Behind the Lyrics

I’m one Christian that still rocks out to some secular music. I’m more choosey nowadays but I don’t see all secular music as being bad. Honestly there’s some gospel music that is worse… yeah there really is! Gospel music that is not Word based is more detrimental to your walk than listening to a secular song. Secular music is a form of entertainment… Gospel music is about praise and worship… but if what you’re singing can’t be found in the Word then what is it really? Just some words that a songwriter thought sounded good and would evoke the right emotion so it was laid to track. I’m not really trying to judge what makes good/bad gospel music. I’m more trying to shed light on the hazards of failing to guard your ear and your heart.

This week, my example came from Eminem’s song featuring Rihanna “Love the Way You Lie.” Now the beat is HOT which is what first caught my ear. Then after listening to it a few times I started paying attention to the lyrics and got an earful to say the least. For those who may not know what it’s about, Eminem tells the story of an abusive relationship that can’t seem to come to an end because they “love” each other too much. The chorus goes…

“Just gonna stand there and watch me burn that’s alright because I like the way it hurts… Just gonna stand there and hear me cry… that’s alright because I love the way you lie… I love the way you lie”

Now here’s what I can’t understand. Rihanna was a victim of domestic violence. Did we not see pictures plastered all over the news of her bruised and battered face? Did she not waste 60 minutes of our lives talking around the details of the relationship with Barbara Walters in her 20/20 interview? What was apparent to anyone with any sense was that it was a shameless attempt to promote her new album but was disguised as her trying to save her young fans from becoming victims. It was at that point I lost all respect for her as an artist. (I still admire her style)

Not even a full 2 years after the incident with Chris Brown , she decides to appear on a song that glamorizes abusive relationships as love? Needless to say the song’s beat has lost all control over me and I turn the station each time it plays (which is constant!) It sickens me how much we idolize celebrities who contribute to the destruction of many people’s lives whether they know it or not. I know it sounds extreme but it’s so true. We get lured into the beat and disregard the message it feeds our spirit. Now I’m not saying that everyone that listens to this song will find themselves in abusive relationships BUT it definitely has the potential to desensitize us to tragedies that happen at the hands of domestic violence.

What about the Rihanna’s song “Russian Roulette?” This was yet another irresponsible song that sends a depressing message to a world where teenage suicide is on the rise with each passing year. For those not familiar, here’s a bit of the lyrics…

“As my life flashes before my eyes…I’m wondering will I ever see another sunrise? So many won’t get the chance to say goodbye… But it’s too late too pick up the value of my life”

Really Rihanna??… so you lay that track and go on with your millionaire life. Meanwhile, one of your biggest fans who has battled with suicide has the warped idea that you support her suicidal thoughts and goes ahead with the plan. No I’m not saying Rihanna’s the cause, but she sure isn’t the solution!!

I’m really not trying to pick on Rihanna. There are celebrities around the globe driven by the dollar signs and ignore the impact they have on young, impressionable fans who follow their every move and words. I’m not saying they are solely to blame but I am a firm believer that they play a role coupled with the lack of parenting and the lack of believers who are willing to stand and be seen beyond the Christian arena. Many Christian artists are more concerned with acceptance than they are with being a light. So they continue to preach to the choir, judge those that aren’t like them, and as a result you got generations that grow up idolizing the Rihanna’s and Lady Ga Ga’s of the industry. (I seriously don’t get the craze over Lady Ga Ga.)

Meanwhile they drive the best, live in the best, travel in the best and no one bats an eye. BUT the moment a Pastor has any of these luxuries, its headline news… but that is an entire different subject for another day! It’s no doubt that secular music will always have its place in our society. There will always be a demand for rock and pop superstars. No doubt, the music industry isn’t changing its heartbeat and that’s MONEY!! But nothing has control over you unless you give it that control. It’s our responsibility to guard our ears and not allow the beat to speak to our heart more than the Word of God. I continue to enjoy the art of all types of music as long as there’s no threat of it negatively affecting how I view myself and those around me.

Prov. 4:23-27 reads:

Keep vigilant watch over your heart;
that’s where life starts. Don’t talk out of both sides of your mouth;
avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead;
ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.

Be Bold,

Be Fabulous,

Be You

Tuesdays with Bianca