Does anyone else struggle with mainstream music?

[maxdouglas402]

I feel the same way about rap. mainstream music though, are talking about today’s music? or music from the 90’s and farther back?

I’m speaking of today’s music. I started listening to rap with “nelly & the st lunatics” when I was in about 2nd grade and then ended up moving on to listen to “currensy” and “lil boosie,” and didn’t stop listening until about last summer.

Literally never have been able to understand those words the way Cobain pronounces them (or doesn’t).

Oh wait, just looked the lyrics up.

“A mulatto/an albino/a mosquito/my libido”

Yep, that definitely must be what attracted me to the song, those riveting lyrics :hypno::whacky:

hahaha ^^^ I was into Nirvana for a little while, but I’ll admit it was more for the sound and not for the lyrics when listening to them.

Umm… did you read the part where I said I listen to songs in a language I don’t even understand?

I did catch this, and I actually have tried this but it doesn’t work out well. I’ve listened to the spanish radio station but that was short lived. The instrumentals were like polish folk music and my friend told me they’re singing to Chapo Guzman the drug cartel lord.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

I did catch this, and I actually have tried this but it doesn’t work out well. I’ve listened to the spanish radio station but that was short lived. The instrumentals were like polish folk music and my friend told me they’re singing to Chapo Guzman the drug cartel lord.

So? That’s your friend’s interpretation. That doesn’t necessarily mean you should make it yours. There are dozens of other perspectives you can adopt. Heck, you can even make your own.

It takes as much creativity to listen to a song as it is to compose it or sing it.

 

[maxdouglas402]

So? That’s your friend’s interpretation. That doesn’t necessarily mean you should make it yours. There are dozens of other perspectives you can adopt. Heck, you can even make your own.

It takes as much creativity to listen to a song as it is to compose it or sing it.

I believe the philosophy on the second part of what you said.

But often times in lyrics, especially lyrics in mainstream music it’s hard to avoid the facts. My friends who speak spanish tell me that they’re talking to Chapo Guzman the drug lord. When it comes to mainstream music it’s hard to find a song where they don’t talk about sex, weed, being boastful, excessive use of alcohol or other immoral or sometimes even wicked things.

 

[Crescentinus]

I believe the philosophy on the second part of what you said.

But often times in lyrics, especially lyrics in mainstream music it’s hard to avoid the facts. My friends who speak spanish tell me that they’re talking to Chapo Guzman the drug lord. When it comes to mainstream music it’s hard to find a song where they don’t talk about sex, weed, being boastful, excessive use of alcohol or other immoral or sometimes even wicked things.

That is why I don’t go for mainstream anymore.
Just some game music or anime themes tend to be awesome as it is in most cases.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

I believe the philosophy on the second part of what you said.

But often times in lyrics, especially lyrics in mainstream music it’s hard to avoid the facts. My friends who speak spanish tell me that they’re talking to Chapo Guzman the drug lord. When it comes to mainstream music it’s hard to find a song where they don’t talk about sex, weed, being boastful, excessive use of alcohol or other immoral or sometimes even wicked things.

Well that’s fine so long as you know that this is just how you interpret things. If you can’t change, there’s really no harm, no foul so as long as you don’t try to have it trump the perspectives of other people.

 

[AthenaC]

To answer the OP - yes I struggle with mainstream music. Whenever I hear it on the radio, I just can’t get past the horrible quality of mainstream music, both lyrically and musically. When I hear about 98% percent of it, it leads me to the sin of wrath (I want to smash my radio), and the sin of despair (how are people making money producing this garbage while I toil away in an honest profession?).

Anyway, in all seriousness, yes I hear the lyrics, mainly about sex. It doesn’t offend my moral sensibilities, but it does make me . As a horny 15-year-old virgin I thought all the sexy songs were oh so exciting, but as a 30-year-old practicing monogamist (practice makes perfect!) I think all the lyrics focusing on the surface pleasures of sex are missing the point of sex, which has deeper meaning when it’s a part of a deep relationship. Our culture’s focus with regard to sex is completely wrong; such focus is expressed in music, movies, etc. and it is this focus that corrupts the next generation. Please note the way I attempted to phrase this - it’s not the music itself that corrupts people; our entire culture corrupts people, and the music and movies are just an expression of this culture. The other piece of this corrupt culture is the conservative element which is just as focused on the surface of sex - don’t show any skin from shoulder to knee, don’t have sex (end of discussion!), avoid any references to sex or implied sex in music and movies, and by all that is holy if you DO have sex you are permanently tainted and no “good” person will want to marry you. So regardless of whether you consume popular media or you avoid it, you are part of a culture that has the wrong attitude about sex. Thank you, Puritan cultural ancestors.

So, I know that was a bit of a side issue, but my point is that if you see the supposedly objectionable lyrics for what they are (pointless), you have a better chance at identifying the real issue, which is not the lyrics themselves.

 

[maxdouglas402]

To answer the OP - yes I struggle with mainstream music. Whenever I hear it on the radio, I just can’t get past the horrible quality of mainstream music, both lyrically and musically. When I hear about 98% percent of it, it leads me to the sin of wrath (I want to smash my radio), and the sin of despair (how are people making money producing this garbage while I toil away in an honest profession?).

Anyway, in all seriousness, yes I hear the lyrics, mainly about sex. It doesn’t offend my moral sensibilities, but it does make me . As a horny 15-year-old virgin I thought all the sexy songs were oh so exciting, but as a 30-year-old practicing monogamist (practice makes perfect!) I think all the lyrics focusing on the surface pleasures of sex are missing the point of sex, which has deeper meaning when it’s a part of a deep relationship. Our culture’s focus with regard to sex is completely wrong; such focus is expressed in music, movies, etc. and it is this focus that corrupts the next generation. Please note the way I attempted to phrase this - it’s not the music itself that corrupts people; our entire culture corrupts people, and the music and movies are just an expression of this culture. The other piece of this corrupt culture is the conservative element which is just as focused on the surface of sex - don’t show any skin from shoulder to knee, don’t have sex (end of discussion!), avoid any references to sex or implied sex in music and movies, and by all that is holy if you DO have sex you are permanently tainted and no “good” person will want to marry you. So regardless of whether you consume popular media or you avoid it, you are part of a culture that has the wrong attitude about sex. Thank you, Puritan cultural ancestors.

So, I know that was a bit of a side issue, but my point is that if you see the supposedly objectionable lyrics for what they are (pointless), you have a better chance at identifying the real issue, which is not the lyrics themselves.

SIDE TOPIC

:tiphat: i definitely see the transition from culture to media. Or even the other way around in some cases. Often times the famous musicians can be “trend setters” for our country.\

OP- And nowadays for the most part I see these lyrics as being completely pointless. Because even if I can relate to what they say it hurts my feelings because they sing about being sad and hopeless and love lost songs.

 

[Baelor]

A well-formed conscience helps us moderate all our pleasures and activities…How does listening to bad music glorify God? How does it contribute to our personal holiness? This life is all about the latter two things. If God is not glorified and if it doesn’t lead me to Heaven, then it is worthless and should be discarded

I think that distinctions need to be made. When I listen to music while working on a paper or other activity, I am not looking for anything other than music to have in the background, either soothing or energizing, depending on my mood. On the other hand, I love to hear good hymns in Church, for example.

 

[DlandFan06]

I’m speaking of today’s music. I started listening to rap with “nelly & the st lunatics” when I was in about 2nd grade and then ended up moving on to listen to “currensy” and “lil boosie,” and didn’t stop listening until about last summer.

hahaha ^^^ I was into Nirvana for a little while, but I’ll admit it was more for the sound and not for the lyrics when listening to them.

I did catch this, and I actually have tried this but it doesn’t work out well. I’ve listened to the spanish radio station but that was short lived. The instrumentals were like polish folk music and my friend told me they’re singing to Chapo Guzman the drug cartel lord.

Oh ok, gotcha. I struggle with mainstream music too, the musicianship stinks. lol. Nirvana’s a good band. I wouldn’t call it today’s music since grunge isn’t around.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

OP- And nowadays for the most part I see these lyrics as being completely pointless. Because even if I can relate to what they say it hurts my feelings because they sing about being sad and hopeless and love lost songs.

Hurts your feelings? I think maybe you just don’t know how to let the music really flow with your mood and let it out with your thoughts.

As a matter of fact, circumstances in my life right now have led me to doing just that. If you’re really insistent on lyrics, well that’s the beauty of having a song really resonate with your feelings. You don’t have to lash out or snap at people but just let the song do it for you.

 

[maxdouglas402]

Hurts your feelings? I think maybe you just don’t know how to let the music really flow with your mood and let it out with your thoughts.

As a matter of fact, circumstances in my life right now have led me to doing just that. If you’re really insistent on lyrics, well that’s the beauty of having a song really resonate with your feelings. You don’t have to lash out or snap at people but just let the song do it for you.

thats my natural reaction. Although it doesn’t necessarily define their personal life it shows a glimpse of their feelings, and they seem to feel alone and angry. I just don’t want to be letting their imperfections that they sing about be mixed in with my feelings. I feel its polluting my mind as well as making me feel sad (depending on the song it makes me feel sad).

But maybe my perspective is just different than yours

i just saw the link you posted, and even songs like that can get me in somewhat of a “hopeless” mood. I might feel good while listening to the song, thinking to myself subconsciously “i can really relate to this song and what hes saying.” But when the song’s over Im stuck with the feeling of “oh Im the one who actually feels like this.”

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

I just don’t want to be letting their imperfections that they sing about be mixed in with my feelings. I feel its polluting my mind as well as making me feel sad (depending on the song it makes me feel sad).

This is contradictory. Your feelings are already there. There are no imperfections to speak of. You’re either angry/sad/resentful or you’re not. If you’re feeling it, feel it. Don’t bottle it up cuz that’s what’s really going to poison your mind.

More than once, I’ve had happy music play when I’m in a less than savory food. Believe me, the clash of emotions only did that. Clash. It doesn’t help. Never did.

But when the song’s over Im stuck with the feeling of “oh Im the one who actually feels like this.”

And that is wrong… why? If that’s how you feel, if that’s your mood, how is that bad? Why do you NOT want to be honest with how you feel? You don’t need to be Mr. Emotional but seriously, if you’re feel like hating the world and a song agrees with you, what’s wrong with letting it resonate with what’s true? :ehh:

 

[Joe_5859]

Yes of course, that’s what I love so about Beethoven’s 9th - the lyrics! How do the words go again? Oh that’s right - there aren’t any.

And that’s also what I loved about Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit as well - those catchy lyrics. How do those go again? Oh yeah … ‘mumble mumble mumble mumble’. Literally never have been able to understand those words the way Cobain pronounces them (or doesn’t).

Oh wait, just looked the lyrics up.

“A mulatto/an albino/a mosquito/my libido”

Yep, that definitely must be what attracted me to the song, those riveting lyrics :hypno::whacky:

Although I prefer Weird Al’s “Smells Like Nirvana”. (“I still don’t know / what I’m singing!”)

I think different people have different sensitivities to lyrics. I used to pay much more attention to them back when I actually had the time to just sit and listen to a CD while reading the lyrics in the CD booklet. That never happens anymore. Still, for me, bad lyrics can ruin an otherwise good song and good lyrics will make me connect with a song and like it that much more.

 

[AdamP88]

Is it just me or does anyone else struggle with listening to mainstream music? I used to listen to rap music back in the day until by the grace of God I started to understand how much I was polluting my mind. For some time now I have been listening to my favorite church songs on youtube and today I decided to listen to some Johnny Cash. I couldn’t help but notice how hopeless his words seem to be in his lyrics “God’s gonna cut you down” and “Hurt”. I don’t even want to dabble in the old music I used to listen to. I have found some protestant musicians that are pretty good like Bizzle (a rapper) and Elevation Worship but then sometimes the lyrics don’t match up with the church’s teachings.

I know there’s a lot of recommendations but does anyone else feel this way?

I really don’t think this is one to worry too much about. There is music that can be violent or sexy or whatever. But I think, in general it’s ok to listen to downbeat music or music that makes you sad. As long as it’s not all the time. I personally would be a big fan of Coldplay, Keane, Regina Spektor & U2. I also enjoy listening to Eminem occasionally. I think that even though his lyrics can be violent and explicit - there is something of the Lord to be heard in the man (but that’s just me).

I have never really found music to be an area of struggle - what I would say is that if the lyrics of a song are totally blasphemous or sexual - it’s time to delete that song from your iPod.

If you’re looking for some good worship/faith music or just some rock music composed with God in mind here is some that I recommend:

Verbum Dei Family of England
Album - Stand
Available on iTunes

Brooke Fraser
Available on iTunes

Lifehouse
Available on iTunes

Elation Ministries
Not sure if this is on iTunes I think it probably is.

 

[maxdouglas402]

thank you for the references! I’ll check them out

and again maybe it’s just me, but being caught up in my feelings I feel can hinder my faith at times. Of course it can also help me grow spiritually just depending on the issue.

With mainstream music I just see a sorrowful message or I feel sorrowful afterwards thinking to myself either “I feel sorrowful like that song” or even “Im not as joyous as the message in that song.” I just feel 9.9/10 times I interpret mainstream music as not matching up with the message of Jesus.

and again maybe it’s just me and a few others

 

[johnnyjones]

One can listen to whatever they want but why would you want to pump ideas antithetical to Christianity into your brain? I mean if your a devout Catholic and your listening to the Sex Pistols for example your working on serious damage to the soul.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

and again maybe it’s just me, but being caught up in my feelings I feel can hinder my faith at times. Of course it can also help me grow spiritually just depending on the issue.

I think I know what you mean. However, if it’s an issue of getting one’s emotions in check, that’s beyond music now. I should know and I don’t think it makes sense to blame music or stop listening if, in the end, it’s how you handle the feelings that’s the problem.

I just feel 9.9/10 times I interpret mainstream music as not matching up with the message of Jesus.

Baa Baa Black Sheep doesn’t match up with the message of Jesus either. A fair handful of Disney movie songs don’t. Does that mean our childhood should’ve just been full of old hymns?

 

[AdamP88]

thank you for the references! I’ll check them out

and again maybe it’s just me, but being caught up in my feelings I feel can hinder my faith at times. Of course it can also help me grow spiritually just depending on the issue.

With mainstream music I just see a sorrowful message or I feel sorrowful afterwards thinking to myself either “I feel sorrowful like that song” or even “Im not as joyous as the message in that song.” I just feel 9.9/10 times I interpret mainstream music as not matching up with the message of Jesus.

and again maybe it’s just me and a few others

Just in relation to what you say about a sorrowful message - As I mentioned, I listen to quite a lot of Coldplay (a relatively secular band) and find stuff in there that I take into a catholic context. I do think some rock music can be given a catholic meaning or interpretation.

Glad to help with the music references by the way…if anything else comes to mind, I’ll message you.

 

[maxdouglas402]

I forgot about lifehouse they’re awesome! Im sure my sister will like them to and please do message me if you remember any.

I still feel the same way for the most part about mainstream music. But again it’s just one guys perspective.

And is verbum dei latin music? I couldnt find them on youtube

Elation is cool and so is the girl

I dont really see Skillet or Creed as christian bands that much.

And Lecrae is a christian rapper that’s pretty good although I don’t think his message is all that clear sometimes

 

[AdamP88]

Verbum Dei are quite hard to find - I came across them totally by accident

If you want I can use dropbox and send you a bunch of spiritual type music & rock music that is written by spiritual artists…