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
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?
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
