Blog #27 - The Real Value of Music

It is a crying out of the human condition created by our soul's desire to bond to our one true God.

Being a Christian and a music lover, I've spent my life balancing on the fence between music that is good for my soul and music that seems angry, nihilistic and sometimes evil. I'll admit, I love it all (though I try to avoid the latter). I'd be the first to tell you that your kids should not be listening to a lot of music I consume but I think there is a lot to learn from all music if it's consumed from the right perspective.

In all my years of touring, writing and working at record labels, I have met so many amazing people who are unbelievably talented. Admittedly, many were in it for the pats on the back and free beer but some, the ones who were special, were something else.

With the advent of streaming and digital consumption, there has been a degrading of the value of music. At least the perceived value but we are all struck by a truly great song. Getting to know so many of the songwriters behind my favorite songs, I realized why it is that I don't completely avoid secular music as a Christian.

I'm sure many would be upset at my saying so but the writing of a deeply heartfelt song is evidence of the search for God. It is a crying out of the human condition created by our soul's desire to bond to our one true God. A love song may be written about a women but the love, hurt and/or angst within the words and notes are a longing for a depth that is only there because of a separation from God.

I have always referred to great songwriters as 'searchers'. They're searching for what most Christians have already found. Artists who exist in that space recognize that there is a depth that society largely ignores. It is that depth that drives us to create music that takes the listener to it. It may be a temporary sensation but it's at least a taste of the depth that we as a society have lost over the years due to our increasingly Godless nature.

I've spent my entire life trying to create the "perfect song". Part of the joy of that process is that it's impossible but if you're lucky, you can write something that can create a perfect little moment for an individual. A song with the power to do that can bond you to the listener. It's a momentary realization that we are all connected in this thing called life. That's why God created music, to bond us all to eachother and especially to Him.

Music is used for evil a lot. I've written more than once about how evil the music industry is, however, like everything in this life, music belongs to God. He has used it for His glory when even the writer doesn't intend it for His benefit.

When we move from this life into the presence of God, we will hear what perfect music sounds like. That perfect moment created by that music will be for all and will never end. I can't think of anything better.