Same Words. Same Music. Different Message?
Update: One of my thoughtful readers wrote me the other day wondering about the outcome of my court case. I promise I will let everyone know the verdict as soon as the judge delivers it. It is taking longer than we anticipated, but I am confident we will eventually get what we want. Now, on to today's blog.
I was listening to the Christian music station today during my lunch break when I heard a remake of Los Lonely Boys' smash hit "Heaven." Now, if someone would like to enlighten me on the mechanics of Christian radio, please do so because I’m confused. If the radio station wanted to play the song, why didn’t they do so back when it first became popular? Can they not play a popular, religious-themed song unless it’s been "Christianized" (much like Selah’s remake of Josh Groban’s "You Raise Me Up" or the 1001 remakes of "Lean on Me")? Is the message in the song somehow tainted until it's been given the official Christian stamp of approval? Maybe the Christian radio station just couldn’t allow itself to be associated with a non-Christian group like Los Lonely Boys.
That's Probably It
I can just imagine it: a hundred mothers calling the station to complain. "My son heard that song on your radio station and liked it so much he ran out and bought the CD and there are some questionable lyrics on this album. I mean, just look at the words! 'Te quiero'? Who knows what kind of cuss words those are! Why don’t you guys just get Salvador or somebody to do that song instead? I mean, sheesh, what's wrong with supporting our nice Christian bands? Why are you promoting some godless band on a Christian station?"
Never Mind . . .
No one needs to enlighten me on the mechanics of Christian radio. I think I’ve just answered my own question. I suppose it makes sense, in an odd sort of way. I mean, if I were to tune in and hear Britney Spears singing "Amazing Grace," I'd get a little out of sorts too. Funny thing, though. Back when all the secular music stations played Mercy Me's smash hit "I Can Only Imagine" they didn’t get The Backstreet Boys to remake it in order to "secularize" it. Makes you wonder who’s more accepting of whom.
Questions, comments, concerns?
E-mail them to wscoggins@ninetyandnine.com.
I reserve the right to quote you unless you ask otherwise.
<< Home