The Spiritual Quality of Music
Posted by Rene at 12/9/2009 5:43 PM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: December 8 The Beatles Brian Wilson The Beach Boys God Yoko Ono Sean Lennon John Lennon Carl Wilson Jesus Double Fantasy Julian Lennon Revolution Buddy Holly
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: December 8 The Beatles Brian Wilson The Beach Boys God Yoko Ono Sean Lennon John Lennon Carl Wilson Jesus Double Fantasy Julian Lennon Revolution Buddy Holly
I've been thinking about this since yesterday, December 8, of course brought on by the anniversary of John Lennon's murder (as an aside, I've decided to refer to it as the anniversary of his 'murder' not just the anniversary of his 'death'. I mean, why dilute the brutality of it?).
Anyway, I was playing a bunch of Lennon songs and was thinking about his spirituality. I mean, he was a famous contrarian - that is, he said one thing and then did (or said) another at a later date. I think he made that apparent in 'Revolution' when he, alternatively, said we could count him in and count him out (or 'Strawberry Fields Forever' with contradictions galore). Looking back through the years, it would seem that he was not a spiritual man at all, or at least did not have a belief in God but I think that would be incorrect.
First of all, I didn't know John Lennon and do not presume to speak for his spirituality but I can speak for the lyrics he wrote and sang (as I understand them, any way) - especially in his last LP "Double Fantasy." He was still a young man when this was recorded (and when he was murdered) but had many lifetimes of experiences to draw on. However, most people always refer to an even younger Lennon to point out his beliefs in God, the infamous "More Famous Than Jesus" quote. I really believe that he was totally misunderstood in that interview (and the subsequent firestorm), and was seriously dismayed at the Beatles level of fame as compared to Jesus' within the youth and culture as a whole. More people would probably clamor to see them than Jesus, if they had the choice. Possibly a true statement even today.
However, the Beatles collectively (and Lennon, individually) were constantly evolving and changing, not only musically but personally. I think that one should consider this in their evaluation of all humans, we grow and change (or we should be). If you're not growing or changing in some detectable manner, you should sit down and take a look in the mirror - something's wrong. Getting stuck in a rut is the kiss of death. The Beatles never got stuck in a rut because they were in constant movement.
The Beatles were always a positive group, spreading a positive vibe almost exclusively (however, Lennon did say in "I'm So Tired" that Sir Walter Raleigh was a 'stupid get') - they often reminded us listeners that "it's going to be alright." So much so that Yoko titled an album "It's Alright" as a continuation of that positivity.
It's John's positive outlook on life (on "Double Fantasy") that made his murder even more sad. From the very first song, '(Just Like) Starting Over', John's positive outlook and hope for the future is immediately noted. The lyrics to "Clean-Up Time" are looking forward, "now it begins, let it begin." He was ready to move forward - wherever that was. The only sign of negativity (or of marital discord) is "I'm Losing You." John references past actions that have affected Yoko and thus, their marriage.
"Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)" is a simply a masterpiece. From the beginning, with the sound of the ocean, bell, heartbeat bass drum and mouth clicks - it's the perfect love song for a child. The positive outlook on this one is heartbreaking - "every day, in every way, it's getting better and better." The playful "Ocean," "Sean" and "Patient" parts of the bridge. Ending with the spoken words "Good night Sean, see you in the morning." This is the one song that directly mentions prayer, which I don't believe John had ever used in a song before.
One of my favorites is "Watching The Wheels." His total satisfaction with being on the sidelines is refreshing and revealing. He says "I tell them there's no problems, only solutions." I love the Buddy Holly hiccup he uses on these recordings, on this song and the beginning of "Dear Yoko."
"Woman" is another gem. If only for pulling off the rare wordless chorus (yes, I don't consider "well, well" words this time) and no bridge.
Even more notable is one of the bonus tracks on the CD, "Help Me To Help Myself." This gospel-tinged demo speaks of the 'Lord helping those who help themselves' and asking the Lord for help. An interesting song. John Lennon was definitely not afraid to explore whatever subject and musical style he desired. Does any of this mean that he had become more spiritual in his late-thirties? Don't know, probably won't ever know but it's interesting to me.
I've always thought that the miracle of child-birth makes a person suddenly spiritual (on some level). How can you not think about God during the moments after a child is born. Perhaps watching his son grow (which he didn't get to enjoy with Julian) made John Lennon gain a little perspective in his belief of God (or at least a higher power), and those thoughts worked their way into his writing.
It's certainly not theory to presume that musicians (and the people who love music) know that music has a spiritual component to it. When a song connects with you, it's usually not on an intellectual level - it hits you in the heart, sends chills down your spine and makes you stand at attention.
As Carl Wilson said, "...well, the music does have a spiritual quality to it. And it's something that we were aware of when we would do the sessions because you'd hear all the sound coming out and it was just an indescribable thing that it did to the environment. You know, you'd be in a room and you'd hear this noise coming over speakers and you'd be resonating with it. Of course, that's just a basic truth about music is that music is an expression of spirit. And it's a living expression so it has a real people connector because people are spirit."
Thanks for that, Carl. He hit it right on the head (that is a transcript of a clip from the "Hawthorne" CD, by the way). I think he is not only correct but this concept of music as spirit couldn't be just a thing that The Beach Boys understood. During that time (and this one) artists know that their work has a spiritual component to it.
Some Contemporary Christian artists have been able to take their music to another level by acknowledging the inherent spirituality of music (sometimes sounding a little too much like U2 in the process but it's cool). Regardless, they have used music to make church worship a powerful and moving experience simply by using words and music.
I guess what I'm trying to say is this, when we remove the spirit from music, the spirit of life and love, we lose a lot. Some artists have forgotten this. They shouldn't be so concerned with making music for the sake of selling ringtones, they should be more concerned about their legacy as an artist and the music they leave behind.
Anyway, I was playing a bunch of Lennon songs and was thinking about his spirituality. I mean, he was a famous contrarian - that is, he said one thing and then did (or said) another at a later date. I think he made that apparent in 'Revolution' when he, alternatively, said we could count him in and count him out (or 'Strawberry Fields Forever' with contradictions galore). Looking back through the years, it would seem that he was not a spiritual man at all, or at least did not have a belief in God but I think that would be incorrect.
First of all, I didn't know John Lennon and do not presume to speak for his spirituality but I can speak for the lyrics he wrote and sang (as I understand them, any way) - especially in his last LP "Double Fantasy." He was still a young man when this was recorded (and when he was murdered) but had many lifetimes of experiences to draw on. However, most people always refer to an even younger Lennon to point out his beliefs in God, the infamous "More Famous Than Jesus" quote. I really believe that he was totally misunderstood in that interview (and the subsequent firestorm), and was seriously dismayed at the Beatles level of fame as compared to Jesus' within the youth and culture as a whole. More people would probably clamor to see them than Jesus, if they had the choice. Possibly a true statement even today.
However, the Beatles collectively (and Lennon, individually) were constantly evolving and changing, not only musically but personally. I think that one should consider this in their evaluation of all humans, we grow and change (or we should be). If you're not growing or changing in some detectable manner, you should sit down and take a look in the mirror - something's wrong. Getting stuck in a rut is the kiss of death. The Beatles never got stuck in a rut because they were in constant movement.
The Beatles were always a positive group, spreading a positive vibe almost exclusively (however, Lennon did say in "I'm So Tired" that Sir Walter Raleigh was a 'stupid get') - they often reminded us listeners that "it's going to be alright." So much so that Yoko titled an album "It's Alright" as a continuation of that positivity.
It's John's positive outlook on life (on "Double Fantasy") that made his murder even more sad. From the very first song, '(Just Like) Starting Over', John's positive outlook and hope for the future is immediately noted. The lyrics to "Clean-Up Time" are looking forward, "now it begins, let it begin." He was ready to move forward - wherever that was. The only sign of negativity (or of marital discord) is "I'm Losing You." John references past actions that have affected Yoko and thus, their marriage.
"Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)" is a simply a masterpiece. From the beginning, with the sound of the ocean, bell, heartbeat bass drum and mouth clicks - it's the perfect love song for a child. The positive outlook on this one is heartbreaking - "every day, in every way, it's getting better and better." The playful "Ocean," "Sean" and "Patient" parts of the bridge. Ending with the spoken words "Good night Sean, see you in the morning." This is the one song that directly mentions prayer, which I don't believe John had ever used in a song before.
One of my favorites is "Watching The Wheels." His total satisfaction with being on the sidelines is refreshing and revealing. He says "I tell them there's no problems, only solutions." I love the Buddy Holly hiccup he uses on these recordings, on this song and the beginning of "Dear Yoko."
"Woman" is another gem. If only for pulling off the rare wordless chorus (yes, I don't consider "well, well" words this time) and no bridge.
Even more notable is one of the bonus tracks on the CD, "Help Me To Help Myself." This gospel-tinged demo speaks of the 'Lord helping those who help themselves' and asking the Lord for help. An interesting song. John Lennon was definitely not afraid to explore whatever subject and musical style he desired. Does any of this mean that he had become more spiritual in his late-thirties? Don't know, probably won't ever know but it's interesting to me.
I've always thought that the miracle of child-birth makes a person suddenly spiritual (on some level). How can you not think about God during the moments after a child is born. Perhaps watching his son grow (which he didn't get to enjoy with Julian) made John Lennon gain a little perspective in his belief of God (or at least a higher power), and those thoughts worked their way into his writing.
It's certainly not theory to presume that musicians (and the people who love music) know that music has a spiritual component to it. When a song connects with you, it's usually not on an intellectual level - it hits you in the heart, sends chills down your spine and makes you stand at attention.
As Carl Wilson said, "...well, the music does have a spiritual quality to it. And it's something that we were aware of when we would do the sessions because you'd hear all the sound coming out and it was just an indescribable thing that it did to the environment. You know, you'd be in a room and you'd hear this noise coming over speakers and you'd be resonating with it. Of course, that's just a basic truth about music is that music is an expression of spirit. And it's a living expression so it has a real people connector because people are spirit."
Thanks for that, Carl. He hit it right on the head (that is a transcript of a clip from the "Hawthorne" CD, by the way). I think he is not only correct but this concept of music as spirit couldn't be just a thing that The Beach Boys understood. During that time (and this one) artists know that their work has a spiritual component to it.
Some Contemporary Christian artists have been able to take their music to another level by acknowledging the inherent spirituality of music (sometimes sounding a little too much like U2 in the process but it's cool). Regardless, they have used music to make church worship a powerful and moving experience simply by using words and music.
I guess what I'm trying to say is this, when we remove the spirit from music, the spirit of life and love, we lose a lot. Some artists have forgotten this. They shouldn't be so concerned with making music for the sake of selling ringtones, they should be more concerned about their legacy as an artist and the music they leave behind.
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