What do you think of Switchfoot?

[Infernal Freak]

SWITCHFOOT!​

So, I hope you voted on my poll! It is important. Even if you HATE switchfoot's guts, VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I want to know if you guys like the way Switchfoot is starting to go on secular stations...? Do you think they have a ministry there...to nonchristian peeps? I think so!


PM, E-mail, or just merely REPLY!!!!!!!!!

Your Sister In Christ,
Heather

 

[Spoken]

awesome band!!!!

 

[xpunkskaterx]

can't stand them

 

[Sam the Record Man]

I think that they are extremely overplayed. And like I said/asked in the last switchfoot thread, I dont see where the blatantly clear christian lyrics are. And also to me, its a bit of a put off that when I go through their entire official website, there is no mention at all of God.

 

[GuruGreg]

Some interesting discussion on they're message board though...

http://sonymusic.infopop.cc/eve/ubb.x?a=tpc&s=8581093&f=405105313&m=960104494

But their lyrics definately are those of believers:

From "I Dare You To Move":

Maybe redemption
Has stories to tell
Maybe forgiveness is right where you fell
Where can you run to escape from yourself?
Where you gonna go?
Where you gonna go?
Salvation is here

From "On Fire":

Give me one more time around
Give me one more chance to see
Give me everything You are
Give me one more chance to be near you

When everything inside me looks like everything I hate
You are the hope I have for change, You are the only chance I'll take

When I'm on fire when You're near me
I'm on fire when You speak
I'm on fire burning at these mysteries
These mysteries

From "You":

there's always something in the way
there's always something getting through
but it's not me - it's You, it's You

sometimes ignorance rings true
but hope is not in what I know
it's not in me - it's in You, it's in You

it's all I know
it's all I know
it's all I know

and I find peace when I'm confused
and I find hope when I'm let down
not in me - in You, it's in You

I hope to lose myself for good
I hope to find it in the end
not in me - in You, in You

it's all I know
it's all I know
it's all I know

in You
in You
it's in You
it's in You

there's always something in the way
there's always something getting through
but it's not me - it's You, it's You, it's You
it's You, it's You, (it's all I know) it's You
it's You, (it's all I know) it's You
it's You, (it's all I know) it's You
it's You, (it's all I know) it's You

I'll show you more if you want...

 

[All4God09]

Those lyrics do speak for themselves, but I mean come on-whoever mentioned their website is right-nothing about God...and if they are singing about God, why don't they ever mention Him??? I think they are being sucked into the secular music industry...so sad...

 

[Infernal Freak]

Yeah...I see where you are coming from. I love their music...and I think they do minister for God quite a bit because you can find spiritual truths to them...I just think they COULD, by all means, put more Godly reference in their songs. I just thought Gotta go!

Your Sister In Christ,
Heather

 

[Sam the Record Man]

Just so you guys know, I have no doubt that they are christians. However a lot of ppl that I know that are "big fans" of Switchfoot have no idea that they are a christian band. I guess to me it says that they are more concerned with selling CDs and making it main stream than they are about preaching about God.

 

[Infernal Freak]

Just so you guys know, I have no doubt that they are christians. However a lot of ppl that I know that are "big fans" of Switchfoot have no idea that they are a christian band. I guess to me it says that they are more concerned with selling CDs and making it main stream than they are about preaching about God.

Yep...I see exactly where you are coming from...! A lot of ppl that I know do not know they are Christian until I tell them too! I can verify some of the lyrics as Christian [because I am a Christian, and I know Christian values...and can put it in a christian perspective...] But, come to think of it...they are not trying to bring ppl to Christ...[if the only ppl who can understand the values of the song are Christian...then how in the world are they ministering.?!.?!] I read over a few of their lyrics, dismissed all of my Christian outlook, and I saw that if you do this, the lyrics have no Christian moral/value to them. To me [as a female] some of the lyrics, I could put a guy in for the descriptions...not God...why is it this way..? Why don't they put God in there, and specify it. They are beating around the bush! [ ] [Just] for the following lyrics, dismiss all Godly things from your mind...all knowledge...as if you were a non-christian...never know about GOD.
See what you gather!

Tell you where you need to go
Tell you when you'll need to leave
Tell you what you need to know
Tell you who you need to be

But everything inside you knows
Says more than what you've heard
So much more than empty conversations
Filled with empty words

And you're on fire
When He's near you
You're on fire
When He speaks
You're on fire
Burning at these mysteries

Give me one more time around
Give me one more chance to see
Give me everything You are
Give me one more chance to be... (near You)

Cause everything inside looks like
Everything I hate
You are the hope I have for change
You are the only chance I'll take

When I'm on fire
When You're near me
I'm on fire
When You speak
And I'm on fire
Burning at these mysteries
these mysteries...

I'm standing on the edge of me [x3]
I'm standing on the edge

And I'm on fire
When You're near you
I'm on fire
When You speak
(Yea) I'm on fire
Burning at these mysteries...
​

Okay...I am hoping that you read them. Fill in all the he's with [if you are a female] a guy you want to be near to...or a guy that you want to pusue. [Maybe in general, a guy that you would like to marry...no one in specific...just the description]. Fill in all of them [if you are a male] with a girl you think would talk about you that way...or a girl that you like...maybe want to pursue...the same as the girls, exept change the gender.

What did you come up with?

I came up with the idea that, yes, it does fit that description. [I AM NOT, BY ANY MEANS, SAYING THAT SWITCHFOOT IS COMPLETELY NON-CHRISTIAN OR NOT DOING A WORK FOR GOD...I AM MERELY STATING THAT SOME OF THEIR LYRICS, COME TO THINK OF IT, ARE NOT SPECIFICALLY MENTIONING GOD. THEY DON'T. IF I WAS PART OF A SATANIST OCCULT OR SOMETHING, WHICH I AM NOT, I COULD VERIFY SOME OF THE LYRICS WITH THAT. IT IS ALMOST LIKE THE 'FILL IN THE BLANK' QUESTIONS ON A TEST. YOU CAN FILL IN A LOT OF THINGS WITH THE 'HE'S, SHE'S, SPIRIT'S, FORGIVENESS,ETC.'] I do believe that some of their lyrics do specifically mention Christ, but, I am also a little wary that they do not mention God on their site, at least not too visible! I mean, even some heavy metal artists will say in their AMA awards, that they want to thank God...!

By the way, have they ever mentioned their testimony? If so, what is it? [Every artist has some Godly testimony they share...every 'christian' one, at least!]

Oh, and I am not down on Switchfoot, as a matter of fact, I do like their music! I think it is rather awesome for a Christian to listen to! It is great! Better than a lot of stuff that is ungodly! I like their style too...I just looked from a non-christian perspective, and found a different Point Of View [POV].

Well, e-mail, PM, or reply!

Your Sister In Christ,
Heather

 

[Infernal Freak]

Just so you guys know, I have no doubt that they are christians. However a lot of ppl that I know that are "big fans" of Switchfoot have no idea that they are a christian band. I guess to me it says that they are more concerned with selling CDs and making it main stream than they are about preaching about God.

Just so you guys know, I have no doubt that they are christians. However a lot of ppl that I know that are "big fans" of Switchfoot have no idea that they are a christian band. I guess to me it says that they are more concerned with selling CDs and making it main stream than they are about preaching about God.

Yep...I see exactly where you are coming from...! A lot of ppl that I know do not know they are Christian until I tell them too! I can verify some of the lyrics as Christian [because I am a Christian, and I know Christian values...and can put it in a christian perspective...] But, come to think of it...they are not trying to bring ppl to Christ...[if the only ppl who can understand the values of the song are Christian...then how in the world are they ministering.?!.?!] I read over a few of their lyrics, dismissed all of my Christian outlook, and I saw that if you do this, the lyrics have no Christian moral/value to them. To me [as a female] some of the lyrics, I could put a guy in for the descriptions...not God...why is it this way..? Why don't they put God in there, and specify it. They are beating around the bush! [ ] [Just] for the following lyrics, dismiss all Godly things from your mind...all knowledge...as if you were a non-christian...never know about GOD.
See what you gather!

Tell you where you need to go
Tell you when you'll need to leave
Tell you what you need to know
Tell you who you need to be

But everything inside you knows
Says more than what you've heard
So much more than empty conversations
Filled with empty words

And you're on fire
When He's near you
You're on fire
When He speaks
You're on fire
Burning at these mysteries

Give me one more time around
Give me one more chance to see
Give me everything You are
Give me one more chance to be... (near You)

Cause everything inside looks like
Everything I hate
You are the hope I have for change
You are the only chance I'll take

When I'm on fire
When You're near me
I'm on fire
When You speak
And I'm on fire
Burning at these mysteries
these mysteries...

I'm standing on the edge of me [x3]
I'm standing on the edge

And I'm on fire
When You're near you
I'm on fire
When You speak
(Yea) I'm on fire
Burning at these mysteries...
​

Okay...I am hoping that you read them. Fill in all the he's with [if you are a female] a guy you want to be near to...or a guy that you want to pusue. [Maybe in general, a guy that you would like to marry...no one in specific...just the description]. Fill in all of them [if you are a male] with a girl you think would talk about you that way...or a girl that you like...maybe want to pursue...the same as the girls, exept change the gender.

What did you come up with?

I came up with the idea that, yes, it does fit that description. [I AM NOT, BY ANY MEANS, SAYING THAT SWITCHFOOT IS COMPLETELY NON-CHRISTIAN OR NOT DOING A WORK FOR GOD...I AM MERELY STATING THAT SOME OF THEIR LYRICS, COME TO THINK OF IT, ARE NOT SPECIFICALLY MENTIONING GOD. THEY DON'T. IF I WAS PART OF A SATANIST OCCULT OR SOMETHING, WHICH I AM NOT, I COULD VERIFY SOME OF THE LYRICS WITH THAT. IT IS ALMOST LIKE THE 'FILL IN THE BLANK' QUESTIONS ON A TEST. YOU CAN FILL IN A LOT OF THINGS WITH THE 'HE'S, SHE'S, SPIRIT'S, FORGIVENESS,ETC.'] I do believe that some of their lyrics do specifically mention Christ, but, I am also a little wary that they do not mention God on their site, at least not too visible! I mean, even some heavy metal artists will say in their AMA awards, that they want to thank God...!

By the way, have they ever mentioned their testimony? If so, what is it? [Every artist has some Godly testimony they share...every 'christian' one, at least!]

Oh, and I am not down on Switchfoot, as a matter of fact, I do like their music! I think it is rather awesome for a Christian to listen to! It is great! Better than a lot of stuff that is ungodly! I like their style too...I just looked from a non-christian perspective, and found a different Point Of View [POV].

Well, e-mail, PM, or reply!

Your Sister In Christ,
Heather

____________________​

 

[GuruGreg]

Just as walking up to someone on the street and telling them "you are a sinner...repent now and give your life to Christ" is probably not the most effective way of evangelizing to the unsaved, singing songs where God is referenced every 5 words (directly) are going to ostracize the unsaved.

I actually think that what they are doing is "more Christian" than a lot of other Christian bands/artists. They are reaching out to the world and trying to bring them a message of love and what a life with Christ is like. That's a whole lot better than preaching to the chior as many other groups do.

Does not Paul state that "To the Jews, I will become a Jew, and to the Gentiles, I will become a Gentile" (sorry, can't remember the verse...anyone know off hand?). Sometimes we must act a little more like the world to show people the truth. Otherwise there are some who will never hear the word.

To me, they are doing a great ministry. If people aren't getting the fact that they are Christians, then they aren't listening. They're hearing what they want to hear, and not the praises being sung out to God. The members of Switchfoot have to risk a lot of people turning away and no longer listening if they were to be so blunt.

Regardless, we cannot see into the hearts of these musicians, and I think it's wrong to question what they are doing. They are obviously remaining focused on God, so why must rumors persist that they have "gone secular" simply because their website doesn't explicitly state "Switchfoot: A Product of God"?

 

[Sam the Record Man]

I dont know, I never was questioning whether or not they were christians. You say that if ppl dont know that they arent christians,then they arent listening. I have heard a bunch of their music, and before a friend of mine told me that they were Christian, I had no idea at all.

As someone else before said, their lyrics can definitely be interpreted to mean other things. People persist that you can't reach the masses if youre not being somewhat subtle or if youre saying God quite frequently. but I'm not saying to shove god down their throats, but I guess i just think that they could do a better job of revealing their christianity. Cause Jesus was never subtle about God, neitehr was Paul, and I think they did an alright job.

 

[GuruGreg]

Cause Jesus was never subtle about God, neitehr was Paul, and I think they did an alright job.

I'm not completely sold on this statement. I think we forget that the majority of the parables and the things said by Jesus were spoken to those who were actively seeking the Truth. They had either heard about him, seen or heard the miracles he had performed or people he had healed. That's when he made his strongest points and gave people the truth straight. It's not like he was wandering from one town square to another shouting at people from a pedistal.

Paul was much more forward, as he really felt a calling to go out to the world. However, we don't know too much about how he got the churches started, but we mainly have the records of his letters he wrote to them after he had moved on.

So, I'm not sure if calling them "not subtle" would be accurate. You first have to get a heart to seek for the Truth before you can begin to give it to them, or else it will be wasted on a hardened heart.

 

[Sam the Record Man]

I'm not completely sold on this statement. I think we forget that the majority of the parables and the things said by Jesus were spoken to those who were actively seeking the Truth. They had either heard about him, seen or heard the miracles he had performed or people he had healed. That's when he made his strongest points and gave people the truth straight. It's not like he was wandering from one town square to another shouting at people from a pedistal.

Did jesus not end most of his parables by relating it to real life and to God. "just as the shepherd rejoices when he finds his lost sheep, so too does God when a lost child is found" ... or whatever it says. My bible is upstairs and i'm not bothering to grab it, but i know that Jesus frequently did bring it back to job.

I agree that it would not be effective to shove God down the throats of ppl, however I truly believe that if their primary goal is to bring ppl to Christ, and have them know him, than they cant be so subtle. How can ppl learn about Christ and his love from a band that they dont even know believes in Christ???

 

[GuruGreg]

Again, I'll state the most of the parables were spoken to those who wanted to listen...



I like to think of what Switchfoot is doing as planting the seed of trees. You can put the seed in the ground and tend for it, but you can't make it grow any faster then God determinet it's supposed to.

Redwood seeds will take years to grow, and you may never see what you started.

Pine seeds grow faster, and you may watch it grow quickly in a few years.

My point is that even if they're not "getting it", they are at least getting that seed planted or tended to. They're getting the right message, but it may take time to figure out what it all means.

 

[Sam the Record Man]

Even still, what is this right message?? Yes, a few songs have references to Jesus/God that are noticed when youre looking for it, but not so much if youre not ... ppl suggested that they are jsut supporting good morals and avlues and love and stuff ... but does barney not do the same thing?? so would you consider Barney as a planter of seeds?

 

[GuruGreg]

We're not talking about sharing lessons, we're talking about significant points they're making.

"Is this all there is to life?" (Meant to Live, Gone, The Beautiful Letdown)
"Are you willing to reach out and find more?" (Dare You To Move)

And still some lyrics are almost impossible to confuse:

It was a beautiful letdown
The day I knew
That all the riches this world had to offer me
Would never do.

In a world full of bitter pain
And bitter doubt
I was trying so hard to fit in,
Until I found out

I don't belong here
I don't belong here
I will carry a cross and a song where I don't belong.

They're raising the important questions to the world and making them think about how life has to be more than money and sex. And then they make some pretty blatant references, as seen above. They may only be peppered in, but you'd have to be tuned out to not hear them.

 

[Infernal Freak]

Yeah...
I have heard both stories! I have heard a lot of my non-Christian friends say that they did not think they were a Christian band until I told them too. So...stop debating! It is a stupid one! You can debate on a lot more useful things than music! =) So...ya know, it does get a tad old! =) Um... I LOVE Switchfoot's music! It rocks! I think it's a lot better than 12 stones [Check the Broken video out! YUCK!] Anyway...thanks for your replies. Read their acknowledgments in their latest CD, the beautiflul letdown. It has a GREAT meaning! [Happy and Proud tone! =)]

-FrEaK

 

[Infernal Freak]

Well...PM if you want?!?!? I am always ready for a chat! =) Aren't we all?

-FrEaK

 

[Rich48]

It's really not my type of music, but my daughter has got me hooked on "Meant To Live."

Rich