Secular Jesus Songs–I Heard an Owl
August 3rd, 2006 | by Scott |I love music and hope to pass that love on to my children. Tracy and I don’t share musical tastes at all, so I try to cram as much in when I’m alone with the girls.
I’ve been fairly vocal that I’m not a big fan of much Contemporary Christian Music. The reasons for that are plentiful. I tend to lean more toward folky-singer/songwriter type stuff. My first criteria for a good song is lyrical.
A lot of the music I like has a social conscience, so spiritual themes abound even if it is not explicity “Christian.”
The other night I was listening to a song by Carrie Newcomer while taking Chloe to basketball practice.
Chloe said, “Daddy, I like this song. Is it a Jesus song?”
I thought about it for a minute and told her that yes, it is a Jesus song. That conversation got me to thinking about the number of songs that have been recorded by secular artists that capture the spirit of Christ, often more profoundly than what is in CCM.
From time to time, I would like to share those songs with you and my thoughts. Take time. Absorb these lyrics. Find this song and download it (it’s available on iTunes and all other sites). It will bless you.
I Heard an Owl
I heard an owl call last night homeless and confused
I stood naked and bewildered By the evil people do
Up upon a hill there is a terrible sign
That tells the story of what darkness waits when we leave the light behind.
Chorus: So, Don’t tell me hate is ever right or God’s will
These are the wheels we put in motion ourselves
The whole world weeps and is weeping still
Though shaken I still believe the best of what we all can be
The only peace this world will know can only come from love.
Verse: I am a voice calling out Across the great divide
I am only one person That feels they have to try
The questions fall like trees or dust Rise like prayers above
But the only word is “Courage” And the only answer “ Love”
Chorus
Light ever candle that you can For we need some light to see
In the face of deepest loss, Treat each other tenderly
The arms of God will gather in Every sparrow that falls
And makes no separation Just fiercely loves us all.
Chorus
Carrie Newcomer 2001
This song resonates within me for I have often tried to reconcile hatred with the designs of God. As if the pithy aphorism to “hate the sin and love the sinner” is sufficient cover to mask my animosity toward those who have been created in His image.
I think many of us harbor hatreds that we have reclassified as something more benign. That way we can continue to harbor our prejudices and our intolerance without confronting the insidious blackness in our hearts.
But that’s not of God. As she sings, “these are the wheels we put in motion ourselves.”
Our propensity for hatred, for de-valuing others causes the world to weep. It is tragic by-product of our fallen state. Children in Lebanon, Darfur, Inner-City America mourn the loss of hope because of a world so torn by hatred.
And so, the only answer is for the church to live the presence of Christ. To be the in-breaking of the Kingdom. No government, no empire, no nation, no administration can be the incarnation of Christ in this fallen world. It is our job.
We must light the candle for we are the light of the world.
We must learn to treat all people with love, tenderness and respect.
We must understand that God loves all people, hoping that all would come to repentance.
In the first verse when she talks about the terrible sign on the hill I can’t help put picture the crucified Savior on Mount Calvary. When we turn our backs on the One all that waits for us is darkness. And hate.
Chloe asks for this song whenever we are in the car together now.
She says, “Daddy, will you play that songs that says “don’t call me hate?”
Of course, I play it for her. My prayer is that no one would ever equate my sweet and precious daughter with the hatred that is far too prevalent among us.
Yes, that’s a Jesus song, honey.
What secular “Jesus” songs have impacted you?
15 Responses to “Secular Jesus Songs–I Heard an Owl”
By jeff on Aug 3, 2006 | Reply
“One” by U2
“Yahweh” by U2
“Jubilee” by Mary Chapin Carpenter
“Casimer Pulaski Day” by Sufjan Stephens
“Letter to God” by Sheryl Crow
By Scott on Aug 3, 2006 | Reply
Jeff, whenever I hear Nanci Griffith’s “It’s a Hard Life” I think of you and our trip to Nashville. You bought her CD on that trip. That song fits.
Great choices.
By John on Aug 3, 2006 | Reply
One for me is “Some Other Town” which really talks about how we tend to turn a blind eye to the problems of others. You can check out the lyrics here
By Mike the Eyeguy on Aug 4, 2006 | Reply
“Gone” by Switchfoot
“I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” U2
Switchfoot is so secular they were even allowed to play on the Benson stage at Harding. Talk about sneaking in under the radar.
By Colleen Schutte on Aug 4, 2006 | Reply
Hey Scott,
I have been checking out your site recently, and I had to respond with a plug for Michael McDermott. I know you appreciate his music, so I know you would understand. He is an amazing talent and has a special gift that he shares in such an honest way. His music has touched my heart and soul… two songs come to mind that he has offered on his myspace site, Pale Light of Mercy and River Mighty River. Both speak for themselves. I think you can find the words to both on his website under the Pauper sky forum.
You have an interesting site, I actually found it through a comment you made on Michael Mcdermott’s site.
Have a great day!
Colleen
By Travis on Aug 4, 2006 | Reply
Patty Griffin: Mother of God, Making Pies (a song about an old lady’s lonliness), and Standing.
Damien Rice: Unplayed Piano, I Remember
Amos Lee: Black River
By Scott on Aug 4, 2006 | Reply
Colleen, I could use tons of Michael McDermott songs. I actually used “Dierdre Dances” in a sermon a couple of weeks ago. Those are great choices, as well.
By the way, you don’t drive a 550 SL do you?
Mike, I could also use a bunch of U2 songs.
Travis, I love Patty Griffin. I can’t stop listening to “Be Careful”
I’m going to listen to all of these other suggestions.
By Colleen on Aug 4, 2006 | Reply
Scott, thanks for responding. “Dierdre Dances” is another great song. No I don’t but I am just…
“doin’ my time
20 miles south of nowhere
pearls and swine
20 miles south of nowhere
yeah me and mine”
U2 is another favorite. I will have to check out some of these others I’m not familiar with.
Slainte
Colleen
By dave turner on Aug 4, 2006 | Reply
cool.
oddly, i was planning on doing the same kind of post today.
i went ahead with that, but i really like the song you posted here. awesome lyrics.
By Carol on Aug 5, 2006 | Reply
Scott,
Why have you & Patrick not met yet??? You like the same music. We haven’t found any CCM we like either.
Bob Dylan “What Can I Do For You?”
“You have given all there is to give.
What can I do for You?
You have given me life to live.
How can I live for You?
Bob Dylan “Every Grain of Sand”
Carol
By Jeff on Aug 5, 2006 | Reply
I definitely remember “It’s a Hard Life” - and Nanci Griffith - and the music store I bought the CD in! I went back to it after I ran the Country Music Half Marathon in Nashville this year!
By MommyHAM on Aug 6, 2006 | Reply
What if She/He’s an Angel - Tommy Shane Steiner(sp?)
Love’s the only House - Martina McBride
I, like you, prefer folky music. I really liked Jewel when she first came out, particularly “Who will Save your Soul?” I love love love all things Jack Johnson, particularly “Where’d all the Good People GO?”
I do like CCM, though, believe it or not?!?! Just gotta dig….I LOVE Jennifer Knapp.
By Scott on Aug 6, 2006 | Reply
Carol, I’d love to meet Patrick. Let’s set something up.
Jeff, I shopped at that Tower records all the time when I lived in Nashville. I think of that trip often.
MommyHam, welcome. I’ll check out those songs. I particularly like Jewel’s “Hands”