Tired of “Tune”less Songs?

Is it just me or are you tired of tuneless songs? They run the gamut of music genres but are especially irritating in hymns and songs of praise and worship. I’m not sure how it became so prevalent. It was probably started by people who wanted to be rock stars but couldn’t hit the notes or were simply tone deaf. I’m not going to just attribute it to rap music because no effort is made to make legitimate songs out of their performances. They found a niche and are making plenty of money from doing their particular thing.
Few songs today have a melody that replays itself over and over in your mind. Too bad there’s nothing around like ABBA today.

The mind-numbing sameness is especially disconcerting in music targeted for the church. Often the words are quite moving when read but to try to sing them with their repetitive and monotonous string of notes is extremely difficult and unsatisfying. Sadly, most of the newer contemporary praise songs fit that description. What happened? Not too long ago some really moving contemporary songs were coming out and were welcomed by those who longed for meaningful worship. Is it possible? Can we bring those real songs back to the forefront?

Bush Turns the Other Cheek

Some things haven’t changed. George W, with a strange mixture of Texan confidence, born again Christianity, and an almost imperceptible tinge of his proper New England family background showing, gave his farewell speech last night. The man, blamed by the world for everything imaginable, reminded us that his administration had kept our country safe from terrorist attacks since 9-11. He did this without the least bit of animosity toward the legion of wild-eyed Bush haters who had hounded him by way of the mainstream media, the internet, and in person. He reminded us that there was a war between Good and Evil. And, Evil has used all its subtle and not so subtle arsenal of weapons against him for the past eight years. Yet, Bush followed the words of Jesus and turned the other cheek.

Bush was loyal to those around him and looked for the best in people. Unfortunately, many did not reciprocate or practice that virtue. Most of his family seemed a little ashamed of his unabashed, “born again,” Christianity. He sought God’s help and, for the most part, seemed to listen to His advice. However, he also listened to advice from people who did not have his best interests at heart. There were other turncoats like Scott McClellan around, and even a Brutus or two. But those who remained loyal to him did so because they saw in him a man with a heart.

Bush may or may not be treated well historically. After all, we know how often history is written or rewritten to advance a particular “cause.” I, however, remain convinced that, like George Washington, he was the right man for the job when America came under attack. I believe that God put him there for such a time as this.