question

[xpunkskaterx]

do you think this song's lyrics sound blasphmous...or howevr you spell that. Sac-religious or whatever?

Im just wondering because my band wants me to sing this song...and i dont know about it




I don’t need to be a global citizen
Because I’m blessed by nationality
I’m member of a growing populace
We enforce our popularity
There are things that
Seem to pull us under
And there are things
That drag us down
But there’s a power
And a vital presence
Thats lurking all around
We’ve got the american jesus
See him on the interstate
We’ve got the american jesus
He helped build the
President’s estate
I feel sorry
For the earth’s population
’cuz so few
Live in the u.s.a.
At least the foreigners
Can copy our morality
They can visit but they cannot stay
Only precious few
Can garner the prosperity
It makes us walk
With renewed confidence
We’ve got a place to go when we die
And the architect resides right here
We’ve got the american jesus
Overwhelming millions every day
(exercising his authority)
He’s the farmers barren fields
The force the army wields
The expession in the faces
Of the starving children
The power of the man
He’s the fuel that drives the clan
He’s the motive and conscience
Of the murderer
He’s the preacher on t.v.
The false sincerity
The form letter that’s written
By the big computers
He’s the nuclear bombs
And the kids with no moms
And I’m fearful that
He’s inside me

 

[aLx]

I'm not sure about it at all but its up to you buddy but I would say that if your not sure about it its better to just leave it alone than risk playing it.

 

[shrimp1214]

It almost sounds like it's saying that Jesus is only for Americans, Like Americans are the only one's who are good enough to have Jesus, it's kinda like a slap in the face, but I dont know, it kinda sorta could be saying that you're thankful for Jesus in America... I don't know, it's summer and doing this kind of thing feels like English class all over again

 

[~SHINE~]

I'm not sure I'm interpreting this right but to me it sounds like it's about not letting earthly stuff take the place of God.... dunno if that's how it's meant to come out but that's how I heard it.
I'm sure I like how they actually use Jesus' name in it, though. Change the words, maybe, to something like the "american god?" something that could symbolize the idolatry.
Again, sorry if I interpreted it completely wrong... tired today.

 

[xpunkskaterx]

well if it helps...the song is by Bad Religion, and its called American Jesus. I hate bad religion though, because they have a logo that is a cross with an "X" through it. It bugs me

 

[bleechers]

If in doubt, chuck it out.

 

[freezexbrand]

hmm, i think that the song is symbolic that our america puts crud and other stuff on a pedistool, and they use Jesus as a tool to compare how high we put these idols in our lives....im feeling im not making anysense what so ever....o well

 

[Qyöt27]

I agree with freezexbrand - I'm 99.9% sure it's symbolic. I look at it as possibly how the government has in the past or could capitalize on religion just to further their own agendas. On the other hand, it could be talking about how the US or Americans often either a)raise themselves up on pedestals or b)act as though capitalism and military strength are justification to promote itself as the Savior of the world and basically become incredibly cocky. You could take it either way, I guess.

I personally have felt uncomfortable with the song since I heard it a while back, but considering I haven't heard it in a long time I'm not sure where I stand. When dealing with references like this, you have to determine whether it's symbolic or not. The same goes for "Head Like A Hole" by Nine Inch Nails. Even though the chorus seems to be anti-religious, the verses spell out the fact it's very plainly talking about capitalism and not letting money become a god and control you. It just uses a heavy dose of religious imagery to do it.

Of course, if you don't feel comfortable singing it, you shouldn't force yourself to, and try to work out something with the rest of the band as how to go about doing it if they absolutely insist on performing the song. If it means slightly modifying the lyrics, or by personal convinction just let someone else take lead (if that's possible), then at least work something out.

 

[bleechers]

Regardless of the symbolism, Jesus is never to be "used" this way. The song (whether agree with its sentiments or not) uses the name of the Savior in a very careless manner.

Just as Jesus and His name should not be used for political or financial gain, neither should it be used to make a social commentary. He is our Lord and savior. The scripture says "Holy and reverend is His name".

2 cents

 

[~SHINE~]

Regardless of the symbolism, Jesus is never to be "used" this way. The song (whether agree with its sentiments or not) uses the name of the Savior in a very careless manner.

Just as Jesus and His name should not be used for political or financial gain, neither should it be used to make a social commentary. He is our Lord and savior. The scripture says "Holy and reverend is His name".

2 cents

Yep that's a good way to put it.

 

[Rich48]

If in doubt, chuck it out.

Could not have said it better

Rich