NO MORE! The World's Most 'Worn Out' Songs?

[OP_Carl]

Maybe kids these days just aren't capable of memorizing that many lyrics. You'll also notice that the lyrics don't contain any long or difficult words anymore . . . the "dumbing down" of America?

Back when I was a kid, I had memorized every lyric to every song Ray Stevens ever recorded . . .

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by OP_Carl

Maybe kids these days just aren't capable of memorizing that many lyrics. You'll also notice that the lyrics don't contain any long or difficult words anymore . . . the "dumbing down" of America?

Back when I was a kid, I had memorized every lyric to every song Ray Stevens ever recorded . . .

That's weird that you say that, because some of the older people in our church were complaining a little about the "new" music being too WORDY! LOL!

Did you know that some of our most "precious" hymns were originally bar songs or country songs that were rewritten?

Music is a bridge that helps us "tune in" to God, it is a way to minister to the congregation, and its an avenue of praise. Therefore it doesn't matter if its the most newfangled thing on the market or a 300 year old hymn; what matters is whether it accomplishes one of those purposes.

Next time you hear a song that you don't like, stop and say to yourself: "It's not all about me. It's not all about me. It's about HIM."

If God is being glorified, hearts are being touched, worship and praise are being put forth and the Gospel is being shared...what is there to complain about?

[Esther]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

That's weird that you say that, because some of the older people in our church were complaining a little about the "new" music being too WORDY! LOL!

Did you know that some of our most "precious" hymns were originally bar songs or country songs that were rewritten?

Music is a bridge that helps us "tune in" to God, it is a way to minister to the congregation, and its an avenue of praise. Therefore it doesn't matter if its the most newfangled thing on the market or a 300 year old hymn; what matters is whether it accomplishes one of those purposes.

Next time you hear a song that you don't like, stop and say to yourself: "It's not all about me. It's not all about me. It's about HIM."

If God is being glorified, hearts are being touched, worship and praise are being put forth and the Gospel is being shared...what is there to complain about?

Can you name some?

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

That's weird that you say that, because some of the older people in our church were complaining a little about the "new" music being too WORDY! LOL!

Did you know that some of our most "precious" hymns were originally bar songs or country songs that were rewritten?

Music is a bridge that helps us "tune in" to God, it is a way to minister to the congregation, and its an avenue of praise. Therefore it doesn't matter if its the most newfangled thing on the market or a 300 year old hymn; what matters is whether it accomplishes one of those purposes.

Next time you hear a song that you don't like, stop and say to yourself: "It's not all about me. It's not all about me. It's about HIM."

If God is being glorified, hearts are being touched, worship and praise are being put forth and the Gospel is being shared...what is there to complain about?

Miss Brattfield,

Music IS a bridge that connects to the very soul of a man. In fact, music is one of the chief ways to move beyond 'flesh' and make a connection deep into the spirit of that individual.

While preaching overseas (Ethiopia stands out prominent in my mind) they would sing in a language we didn't remotely understand but all of the American crusade team would be alternately sobbing and rejoicing. Music is an amazingly powerful force used, not only in Christianity, but in most every instance of idol worship and 'dark' religions that go on today.

Two things in closing:
* First, you state that one should say, "It's not about me, It's not about me" and I agree to a point. But what is the deal with all the "Jesus is my boyfriend" songs that focus on US instead of on HIM? Many of the new Vineyard, Hillsong and even contemporary black choirs (among others) are doing songs that have little to do with God and a lot to do with "I, me, my, our and mine"

I love all kinds of music from black gospel to bluegrass and most everything in between... except Opera style! (Sorry, Hugh Rose) However, I think we're losing some precious things among us by forgetting some of those old song book songs. We still sing some 'older' songs from time to time and our Church loves it. However, my heart ached recently when I started on G. T. Haywood's "I See A Crimson Stream Of Blood" and turned to find that NOT ONE of my praise singers knew the song.

Sad indeed.

* Secondly, you say that many of our songs come from 'country' songs. I'm aware of that but there is also the 'flip side' of that coin. There are various country songs that were taken directly from Church songs. I know the woman who actually wrote "I Didn't Know God Made Honkey Tonk Angels"... to the tune of "Great Speckled Bird"!

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Steadfast

* First, you state that one should say, "It's not about me, It's not about me" and I agree to a point. But what is the deal with all the "Jesus is my boyfriend" songs that focus on US instead of on HIM? Many of the new Vineyard, Hillsong and even contemporary black choirs (among others) are doing songs that have little to do with God and a lot to do with "I, me, my, our and mine"

"Jesus is my boyfriend"...As far as I'm concerned, singing about our love for God is a wonderful thing. I have heard a few that get too smarmy for my taste, but I can't think of many. For almost every modern worship song, I could probably pull an old hymn with similar lyrics (in older lingo).

I have just the opposite objection, actually. I've been to churches where they act like if you aren't singing directly TO God, then somehow the music is less than, less important, less worthy, it's like an elitist idea about music. The Bible says to speak to yourselves in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. (In addition, to sing and make melody in your heart to the Lord.)

Does that make sense? Have you seen this happening? Amazing Grace...its totally about ME...but its telling how His Grace SAVED me, and expressing wonder at such a miracle. Such songs are precious and relative, whether they are old hymns or written by some young teenager who decided to set the lyrics to a pop melody.

I agree that some music is just boring and meaningless and pure entertainment or indulgence on the part of the musicians/singers. I also think it varies from church to church, and what works at one will not work at another, which is why the musicians and singers have an obligation to consult God about these things and stay in tune with Him. (NPI)

I've heard some old songs that are pretty meaningless...such as "Move Me With Your Message", and "Cain't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus", "Great Speckled Bird", etc. It isn't the "new" stuff that is meaningless...there have been meaningless songs written for centuries--right along side the good ones. So we have to be careful what we choose.

[Kay B]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

That's weird that you say that, because some of the older people in our church were complaining a little about the "new" music being too WORDY! LOL!

Did you know that some of our most "precious" hymns were originally bar songs or country songs that were rewritten?

Music is a bridge that helps us "tune in" to God, it is a way to minister to the congregation, and its an avenue of praise. Therefore it doesn't matter if its the most newfangled thing on the market or a 300 year old hymn; what matters is whether it accomplishes one of those purposes.

Next time you hear a song that you don't like, stop and say to yourself: "It's not all about me. It's not all about me. It's about HIM."

If God is being glorified, hearts are being touched, worship and praise are being put forth and the Gospel is being shared...what is there to complain about?

Amen. When we first moved here.Our piano player was playing a song before service. I was kneeling at the pew in prayer and I was trying to remember the title of the song she was playing. I finally did,but in my mind I said she is playing it wrong. The Lord impressed upon me that he was pleased with the way she was playing the song. Since then I never may any judgment if a song is sung or played differently than the way I was accustomed too.

[Pastor G]

This Posts was in reference to "Friend of God."

I too cannot understand why this song has taken such a hold. I don't understand why we as a Oneness Pentecostal Movement have to take our Main songs from a Trinity Charismatic Movement.

Just a point of info for some of you that need the perfect song to worship... lol

Though I too am tired of "Friend of God" and many of the other songs that have been mentioned... The above mentioned is from Israel Houghton, whose wife and children attend a oneness church, as does he when he is not making money singing or leading worship other places...

Also to answer the question about "Can't Nobody." Twas written by Andrae Crouch long ago and was resurrected by Clint Brown a few years ago.. Clint added a bridge that made the song, (doable) again..

[Monkeyman]

Originally Posted by Pastor G

This Posts was in reference to "Friend of God."

I too cannot understand why this song has taken such a hold. I don't understand why we as a Oneness Pentecostal Movement have to take our Main songs from a Trinity Charismatic Movement.

Just a point of info for some of you that need the perfect song to worship... lol

Though I too am tired of "Friend of God" and many of the other songs that have been mentioned... The above mentioned is from Israel Houghton, whose wife and children attend a oneness church, as does he when he is not making money singing or leading worship other places...

Also to answer the question about "Can't Nobody." Twas written by Andrae Crouch long ago and was resurrected by Clint Brown a few years ago.. Clint added a bridge that made the song, (doable) again..

*side note* A few years ago in a small room in Orlando, I.H. prayed with/over me and it was one of the most powerful experiences of my life...so a warning to others, not you Pastor...be careful when criticizing others.

[Pastor G]

Originally Posted by Monkeyman

*side note* A few years ago in a small room in Orlando, I.H. prayed with/over me and it was one of the most powerful experiences of my life...so a warning to others, not you Pastor...be careful when criticizing others.

I too met Israel in Orlando and hung out with him... Was in service with him, on the same program and in prayer with him... He is very humble and sincere. We had some powerful services...

[tamor]

Originally Posted by Monkeyman

*side note* A few years ago in a small room in Orlando, I.H. prayed with/over me and it was one of the most powerful experiences of my life...so a warning to others, not you Pastor...be careful when criticizing others.

I can believe that. You can feel it on his CD. I love Israel Houghton's music.