5 Secular Spirituals

     What’s up, folks? Another week half over, and already, we've had some really good stuff. But, if you’re ready for some more, I’ve got you covered! See, Jesus talked about how, if people didn’t worship, “Even the stones will cry out.” And later, Paul talks about how deep speaks to deep. In my humble opinion, worldly musicians worship, without even realizing! I may post more, but while this isn’t sponsored, I’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. So sit back, turn down the lights, and let’s get into it.

1.Alabama Shakes-Hold On

       Everything from them could beconsidered gospel inspired South-Rock or Soul, but this track especially feels like a Psalm to me. With an opening to each verse that spells out how every part of the singer is blessed, “Bless my heart, bless my soul,” they go on to explain how it “Must be somebody up above” encouraging her to hold on. And while they never directly name God, the implication is clear. Combine that with an electric organ and throaty vocals, and you’d expect to hear this in a hand-raising church service.

2.Birdy/Enigma-If You’re ready

      Unique among Birdy’s repetoire, this song is also not exactly tradtional church fare. Really, it’s more electronica than you’ll hear in most mega churches. I think it’s an example of how the heart yearns for perfect love, even if that’s absurd by human standards. In it, she repeats how, “If you’re ready, I’ll be waiting.” To love the listener forever, no matter how they mess up. Which is, of course, lovely and poetic, but personaly, it calls me back to the One Who truly does love like that.

3.Broods-Conscious

      In an interesting turn, while this duo uses rather Christian phrasing in almost all their work, they haven’t made a decleration of faith. And yet, this one actually sounds like a youth-worship anthem. It speaks of how the singer feels fine while the sun is up, “When I see the light,” which I take as dual symbolism. But every night, she gives in to her nightmares, with “No one here to keep me safe.” So her repeated plea is to be kept conscious, as St. John said, “In the light as He is in the light.”

4.Leon Bridges-River

      This is another soulful hymn of sorts, recorded with strippd-down vocals and one guitar. It mentions “The good Lord” once, but the heart comes from the chorus, “I wanna give you everything, but there’s blood on my hands and my lips aren’t clean.” Referring to David and then Peter, but generally unworthy. But if he can make it to the Jordan, he can be made clean. And while the song doesn’t resolve things, the grace of Jesus does, making this a soothing meditation.

     5.Sting-I’ll be Watching You

           It’s been called “The Stalker Song.” But while Sting is better known than Birdy, the heart of this song is much the same as that earlier mentioned. It’s become so famous because we all want someone to care about “Every move you make, every breath you take.” While it might be impracticle by human standards, we were created for perfect love. And while words can’t do it justice, this song tries. And on that note, if you don’t know Him yet, I encourage you to build a relationship with Jesus.

I hope that blessed you. If so, please consider buying me a cup of coffee, to keep me going.

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      Thanks!