"Broken" Songs
You know...like a good "break-up" song...
I really, really, really wanted it to connect. I even added it to my special "Today" playlist where I add all my songs that I am really feeling for "....as long as it is called Today". It is in heavy rotation, on repeat. I've been singing along with it, reciting the words, but...it is not connecting with me. I love the musicality in it, I love the way the song builds and the piano plays, but....but.....something about it....
I guess I wanted it to be one of those "Broken" songs. One of those songs that you write when you have been through something really difficult. When that difficult thing was probably the result of poor decision making. Or when life has just thrown so many unexpected twists or turns that, out of frustration, retaliation comes out in ways we later regret. You know...those "broken" songs when you know that a person has been truly dealt with by God, inwardly. Like, when you were a child and you did something wrong and your mother didn't even have to chastise you, did not have to say a word, because you were already so disappointed in yourself that your own emotions where your own punishment. A "broken" song...when you come to God already crying, begging, pleading, or at-the-end-of-your-rope and you are admitting it.
I so wanted his song to be a "broken" song, but after several listens on repeat...alas, I have decided that it is not. A "broken" song is where one owns the brokenness and it pours out in the words in the music. The music of his song communicated brokenness, but some of the lyrics communicated otherwise. A "broken" song does not say, "please excuse me, because God already has". A "broken" song does not focus on "enemies" that try to highlight our sin. When I hear the line "I thank God for my enemies", it seems to come off like one of those hip hop songs on the radio today about "haters" or "shade".
I understand that we are under grace, that we are accepted by God even when we are rejected by man. I understand that we are accepted by God, not condemned, when we are at our worst. However, I want to hear your brokenness in your music. I want to hear your brokenness in your sermon. I want to hear your brokenness in your art. What was that broken point BEFORE you came into grace and were restored? That's what I wanted to hear.
It wasn't a broken song and I wanted it to be. Perhaps, he intentionally did not want it to be that "kind" of song, and that's fine, but it just reminded me of some good "broken" songs that I have come across over the years.
It is not that I desire us to wallow in despair, I just appreciate when an artist owns and displays their own brokenness and allows themselves to be naked and vulnerable even as they are still working it out with God. You know...like a good "break-up" song...
Staccie Orrico wrote a good "broken" song: Strong Enough
Fred Hammond wrote a good "broken" song: Find A Way
What's up?
First of all, I enjoyed your blog about the song "When The Rocks Hit The Ground". While I feel your thoughts are extremely valid and I can totally understand why you are saying this is not a "broken song" based on your definition, I believe you are missing a very big piece of this song.
In a lot of ways, this song, to me, is a very broken song. You stated, "A "broken" song is where one owns the brokenness and it pours out in the words in the music." There are several lyrics in this song that bespeak brokenness based on your definition. As a matter of fact, the entire vamp depicts brokenness:
"Thought it was over for me (you did not condemn me)
Thought I was counted out.. you loved me
I thought I’d strayed too far (you did not condemn me)
I thought you’d cut me off… you loved me"
What breaks a person more than KNOWING their guilt... yet God bestows grace instead!!! I think the brokenness you are looking for isn't seemingly "forced" upon you by your enemies... as this song speaks of. However, in many ways, I believe that's a deeper kind of brokenness. A public display of my guilt, my brokenness, and also, God's grace.
The beauty of the story of the woman found in adultery that he parallels in the song is that her guilt is brought before Jesus. She knew she was guilty.... probably more so than anyone there accusing her. She knew she rightfully deserved death. Yet, Jesus immediately bestows grace on her and tells her to go and sin no more. Had her enemies not caught her and brought her before Jesus, she may have never discovered the redemptive power of the Grace of God!!!! That is the beauty in this song. It doesn't keep her in her brokenness!!!
God never desires us to stay "broken". He can immediately restore and move us forward in the purpose to which he has called us. PEOPLE want us to wallow in our brokenness.... Not God. Be broken.... YES... however that has to happen... via private revelation or public exposure. Either way, brokenness occurs, guilt is acknowledged, and forgiveness and grace is bestowed.
I believe true deliverance and restoration isn't achieved primarily through the brokenness, but more so through the revelation of God grace and unmerited favor!!! I believe that is what this song so vividly and successfully depicts. I commend Tye for writing a song that speaks to both brokenness AND grace!!
Just my humble opinion. I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts.
Love you girl!!
April
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April,
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