Author: inertus

David writes:

For me there is no place for a cover version that just seeks to mimic the original – it is a dull reflection.  Artists should bring their own creativity and personality to a song, to produce a version that gives us a fresh insight into the song. 

I love the acoustic guitar.  It is an orchestra in one instrument.  Don’t get me wrong the power of an overdriven riff emanating from a Stat for Les Paul is hard to beat! Yet, it is the sweet resonance of an acoustic chord being struck, or intricate, staccato, finger picking that never ceases to delight me!  All those notes bouncing around the wooden sound box of an acoustic guitar, notes and harmonies interacting with themselves in a myriad of ways, is a constant source of joy. 

Having confessed these things, the album ‘Where Does it Go’ by Denise Johnson was always going to demand my attention. Add into the mix of reimagined covers and original songs on acoustic guitar her beautiful, powerful and pure voice and I had an instant new favourite album! 

Paul writes in his letter to the Corinthians that – when he grew up he gave up childish things (I Cor. 13:11) yet, Jesus contends that – it is to those such as children that the kingdom belongs (Matt 19:14)!  Who is right Paul or Jesus?  

I can’t help but read 1 Cor. 13 and think that Paul is describing the controlled adult version of love. A love that is measured in its patience and kindness, in its modest, self-giving politeness!  A love that has much to commend it. Is it the love of the kingdom?  Are we called to a live a life of measured love by Jesus?  Is it how a child expresses love? 

A child is not patient and polite when they want something – they want it now. They can be arrogant and boastful and rude as they insist on what they want because they want it so much.  A baby screaming is an irritable sound that demands attention so they can get what they need. How many children do what we consider to be wrong, or lie, because they are so intent on what they crave?  

It’s a challenge to think that the kingdom of heaven belongs to people with such attitude… but isn’t that what Jesus implies! 

We see and understand childhood as the growth to maturity, learning to conform and take our part in the world.  The expectation is we conform to the expectations of society and take our place.  If we are honest don’t we lose so much? Often the excitement, expectation and naïve idealism is left behind with our childish self as we take on the dull duty of adulthood.  

Have you ever caught yourself in the shade of the morning sun being brought close to the childhood you have lost? 

Listening to this cover of True Faith I was not only struck by what we, as individuals lose growing up but also what the Church has lost as it has become established.  The church has left behind childish ways and  

too often become patient, patient of racism and racists in our church and in society,  

too often we have been kind to those who abuse power,  

too often we have failed to be envious of the way of the kingdom settling for the way of the world, 

too often we don’t boast about the Way of Jesus,  

too often we are not arrogant in our insistence of the Truth of Jesus, 

too often we are not rude in our condemnation of those who refuse to live the Life of Jesus,  

too often we are not irritated by violence in our world, 

too often we don’t resent our planet being destroyed,  

too often we won’t countenance wrongdoing even if it is for the greater good. 

Adult disciples hide in the kingdom and repeat the mantra ‘but what can we do?’ instead of revealing in the kingdom as children who will do anything for what they desire. 

‘I fear it has left us standing in a world that is so demanding and our valued destiny comes to nothing’ 

‘But what if we had the child like impatience to catch a glimpse of the morning sun – the morning sun of the resurrection… to feel so extraordinary, that somethings got a hold of us. Imagine the church feeling that’s it’s in motion, a sudden sense of liberty…’ 

Of course, the adult established church has and does do some good in its patient, kind, truthful way. The real question though is how much more could we do if we loved in an impatient, boastful and arrogant way? What if we didn’t bear and endure all kinds of wrong against individuals, sections of society or our world? What if we grasped that sudden sense of liberty… 

Denise Johnson died in July last year and the Album ‘Where Does it Go’ was released posthumously. 

Nigel writes:

For various reasons, life has been quite challenging of late. In fact, it’s been really, really, really stressful. In terms of scale of challenge, it’s been one of the three or four most stressful times in a life that includes divorce and cancer. It’s felt a bit like a hurricane has been raging for several weeks and only now has any sense of calm and stillness settled.

Luke Combs is one of Country Music’s biggest singer-songwriter stars. Amazingly, he’s just had his tenth consecutive Number One hit. One of my favourite songs of his talks about ‘hurricanes’ (I’m still amazed at the internet – the official video has had 245 million views!). His take on the subject is that when you meet someone, it can be like a hurricane impacting on you.

The chorus goes:

The moon went hiding
Stars quit shining
Rain was dropping
Thunder ‘n’ lightning
You wrecked my whole world when you came
And hit me like a hurricane
You hit me like a hurricane
Hit me like a hurricane

Mr Combs is singing in a ‘love’ context, but all sorts of things in life can hit us ‘like a hurricane’: love, loss, birth, death, injustice, racism, bullying, fraud, illness, losing a job, getting a dream job … the list is a long one.

My ‘hurricane’ experience has been around injustice and a sense of things being taken away from me. There’s been lots of big, dark clouds and it’s felt like the moon has gone and the stars have stopped shining.

I have been comforted and genuinely known that God is with me in the storm, but I’ve also been wrestling with wanting immediate solutions. I’ve been looking for a final flash of lightening and clap of thunder in the hope that God shows up big-time, does what only God can do and just calms the raging skies and tumultuous waters.

I’m not totally sure where I am in all this mix, but I have discovered something I hadn’t realised before. Whatever happens in life, I am convinced that God does love the world so much. God loves me and you so much. And here’s my big learning: whatever happens, God is way more invested in our futures … my future … your future … than either you are or I am. I’ve found that an amazing thought.

The moon will rise again; the stars will continue to shine; rain will refresh; thunder and lightening will give way to calm. Perhaps not always in our time, in our way, or at our demand – and whilst that’s the tough bit – I know that the hurricane will one day blow through.

If you want to know more about Luke Combs and his music, here is the link to his website https://www.lukecombs.com/

Gill writes:

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that parents of teenagers can have a tendency to secretly like some of the music that is blaring out of their offsping’s room.

Needless to say, in our house, the music that I secretly (well – not any more!) like is that of Stormzy. From ‘Shut Up’ to ‘Vossi Bop’ to ‘Heavy is the Head’ to this song – ‘Do Better’. The video to this song was inspired by his performance at Glastonbury in 2019 – a performance that, for many, went down as one of the best Pyramid sets ever.

Funnily enough, whilst many of us who had watched were buzzing – Stormzy says “I came off stage and thought I’d totally, absolutely blown it,”. He says that he cried for an hour afterwards because he believed that it was the worst show he’d ever done. It transpires that his in-ear sound blew 20 minutes into the set and he had no sound. He couldn’t hear how good he actually was.

Even though people were reassuring him, it took organiser Emily Eavis to play it back to him so he could see how great it had been.

The lyrics to ‘Do Better’ manage to encapsualate the pressure that Stormzy is under – and also puts himself under. The video shows us the effort he puts into his work and brings to mind that being black means you have to work twice as hard at your craft to be seen and respected.

If I can do better then I’ll be better
Rolling in the deep, I need to breathe better
I see demons in my sleep, I need to sleep better

There are a lot of us out there who push ourselves to know more, do more and be more. It’s good to push ourselves a little – to strive for better, especially if that ‘better’ is for others. However, we can push ourselves too much, too far and too hard as well – and that doesn’t reap rewards for anyone.

The chorus throughout reminds us that though we can do better, it will still be okay. By all means, aim to be your best self (as they say these days) but remember that you can rest, you can let up, you can let down, you can be human.

Find out what Stormzy is up to at the moment at https://www.stormzy.com/

Nel writes:

‘But I’d follow you to the great unknown’

This is by far my most favourite song of The Greatest Showman movie! ~ oh my goodness it sings like the testimony song of my soul!

I am someone who so prefers life to be tied up nicely neat with a ribbon and who, oh so happily, stays safely on land.

But I follow You.

To the great unknown.

Because, like it or not, a faith pilgrimage livingness inhabits these messy and unsafe words …

Trust

Faith

Risk

Go

Change

Grow

It’s all an adventure.

A wibbly, wobbly, precarious, daring walk along a tightrope of discipleship ~ hand in hand with the very safest and most secure trapeze artist of all.

And it all comes with a breathtaking view of an empty cross, an abandoned tomb and the hope of glory stretching across our everlasting horizon.

The lyrics of Tightrope are filled with faith-full images and the heartbeat of a psalm …

Mountains and valleys,

and all that will come in between

Desert and ocean

You pulled me in and together we’re lost in a dream

Always in motion

So I risk it all just to be with you

And I risk it all for this life we choose

Hand in my hand and you promised to never let go

We’re walking the Tightrope

We are always in motion as disciples following Jesus; hand in hand with the One who holds us securely and eternally.

Will you catch me if I fall?

Oh, for sure He will.

I like that.

Find out more about The Greatest Showman at https://family.20thcenturystudios.com/movies/the-greatest-showman

Gill writes:

I’m one of those people that is completely fascinated with words. I like to know the language that they originate from, whether there was an original meaning that is different from the one now and I like to understand how other languages have shaped and formed our English language.

This might also be why am fascinated with the lyrics of songs and how they marry meaning with music. Music on its own is a beautiful language but, to me, adding the perfect lyrics to the right rhythm and melody brings about a whole, new dimension.

One of my friends shared a word on Facebook a few days ago – ‘pluviophile’ (a lover of rain; someone who finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days). I was taken straight to this song from the 80’s which is part of my soundtrack to life because whenever I am caught in rain, I don’t necessarily run for cover. I can have a tendency to zip up my jacket properly, pull the hood up and surrender to the downpour. If I do, this is always the song that I start singing…

I’ve been walking in rain, just to get wet on purpose

Of course, the rest of the song is not about rain at all but is a series of one liners that capture the essence of inner turmoil and conflicted thoughts and feelings.

I hate that mirror
It makes me feel so worthless
I’m an original sinner but when I’m with you
I couldn’t care less

and these words lead to the ultimate line I’ve been getting away with it all my life. I’m not sure about you, but there are many times in my life where these words couldn’t feel any truer. I’m talking about imposter syndrome. The School of Life Dictionary (which is a great book about emotional intelligence) describes imposter syndrome as ‘the crippling thought that people like us could not possibly triumph given what we know of ourselves: how reliably stupid, anxious, gauche, crude, vulgar and dull we really are’. I’ll just pause while you take an uncomfortable intake of breath…

Pause.

There are many times in my daily life where I hear people say things that tally with having imposter syndrome. The Local Preacher who still can’t quite believe they are entrusted with preaching; the youth worker who wouldn’t claim they are an expert about young people (even though they work with them day in, day out); the Minister who chairs church meetings feeling like they’re not qualified to do that. So many people have this underlying worry that they are ‘going to found out’ – for what?

In these ‘imposter syndrome’ moments, it’s worth bearing in mind that we are created and possess God-given gifts, skills and abilities. We’re already equipped by God for the work that we do – whether we feel we are worthy or not.

We don’t see and experience ourselves like others do, or how God sees and knows us. We don’t see that we’re capable of more than we think we are; we don’t realise that we’re respected and valued for our knowledge or our gifts; we don’t believe that we’re entrusted with such important tasks at times.

Let the feeling that you’re getting away with it wash away – and trust that God has placed you in the right time and the right place for the kingdom work that you are doing. Amen!

Electronic were formed of two musicians – Bernard Sumner from New Order http://www.neworder.com/ and Johnny Marr https://johnnymarr.com/. They also worked on songs, including this one, with the Pet Shop Boys https://www.petshopboys.co.uk/

Gill writes:

I was first introduced to this song in the early 90’s by my friend Julie. Most Friday evenings in the summer of 1991, I would stay over at hers as I lived a few miles away from town. It was much more preferable than catching a taxi (or Joe Baxi as we liked to call them in Preston) home on my own.

She’d discovered the Paul Young version – he sang it at Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute at Wembley Stadium in 1988 – and she would play it as we got ready for bed. It was, in fact, a lullaby for a couple of twentysomethings for a while. Ah bless.

Pretty much around the same time, Crowded House became quite a popular band in the UK with the release of ‘Woodface’ and I did, in fact, see them live at St George’s Hall, Bradford in 1992. There was great joy of being able to sing along with the original writer at the top of my voice I can tell you.

I don’t know what it is about this song but it grabbed me straight away. Maybe it’s the simplicity for the heartbeat-like rhythm, or the mix of melancholy and optimism or the rich, poetic lyrics. For me, it has everything that I want from a song.

As I was walking the dog tonight, I was listening to it again and it struck me that it has Psalm-like qualities about it where song and story and prayer and poetry fuse. It captures struggle and challenge whilst seeking and offering comfort and hope. It knows that life is difficult, that things don’t go according to plan but while you have me by your side, you’ll be okay because it’s love that wins.

So have a read and have a listen to a 20th Century Psalm.

There is freedom within
There is freedom without
Try to catch the deluge in a paper cup
There’s a battle ahead
Many battles are lost
But you’ll never see the end of the road
While you’re travelling with me

Hey now, hey now
Don’t dream it’s over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won’t win

Now I’m towing my car
There’s a hole in the roof
My possessions are causing me suspicion
But there’s no proof
In the paper today
Tales of war and of waste
But you turn right over to the TV page

Hey now, hey now
Don’t dream it’s over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know they won’t win

Now I’m walking again
To the beat of a drum
And I’m counting the steps to the door of your heart
Only shadows ahead
Barely clearing the roof
Get to know the feeling of liberation and release

Hey now, hey now
Don’t dream it’s over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
You know they won’t win

Don’t let them win (Hey now, hey now)
Hey now, hey now
Hey now, hey now
Don’t let them win (They come, they come)
Don’t let them win (Hey now, hey now), yeah
Hey now, hey now

Crowded House are still going strong – and are about to release a new album. Find out more from their website at https://www.crowdedhouse.com/

Jim writes:

Here are two deeply spiritual men, multi-award winners, black and thoughtful. They both cross into a wide variety of musical styles. They can both present aggressive and meaty music. And they both make clear that they follow God. 

Pharrell: “We’re followers. And we’re not following God. We’re following men.” He is highly critical of the political system of power and its injustices. He and Kirk Franklin collaborate. Williams has been interviewed on Franklin’s radio show discussing his approach to his faith “… on paper I’m a Christian but really I’m a Universalist,” said Williams. “Do I think that Christianity is the only way? No. I think the only route for everything is their connection to God … There’s religious dogma that gets involved, something for the greater good and sometimes for not so great reasons … But they give you a way, a vehicle to get to God.”

Pharrell Williams was brought up in a strong Pentecostal background. He’s been walking with God a long time.

Kirk Franklin was brought up in the Baptist tradition. He had a very troubled young life but eventually led the Georgia Mass Choir. Both men have walls full of musical distinctions and trophies; Grammys and so on. And yet, despite being huge artists, you may only be fleetingly aware of them.

They have many things in common, but two things stand out. They are men of faith. They are black.

For these two men not to be household names where the names of many a white artist of equal or lesser success and talent trip off the lips, let’s you know something is going on – you may have noticed that I just slipped in a Marvin Gaye reference there for fun; after all it is considered the premier album of the twentieth century.

Neither man conforms to a stereotype. They don’t shy away from social issues, but neither have an aggressive image. They both arrange their own material, are highly musically educated, they have a high control of their own product and image.

I’ve chosen two of their songs which show their positivity. Through all their music they have such a strong faith in goodness without naivety. ‘Happy’ was a huge international success and the video that ran with it is a complete joy. I’ve used it as people walk into church; they often look a little bemused. ‘I Smile’ was more of a big hit in the gospel community. Again, linked with its video it is guaranteed to make you feel better; I’ve used it twice in church.

These are lyrics that just grab you under the armpits, lift you out of the gutter. We have become so used, especially with white soft rock Christian bands to ‘being saved’ or hushed tones of thankfulness, or focusing on the sacrifice of Jesus that, as worthy as these things are, we forget the simple thing of being happy to be a Christian. We bypass and don’t mention the good feeling of happiness that is in our faith.

Black churches and gospel music, and contemporary Black Christian music, has always had a balance about the sheer pleasure that loving and recognising God at work gives us. And that translates into physically showing that our faith gives us a special kind of happiness.

Williams makes it clear:

It might seem crazy what I’m about to say
Sunshine she’s here, you can take a break
I’m a hot air balloon that can go to space
With the air, like I don’t care baby by the way (come on)

Because I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you know what happiness is to you
Because I’m happy
Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do (hey)

And the video which encouraged people to send in their dance 24 hour celebration of happiness on YouTube reaffirmed the physicality of happiness.

Franklin tells you that part of the healing process is:

I smile, even though I hurt see I smile
I know God is working so I smile
Even though I’ve been here for a while
I smile, smile
It’s so hard to look up when you been down
Sure would hate to see you give up now
You look so much better when you smile

Both men know it can be hard, but they both know that inner joy, shown on the outside, makes a huge difference.

Williams:

Here come bad news talking this and that (yeah)
Well, give me all you got, and don’t hold it back (yeah)
Well, I should probably warn you, you’ll be just fine (yeah)
No offense to you, don’t waste your time
(Here’s why)

Because I’m happy

Franklin:

I dedicate this song to recession
Depression and unemployment
This song’s for you

Today’s a new day, but there is no sunshine
Nothing but clouds, and it’s dark in my heart
And it feels like a cold night
Today’s a new day, where are my blue skies
Where is the love and the joy that you promised me
Tell me it’s alright

I almost gave up, but a power that I can’t explain
Fell from heaven like a shower

I smile, even though I hurt see I smile
I know God is working so I smile
Even though I’ve been here for a while
I smile, smile
It’s so hard to look up when you been down
Sure would hate to see you give up now
You look so much better when you smile, so smile

You know the kind of Christians I listen to? You know the kind of Christians that most people want to listen to? You know the kind of faith that most people open up to?

It’s the Christians who are open about walking through the trials of their lives and yet remaining welcoming and, yes, happy…. And show it. There are a lot of smiling Christians around who show their joy and kindness in a smile, in word, in laughter and in welcoming body language. Unfortunately, and this can too often be among church leaders, there is a stiffness, a reserve, a dourness, a studied pomposity. They would die rather than risk a little silliness. Particularly for the very young and younger people in general, the first thing that gets you into a conversation is that someone is smiling.

Yes, life is hard, but…… it’s also happy.

Franklin, tells us what God wants:

See I just want you to be happy
‘Cause then you have to have something you haven’t been
I want you to have joy ’cause can’t nobody
Take that away from you
I see you smile

Find out more about Pharrell Williams here: https://pharrellwilliams.com/

And Kirk Franklin here: https://www.kirkfranklin.com/

And if you want to see some supercharged and righteous preaching music, try out the absolutely fantastic ‘Revolution’ by Kirk Franklin. 

Jane writes:

I’ve been sitting with this song for months. Wondering why it made an impact on me and what it was about it that I found it hard to put down.  All of a sudden I think I realise that this is a song that offers layer upon layer of stuff to me. A bit like a multi-tiered Black Forest Gateaux.

Firstly it is a most fabulous kitchen disco track.  Just right for the tea breaks implanted in long zoom meetings. You can’t help but bounce around the house and shake off all that tension.  Lose yourself in the energy of it and let the sound wash over you.  Its refrain of reassurance growing and becoming stronger each time its sung.

I know you’re gonna be there when it breaks

I know we’re gonna be there when it breaks

We’re all gonna be there

Who wouldn’t want to sing and dance about being together again with people we have faith in or indeed having confidence that this thing will be over.  Who wouldn’t want to sing of the confidence they have in a God of constancy.

Which may reveal something else about why I really like it.  

It has certainty.  It’s not about if, it’s about when.  It’s not about maybes but definites.

It knows the storm(s) will pass and whatever comes after will be beautiful and alive and everybody will want to be a part of it. Just like the summer of 45 in Paris or when statues of oppression are torn down in every town.

Finally for me it’s a song about transformation.

It calls us to notice what we have and what we value. 

To step up and face the reality.

To recognise it might take all our reserves

To kick in the door if we need to and make a change.

To act in solidarity.

As people of faith we often wonder what there is for us to notice about the people and situations we encounter in life. What we’re called to and what God requires of us.

Maybe we’re required to embrace the fact that life is a vibrant complex dance, twisting and turning to a relentless beat. Maybe we are called to notice what’s going on and stand up for changes that make things better.   Maybe we are needed to stand in the middle of the chaos and for certain, for me, we’re called to be there when it breaks.

So go on sing at the top of your voice and join in the divine dance of reassurance and a call to action for this and every Friday ☺

You can find out more about Inhaler here    https://www.inhaler.band/