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I want your thoughts on how to handle a lyrical situation!

F

fansor88

Jan 25, 2012
9
0
#1
First, thanks to everyone who took the time to look at this thread so I'll get right to it.
I joined my band about 4 months ago and it's been great, everyone gets along, and I enjoy playing the music. The singer started the band about a year ago and he does a lot of the song writing and all of the lyrics. I'm a proactive but considerate guy so I gradually started getting involved in the writing process. Recently, the singer sent me the lyrics to our new song (this is where I need advice). The lyrics are well-written but they are clearly christian-influenced ideas and it's really obvious rather than subtle.
Now, let me say that I have no problem with people practicing, praying, talking, or singing about their religion. Everyone has their views and I respect that. However, I'm not christian or religious. As part of a band, everything we do musically or lyrically represents us, we pour emotions and personal thoughts into it. I'm really looking for a delicate way to approach the singer and talk to him about it but I think there's really no good way. I want him to be able to express his faith but is it wrong of me to tell him to just tone it down?
I want everyone's thoughts so feel free to say what you'd do, and again I'm not against the religion so please don't make this a "my religion is right" discussion.
ALL I WANT IS TO GROOVE WITH MY BASS!
 
#2
If he's evangelical, then expression of his religion is part of his religion.

If that's the case, I don't think there is anything you can do to make him change. I think you'll be expressing those same religious views by association. If those aren't your views, then it seem the only option is to grin and bear it or quit.
 
#3
How about..oh...

"Man, that's a great tune. I really dig it and I'd love to get started on it right away. I'm not at all sure it's appropriate for a secular environment but let's work it up for everywhere else."
 
#4
I'd say something along the lines of "I think you do a really great job with the lyrics usually and not to say that these are bad but I just feel that they express a viewpoint that I do not share. And I would feel uncomfortable expressing something that I don't personally believe in."
 
#5
Hmmmm... a delicate subject, for sure. But if you're going to be band mates and write together, you both need to feel comfortable with the subject matter you're working on, and with your overall image as a band. If he's got a burning desire to deliver a religious message, then he should go ahead and do that. He just shouldn't do it with you. This is the kind of thing that should be discussed up front, IMO, to make sure you're on the same page, and/or to find common ground between your sensibilities.

I suggest having an honest, if gentle, face to face discussion. Let him know you respect his beliefs and ensure that he respects yours. See if he can set aside the specific religious references and focus on the overall message of what a given song is about. See if the overall message is something you're on board with. Maybe there's a shared vision behind the religious overtones. If not, it's worth finding out now so you don't invest any more time in a project that's not going to suit your sensibilities.
 
#6
I suggest you have a full band meeting and discuss the future direction of the band based on the current lyrics produced by the vocalist.

IMO,IME, no need to go it alone and be singled out as the "bad guy".

Be forewarned, this may break up the band or give reason to resign.

What's your bottom line if everyone agrees with the vocalist?
 
#7
fansor88 said:
First, thanks to everyone who took the time to look at this thread so I'll get right to it.
I joined my band about 4 months ago and it's been great, everyone gets along, and I enjoy playing the music. The singer started the band about a year ago and he does a lot of the song writing and all of the lyrics. I'm a proactive but considerate guy so I gradually started getting involved in the writing process. Recently, the singer sent me the lyrics to our new song (this is where I need advice). The lyrics are well-written but they are clearly christian-influenced ideas and it's really obvious rather than subtle.
Now, let me say that I have no problem with people practicing, praying, talking, or singing about their religion. Everyone has their views and I respect that. However, I'm not christian or religious. As part of a band, everything we do musically or lyrically represents us, we pour emotions and personal thoughts into it. I'm really looking for a delicate way to approach the singer and talk to him about it but I think there's really no good way. I want him to be able to express his faith but is it wrong of me to tell him to just tone it down?
I want everyone's thoughts so feel free to say what you'd do, and again I'm not against the religion so please don't make this a "my religion is right" discussion.
ALL I WANT IS TO GROOVE WITH MY BASS!
Click to expand...

Like you, I'm ok with people practicing their religion etc.
But I don't want that in my music.
I would bring it up gently, and be prepared to quit, without drama.

I auditioned once for am originals band. They didn't tell me it was a band with Christian message in every song until I showed up.
They were nice, enjoyed the session, but I got offered the gig the day after and I had to decline.
It would be the same if the songs were about Shiva.
 
#8
The goals and veiws of the Whole Band should be clear. Find out what that is.
If Its one song, Id say live with it, It could do you some good in the long run. However, If the intent is to move toward Worship/Praise music and your not a Believer, then your in the wrong band.

FWIW There are plenty of bands that are openly Christian whos sound isn't " Church music" but have some songs with Religious content. ( Paramore, Flyleaf, Sent By Ravens)
 
#12
You can have lyrics with a very positive and/or spiritual message without referencing a particular religion. Lots of well known bands have many hit songs with those types of lyrics. Here are just a few off the top of my head. Kansas, U2, Creed, Decemberadio, Dream Theater, Lifehouse, Switchfoot, 3 Doors Down, Collective Soul.
 
#13
I've faced exactly this scenario before.....

As you can see from my sigline, I'm not a believer in any way shape or form. That said, I have played on quite a few tunes that have explicitly religous references built into the lyrics. Some of them quite recently, in fact. My answer to the dilemma is pretty simple, actually:

"You sing it"

That's an accomodation to the group that not everyone would be comfortable with but it works well in my particular situation. The principal writer for my current project is an old-timer like me and we know very well where each other stands on metaphysical matters. We show sincere consideration for each other's beliefs without compromising our own because we honestly respect each other despite our differences in this regard. IME that kind of consideration is extremely rare among the more strident types of evangelicals, and a bit too rare IMHO among the more 'in your face' atheists as well. The music is good, and I'm happy to contribute - in a background role. I simply won't deliver an overtly religious message with my own voice, and he's fine with that

As moral compromises go, I find it little different than gospel groups/singers who will not sing secular love songs, but will perform exactly the same tunes with minor lyrical tweaks that more accurately reflect their own beliefs. I've heard Take 6 do this more than once and I also took a lesson from the Dixie Hummingbirds (IIRC) in how they worked out an acceptable accomodation with Paul Simon for "Loves Me Like a Rock"
 
#15
Thanks everyone for your replies. I knew the matter was delicate and I found out this weekend that the rest of the band members see the same thing so I'm going with the full band meeting approach.
The lyrics are really not preachy and aren't the "I'm alive because God and Jesus showed me light, etc." But they do have semi-subtle references. I figure talking to the singer can really go two ways...he either agrees and tones it down or he completely reveals that the band is christian and will focus on getting that message out.
Anyone else feel like bass players are more level-headed and stable than other band members? Low-enders unite!
 
#16
fansor88 said:
Thanks everyone for your replies. I knew the matter was delicate and I found out this weekend that the rest of the band members see the same thing so I'm going with the full band meeting approach.
The lyrics are really not preachy and aren't the "I'm alive because God and Jesus showed me light, etc." But they do have semi-subtle references. I figure talking to the singer can really go two ways...he either agrees and tones it down or he completely reveals that the band is christian and will focus on getting that message out.
Anyone else feel like bass players are more level-headed and stable than other band members? Low-enders unite!
Click to expand...

dude, what is that supposed to mean?
I'm Christian and I respect others decisions not to believe but I feel I'm a pretty level headed bass player/singer :rollno:

Its good that you've decide to talk about it with him. But if you and your band mates go to talk to him with that kind of 'thought' then it's more of a confrontation.
like some have said, if you dont agree with the lyrics and it affects your desire to play with him, then perhaps its time to move on!
 
#17
Establishing if the band is explicitly meant to be something you don't want to be part of would be good thing.

Personally, I don't see the big deal. It wouldn't bother me unless I was clearly asked to misrepresent myself. IMHO the singer tossing a few subtle religious references isn't a deal breaker.
 

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