bit extensive (since most ‘Christians’ are reluctant to help cultivate my spiritual growth with music via sharing), the majority of hymns I came across exhibited a preference for uplifting tunes instead.

Either way, before I offend some and confuse even more, take a moment of your time and enjoy this piece. Ultimately, both methods allow the message to have as much impact as possible so it does not really matter much. I suggests that you listen to it twice, once to immerse yourself in the video and once to savour the lyrics. Yes, I found the video fascinating despite its simplicity. If only more people will be like me and be a texturaholic… =)

Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning?
Who told the ocean you can only come this far?
Who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening?
Whose words alone can catch a falling star?

Well I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
All of creation testifies
This life within me cries
I know my Redeemer lives yeah

The very same God that spins things in orbit
Runs to the weary, the worn and the weak
And the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken
They conquered death to bring me victory

Now I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I know my Redeemer, He lives

To take away my shame
And He lives forever, I'll proclaim
That the payment for my sin
Was the precious life He gave
But now He's alive and
There's an empty grave

And I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
Let all creation testify
Let this life within me cry
I know my Redeemer
I know my Redeemer
I know my Redeemer lives
I know my Redeemer lives
I know that I know that I know that I know that I know my redeemer lives
Because He lives I can face tomorrow
I Know I know
He lives He lives yeah, yeah I spoke with him this morning
He lives He lives, the tomb is empty
He lives I got to tell everybody

Hallelujah

Continuing with the Christian theme this week, I cannot think of a better song to include next. This is a little unorthodox so incorruptible Christians only. I do not want to be blamed for people losing their faith when it is weak to begin with.

Anyway, the frequency this song is used in various channels can be comparable to the regularity its title is articulated. And do not let me start on the lyrics, for apparently the original complete lyric is 15 pages long! Other than that, it is pretty straight forward and catchy. So, enjoy…

I've heard there was a secret chord
That David played and it pleased the Lord
But you don't really care for music, do you?
It goes like this: the fourth, the fifth
The minor fall, the major lift
The baffled king composing Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Your faith was strong, but you needed proof
You saw her bathing on the roof
Her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you
She tied you to a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Baby I've been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you
I've seen your flag on the Marble Arch
Love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah

There was a time you let me know
What's real and going on below
But now you never show it to me, do you?
And remember when I moved in you
And the holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Maybe there's a God above
All I ever learned from love
Was how to shoot at someone who out drew you
And it's not a cry you can hear at night
It's not somebody who's seen the light
It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah

Jesus Loves You

As the month end draws nearer, I am reminded of my declaration to dedicate this month to the beauty of music, using songs to reflect random thoughts and emotions I underwent. Despite this proclamation, the songs featured under the banner of Anthem Anthology are merely my favourite tunes, planned in advance according to a linear relationship I saw. In a way, it is comparable to psychology, where philosophers form theories and draw conclusions to rationalize common, but chaotic, sense. In spite of my meticulous planning to favour this imaginary linkage, I am humbled (and amazed) how each song fitted perfectly according to the daily developments.

For instance, I had a rough day at BSF yesterday. The one of the main messages of the sermon was predestination and close Christian friends should know how I abhor this theory. (Due to the complexity of the concept, ask me in person if you are not familiar with this Christian jargon or if you are curious.) I guess this makes today’s Anthem fitting, especially with the first line standing out against the usual spiritual fare. Do not be fooled by the title or your stereotypical assumptions. Unlike most songs within this genre, this gem by Jewel has a twist. So despite the accuracy of her outlook, arm yourself with a sense of humour before listening to this song, ok?

They say that Jesus loves you... what about me?
And they say that money breaks you... well, I still wanna see
They say that you’re only half-alive
Till you give extra whitening a try

Well I wanna see
I wanna see
What can you do for me?

Showing ta-tas on the TV is ok, I wanna be ok too
And having my picture in a magazine makes me special, how special are you?
They say if I donate, even I
Can buy a space in heaven before I die

Well I wanna see
I wanna see
What can you do for me?

I want someone else to pack my lunch
Gonna get someone else to pull the punch
Oh, pay a psychic for romance
Gonna pay a priest for a will-you-give-me-a-second-chance?

They say abortion will send you straight to a fiery hell
That is if the fanatics don’t beat Satan to the kill
Its not what I can do for anybody
Its what their body can do for me

So I wanna see
I wanna see
What can you do for me?

They say that Jesus loves you
....but what about me?

My Own Prison

Pardon the absence my dear readers but morbidity strained its neck once again and established itself as the prevalent theme throughout this week, as news of death and dying continue to haunt my soul. I have no intention in sounding callous but terminal illness seems to be the current fad lately, rendering most helpless and troubled by hard decisions. Dark tidings reverberate from all quarters of my sheltered life; from family and friends, to colleagues and acquaintances.

Reminders of our mortality never fail to bestow a sense of peace within though, justifying all the times I lived for the moment and charged into things with (relatively) wild abandonment. Being a straight-edge Christian limits some 'indulgences' certainly, but none that I care to regret too much. Coincidentally, this makes today's edition of Anthem Anthology fitting, considering the message behind the tune recount the potential outcome post-mortem.

Besides, today marks the continuation of the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) for young adults after the winter break (don’t ask), so this uncharacteristic spiritual discourse is an apt reflection of my enthusiasm for the knowledge to come. Before I prattle on, just enjoy the rock song, ok?

Warning: this well written work of art is one of the few songs that wield the power to strike a chord within, sending chills down the spine. Hair follicles may not resist the urge to stand upright when full apprehension of lyrical meaning envelopes.

A court is in session, a verdict is in
No appeal on the docket today, just my own sin
The walls are cold and pale, the cage made of steel
Screams fill the room, alone I drop and kneel
Silence now the sound, my breath the only motion around
Demons cluttering around, my face showing no emotion
Shackled by my sentence expecting no return
Here there is no penance, my skin begins to burn

(And I said oh)
So I held my head up high
Hiding hate that burns inside
Which only fuels their selfish pride
(And I said oh)
We're all held captive out from the sun
A sun that shines on only some
We the meek are all in one

I hear a thunder in the distance see a vision of a cross
I feel the pain that was given on that sad day of loss
A lion roars in the darkness, only he holds the key
A light to free me from my burden and grant me life eternally

Should have been dead on a Sunday morning banging my head
No time for mourning
Ain't got no time
Should have been dead on a Sunday morning banging my head
No time for mourning
Ain't got no time

(And I said oh)
So I held my head up high
Hiding hate that burns inside
Which only fuels their selfish pride
(And I said oh)
We're all held captive out from the sun
A sun that shines on only some
We the meek are all in one

I cry out to God seeking only his decision
Gabriel stands and confirms I've created my own prison
I cry out to God seeking only his decision
Gabriel stands and confirms I've created my own prison

(And I said oh)
So I held my head up high
Hiding hate that burns inside
Which only fuels their selfish pride

I've created, I've created, I've created, I've created, I've created
I've created my own prison

Should have been dead on a Sunday morning banging my head
No time for mourning
Ain't got no time