Last night at the Bible study I go to, Scott played us this song:
I received the lyric sheet and made a strangled sound, trying not to protest too much before I actually heard the song. “Oh no,” I thought, “What have they done to Boston?”
Upon hearing the song, I’m still not quite sure what to think. Is it a good idea to parody songs and make them overtly Christian? I think the Sunday version of Rebecca Black’s Friday proved the opposite. Look it up at your own risk – I refuse to be responsible for your bad choices. I think this makes Christians seem silly. I’m already not a big fan of contemporary worship music (I also find that is makes Christians seem silly most of the time), so the fact that we can’t even write our own music makes it worse. But at the same time, they play the song well (though there’s a bit of power lacking in the vocalist but he hits the notes), and I naturally write parodies all the time, so who am I to judge? When I think of an idea for a parody, I have a lot of trouble stopping myself from writing it … so why not write a Christian parody of a perfectly good song?
I have no real opinion on the matter, to be honest. I can’t sort out exactly what I think.
Some of our classic and well-loved hymns, such as those composed by Martin Luther, were originally German beer-drinking songs whose lyrics were rewritten and used to glorify God. I believe that “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” is such an example. I don’t mind “converting” a worldly tune to God’s glory provided that the tune is good and the new lyrics reflect sound theology, glorify God, and inspire listeners.
Wow, I did not know that! And I guess there’s “What Child Is This” from Greensleeves too. I do prefer classic hymns over contemporary worship music, though, which I think is the main problem I’m having with this and other Christianized versions of (modern) songs. I agree with your last sentence in particular, though. As long as it’s a good song and the new lyrics are sound, as you say, the parody will find a good audience and be inspiring to people, whether I’m one of those people or not. Thanks for your comment!