So-called Praise Songs

. . . to borrow a phrase from the current U.S. President, #45.

I went to church this morning.  It is not common that so-called Praise Songs (PS) are part of the repertoire in Roman Catholic churches and, to the credit of the musicians this morning, we did not have to hear PS throughout the entire Mass.  However the celebration did not begin well, as we were “welcomed” by the lilting tune and vapid content of a PS introductory song.

I don’t know about you, but in my view, most of what the mainstream news media has to offer is a distraction – that calls us to look elsewhere rather than informing us on the real issues and happenings in our world. I see so-called PS in a similar light – a pious distraction that calls us away from rather than leading us to the rich and challenging message of the Gospel and Christian life.

My first critique of PS is the music.  Often sweet, lilting tunes or, on the other hand, heavy beat-driven rock style.  Irregardless [I know that’s not a word, but it works here 😊] of the lyrics and possible content, it seems that it is primarily the music that matters.  And so words, whose poetry (if there is poetry) obviously does not fit the cadence of the music, are crammed into a musical space that you have to rush through in order to make it fit.  It is also the case that, more often than not, no attention is paid to how the words of the song may, or may not connect with the music.  The final song this morning was one played to a pounding acoustic rock beat.  And to this beat we sang with bravado the words (something like) “In your mercy, lead us to the quiet place beside still waters.”  Really??  It was nicely played rock, but it made me think more about the 10 foot crashing surge stirred up by hurricane Irma, than a quiet place.  No connection! The words and content may be amazing – deeply theological, challenging, or calling us to reflection and mystery.  But if the music makes you rush through or overlook the content, then . . . well, you’ve missed it, haven’t you?  On the other hand, PS love to use sugar-sweet, lilting tunes (the kind of music that I am really not attracted to) attached to whatever the lyric choice might be.  And so images of crucifixion or sacrifice, or calls to justice, or even celebrations of victory and resurrection – all are carried by wispy, often soprano, melodies that leave limp any significance, depth, or spirit in the words. Like eating steak doused with pudding.

My other critique of PS has to do with the lyrics themselves. In the closing song this morning, the refrain – sung multiple times - had repeated phrases instructing God not to forget his promises to us, not to forget his people.  Really?!!? God’s the one who is not to forget? And we are the ones to instruct God??  Isn’t that more our issue – forgetting, failing - rather than God’s? 

Another concern is that a lot of PS lyrics come across more like clichés than serious content.  Christian phrases, or quoted partial biblical texts . . . that tend to lead you nowhere. And the repetition.  The repetition, repetition, repetition - returning to the refrain over and over again, singing all the verses plus the refrain two, three, four times.  BLAH!!  It all adds up to a kind of numbing meaninglessness.  Singing empty phrases repeatedly leaves one with the sense that this really has no purpose or meaning at all.  You’re in church, doing your time, doing your duty.  You can say – “I was in church.” “I even danced and clapped!”  But experience of Mystery, encouragement and instruction for living faithfully? At least in the music - NOT!

Now, to be honest, I have experienced PS that do not fit these critiques.  And the fact that the music creates, perhaps, a more “modern” sense of church and may attract audiences that find more traditional forms out of date and boring – that has value.  In fact, I like modern and more up-beat music.  (And there is some of the traditional and old gospel stuff that make me yawn). And I am one who enjoys joining in, with the clapping and swinging hips.  (There is some amazing music from communities in Latin America that marry beautifully contemporary acoustic music, drums and all, with moving messages of Gospel grace and God’s calling to live and work for justice.)  And so, my purpose here is not simply to criticize.  But my wish and my desire is that the creators of PS  be more theologically attentive and reflective about what they are communicating – musically and verbally; to pay attention to how their music functions and the kind of content and impact it offers the worshiping community.

Selah!