Do you find this song offensive?

[KagomeShuko]

This song is called Used To Be and the band, Lost And Found (http://www.speedwood.com) used to have it as a track on an album called Speedwood III. However, people wrote to them and said the were offended by the words "hell" and "damn" and that the song was un-Christian. I don't agree. I think it makes a great point. I love the song and I think it's sad that people even had a fit about this song. I think it is a great commentary about society today and that Christians need to remember things like this are happening and have happened. Here's the song, please, tell me what you think.



Superman was killed in Dallas
There's no love left in the palace
Someone took the Beatles' lead guitar
Have another Chivas Regal
You're 12 years old and sex is legal
Your parents don't know where or who you are

Used to be the hero of the ballgame
Would take the time to shake the loser's hand
Used to be that failure only meant you didn't try
In a world where people gave a damn

Great big wars in little places
Look at all those frightened faces
But don't come here, we just ain't got the room
Love thy neighbour's wife and daughter
You cleanse your life with Holy water
We don't need to bathe, we've got perfume

Used to be a knight in shining armour;
He didn't have to own a shiny car
Dignity and courage were the measure of a man
Not the drugs he needs to hide the scar

And can your teacher read, and does your preacher pray
And does your president have soul
Have you heard a real good ethnic joke today
Mama took her speed and daddy ran away
But you mustn't lose control
You see, the kids are wild we just can't tame 'em
Do we have the right to blame them

We fed them all our indecisions
We wrecked their minds with television
But what the hell, they're too young to feel pain
But I believe that love can save tomorrow
And I believe the truth can make us free
Someone tried to say it, and we nailed Him to a cross
I guess it's still the way it used to be

Stein Auf!
Bridget

 

[Reborn_in_Christ2003]

Um, yeah I find the song kinda offensive, truthfull, but offensive not because of hell, but the other word. It is only acceptable when using it to talk about eternal damnation.

 

[BornAgainChristian]

Please delete this post. Sorry for double-posting. My internet froze and I didn't know if my post submitted.

 

[BornAgainChristian]

I don't. I find that this song reflects on the present things that's happening now. This song opens your eyes to what's happening. Sad what's happening, isn't it?

 

[KagomeShuko]

I don't. I find that this song reflects on the present things that's happening now. This song opens your eyes to what's happening. Sad what's happening, isn't it?

Very sad what's happening - here's a shocker, this song was written by two guys in 1980 for Stevie Wonder to sing and Lost And Found does it as a cover - and it still fits, perfectly. Yet, now, in the later years, middle 90s is when I think the controversy started - and not back in the 80s is when people took offense to the song and still do.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

 

[NacDan]

Not so much that I find the song offensive, and it certainly doesn't reflect what's going on in *MY* life at the moment...but it doesn't fit into the criteria of "Christian Music". The reason it doesn't fit isn't because of the two words that may or may not be expletives, but because it doesn't reflect our Christian values. Christian music is uplifting and God oriented. This song is a commentary on society.

NacDan

 

[Grolin]

Not so much that I find the song offensive, and it certainly doesn't reflect what's going on in *MY* life at the moment...but it doesn't fit into the criteria of "Christian Music". The reason it doesn't fit isn't because of the two words that may or may not be expletives, but because it doesn't reflect our Christian values. Christian music is uplifting and God oriented. This song is a commentary on society.

NacDan

I'm not trying to be offensive but I think that mentality is just full of itself. If I, as a Christian, wrote a song that was not totally offensive and at the very least was not heretical, would it not be the work of a Christian artist... and in turn, would that not make it "Christian music?"
Just because it's not a "hallelujah hallelujah we love you Jesus" x3, chord progression of [E A C#m B] over and over, doesn't mean it's not "Christian music."

I don't know what part of it doesn't reflect "our Christian values."

The world is broken and screwed up, full of broken and screwed up people living broken and screwed up lives. This song addresses that.
There is hope for restoration and healing. This song addresses that.
It even makes a reference to Jesus in regards to the hope of restoration and healing.

These lyrics are far more "Christian" than several songs playing on "Christian" radio stations or being sold on CDs from "Christian" record labels. They're honest, they address the world/society we live in (sadly, a LOT of "Christian" music doesn't do that... "in the world, not of it" still leaves us IN the world).

Again, I'm not trying to offend anybody. But we as Christians need to get off our high horse and realize that the unbelieving world could care less for "our Christian values." We are called to impact this world for Christ- we aren't going to do that by sitting in the pews, and our artists aren't going to do that by writing songs that sound like everything else in the CCM top 40.

 

[MysticSmurf]

I agree with Groling.

Have you heard some of the songs that "christian bands" are starting to write and sing they are awesome! They are truth! I love it! The only thing people don't like about them is that they don't "appear" to be christians they judge them and their music before they even listen.. some of my favorite songs don't even have praise and worship in them but they are just as christian as I can only Imagine. They tell us what we're doing wrong. They don't try to hide all of the flaws that everyone has, That's the very thing they try to bring out and tell people that we are all the same. They talk about whats in our schools and lives such as sex, violence, drugs, alcohol etc.... You know just as well as I do that a good percent of "christians" act just like non-christians and sometimes worse... and a lot of good music I listen to says just that.

There is a ton good music out there that is some amazing a deep stuff but the only reason people won't listen to it is because "oh no It's metal thats bad" or they say "metal can't be christian" about 3/4 of my youth group listens to christian metal and even our youth ministers/leaders and sunday school teachers keep us updated on the concerts coming into town. We have a chance every year to go to "Cornerstone" which is almost like a Christian Woodstock except it has mostly punk, ska, and metal bands.. with praise and worship everday It's an amazing place to be.

All I'm saying is we need to getover ourselves and grow-up we are surrounded with no way out of a secular world so if we are going to make an impact we are going to have to make a connection with these people somehow. And that is all that these bands, and this music is doing they are finding a connection and you know what I say more power to them, because I think it's awesome!

 

[KagomeShuko]

I'm not trying to be offensive but I think that mentality is just full of itself. If I, as a Christian, wrote a song that was not totally offensive and at the very least was not heretical, would it not be the work of a Christian artist... and in turn, would that not make it "Christian music?"
Just because it's not a "hallelujah hallelujah we love you Jesus" x3, chord progression of [E A C#m B] over and over, doesn't mean it's not "Christian music."

I don't know what part of it doesn't reflect "our Christian values."

The world is broken and screwed up, full of broken and screwed up people living broken and screwed up lives. This song addresses that.
There is hope for restoration and healing. This song addresses that.
It even makes a reference to Jesus in regards to the hope of restoration and healing.

These lyrics are far more "Christian" than several songs playing on "Christian" radio stations or being sold on CDs from "Christian" record labels. They're honest, they address the world/society we live in (sadly, a LOT of "Christian" music doesn't do that... "in the world, not of it" still leaves us IN the world).

Again, I'm not trying to offend anybody. But we as Christians need to get off our high horse and realize that the unbelieving world could care less for "our Christian values." We are called to impact this world for Christ- we aren't going to do that by sitting in the pews, and our artists aren't going to do that by writing songs that sound like everything else in the CCM top 40.

I agree.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

 

[KagomeShuko]

I agree with Groling.

Have you heard some of the songs that "christian bands" are starting to write and sing they are awesome! They are truth! I love it! The only thing people don't like about them is that they don't "appear" to be christians they judge them and their music before they even listen.. some of my favorite songs don't even have praise and worship in them but they are just as christian as I can only Imagine. They tell us what we're doing wrong. They don't try to hide all of the flaws that everyone has, That's the very thing they try to bring out and tell people that we are all the same. They talk about whats in our schools and lives such as sex, violence, drugs, alcohol etc.... You know just as well as I do that a good percent of "christians" act just like non-christians and sometimes worse... and a lot of good music I listen to says just that.

There is a ton good music out there that is some amazing a deep stuff but the only reason people won't listen to it is because "oh no It's metal thats bad" or they say "metal can't be christian" about 3/4 of my youth group listens to christian metal and even our youth ministers/leaders and sunday school teachers keep us updated on the concerts coming into town. We have a chance every year to go to "Cornerstone" which is almost like a Christian Woodstock except it has mostly punk, ska, and metal bands.. with praise and worship everday It's an amazing place to be.

All I'm saying is we need to getover ourselves and grow-up we are surrounded with no way out of a secular world so if we are going to make an impact we are going to have to make a connection with these people somehow. And that is all that these bands, and this music is doing they are finding a connection and you know what I say more power to them, because I think it's awesome!

Yep, I agree with both of you.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

 

[tubaboy963]

I do find this offensive. Hell and Damn are being used out of context as curse words. That is not edifying to God.

 

[Grolin]

I do find this offensive. Hell and Damn are being used out of context as curse words. That is not edifying to God.

And God needs us to edify Him because...?
Those words are correct given the context of the song and the point it's trying to make. What "context" are you talking about? The words are contextualized by what's around them, you can only take them out of context by putting them in context to begin with.
I'm only bringing this up because I feel that there really hasn't been a valid argument against this song brought up yet. I can see some points that could be argued that haven't, mostly that it doesn't explicitly point to Jesus' death on the cross as a part of God's redemptive work.

There is a time and place for strong language, even language that can be construed as offensive, even vulgar/obscene. Case in point, Mark 7:27, where Jesus pretty much calls the Syrophoenician woman a dog ("First let the children eat all they want," He told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs.") Can you argue that His words wouldn't have come across as offensive? Yet Jesus was without sin, right? He was making a point and apparently the woman got it.

Or take Campolo's speech opener (I think it was Campolo) where he pretty much said something to the effect of "several hundred thousand people starved to death today and none of you give a ****, but the worst part is that most of you will care more that I just said a swear rather than the people who died." Something to that effect, I forgot the exact line now =/ Been a while since I read that quote.
Words are not inherently good or bad, it's how we use them. I may not swear (I try not to since I really have no good context to use swear words in) but I could say "I love you" in a terribly destructive way that would just mess somebody's life up. Taming the tongue is trying to tame the intent with which we use the tongue's power, not avoiding a list of words.

If people are going to take offense at this song they should look beyond TWO words in the entire thing and consider the message that the words bring. Consider the impact each word is supposed to make, how it would change the song's meaning to use different words. There's nothing wrong with finding those words offensive- but to take that and ignore the rest of the song is kinda silly.

 

[MysticSmurf]

very well said Grolin... I would respond but I don't have time I'll post something tomorrow..

Peace

 

[KagomeShuko]

And God needs us to edify Him because...?
Those words are correct given the context of the song and the point it's trying to make. What "context" are you talking about? The words are contextualized by what's around them, you can only take them out of context by putting them in context to begin with.
I'm only bringing this up because I feel that there really hasn't been a valid argument against this song brought up yet. I can see some points that could be argued that haven't, mostly that it doesn't explicitly point to Jesus' death on the cross as a part of God's redemptive work.

There is a time and place for strong language, even language that can be construed as offensive, even vulgar/obscene. Case in point, Mark 7:27, where Jesus pretty much calls the Syrophoenician woman a dog ("First let the children eat all they want," He told her, "for it is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs.") Can you argue that His words wouldn't have come across as offensive? Yet Jesus was without sin, right? He was making a point and apparently the woman got it.

Or take Campolo's speech opener (I think it was Campolo) where he pretty much said something to the effect of "several hundred thousand people starved to death today and none of you give a ****, but the worst part is that most of you will care more that I just said a swear rather than the people who died." Something to that effect, I forgot the exact line now =/ Been a while since I read that quote.
Words are not inherently good or bad, it's how we use them. I may not swear (I try not to since I really have no good context to use swear words in) but I could say "I love you" in a terribly destructive way that would just mess somebody's life up. Taming the tongue is trying to tame the intent with which we use the tongue's power, not avoiding a list of words.

If people are going to take offense at this song they should look beyond TWO words in the entire thing and consider the message that the words bring. Consider the impact each word is supposed to make, how it would change the song's meaning to use different words. There's nothing wrong with finding those words offensive- but to take that and ignore the rest of the song is kinda silly.

Wow. .I love your point. I love this song. I'm so glad others see that this song is simply trying to make a point about society today and as it has always been! It's showing us how terrible we can be, and I think, for those who are finding it offensive by two words. . maybe they need to look at it's message, too. Where do they fit in this song. Your posts are simply amazing and so true.

This song isn't even labeled "Christian" but is done as a cover by a band that people have decided are a contemporary Christian band because they love to spread the Gospel message. They didn't set out to be a Christian band, but they couldn't think of anything better to write songs about and God has been using them for many years.

I love the song, though. It is my CF song, by the way. The words are awesome and if you listen to it, I think the words and the tune really get to you. I don't even need the tune for it to do that, but the tune makes it even more so a song that just pierces you right through the heart, especially when it gets to that next to last line.

If the song is offensive because of the message, good. It should be. I can't say it is "offensive" to me in that way, but I still love it. It really makes me think about society and my own actions as well.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

 

[NacDan]

I'm not trying to be offensive but I think that mentality is just full of itself. If I, as a Christian, wrote a song that was not totally offensive and at the very least was not heretical, would it not be the work of a Christian artist... and in turn, would that not make it "Christian music?"
Just because it's not a "hallelujah hallelujah we love you Jesus" x3, chord progression of [E A C#m B] over and over, doesn't mean it's not "Christian music."

I don't know what part of it doesn't reflect "our Christian values."

The world is broken and screwed up, full of broken and screwed up people living broken and screwed up lives. This song addresses that.
There is hope for restoration and healing. This song addresses that.
It even makes a reference to Jesus in regards to the hope of restoration and healing.

These lyrics are far more "Christian" than several songs playing on "Christian" radio stations or being sold on CDs from "Christian" record labels. They're honest, they address the world/society we live in (sadly, a LOT of "Christian" music doesn't do that... "in the world, not of it" still leaves us IN the world).

Again, I'm not trying to offend anybody. But we as Christians need to get off our high horse and realize that the unbelieving world could care less for "our Christian values." We are called to impact this world for Christ- we aren't going to do that by sitting in the pews, and our artists aren't going to do that by writing songs that sound like everything else in the CCM top 40.

So does that mean if I write a song, ANY SONG, it's "Texas Music" since I live in Texas? I think you are confusing Christian music with music made by Christians.

Danny

 

[fiveinjuly]

I guess that I just dont' see the necessity to cuss. But oh well. I wouldn't be offended by it. They have their right to expression.

 

[Michy]

An intresting point being made about "christian" bands that dont appear Christian. Thats what I have a problem with. Christians are the light of the world,and we are supposed to looke and act different. We are supposed to be pecuiliar (sp?) to those among us who dont know Christ, so that they may come to us to find out about Him. So, I find it to be a good thing that some christian bands are different from your average band you would see on MTV.

On the lyrics, I do find it to be offensive. 1) The song is a bit depressing, and not really uplifting and 2) the use of curse words is really uncalled for. How can they claim they are christinas with words like that?

 

[Distant_Shores]

If you want to see the subculture of "Christian Music" then go to Cornerstone Festival. I've gone for the past three years and it is awesome to see the extremely wide range of music and lyric writing that is being performed and sung by Christians. I've played there with my ska band for the past two years and it's been great. It's great to see how a group sooo very diverse can be united under Christ.

And I thought the song was good and had a Christian Undertone to it.

 

[KagomeShuko]

On the lyrics, I do find it to be offensive. 1) The song is a bit depressing, and not really uplifting and 2) the use of curse words is really uncalled for. How can they claim they are christinas with words like that?

So, suddenly all Christian songs have to be uplifting? Have you ever read the words to the hymn "Sacred Head Now Wounded"? It's sad that so many of you have preconceived notions of what should be called "Christian" music.

It's the way it was written - not by them but by the people who wrote it. They sing it that way - minus a line about cutting class and having grass, I think. . .I've seen that elsewhere.

So, anybody who swears is not a Christian? Is that what you are trying to say, because it is exactly what you said.

Stein Auf!
Bridget

 

[KagomeShuko]

If you want to see the subculture of "Christian Music" then go to Cornerstone Festival. I've gone for the past three years and it is awesome to see the extremely wide range of music and lyric writing that is being performed and sung by Christians. I've played there with my ska band for the past two years and it's been great. It's great to see how a group sooo very diverse can be united under Christ.

And I thought the song was good and had a Christian Undertone to it.

I've heard of Cornerstone. Seems like a great event. I love the message of that song. So, then it's awesome that my favorite band does a cover of it - but they're original songs are so much better, of course. . .

Stein Auf!
Bridget