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?