Every Tribe, Nation, Language, Tongue, Race...Until All Hear

I've been in an international mood for the last little while... I watched "Mr. Baseball" on VHS a while back (great movie with a sweet story, but I don't care to see it again due to all the language and locker room scenes...)- and that got me enamored with all things Japan. (Since the movie mainly takes place there.) So, I naturally followed up with the excellent 1989 Sesame Street production, "Big Bird in Japan". :-) And then I watched one of my favorite Quantum Leap episodes- "The Americanization of Machiko" (which deals with the treatment of Japanese in America shortly after World War II).

       Then, I had more international celebrations when I went to the first annual international festival in Greer. It was so great speaking with so many people from so many lands, seeing pictures of their lands, hearing music from their countries, seeing a cricket demonstration :-) and just celebrating the wonderful world God has made. (Later that weekend, I followed up with watching Sesame Street's other travelogue- the 1983 "Big Bird in China". :-) Both of these Sesame Street videos really do a great job of showing some of the famous sights of both lands and teaching children some key words in each language and sharing part of their culture and showing the beauty of their people.) And on Sunday afternoon and evening, I visited the Arabic Baptist Church that meets at my church and enjoyed worshipping The Lord together with them. A sweet lady there translated the whole service into English for me. The pastor delivered a convicting message about the cross and the choice we all must make about who we say Jesus is- I agree with Peter; He is The Christ, The Son of the Living God.

      I listened to the English translation of the many songs they sang in Arabic and was encouraged and moved by the words, all of which were very Biblical and many times taken straight from Scripture- I always love hearing that. :-) And one song actually had "Hallelujah" in it, so I could definitely sing that. And I believe the very first song we sang was "How Great Thou Art". I LOVE that hymn- and its subject, of course. How great God is- truly! It was totally awesome praising The Lord Jesus Christ with my brothers and sisters in The Lord, hearing me singing the verses I could recall in English blended with their Arabic. :-) (I tried to sing some of the Arabic words here and there where I could make them out on some songs. They all had a neat beat- it was interesting hearing authentic Egyptian style worship music. Yeah- most all of the church members are from Egypt- so I got to not only walk like an Egyptian, but sing and do church like an Egyptian too. :-)

           And some Egyptian Christians have an incredible walk with The Lord too and that was very encouraging to me to see-and to talk with Mrs. Rola (hope I spelt that right) at length about our testimonies. It was interesting to hear the contrast, with her coming out of the Orthodox Church in Egypt- getting away from rituals and praying to the saints and Mary, but never really truly being directed to Jesus Himself, Who alone gives salvation. It was a vast difference when she came to put her faith in Jesus and follow Him.

           I have sort of the opposite experience, having grown up with parents who love Jesus and learning about Christ at an early age and following in my sister's and brother's footsteps and coming to first trust Jesus as Savior as a young boy, one night after devotions. I still remember being so excited very soon afterwards to tell my younger brother that I was a Christian now and to tell him how he could know Jesus as Savior too. :-) (He came to make that decision at an early age too. :-))

         I told her how it's funny how Christians with my testimony sometimes make this kinda silly talk about wishing we had a more dramatic testimony. Like, if I had been an alcoholic and abusive to my family and a convicted thief and then had gotten saved and seen Jesus deliver me from all those things- then I would really know in a clear-cut way that He had truly saved me. But then Mrs. Rola reminded me that I have a wonderful testimony because God has blessed me with a longer time to know Him and follow Him. And she even said she was jealous of me for that. It was kinda funny to think about some, but of course she's right. It's like sometimes I've wanted to see something dramatic and drastic to really know Christ truly lives in me and has saved me- and then I got reminded that Christ has indeed saved me from all these things- so that I haven't ever been an alcoholic or gotten drunk (I choose not to drink at all- I did have wine at communion at a church once though- didn't realize it was wine at the time though. ;-) And wow- it has a bit of a sting- I could tell that wasn't grape juice. lol) I haven't abused anyone physically or been a convicted thief.

[Though, to be clear, I must admit, I have been guilty of stealing time and other intangible things at times and of being verbally abusive, among so many other sins.] But Jesus loves me and has forgiven me of all of them because I asked Him to do so. I trust His cross has pardoned me from all of them. Jesus died and rose again to give me salvation and I have put my faith in Him and trust that He has done just what He said He would do and given me salvation.

             As this sweet Egyptian-American lady told me, both of us are like the vineyard workers Jesus told a parable about once. (Matthew 20:1-16) I came at the start of the day and she came at the end of the day- but both of us get paid the same thing. :-) Praise God!

             We both shared about how we try to be missionaries where God has put us and share any part of the Word of God that we can and tell people the Good News of Jesus wherever the Holy Spirit gives us opportunities. That was also encouraging to hear- it's good to know and hear of the many God has out in His fields working and sowing the seed. Sometimes we plant the seed, sometimes we water, and sometimes we even get to see the fruit come up- but it's God who gives the growth. (1 Corinthians 3:1-9) The important thing is to be faithful in sharing and let God's Spirit work as He will for the results. Rest assured that every bit of Scripture you can share goes out with a purpose- and God will fulfill that purpose with it. (Isaiah 55:11)

              At both the Arabic church and at the international festival, I thought of the same Bible verse- Revelation 7:9. This beautiful verse speaks of an awesome moment when those of us who know and follow Christ as Savior will stand with Him in a crowd of multitudes that no one can count, which is comprised of some from every tribe, nation, tongue, language and race. What an amazing and beautiful scene- this is a scene of the world as God meant it to be- one people united in Christ and singing His praises for all eternity! And the Paradise Lost in Eden will one day be Paradise Regained in the new Eden- Heaven.

             But even as I consider that scene, while it was a joyous thing to contemplate at the Arabic church with brothers and sisters I know that Jesus has redeemed and will be with me and Him there in Heaven, it was a very sad thing to think of all those peoples from all over the world at the international fair that Jesus also loves and has died and risen for- but who have not yet put their faith in Jesus- and some because they simply have not heard yet. There is still a mission field out there that God the Father has called us all to work. And there is a real Hell and Heaven and those two are the only options for people's eternal destinations. When we have a mission of eternal importance to every human being in the history of the universe, we have a major impetus to get out the Gospel. God is long-suffering and doesn't want to see anyone perish, but for all to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) And He expects us to be faithful and share His message with others. Now, remember- we can't force their hand and make them choose anything. No one has ever been argued or convinced into Heaven by the clever oratory skills of man. (Of which, if he has any- they are all a gift from God to begin with.) It's only The Holy Spirit working in people Who brings them to salvation. But we must be faithful to do our part and leave the results to Him.

"Then He said to His disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask The Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field.' " (Matthew 9:37-38)

(Note: Definitely pray this prayer- and remember that you're part of the answer to your own prayer. If you have put faith in Jesus for salvation, you are a field reaper- so get busy working in the fields.)

              Don't worry about what you will say- God the Holy Spirit will provide you with that. Just ask God for the boldness to speak when He gives you the chance and for the boldness to follow His lead and make the opportunity when the Spirit leads you to someone who may still need to trust Christ.

           And, of course- make sure to live out the talk too. Live the life. Walk as Jesus did. Love God with all you've got, love your neighbors and love your enemies. Pray for them. Do the right thing even when no one else is and no one else is looking- except God. Seek The Lord while He may be found- draw near to Him and He'll draw near to you. Trust Him and trust His promises. Seize the moment and rescue the perishing.

             And remember that your mission field does not have to be some other country you've never been to somewhere- though it certainly can be- but until God directs you to go there, your mission field is right where God has placed you now. Do good now- don't wait for anything; jump right in and share of Jesus right where you are. And pray for God to work and trust that He will do just that.

              Then one day we will see that scene in Heaven come true and all join in bowing down and praising The Lamb who was slain for all the sins of the world- The Lamb who is risen and stands victorious forevermore! Praise The Lord Jesus Christ forever! Lord, You are forever crowned with all crowns. You are Lord, God, Savior, Brother and Lover and Friend. Thank You for Your love that is SO much more than my paltry definition can ever possibly strain to contain. You are Love itself- and because You have first loved us, we love You. Help us to show Your love to everyone so that all peoples may know You too.

Sacred Mountain High (Song)

It’s easy to forget sometimes that even the disciples struggled with doubts, worries and fears. Even though they had the pleasure of basking in the Sonshine on their shoulders, they still didn’t quite get it all. One day Jesus took Peter, James and John and showed that all the poems, prayers and promises they had heard about Him from The Scriptures were true. They took a camping trip to the mountains and had a real rocky mountain high- and a sacred mountain high, when they got an awesome picture of Jesus in all His splendor and glory. This is one experience that helped it all sink in for them and helped them understand just Who it was who called to them, “Follow Me.”

“Sacred Mountain High”
(Parody of “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver)
(Matthew 16:13-20, Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 8:27-9:13, Luke 9:18-36, 2 Peter 1:12-21)
(parody copyright by Nathan Ludwick 2/19/2014)

Jesus polled His disciples- Mark 8:27^th. verse
“Tell Me, Who do they say I AM?” asked The Lord
“The Baptizer John, Elijah, and some say a prophet come again”
“What do you say?”- Pronounced Peter, “He’s Christ The Lord”

An excursion to the mountains- ‘cause Christ wants to go pray
Only goes with James and Peter and John
And the things that He had spoken that they didn’t really catch
They’ll believe at last and this will help them along

It’s called in The Bible- Transfiguration of Christ
A scene of His reigning high and glorified
Foreshadows by the bright light, the luster of His holy light
God is glorified! (all around, yo!)
Sacred mountain high (high up down in Israel)

They climbed a high, tall mountain- and left city crowds below
They saw Jesus’ clothes whiter than you can bleach
17 Matt. says His face just shone with a light just like the sun
Mark and Luke 9, friends, recount the memories

Now He talks on all He’s gonna do with Moses and Elijah
Leaving grace in every step He takes
Disciples are beside themselves to try and understand
Christ’s divinity- how more clear can it be made?

And a cloud surrounds them- rocks their world, alright?
They’re hearing Father’s voice from the sky
Talk from God says, “Listen to My beloved Son Christ”
God is glorified! (all around- whoa!)
Sacred mountain high (high up out in Israel)

Now their eyes are full of wonder but their hearts still know some fear
Bowed down fearfully- Then The Master touches them
When they pry their eyes back open now, it’s just them and Christ The Lord
Now Peter and James and John must ask

Why the law profs. say first must come Eli(jah)
Christ said he came- they didn’t recognize
And just like The Son of Man- He will suffer by their hands in time

God sent Christ to die
For desperadoes- every girl and guy
Christ’s rise obtaining us eternal life
Friend Christ now with candor and everything’s alright!
Got eternal life! (Life in Paradise- yo!)
All through Jesus Christ! (Life and Way and Truth- yo!)
God is glorified! (2 [Two] Peter 1:17 [one seventeen], yo!)
Sacred mountain high (high up out in Israel)
Sacred mountain high (high up out in Israel)
God is glorified! (on high for all time- yo!)

……………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Wedding Reception

We really do live in a wonderful world full of so much life and beauty everywhere. The masterful Creator God has dressed the daffodils with dainty skirts and poured a vividly bright array of colors over the birds of the air. The planets, stars, moons, comets, meteors- even black holes- and all the other inhabitants of the cosmos shimmer with the incandescent light of His glory. “The heavens declare the glory of God.” (as Psalms 19:1 tells us.)
               And out of all of God’s wondrous creations- the majestic mountains, the sandy shining shores on the beaches, the tremendous trees of the forests, the truly amazing animals of the world- who does God make “a little lower than the angels”? (Psalms 8). The clay Playdough figurine and Lego lady were given the breath of life and the flesh combined to make living, human beings, male and female- both made in the image of God. (Genesis 1:27) And while God pronounces all His creations good, on the sixth day, He surveys His creative output and declares it very good. (Genesis 1:31)
               What is man that You should care for him, Lord? Though we’ve done nothing to make ourselves worthy of such extravagant love, You choose to bestow it upon us anyway- and You give it, not in spades, but in hearts. (Psalms 8; Ezekiel 36:26) And were one to compile the number of the grains of sand on those beautiful Caribbean ports in a pile with the Pacific islands’ stores of sands and all the other beaches of the world- the number would still fall far, far, far less than the number of Your thoughts for me- and for every individual individual who has ever or will ever exist. This is a thought too wonderful for me to comprehend- but then, Your thoughts and ways are infinitely higher than mine. (Psalms 139; Isaiah 55:8-9). Yet, You have given me the mind of Christ- which is available to all believers in and followers of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16).
               And You have made all things beautiful in Your time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) And though You made us to be upright, we have gone off in search of many schemes. (Ecclesiastes 7:29) Poison pervaded Your Paradise on Earth, back when our founding father and mother were eating us out of house and home. The lowdown snake in the grass recoiled from his long fall to earth and struck in vengeance with a forked tongue that only gave half the story, if that. But of course, half-truths are still whole lies. Yet even before You had put forth Your words and commanded the nothingness to transform itself into something- You had all these things planned and You already had the Sacrifice for our salvation said and done before anyone else had said and done anything. (Genesis 1-3; Revelation 13:8)
               Then, in the fullness of time, The Divine took on our image and face; Your Greatest Gift encased in flesh- and we beheld His glory. The paradoxical mystery of Grace and humility that ever confounds the wise and learned- The King of Kings became the Suffering Servant. Love marked Your path down a straight and narrow road- the Via Dolorosa- the way of suffering that ended in a crossroads at the side of the highway. You created the off-ramp from the broad way of destruction so that we might cross from death to life by crossing the bridge You made. Though You submitted to its ghastly reign for three days and our punishment You took as Your own for our peace, The Love stronger than death arose again victorious forever. The curse is reversed, the poison cured, and death itself and its minions all eternally defeated. (John 1:1-14, Galatians 4:4, Philippians 2:1-11, Song of Solomon 8:6-7)
                 Though beset with trial, troubles and tribulations, the tried, tested and true path of righteousness is available to all the poor, beleaguered pilgrims- the rotten, ragged ragamuffins who dare to admit their own poverty and meekly accept Your gift that comes through faith. The path may vary in its length for each traveler, but never varies in its route- a Spirit-led journey assured of its celestial end. Though we are hapless fools who doubt, question, berate and betray You before You gently return us to our senses, You remain forever faithful and remind us that You are the One who has always been moving our legs forward e’er since we first stepped on Your path with a willing heart of trust. And even that is Your gift- we boast of nothing but a Love that wilt not let us go. (John 15:5, Romans 11:29, Ephesians 2:8-10, 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, Jude 1:24-25)
               And when at last the faith becomes sight when Your clarion call carries us to Your lovely dwelling place, whether at the last of days or the last of our days, we will bow in Your holy presence, amazed at Your beauty and stunned speechless at Your welcome arms that would even deign to allow us in the midst of Your perfection. But then we recognize the Everlasting Arms that have always held us and even now envelop us all at once, with each having an equal amount of Love embodied and personified, rocking us gently as a baby in a cradle. As we join with the living creatures and angels- cherubim and seraphim; all of ‘em- singing praise to our God who sits on the throne forever, Who alone holds salvation and is forever praised- the brilliance of colors we have never seen bedazzle but pale in comparison to the purest white all of eternity has ever witnessed. And a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language of which we are delighted to be in that number, in robes made white from the blood of The Lamb, wave palm branches before The Lord God- The Only King and forever sing Your praises. You alone are worthy, Lord. Mere feeble words fail miserably to describe the indescribable majesty of Your glory. Lord Jesus, You alone are God. You are King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We will forever sing Your praise.  (Psalms 16:11, Psalms 84:10, Psalms 87, Colossians 1:10-23, Revelation 7:9-17, Revelation 21-22)
                  Help us to ever live it out now. (Matthew 5:14-16, Philippians 2:12-13, 1 Peter 2:9-12).       

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then He said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ He said to me: ‘It is done. I am The Alpha and The Omega, The Beginning and The End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars- their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death. “ (Revelation 21:1-9)

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” (Revelation 22:17)

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of The Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” (Revelation 22:20-21)

 

An Innocent Lamb (song)

I have been wanting to post some of my various creative writings on this blog as well and this will be the start of it. I may eventually do some of those "throwback" days everybody seems to like to do that (or Lateral Lunar Calendar, if you prefer) and post some older material, just to have items organized individually. We'll see. For now, this will be the start. (I have a few others that I feel are appropriate for Easter that I will post as time progresses- including two others that I am considering sort of an Easter suite of sorts.)
       I particularly wanted to post this song since I just heard a sermon at an evening church service tonight about the very incident this song relays. It's a conversation between two men who definitely were not innocent as one explains to the other about the only One who can truly be called an innocent Man. And thankfully, because He has fulfilled all righteousness, we can have His innocence and righteousness imputed to us when we put our faith in Him. :-)

"An Innocent Lamb"
(parody of "An Innocent Man" by Billy Joel)
(parody copyright by Nathan Ludwick 2/6/2014)
(Luke 23:26-43, Isaiah 53, Psalms 16, Psalms 22, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:8)

Some people stay far away from The Law
So there's no chance of them breaking it
Like (The) Beagle Boys they're just all blind guides
And hope that no one sees their stripes

Some people live with no fear of our God
They're an angry heathen prodigal
They will not listen to anyone
'Til nothing is left but their pride

I know you're only protecting yourself
I know you're thinking of nobody else
Come on, I hurt too
'Cause I'm on a cross
Paying up for my wrongs
You've been denying by your own appeal
That God above can do anything
So restore your faith in This Man
Some Pharisees threw insults at Him bold
Teachers, the elders, chief priests looking smug
They're only villains just like you and I

Because we are all in our sins, man
We are all in our sins, man
Oh, yes we are

Some people say they will only believe
The Son of God if He gets off the cross
But what they don't see- prophecy foretells
They heard somebody tell them before
Psalms 16 reads that God won't leave Christ
Instead, He'll raise Him back up from the dead
Psalms 22 says folks will tease and hate
Like what you said to The Lord

I know you don't want to hear what I say
I hope you don't keep turning away
Christ is pinned there and since He'll be revived
He can bring us back to life
When it is done God is through with our sins
'Cause God's own Son's beaten wounds heal us all
Pierced and bruised so we don't have to burn, man

Have fear for God- we're on a cross like Christ
The only difference is that He never sinned
And you know that we stand rightly accused
King of The Jews is an innocent Man
He is an innocent Man
Oh, yes He is
The innocent Lamb

You know you only cut yourself off from Christ
I guess you'd rather be a hater defiant
That's your decision
But I will not blow
Jesus' offer, you know
Our faith- it grants a resurrection from God
So Lord Jesus, I know I'm bad- here's my heart
Think of me when Your kingdom comes in

Well, He's my Hope- He's my miracle cure
And Jesus said today we'll be in Paradise
'Cause He was willing to lay down His life
Although Christ is an Innocent Man

Christ will be risen again
And then I'll live
In Heaven with Him!
Ohh!

............................................

A Word to the Wise (Proverbs 1:1-7) :-)

Just a side note-you may know this already, but I always find it funny when I hear people use that phrase (somewhat) out of context- "Out of the mouths of babes".
      This is a common saying we have in the English vernacular but I wonder how many know that it comes from Psalms 8:2, which Jesus quoted in Matthew 21:16. "Out of the mouths of babes and infants, You have ordained praise." Jesus quoted it to the Pharisees when they were balking at how the kids were saying Hosanna to Him.
Of course, we shouldn't be that surprised that out of children's mouths we hear praise to God, perhaps even ahead of and louder than the adults. After all, as Isaiah 11:6 tells us, a child shall lead them. :-) And as Jesus tells us in Luke 10:21, God The Father has hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children for His good pleasure. Because as 1 Corinthians 1:27-29 says, God uses the vain and weak things of the world to confound the wise and strong. He uses the lowly and despised things of the world- the things that are not- to nullify the things that are- so that no one can boast before Him.
               There are a lot of other ones like this- for instance, do you know where we get the phrase, "A little birdie told me"? Check Ecclesiastes 10:20- "Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say." (That verse may also be the origin of the phrase, "bird on the wing".) What about when you say that someone is the "salt of the earth"? Well, Jesus said that we who are His followers are in fact, the salt of the earth. "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men." (Matthew 5:13) And in Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus gives us a ton of idioms and phrases we use today- "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth."? - That's from Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:20 and Deuteronomy19:21- which Jesus quotes in Matthew 5:38. What about "turn the other cheek"? That's from when Jesus told us not to resist an evil person but rather, if they strike you on the right cheek, turn the other cheek as well. (Matthew 5:39) If someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. (Matthew 5:40)- Wow, someone like that sounds like the kind of guy who would "give you the shirt off his back". If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. (I have to admit I didn't always employ this one at Cross Country practice, but technically I wasn't forced to go those miles; I chose to join the team. But nonetheless, there were some times when I went above and beyond in my high school CC and Track and Field days. :-)) So yeah- don't just do the minimum- "go the extra mile."
     I have tried to compile a list of these somewhere. I will come back to this and add some more as time allows. I mainly mention these for a few reasons. On an educational point, I like to remind people that the majority of idioms and references in the English vernacular and language come from two main sources- Shakespeare and The Bible. :-)  For another point, it's just fun and interesting to me to consider the origin of these phrases. Thirdly, it's a reminder to our culture of the influence of The Bible that is still prevalent whether we realize it or not. It's a good reason why students in school should read The Bible in order to better understand our language. (For the record, I also encourage education in Shakespeare. :-) If it comes down to "To be or not to be", like Hamlet, I'd rather you be both.)
       The most important reason I like to mention these things is because whenever I hear one used, it's a great entry point to share with someone the Biblical origin of the phrase- and why we should get to know The Author if we want to understand the meaning of the phrase and His whole Book better. :-) And of course, God's Word never returns to Him void, but it accomplishes the purpose for which He sent it out. (Isaiah 55:11)
     So don't miss the boat! (Noah's, that is. ;-) Genesis 6-9) Get on the cruise ship that's the real Love Boat- ride with Jesus, the Master and Commander of the seas (Matthew 8:23-27), who has paid our passage through His death and Resurrection- which we receive on faith-and He gets us safely home to Heaven- and it's all through His Love because He is Love. (1 John 4:8) Welcome aboard, it's Love- God's Love. :-)

Relient K- "Collapsible Lung" album review

Relient K- “Collapsible Lung” review

        Let me say a few things to preface this deal. I LOVE Relient K! I have been a fan of this band since its first major label album in 2000 and I still am. I have seen them in concert a couple of times and I’d LOVE to go see them play again. I LOVE all the albums and this one is certainly no exception. In short, I LOVE this album. This is an incredibly honest view of society today, of love and values and perhaps also a reflection of the spiritual journey the lead singer’s been through lately. As a rule, Matt Thiessen has most always written songs based on his own experiences and I would say that may well be what the songs on this album represent.
         In keeping with the last album released, no lyrics are included with the actual CD release. (Bummer- but oh well.) For those who don’t have the benefit of having the physical CD release, let me note a few things that may be of help to know. I know that the band apparently got a lot of outside help on this album in co-writing songs and such. I don’t know how much lyrics were brought in from outside writers or not, but here’s the breakdown according to the CD.
“Don’t Blink” by Matthew Hoopes and Matthew Thiessen
“Boomerang” by Matthew Thiessen, Evan Bogart and Ari Levine
“Lost Boy” by Matthew Thiessen, Greg Wattenberg, Matt Musto, Derek Fuhrman
“If I Could Take You Home” by Matthew Thiessen, Matthew Hoopes, Fernando Garribay
“Can’t Complain” by Matthew Thiessen, Brian Lee and Emily Wright
“Gloria” by Matthew Thiessen, Matthew Hoopes, Tim Pagnotta and Ari Levine
“PTL” by Matthew Thiessen, Caleb Owens and Matt Musto
“Disaster” by Matthew Thiessen
“When You Were My Baby” by Matthew Thiessen, Matthew Hoopes and Caleb Owens
“Sweeter” by Matthew Thiessen and Caleb Owens
“Collapsible Lung” by Matthew Thiessen and Matthew Hoopes

Once again, the band has a joint statement of thanks printed.
“We would like to thank God for the opportunity to make music. We would also like to sincerely thank our friends, families & loved ones, as well as every person involved in the making of this record.”

They still clearly thank God for all He has done and they clearly acknowledge His presence and working in the songs as well. Let me also say this- Relient K is still just a band and they’re just musicians trying to live their lives for Christ. And they sometimes fail as we all do. Thank God for His grace given to us through Jesus! So I don’t know all the details of all their lives and I don’t stand in judgment on them. I’m not going to try to speculate on what may or may not have been or is going on in their lives. I’m just going to try to look for clues in the song lyrics and see what each may be driving at- I could be wrong in my interpretation of course- and I certainly could be reading too much into things- but here are the things I pick up from the “Collapsible Lung” album. (I think it may be easiest to post the lyrics for each song for the purposes of analysis, so that is what I will do with this.)

“Don’t Blink” – I like that this is the first song on the album. I think it kicks things off well and perhaps is a throwback to where we left things at the end of the “Forget and Not Slow Down” album. I view this song as a statement of resolve; a song that makes a declarative statement- to forget and not slow down- but at the same time- don’t blink because you might miss life along the way. I think it’s perhaps also reflective of the singer’s plan to get back to where he was in following God before and trust that His forgiveness and grace will carry him forward once again.
       The lyrics are telling-

“Don't know where to go from here
My thoughts are tangled twisted fears
Been waiting a while now on the dawn
Seems like the sun may never come

I made my way through the darkest night
To the break of day on the other side
For some time the light's been creeping in
Now I'm feeling like I could trust again

You're the only Person who reminds me
Love is beautiful and true
Life is beautiful and new
Oh, You're the only Person who reminds me

Hold on now
Don't you blink or it's gone
I've been terrified of life for way too long
Oh, no now don't you blink or it's gone
In another life who knows what we'd become?

Love is beautiful and true
Life is beautiful and new

Been making plans and drawing maps
I plan to take the righteous path
And hope and pray it leads me back
To all the happiness I had

Been making lists and crossing off
Every kiss that wasn't love
And every word that stretched the truth
Like when she said she loved me
You're the only person who reminds me

Hold on now
Don't you blink or it's gone
I've been terrified of life for way too long
Oh, no now don't you blink or it's gone
In another life who knows what we'd become?

Hold on now
Don't you blink or it's gone
Oh oh oh oh
Oh, no now don't you blink or it's gone
In another life who knows what we'd become?

Love is beautiful and true
Life is beautiful and new

Been making lists and crossing off
Every kiss that wasn't love
And every word that stretched the truth
Like when she said she loved me”

-In the first two paragraphs, it is reminiscent to me of Psalms 23 –
 “I made my way through the darkest night
To the break of day on the other side
For some time the light's been creeping in
Now I'm feeling like I could trust again”
- “Yea though I walk through the valley of shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me. Thy rod and Thy staff- they comfort me.” (Psalms 23:4)
Now, I could be off, but I really think this song (and album) is reflecting on the singer’s attempts to find meaning, peace and security in human relationships (particularly romantic boyfriend/girlfriend relationships)- and finding that even the best of human relationships fails. I think this is a song where he’s coming back to God and finding the incredibly true and hopeful realization that- after everyone else fails and abandons me- “You’re the only Person who reminds me Love is beautiful and true
Life is beautiful and new -Oh, You're the only Person who reminds me.” And of course, Jesus is Love. And He is beautiful and true and new. He’s the only One who can really give us true love and true life. Then we have an exhortation to hold on and not blink- but rather enjoy life because “The Lord giveth and The Lord taketh away- may The Name of The Lord be praised.” (Job 1:21) “In another life, who knows what we’d become?” –I think this line could work either way- possibly a reference to the new eternal life we’ll have with Jesus in Heaven, but also a reference to another life path where we walk with Jesus at the forefront of our relationship- and we could have a much better relationship with Him there in the center.
“Been making plans and drawing maps
I plan to take the righteous path
And hope and pray it leads me back
To all the happiness I had

Been making lists and crossing off
Every kiss that wasn't love
And every word that stretched the truth
Like when she said she loved me”

 

-Love these lines! I think this is where we see the singer’s resolve to “take the righteous path” – the one that leads to life instead of the broad one that leads to death. (See Matthew 7.) And he hopes and prays it will lead him back to all the happiness he had. And because of 1 John 1:9, we know that God is always willing to forgive us and take us back when we truly come to Him in repentance and confess our sins to Him- I think the close relationship with God is “the happiness” the singer had and taking “the righteous path” will definitely lead him back to it. I love that he is also casting off falsehood- including every kiss that wasn’t love and every word that stretched the truth. None of these women that he had shallow relationships with truly loved him- but the God who loved the whole world so much that He gave us Jesus to die on the cross and rise again to pay for our sins- still loves him dearly- and He’s the only One who truly loves him the most.
        So I see this song as a hopeful declaration of resolve- a song of trust in Jesus. :-)

“Boomerang”-  Now from this part of the album forward- this is where many people seem to have so many questions about the intent and meaning of the songs. However, I don’t hear anything sexually explicit or objectionable for that reason in these songs. And here is a key other thing I don’t hear in any of these songs- I don’t hear any of them advocating any of the things we know are wrong in these songs. If anything, they should serve as cautionary tales- just like when we read about King David and his adultery with Bathsheba, which led to his subsequent murder of her husband Uriah. (1 Kings 11) In fact, I would say one of the overriding themes of this album is, “Don’t make the same mistakes that I did- learn from what happened to me and make the right choices.” Look through this whole album and notice how many times the singer indicates that what he was doing was wrong and that he shouldn’t have been doing it (and neither should you.)   With that in mind, let’s look at the rest of the songs.

“Hey, I try to run away
But everywhere I turn, I turn around
And you're right back in my face
And everything you say
I can't get away from you
I just can't escape

Cause you're at my favorite bar
Your hoodie's in my car
The smell of your Chanel 5 won't die hard
Yeah I don't stand a chance
You're hanging with my friends
When I see you again that's when it starts

We break just like it ain't no thing
But we ridin' on a boomerang
Our love is like a rubber band
Snap back, snap back
Here we go again

Snap back, snap back
Here we go again
Snap back, snap back
Here we go again

Hey, already on the way
End up at your place when I should be driving home
Girl what was I thinking
Girl what was I drinking
Trying to tell myself that it can't be wrong

You were at my favorite bar
Your hoodie's in my car
The smell of your Chanel 5 won't die hard
Yeah I don't stand a chance
You're hanging with my friends
When I see you again that's when it starts

We break just like it ain't no thing
But we ridin' on a boomerang
Our love is like a rubber band
Snap back, snap back
Here we go again

Snap back, snap back
Here we go again
Snap back, snap back
Here we go again

We break just like it ain't no thing
But we ridin' on a boomerang
Our love is like a rubber band
Snap back, snap back
Here we go again

We break just like it ain't no thing
But we ridin' on a boomerang
Our love is like a rubber band
Snap back, snap back
Here we go again

We break just like it ain't no thing
But we ridin' on a boomerang
Our love is like a rubber band
Snap back, snap back
Here we go again”

-I think the chorus is the main kicker on this one. When you’re “riding on a boomerang” and your love “is like a rubber band” always snapping back- that’s not a good picture of love. Love is true and faithful. (See 1 Corinthians 13). It always perseveres and never fails.
But let’s be honest- her good looks are alluring. Her perfume- her clothes- everything about her. She’s hanging at the singer’s favorite hang-out with his friends. But then the singer says, “End up at your place when I should be driving home. Girl, what was I thinking? What was I drinking? – Trying to tell myself it can’t be wrong.”
He knows he shouldn’t be doing it- but yet he finds himself drawn in anyway (since “he can’t escape”.) And so he’s giving in- but he’s aware of the situation enough to know that it’s wrong and know that their love that keeps snapping back and forth is not a picture of real love.
(One last caveat on this, since it comes up again and is a sticking point for many Christians- yes, I wish he wasn’t drinking too-in general, I don’t think it’s a good idea. However, Jesus drank wine with His disciples- in fact, his first miracle recorded was turning water into wine. I choose to be a teetotaler myself- but I can’t judge anyone who chooses to imbibe. The Bible doesn’t say it’s wrong to drink alcohol- in fact, it even seems to encourage it in some places. (Proverbs 30 and 1 Timothy 5:23) However, The Bible does says that getting drunk is a sin- Ephesians 5:18.) So drink if you choose to do so- but don’t be a bad example or stumbling block for Christian brothers or unbelievers. And if you don’t believe in drinking- don’t judge those who choose to do so because of their freedom in Christ!) And again- he never advocates drinking in any case- but at least he’s honest enough to say this is the state he was at in the song- and from the context of the songs, he was probably using drinking to help heal the hurt in his heart- again, a hurt that only the Holy Ghost can heal.

“Lost Boy”-

Wow! The title alone evokes metaphorical references. And yes- I certainly have to mention Jesus’ parable of The Prodigal Son in Luke 15. (Remember that this parable comes after Christ’s parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin- and thus, this parable is also sometimes referred to as “The Lost Son”.) I think this is yet another startingly honest admittance- the singer was lost, having strayed off the narrow path. And he needed the Shepherd of our souls to pull him back to the righteous path.

“You had a baby you were seventeen years old
I was on the road trying to make it my home
You had a man but he wasn't no good to ya
I was with women I didn't know

Foot loose, Fancy free
Pretty lady won't you dance with me
'Cause one look from your eyes and
I knew that it was right this time

Before you came around
I couldn't figure out
Where I was going
I was wandering wandering
Wandering around
Before I found my way
I was running like a stray

And I was a lost boy
Just a lost boy
Before you came around

Sweet country baby you were singing at the airport
Raking in tips with the heel of your boot
I must have passed you by a hundred times
Before cupid saw it fit to let me dance with you

Foot loose, fancy free
Pretty lady won't you dance with me
'Cause one look from your eyes and
I knew that it was right this time

Before you came around
I couldn't figure out
Where I was going
I was wandering wandering
Wandering around
Before I found my way
I was running like a stray

And I was a lost boy
Just a lost boy
Before you came around
I was a lost boy
Just a lost boy

Before you came around
I couldn't figure out
Where I was going
I was wandering wandering
Wandering around
Before I found my way
I was running like a stray

And I was a lost boy
Just a lost boy

Before you came around
Before you came around
Before you came around

-Notice again that the singer freely admits he was “with women he didn’t know”. And though perhaps he thought this girl was the one and maybe he truly thought she was the right one, I get the feeling that he was left with disappointment once again. Of course, I also get the feeling that the chorus repeated the last time could be read as a statement to God- a statement of our lostness before He came around and found us. That’s a vulnerable statement to make- but a necessary one in our road to recovery and restoration and reconciliation with God.

“If I Could Take You Home”
-Here we have a song where the singer recounts yet another disappoint in relationships. And it seems like he’s saying though she’s his Katherine, he’ll be her Petruchio and tame her. After all, “if he could take you home”- then things would be different. Perhaps he could try to “be all that she needs”- but is she really all that he needs?


“I hear the words that you're telling me
Taking about all this tragedy
You've got everything
When you're close to me

You're all around
You're surrounding me
Intoxicated by the air you breathe
You've got everything
With me
Oh oh

Like broken pieces of a shattered dream
Or like a movie with a missing scene
You'd like you believe
I'm nothing special

But if I could take you home
If I could take you home
If I could take you home
I'll be all that you need

The trail of broken hearts you left behind
Should send me running girl
But I don't mind
It's not up to me
Where you sleep
oh oh

But you're so good at making casualties
Inflicting pain rather casually
It's easy to see
You'd do it to me
Oh oh

Like broken pieces of a shattered dream
Or like a movie with a missing scene
You'd like to believe
I'm nothing special

But if I could take you home
If I could take you home
If I could take you home
I'll be all that you need

If I could take you home (Oh whoa oh)
If I could take you home (Oh whoa oh)
If I could take you home (Oh whoa oh)
Oh whoa oh
You think I'm nothing special
But if I could take you home (Oh whoa oh)

Oh whoa oh
Oh whoa oh
Oh whoa oh
Oh whoa oh

If I could take you home
If I could take it slow(Oh whoa oh)
If I could let you know
If I could make you see
That I'll be all that you need (Oh whoa oh)
Oh whoa oh

You think I'm nothing special
But If I could take you home
If I could take you home
If I could take you home
I'll be all that you need

If I could take you home (Oh whoa oh)
If I could take it slow (Oh whoa oh)
If I could let you know (Oh whoa oh)
Oh whoa oh
You think I'm nothing special
But If I could take you home (Oh whoa oh)
Oh whoa oh
I'll be all that you need (Oh whoa oh)”

 

-I think it’s worth noting that the singer acknowledges that it’s “not up to him where she sleeps”. He even admits that she “inflicts pain so casually” and “leaves a trail of broken hearts behind her”. And on top of that- “she thinks he’s nothing special”. So why is he so wanting to take her home again? The false bravado and swagger here belies to me both a bit of naivete and some optimism that somehow he can be the one to make it work. Another song that seems destined to end in failure.

“Can’t Complain”

-Now this one is particularly interesting to me. On the surface, it seems to be conveying a Biblical message- and I would definitely agree with that part. “Do everything without complaining or arguing.” (Philippians 2:14) “Don’t worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about itself.” (Jesus in Matthew 6). “Teach us to number the days aright, Lord.” (see Psalms 90:12)
There are a lot of other verses I could mention as well. This is a good, Biblical message in general in itself. However, maybe there’s something deeper past the surface…


“Looking at the cop in the rear view mirror
Probably should have stopped but the crosswalk was clear
I'll just imagine it's a ticket to a Broadway show

Looking at the clouds and they seem kinda funny
Probably gonna rain but my outlook is sunny
I'll just imagine that I'm laying out in Mexico

Cause I know that pleasures gotta come with pain
And I know that things won't always go my way
And I know that life is gonna suck some days

But I can't complain
I can't complain
Every days too short to let it go to waste

Now I can't complain
I can't complain
You gotta treat every day like a holiday

And I'm telling you
That I know some days I'm gonna stumble
And I know the cookie's gonna crumble
And I know that life is gonna suck some days
But I can't complain

Waiting on a never ending train at the crossing
Paying it no mind cause you just keep talking
We'll just imagine it's the good old days and take it slow

Spending Christmas Eve on the floor of the airport
Dying to get back to the people that I care for
Smiling just dreaming about my puppy in my bed back home

Cause I know that pleasures gotta come with pain
And I know that things won't always go my way
And I know that life is gonna suck some days

But I can't complain
I can't complain
Every days too short to let it go to waste

Now I can't complain
I can't complain
You gotta treat every day like a holiday

And I'm telling you
That I know some days I'm gonna stumble
And I know the cookie's gonna crumble
And I know that life is gonna suck some days

If you can't say nothing good
Don't say nothing
If you stop to think you could come up with something
That makes you feel so good when times are rough it's ok

I can't complain
Oh oh oh oh oh
Oh oh oh oh oh
Don't let it go to waste

Now I can't complain
I can't complain
Every days too short to let it go to waste

Now I can't complain
I can't complain
You gotta treat every day like a holiday

And I'm telling you
That I know some days I'm gonna stumble
And I know the cookie's gonna crumble
And I know that life is gonna suck some days
But I can't complain”

-Well, in general it sounds like an optimistic tune to me and I like that. However, it could also be a tone of noncommital acceptance- something that says that things in life are going to just happen- and we can’t do anything about them- so we should just accept things with a shrug and a smile and move on. This amounts to a lackadaisical attitude to me and I don’t think that’s right. Don’t just accept that life has to be the way it is, full of personal failures and relationship disappointments. Jesus can put all of those relationships right! Don’t turn to apathy- turn to Him!
(Also, this song unfortunately uses a word I don’t like to use in that capacity and I’m sure you know which I mean. I wish they hadn’t but I know a number of people don’t find it to be such a bad word- and certainly not nearly on the level of a curse word. I’m not saying that it is- but I am saying that I wish they had used a word like “stink” instead- which conveys the same meaning without possible sexual connotations- of course, perhaps it’s appropriate for this album, in that case.)

“Gloria”
-Relient K showcases its trademark wit in this song. And what a great sense of irony! The word “gloria” itself is used in the title of two classic Christian songs- hymns of praise. (“Gloria in Excelsis Deo” [i.e. Glory to God in the highest] and “Gloria Patri”. [“Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.”] And this Gloria isn’t living up to her name in giving God glory with the way she lives her life, particularly in this relationship.

I never know whatcha
You're keeping me in the dark
You've got your fast moves and
You've got your one two's and
I could never let down my guard

You say you can never do better than me
Aye gloria what's come over ya
Why don't you teach me how to

Why don't you teach me how to love
Why don't you show me what's up
I got the shakes and your my drug
Why don't you teach me how to
Why don't you teach me how to fight
Cause when you're wrong you're always right
You've got a lot of nerve, I've got a lot to learn
Why don't you teach me how to
Why don't you teach me how to love

Telling lies, swatting kisses like their flies
Doing everything I can to survive
Keep me in the cold, raking me over the coals
You either freeze me or burn me alive

Cause You say you can never do better than me
Aye gloria, I'm kinda sore would ya
Why don't you keep me up

Why don't you teach me how to love
Why don't you show me what's up
I got the shakes and your my drug
Why don't you teach me how to
Why don't you teach me how to fight
Cause when you're wrong you're always right
You've got a lot of nerve, I've got a lot to learn
Why don't you teach me how to
Why don't you teach me how to love

I guess it's love, flower petals everywhere
I guess it's love, runnin' fingers through your hair
I guess it's love when you tell me what to wear
I guess it's love when you're goin' through my phone
I guess it's love when I can't go out alone
I guess it's love when you got me feelin' low
Why don't you teach me how to
Why don't you show me how to
Why don't you teach me how to

Why don't you teach me how to love
Why don't you show me what's up
I got the shakes and your my drug
Why don't you teach me how to
Why don't you teach me how to fight
Cause when you're wrong you're always right
You've got a lot of nerve, I've got a lot to learn
Why don't you show me how to
Why don't you teach me how to
Why don't you show me how to
Why don't you teach me how to love”

 

-I think the key to understanding this song is knowing that it’s meant to be sarcastic.

Gloria is “telling lies” and “keeping him in the dark”. Yet “she’s his drug”. So it must be love when she’s controlling and not trusting (going through his phone) and keeping him feeling low. The song at that point is really an antithesis of the picture of love God paints in 1 Corinthians 13.
This song showcases yet another relationship that is definitely not real love.

“PTL”

-Again we have a song title that seems to evoke Christian imagery. “PTL” is a fairly common abbreviation in many Christian denominations for “Praise The Lord”. I kinda wonder if both this and the last song title are meant to be ironic.

“There was a time when I was scared of nothing
Nothing can touch you if you don't look back
I walked away from every good thing that I had

By the time I met you it was 12 past midnight
Told you I'd be the best you never had
You said "Are you serious?"
I said like a heart attack

But it was far too late before I figured it out.
I never meant to be your, I never meant to be your
One night, one mistake.

I never meant to be your part-time lover
Then again I've never been a full-time man
Never thought it'd hurt so bad to see you with another
Guess I'm the fool that ya, ya think I am

I never called you like I know I should of
Thought I could save you for a rainy day
I bet the sun was shining when I let you slip away

But it was far too late before I figured it out
I bet the sun was shining, I never meant to be your
One night, one mistake

I never meant to be your part-time lover
Then again I've never been a full-time man
Never thought it'd hurt so bad to see you with another
Guess I'm the fool that ya, ya think I am

I never meant to be your part-time lover (part-time lover)
Then again I've never been a full-time man
Never thought it'd hurt so bad to see you with another
Guess I'm the fool that ya (Guess I'm the fool that ya)

I never meant to be your part-time lover
Then again I've never been a full-time man
Never thought it'd hurt so bad to see you with another
Guess I'm the fool that ya, ya think I am

I never meant to be your fool
I never meant to be your fool
I walked away from every good thing that I had”

- We can clearly see some of Matt Thiessen’s classic wordplay lyrics in the chorus here. “I never meant to be your part-time lover- Then again I’ve never been a full-time man”….
And then the singer goes on to admit that he guesses “he’s the fool that she thinks he is.” He “never meant to be her one night, one mistake.” And it hurts when he realizes that the relationship is not what he thought it was- it isn’t the committed full time thing he wants, especially when he “sees her with another”. And once again, he notes that he “walked away from every good thing that he had.”
But as David sought the restoration of his relationship with The Lord in Psalms 51 (and received it)- the singer can still walk back to his good relationship with The Lord as well- and of course, “every good thing” and “every perfect gift” comes from above- from The Lord. (as James 1:17 tells us.)

 

 

“Disaster”
-Okay, I don’t know how much more clear the theme can be made than in this title. The singer clearly says that his relationship with this girl “has disaster written all over it.” It’s a very honest confession here in this song.

 

“I was spending all my time falling in love
Should’ve known better, but it's so much fun when I'm with you
And there’s a missing person poster hanging up at the bar
Cause I, I've got a girl
I think we're in love
But oh for how long
It's got disaster written all over
So don't nobody show her
Our horoscope headline- disaster
Written all over it

Oh you didn't no no you didn't
Did you pull out the wires make a man out of me

I'm trying to figure out if life’s worth living without you
Hope I never have to
The stars could align or explode in the sky
Oh disaster

Baby, you look so sexy so what do I do when
We get home from church and the baby
Is in her room sleeping or watching a movie
You get closer to me
Oh this has disaster written all over it

I'm trying to figure out if life’s worth living without you
Hope I never have to
The stars could align or explode in the sky
If I already know about all the things that would bring us down
Then I'd react a bit faster
I'm averting disaster one day at a time

Disaster, disaster, disaster, disaster.

Won't you pull out the wires make a man out of me

I'm trying to figure out if life’s worth living without you
Hope I never have to
It could be disaster if I don't even try
If I already know about all the things that would bring us down
Then I'd react a bit faster
I'm averting disaster one day at a time

Disaster, disaster, disaster, disaster

-So even though the singer and this girl are still going to church, they’re coming home to a baby that may have been born out of wedlock. (That part isn’t exactly clear.) What is clear is that the singer says that the whole thing is a disaster. He’s trying to “avert it by reacting a bit faster”. That way, he can “avert disaster one day at a time”. Interestingly, he says he “spent all his time falling in love”. And once he found this girl, now “there’s a missing person poster hanging up at the bar”. So he goes from drowning his sorrows in beer to drowning his sorrows in a relationship with this girl- and he comes to the conclusion that it’s a disaster. When he’s “trying to figure out if life’s worth living without her” and “hopes he never has to”- I wonder if this line might also be reflective of trying to live life without God- and the answer is that nothing really satisfies without God. In fact, life without God is just a disaster. (see Psalms 32).

“When You Were My Baby”

-We have here a song of lament, where the singer sadly recalls how good things were “when she was his baby”- when he had a good relationship with this girl and everything felt right. I think this song is simply a song of lament for the good relationship he had when things were right with him and his girl and his God.

“I still remember what happened
Yeah, I know right where I was
The sky was looking overcast
On the outskirts of love

That's when you said keep on driving
Although the sun's gonna set
You said you had to see how far we could take this
Yeah, how far we could get

When you were my baby
Whoa-oh
Must've done something to change me
Whoa-oh
Cause nothing ever seemed to faze me
Till tonight
Thinking when you were my baby and the whole wide world was mine

I woke up this morning
Aching for you
Roll over, try to sleep it off
Till late afternoon
They say that it's better
If you love and lost
Maybe if I stay away from you
I'd be better off now

When you were my baby
Whoa-oh
Must've done something to change me
Whoa-oh
Cause nothing ever seemed to faze me
Till tonight
Thinking when you were my baby and the whole wide world was

Spinning around us
Trouble never found us
Wish I had it now
But the whole wide world
It never beams bright and
Never feels as right and
It's killing me tonight just thinking

When you were my baby
Whoa-oh
Must've done something to change me
Whoa-oh
Cause nothing ever seemed to faze me
Till tonight
Thinking when you were my baby the world

When you were my baby
Whoa-oh
Must've done something to change me
Whoa-oh
It never seemed to faze me
Till tonight
Thinking when you were my baby and the whole wide world was”

- I notice that “the whole wide world never beams bright and never feels as right”- when she is no longer the singer’s baby. Back then, “nothing seemed to faze him”, but now he’s having to face life without her. And again, we have a reminder of the emptiness of basing all your happiness and joy on a romantic relationship with a girl. Only God truly satisfies. (Psalms 42).

 

“Sweeter”
-This song really says it pretty well and plainly. The singer sings about this girl that is sweeter than sugar but still leaves a sour taste in your mouth. The problem is- the singer can’t see “the trouble he’s in” with this girl. And once again, we are reminded that a wrong relationship will just bring us heartache in the end.

 

“She looks good in your clothes
Climbing up the staircase
Back to bed you go again
Even when her eyes are closed
Can't keep from staring
Oh, the trouble you got in

She's a memory
She's an apparition,
Fogging up my vision
But I don't pay no mind

She's sweeter than sugar
Till the sun goes down
Don't allow her to sour
Just spit her out
Believe me, she will leave a bad taste in your mouth
Can't drink enough to wash her down

Wonder if she knows
That I know where she goes
When she says she's with her friends
Yeah, everything grows old
Can't try to stop it
All comes to a bitter end
But I don't pay no mind

She's sweeter than sugar
Till the sun goes down
Don't allow her to sour
Just spit her out
Believe me, she'll leave a bad taste in your mouth
Can't drink enough to wash her down
Wash her down

She's a memory
She's an apparition,
Fogging up my vision
But I don't pay no mind

She's sweeter than sugar
Till the sun goes down
Don't allow her to sour
Just spit her out
Believe me, she'll leave a bad taste in your mouth
Can't drink enough to wash her down
Wash her down”

-I think it’s interesting that the singer says “she’s an apparition fogging up my vision”. (Particularly since he makes a specific reference to The Holy Ghost in the following song- perhaps this is a comparison of the girl to another spirit- but here representing an evil spirit, rather than The Holy Spirit. I don’t mean to demonize the girl here, but just to make the comparison regarding the unBiblical relationship.) “Don’t allow her to sour- just spit her out. Believe me, she’ll leave a bad taste in your mouth- Can’t drink enough to wash her down.” Here we have a clear warning from the singer to stay away from such women and such relationships that don’t conform to the rules for sexuality that God set down in His Word. (Again, the drinking issue comes up here, but to be fair- that doesn’t have to refer to alcohol. Even if it does, it’s still true- you can’t drink enough alcohol to wash her down- or to remedy the heart situation.) The phrasing saying “she’ll leave a bad taste in your mouth” also brings to mind this truth from The Bible- “Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man,
but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.” (Proverbs 20:17)


“Collapsible Lung”

-Here we have the conclusion of the matter. This last track on the album echoes the resolve of the first track (“Don’t Blink”). It’s a song of confession asking for God to extend His grace once more again. It’s an acknowledgement of how much we all need God and how nothing else really satisfies without Him.

“Between the miles of open road
I lost sight of what might matter the most
I stumbled into the great unknown and found
That time won't slow down

I'm getting by with my collapsible lung
And it's a good time 100% of the time
And I'm like a ladder with a missing rung
And it's a slow climb headed back to the sky
And I'm feelin' backwards when I'm trying the most
And I hope haven't heard the last words from The Holy Ghost
Cause I think that I'm supposed to be
Well on my way by now

I'll do the twist with my replaceable hips
And turn you right round
Then dip you down to the ground
And now I wanna grow old and rub your tired limbs
And take it easy
Until we wither away
Until we wither away

Between the miles of open road
I lost sight of what might matter the most
I stumbled into the great unknown and found
That time can't slow down

To take a breath and then take it in
To think of places I'll go I haven't been
To pour my heart into everything I've found
Time won't slow down

Feelin' backwards
And I hope haven't heard the last words
No, no, no
Cause I think that I'm supposed to be
Well on my way-eh-eh!
Eh eh!
Wooo'
To pour my heart into everything I found

Between the miles of open road
I lost sight of what might matter the most
I stumbled into the great unknown and found
That time won't slow down

To take a breath and then take it in
To think of places I'll go I haven't been”

 

-“Between the miles of open road”, the singer “stumbled into the great unknown” and “found that time won’t slow down”. Along the way, he “lost sight of what might matter the most”. I think this is a confession of how he fell away from God- from Who really matters the most. He’s “getting by with his collapsible lung”- an acknowledgement of the frailty of human beings. (Psalms 8). And though “it’s a slow climb back to the sky”- back to God- he keeps pressing on, even though he’s “feeling backwards when he’s trying the most”- and he “hopes he hasn’t heard the last words from The Holy Ghost”. He concludes that he “thinks he’s supposed to be well on his way by now.” When he mentions the part about “doing the twist with his replaceable hips”, I think he’s now talking about the image of a relationship he really wants to have- a lifelong commitment of marriage- to have the woman beside him who is his wife, who he can “grow old with and rub her tired limbs”- "until we wither away". (Until death do us part.). He wants “to pour his heart into everything he’s found”, “to take a breath and then take it in” and “to think of places he’ll go he hasn’t been”. I think this works on both the physical level as far as relationships here on Earth go, but also on the spiritual level- to the places he’ll go in his walk with Christ. That’s what really matters the most in both the first place and end place.
- Here then is the crux of the entire album, I think. ”Vanity! Vanity! Everything is vanity! Says the Preacher.” (Ecclesiastes 1:1). Everything is meaningless- without God. “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. ¹⁴ For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)
This whole album is like a musical version of Ecclesiastes in so many ways for me. In the end, the singer is still holding to his faith in God and realizes that the only real satisfaction comes from obeying God and following Him. And I love the honesty of the musical journey that takes us to that point to realize that. Amen! Only Jesus satisfies. :-)

“That’s My Jam”

-And for the deep spiritual meaning of this song…….um, I don’t think there is any. It’s just plain fun! :-)
(Proverbs 12:25, 17:22)

 

“Turn up the record cause the song's just begun
I'm smashing pumpkins like it's November 1
Wish britney'd hit me one more time on the phone
So tired of counting crows with Mr. Jones
My sister hazel knows that it's all for you
Am I a blur or do you sing my song 2?

Ooh ooh ooh summertime
Ooh ooh ooh back in '99
Ooh ooh ooh ooh our first dance
Ooh ooh ooh that's my jam

Jane's addicted and Alice is in chains
U2 like to move me in mysterious ways
We're chasing waterfalls and wonder-walls
My jewel, you were meant for me so save my soul
Add seven Mary three plus 98 degrees
Eve 6 times 311, that's you and me

Ooh ooh ooh summertime
Ooh ooh ooh back in '99
Ooh ooh ooh ooh our first dance
Ooh ooh ooh that's my jam

This blessed union of collective souls
Is the only world we know
This heart-shaped candle box burns for you alone
You outta know

Ooh ooh ooh summertime
Ooh ooh ooh feelin' so sublime
Ooh ooh ooh ooh boy ii man
Ooh ooh ooh my pearl jam

Ooh ooh ooh summertime
Ooh ooh ooh back in '99
Ooh ooh ooh ooh take my hand
Ooh ooh ooh baby, you're my jam”