We like to think we’re a country where you have freedom of conscience, right? You know, believe what you want to believe. If December fills you with dread because you’re not in lock step with idiots who take every opportunity to remind you that it’s Christmas, and all other holidays are crap because, well, it’s Christmas! And if you don’t understand that from late November to December 25th ’tis the season to think of little else but CHRISTmas, then either get the hell out, or shut the eff up.
Feeling like your own sense of morality, belief in principles that go against the prevailing winds, and desire to solve social problems in the here and now are being squashed by those who idealize words like “Christian” and “Christianity” — but fail to even remotely live a life that reflects those ideals? Tired of the hypocrisies, the sticky ooze of false piety, and the judgmental tone of zealots who would love to nail you to a cross for daring to think differently from them? Well then, welcome to your mix!
“Faithless” Rush Just because you don’t “have faith in faith” (as the lyrics go), doesn’t mean you don’t believe in anything. Love and the hope that people will generally do the right thing, if they can stop seeing each other as competitors and enemies, are ideals that often keep me from sinking deeper into cynicism.
“Dear God” XTC I remember reading a book that said if you’re really angry, you ought to write a letter expressing your anger and then let that letter sit for a good 24 hours. After you’ve had time to vent, re-read the letter and if you still feel the sentiments contained therein reflect the way you feel, you ought to send it to the intended person. It seems Andy Partridge from XTC was pretty pissed off when he wrote this, and, well, can’t say I blame him.
“Human Touch” Bruce Spingsteen I always thought this song would make a good political campaign theme song — if only for the whole theme of “human touch.” It’s got a nice quality that, to quote Bruce, reminds us that “we’re all riders on this train.”
“Imagine” John Lennon There’s not a whole lot I can say about this song other than it still gives me chills (in a good way!) almost every time I listen to it.
“One Tin Soldier” Coven The film “Billy Jack” came out in 1971 and I was in 1st grade. I gotta say, seeing Billy as a Kung Fu-Native American-Do Goodie-Liberalish-Stong-But-Silent-Type on the big screen made me want to take kung fu lessons, live on a reservation, and protect kids, horses, and “freedom schools” against bigoted bullies. Alas, I never quite reached that ideal.
“The Galaxy Song” Monty Python It kind of puts it all into perspective, doesn’t it? 😉
Py Korry
December 14, 2007 at 12:04 amWell the fact that the song is addressed to God (who is presumably listening), one could make the case that Partridge is more of an agnostic than atheist.
"Faithless" isn't as much of a dud in my book as tracks #2 to #5 on Snakes and Arrows. Peart is less strident now than he was when he was penning songs like "Freewill."
Beau
December 14, 2007 at 6:36 amThe discussion at XTC’s site is astoundingly intelligent for the Internet. There’s no consensus view on the song. Some Christians say they skip past it. Some Christians (and some agnostics) see it as a repudiation of one construct of God, leaving open the possibility that some other God might exist. (The song Rook hints at that idea.) Some atheists proudly claim it as their anthem.
I’ve struggled with it at times as one of those people in the middle who believes but thinks the message has been twisted and distorted beyond recognition. It’s a brilliant song and a valid expression of frustration. I maintain that it’s theologically significant. If God is meddling in day-to-day affairs and has “a plan” for all of us, then why in heaven and earth does all this crap happen?
Faithless is OK lyrically, but it’s a dud song. Freewill, perhaps not an atheist’s anthem, is a pretty good theological/philosophical sentiment as well.
J
December 14, 2007 at 7:23 amI once had a lapsed Catholic tell me he didn’t understand how I could have morals at all, being as how I had never been raised with religion, and am an atheist. What a toad. To him, I would answer with the lyrics to Faithless (a song I like, sorry Beau!). And Dear God can bring a tear to my eye, actually. As to whether he’s an atheist, I think you have to believe at some level to be that angry with someone, but boy, he’s tired of the crap here on Earth, huh?
Love the mix. Imagine will send chills, and the Monty Python song is a nice round-about ending. 🙂
Py Korry
December 14, 2007 at 8:04 amWow! I didn’t know the only way you could learn about “good” and “bad” was through the lens of religion? 😉
lalunas
December 14, 2007 at 9:42 pmI am not an atheist, but I know three out of six of those songs. The last song was weird. But some people say atheists are weird and some people say religion is weird. I just say you are weird for liking RUSH. What, what are you going to do, beat me..
jb
December 15, 2007 at 9:27 amI’m an atheist myself, but my house is full of Christmas music every year and I am up to my eyeballs in Jesii and wise men thanks to the The Mrs.’ nativity set collection. But Christmas long ago became so thoroughly secularized that it can be celebrated with scarcely a religious thought.
On that subject, I have heard Emerson Lake and Palmer’s “I Believe in Father Christmas” referred to as the first atheist Christmas carol. “The Christmas we get we deserve.” Sounds about right.
Beau
December 17, 2007 at 10:30 amYeah, I’ve always been irritated with the notion that the religious — particularly Christians — have some sort of monopoly on ethics. Historical and personal experience says otherwise.
The sad thing about Snakes and Arrows is that two of those songs have been released as “singles.” I guess they couldn’t really release the instrumentals, which are terrific. Of the songs with words, I think the first and last are worthy Rush tracks.
Peart’s early Ayn Rand devotion was a little overbearing, sure. Lyrically, I don’t mind “Faithless,” but the delivery is just plodding.
Py Korry
December 17, 2007 at 7:45 pmLove the first and last tracks on Snakes and Arrows! I think those are the two tracks I listen to the most.
Gina
December 18, 2007 at 12:02 amGod how I loves me some Monty Python! I don’t think I will ever forget the animation that goes with this song in the movie!