Junkie Song

I've been fascinated with St. Francis of Assisi since I was a kid, when I first learned of his kindness to animals. If I'd be born in the right time and place, I'm sure my life would be devoted to a religious order that seeks to protect animals.

Francis has some wonderful quotes that reflect an appealing gentleness of spirit. Today I'm thinking of this one:

"O Divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek...

to be understood, as to understand;

to be loved, as to love."

If every single person in the world did this, imagine how quickly peace would settle on us! It means pushing our eyes up from the record of hurt and dashed hopes we keep like an open book in front of us; it means making our bodies still, listening with a calm spirit.

This song is about the frustration felt when surrounded by others' needs, the surrender of acknowledging "I could easily be you."

What am I supposed to do?
There are too many of you
too many of you…
Yet sometimes I look you in the eye
and say that I too am human
I could easily be you…

You know we all hover between apathy and compassion
We fill up all our days with so much distraction
It makes it easier not to see what we don't want to
But we all live here
We all live here
We all live lonely

Rock of Ages

I'm a Quaker. This is often easier than saying, "I'm a Christian" because the C-word has developed a number of negative connotations over the last couple millennium...I'm sure you know what I'm talking about: hatred, bigotry, alienation, unflagging dogma...all those things Jesus didn't like so much, and got in a lot of trouble for avoiding and condemning through his actions. Christianity, in many communities, has become embroiled in owning "right," and making sure others know they are firmly "wrong." I want to separate myself from judgment, focus my energy on loving, make sure I am living, acting, and thinking a manner Jesus would like (I'd hesitate at the idea of guessing my batting average).

As a music and word lover, I've found myself uncomfortable with conventional Christian music. I don't like "Christian-ese," and the more folks talk about Christ, often the less I see of Jesus in their actions (this is not always the case, but far too frequently). As Francis of Assisi said, "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words." When I listen to spiritual music, I want to hear and feel what is really in the hearts of people; I desire authenticity over simplicity, honesty over correctness.

My intention with my "Sunday Song" postings is to share a song that resonates with me as honest and authentic songwriting that acknowledges a higher power...a song that probably won't be heard playing in church.

Kicking it off, a song about feeling ashamed, guilty, and alone. We've all been there, right?

Grant Lee Buffalo- "Rock of Ages" from the album Mighty Joe Moon