This week’s song has a twist. It is popular enough that a lot of you will recognize the lyrics. This song definitely raises the question of context.
I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn’t see how every sign pointed straight to you
Every long lost dream lead me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving armsThis much I know is true
That God blessed the broken roadThat led me straight to you
I think about the years I spent just passing through
I’d like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You’ve been there you understand
It’s all part of a grander plan that is coming true
Every long lost dream lead me to where you are
Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you
I would say this is the ultimate Jesus or my girlfriend song. Bless the Broken Road is currently in the top ten on the Country and Contempoary Christian charts. I guess when Rascal Flatts sings it then it’s to his girlfriend, when Selah sings it. You get the picture. Best case its really Arminian. Worst case, and the one I believe, this song has nothing to do with Christianity, but it does have a nice touchy feeling melody line.
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36 year old husband, father, pastor, singer, musician, reader, eater, rider, watcher,
I could hear this at Saddleback during the invitation.
I personally have no problem with such a song if it is played on radio or in a person’s ipod – I don’t think that there’s anything inherently unbiblical in Christians expressing themselves artistically.
I would have a massive problem if this song were sung during corporate worship. It is not a song to or about God or Jesus.
And, of course, country music comes from the depths of hell itself anyway.
It is sad that Christian Music has come to what it currently is.
Personally I listen to the lyrical content.
Point of trivia:
Rascal Flatts is a trio (I think) and one of them (Jay DeMarcus) is a former member of a Christian pop duo known as East to West, who put out two albums, neither of which were all that good. He’s also done some “Christian album” production, including Michael English’s album “Gospel”. ‘Course, Michael English is a whole ‘nother barrel of worms…
I’m against country music, period. As for the issue of “questionable” lyrics, I think that churches ought to pick prayer which references God, at least in context. I think of liturgical traditions which use the versicle and response: “The Lord be with you/And also with you” – I suppose this can be seen as a “Star Wars” prayer, or in the context of the liturgy we realize we’re not referring to the Force by saying “and also with you”. Sorry, I can’t think of any better examples than that, but if anyone understands me and has good ones, they’re welcome to add to my comparison. ULTIMATELY, I would say that we ought not to shy away from the reference to God, because doing so ought to be a delight. Who saved you? God! Who led you to Christ? God! Who are you praising? God!