My Sweet Lord - George Harrison - Should I . . .

[reverbbb]

Should I present My Sweet Lord as a P&W song for Jesus?

I know George was heavily into Hare Krishna at the time. That fact bothers a lot of folks. The basic song sings about "My Lord". It is only the echos that fill in the meaning of a Hare Krishna theme.

I know some folks strongly protest altering historical songs for any reason. Other folks protest changing the meaning of a secular song for a Christian theme. Then there are those folks who feel that this particular song could never have a Christian them because of it's original intended spiritual meaning.

So, I would like to get some opinions of how appropriate it would be to sing this song in a Christain setting with the words altered.



My sweet lord
Hm, my lord
Hm, my lord

I really want to see you
Really want to be with you
Really want to see you lord
But it takes so long, my lord

My sweet lord
Hm, my lord
Hm, my lord

I really want to know you
Really want to go with you
Really want to show you lord
That it won't take long, my lord (hallelujah)

My sweet lord (hallelujah)
Hm, my lord (hallelujah)
My sweet lord (hallelujah)

I really want to see you
Really want to see you
Really want to see you, lord
Really want to see you, lord
But it takes so long, my lord (hallelujah)

My sweet lord (hallelujah)
Hm, my lord (hallelujah)
My, my, my lord (hallelujah)

I really want to know you (hallelujah)
Really want to go with you (hallelujah)
Really want to show you lord (aaah)
That it won't take long, my lord (hallelujah)

Hmm (hallelujah)
My sweet lord (hallelujah)
My, my, lord (hallelujah)

Hm, my lord (hare krishna)
My, my, my lord (hare krishna)
Oh hm, my sweet lord (krishna, krishna)
Oh-uuh-uh (hare hare)

Now, I really want to see you (hare rama)
Really want to be with you (hare rama)
Really want to see you lord (aaah)
But it takes so long, my lord (hallelujah)

Hm, my lord (hallelujah)
My, my, my lord (hare krishna)
My sweet lord (hare krishna)
My sweet lord (krishna krishna)
My lord (hare hare)
Hm, hm (Gurur Brahma)
Hm, hm (Gurur Vishnu)
Hm, hm (Gurur Devo)
Hm, hm (Maheshwara)
My sweet lord (Gurur Sakshaat)
My sweet lord (Parabrahma)
My, my, my lord (Tasmayi Shree)
My, my, my, my lord (Guruve Namah)
My sweet lord (Hare Rama)

[fade:]

(hare krishna)
My sweet lord (hare krishna)
My sweet lord (krishna krishna)
My lord (hare hare

[kewlpack]

It's probably like any other music. It can be "Christianized" (and likely already has been, somewhere). A lot like the songs ML's kids like to play when we jam on Fridays. Example: Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' with Christian lyrics (odd but true!)... etc.

My only caution when converting a song would be that people might be caught up in thinking about the original song and lyrics rather than Christ. Mostly because of how popular the song was and how effective the hook was. They will sing whatever lyrics flash up on the screen, but they only hear the original secular song. :shock:

Still there are those who have never listened to the Beatles (GASP! :!: ) and they would be singing/hearing the song (as the Christianized version) for the first time. So in their hearts it is in fact all about Jesus. :wink:

Funny how that stuff works.

Don't discount the fact that there are some genres of music that don't lend themselves to "praise & worship" all that well while others work wonderfully.

Bro, I would just encourage you (and all of us) to use good judgement when we decide to do this. In the Bible God used many ungodly men/events/situations to bring about his will, to his glory. Perhaps we are doing something like that here. 8)

Blessings.
~A~

[Old Believer]

I'd use a bit of caution here. It might work. But George's intentions were to glorify a Hindu sect, not Christ.

[Micter]

People are gonna sing "Hare Hare" "Krishna Krishna" . I wouldn't do it.

[kewlpack]

oh man - that would be awful! :(

Inadvertently bringing pagan worship through our efforts to praise Jesus - YIKES! Not good.

~A~

[Teleguy]

Tell them it originally was a Phil Specter girl group hit in the sixties, before George got sued (and had to pay) for lifting it.

Wasn't it originally, "He's so Fine," by the Shirelles?

Couldn't be any worse than co-opting a German drinking song for "Silent Night."

[stephen]

Wow. Second thread within a week, that reminded me of this tread over at the TDPRI:

http://www.tdpri.com/viewtopic.php?p=18037&highlight=#18037

I still think Rev. Spanky hit the nail on the head.

As far as some inadvertently singing "hare hare", etc, it may happen, but then again, how many inadvertently sing "jingle bells, batman smells, robin laid an egg!...." Well, ok, I dont inadvertently sing it (hee-hee), but I think that if a lyric sheet is distributed, and you adequately highlight "Holy Father" "Holy Spirit", in place of the hare hare, I dont forsee any inadvertant inversions to the old lyrics. Just my humble opinion.

I used to go to a church that the pastor re-wrote a few tunes:

"Oooh I need Your Love Lord, cause I know its true!
I need You every day Lord, keep my mind on You!

I Love You, cause You Loved me. I love You, cause You Loved me!

I dont need nothin but You Lord, Your all I need, Your all I need!"

Sing it to "Eight Days a Week" by the Beatles.

I've had that song in my head so long now, I have a hard time even remembering the original lyrics.

[Tim Kelly]

I am new to this so here is my input to this topic.

All music is for the glory of God. Satan was the ultimate master of heavenly song. When he fell, he took the gift with him. He still uses that gift and he is behind the ugliness of all human produced music. The psalms tell us to praise God in all we do. That includes changing music that condemns or mocks the true Creator into music that joyfully sings of His holiness and almighty omnipotence.

Before the decision is made on what to do with the song in question, one must sit down a pray and ask the Holy Spirit for discernment. Let the Spirit make the decision on what to do with the song. The Spirit just may want the song to be changed to praise God instead of the false god it presently does. CAUTION and wisdom must be used in the complete process. Look what Morningstar did with “I Want To Hold Your Hand” a few years back.

I hope this helps.

Tim

[ptrallan01]

here goes:

Don't use THIS song!!! I am not against taking secular songs and transforming them for His glory. But this is not a secular song! This is a worship song for another God. This is equivalent, in my humble opinion, to the strange fire that the two priests brought into the tabernacle in Leviticus, they were executed for this.

Please, know that I am not condeming you!!! I have the same issue with a lot of reggae music, much of which is biblically based but misinterpreted and misdirected to worship of Haile Selassie. I originally learned the Psalms from listening to reggae, I can still hear Uroy saying, "Blessed is the man who not walketh in the counsel of the ungodly nor standeth in the way of sinners nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful..."

Nice song and a I understand the sentiment but render to God the things that are God's. This song isn't.

Love
Your Brother

Peter

[kewlpack]

Peter - good insight. I didn't think it through that far. But you are right. Nadab and Abihu did what was abominable in God's sight with the foreign fire... not so different from the sinful practices of the priests of Molech, King Mannasseh, Jezebel & Ahab, etc.

...all of whom/which God abhorred. I don't expect anyone following the Lord back then (or now) would take up any of their practices and "convert them to be 'okay'". These examples are in the Bible to show us what to stay far away from. I expect music offered up to false gods fits right in there. Yikes!

1 Thes 5:22 "abstain from every form [appearance] of evil."

1 Cor 10:28 "But if anyone says to you, "This is meat sacrificed to idols," do not eat it, for the sake of the one who informed you, and for conscience' sake;" - the extended passage is very good on this.

Very good points, Peter. Thanks for bringing this perspective - if not only FOR me! :biggrin:

FWIW: I don't think anyone would think any of us are condemning anyone else. Rather, we are bringing ever-increasing light (the light of Truth) to an issue that many of our brethren get trapped by. So it is great that we can share Scripture and perspectives. Ultimately bring it all before God and ask "what would Jesus do?".

[Dr.Groove]

I dont see why not. All things are possible if you can beleive.

[32203miracle]

Of course you must do what you feel is right as you seek the Lord's guidance but I would simply say that with all the God honoring songs that are available why feel the need to so radically change the words and indeed meaning of a secular song. Let spiritual be spiritual and let the world be the world --- cease trying to marry the two.

Just one mans opinion -- yes I am kinda old school I guess.

[SAguitar]

Sure, why not? Sing it to the Real Lord!

Actually, a lot of the old hymns were written using melodies hacked from some great old drinking songs! And a lot of old folks nowadays still contend that those are the only good ones!

There are many songs of longing, need, temptation, victory, defeat, joy, and of course the blues that can be sung to our Lord. Have ya ever read the Psalms? I have a good friend that plays in a Christian blues band and they are getting the message out! :cool:

[Crunchyriff]

I would say that some songs worship wine wimmin and song...and were converted to Hymns. You know the story.

Let the Spirit of God lead you into all truth.

[sflem1039]

I would not transform this song (or any secular song) and sing it in a praise and worship service. There are way too many beautiful songs written by Christains and inspired by the Holy Spririt to resort to some hybrid of a secular song. Particularly this song which, as someone mentioned, was originally written to prasie a false god. The true God deserves and requires better than this.

In a lighter, setting it may be o.k. as an ice breaker or for fun, but when your intention is to worship God in song, you can do alot better than this.

Just my opinion.

God Bless

[Crunchyriff]

On another note, Harrison always rubbed me the wrong way... can't stand to hear him sing, and his guitar playing wasn't far behind... no offense meant to the departed, just speaking the truth.

[Ravindave_3600]

I am not against taking secular songs and transforming them for His glory. But this is not a secular song! This is a worship song for another God.

I've got to go with Bro. Peter on this one. As a youngster I felt differently, but when something is DEDICATED to an idol, we shouldn't just put a bow on it and say it's for the God of the Universe. He wants to give us new songs for Himself, not just recycle old things.

Last night I was watching Concert for George on PBS (anyone know who was playing slide?). My Sweet Lord was sweet, but so sad, knowing that "Hallelujah" was going to change to H--- K------. I think of it as a sad, dark song for that very reason.

[seagullplayer]

Perhaps this is one of those songs that would work in an outreach setting. Trying to connect with the lost.
But perhaps better left out of a Worship setting in a "normal" Church Service? Trying to connect with God.

(Yes I understand there are lost in a "normal" Church Service)

[wishus]

I am not a fan of re-branding art for the church. Not because I think it's wrong, but because I think the Christians should do better. We should be pushing the envelope in the arts, because we can reach people that way.

I took voice lessons from a guy who was not a Christian. In fact, he was a published author of "new age" self-help books. He made a comment to me one time, "It seems like every time there is a new movement in popular music - hardcore rap, hip-hop, or whatever - a Christian version is not far behind. It's a huge industry." This is how intellectual non-believers view Christian arts - a sanitized rip-off of mainstream pop culture, wrapped into a pretty product for Christians to buy. We can do better!

This particular song would bother me because it was an offering to a false god. I would stay away.

10:27 If an unbeliever invites you to dinner and you want to go, eat whatever is served without asking questions of conscience. 10:28 But if someone says to you, "This is from a sacrifice," do not eat, because of the one who told you and because of conscience-- 10:29 I do not mean yours but the other person's. link (http://www.bible.org/netbible2/index.php?book=1co&chapter=10&verse=27)

[stephen]

10:27 If an unbeliever invites you to dinner and you want to go, eat whatever is served without asking questions of conscience. 10:28 But if someone says to you, "This is from a sacrifice," do not eat, because of the one who told you and because of conscience-- 10:29 I do not mean yours but the other person's. link (http://www.bible.org/netbible2/index.php?book=1co&chapter=10&verse=27)

I think that is an excelent cross-reference in this case. I have to change my opinion now, cause from Peter on, you guys have shown me a different light on this subject.

Roger, on this song in particular, I would like to change my vote to "It could never be a good song to transform into a Christian theme."

[Crunchyriff]

I took voice lessons from a guy who was not a Christian. In fact, he was a published author of "new age" self-help books. He made a comment to me one time, "It seems like every time there is a new movement in popular music - hardcore rap, hip-hop, or whatever - a Christian version is not far behind. It's a huge industry." This is how intellectual non-believers view Christian arts - a sanitized rip-off of mainstream pop culture, wrapped into a pretty product for Christians to buy. We can do better!


wishus...BIG 10-4!

We are supposed to be the HEAD, not the tail. That's one reason why I left the CHR biz in 1997...

[SAguitar]

10:27 If an unbeliever invites you to dinner and you want to go, eat whatever is served without asking questions of conscience. 10:28 But if someone says to you, "This is from a sacrifice," do not eat, because of the one who told you and because of conscience-- 10:29 I do not mean yours but the other person's. link (http://www.bible.org/netbible2/index.php?book=1co&chapter=10&verse=27)

I think that is an excelent cross-reference in this case. I have to change my opinion now, cause from Peter on, you guys have shown me a different light on this subject.

Roger, on this song in particular, I would like to change my vote to "It could never be a good song to transform into a Christian theme."

Yup. I'm changin' my stance, too. Thanks for edifying me, guys! That's one thing I love about this place. I can learn, and change.

Praise on,
Stan

[kewlpack]

:angel ...and the truth shall set you free.

[reverbbb]

This is a very fascinating topic with several great scriptural references. I started my musical consciousness on the Beatles. I eventually learned all their names and who played what in the band. I eventually found out that George was the underdog of the writing team. I have always had a soft heart for the underdog.

Therefore, I began to favor George's songs over the other post-Beatles. All Things Must Past is in my top 5 favorite albums of all time. That album is also where Isn't It A Pitty and My Sweet Lord appears. I must have listened to those songs 10,000 times. At first, I was not aware of George's religeous associations. Even when I heard the words, I must have been extremely niave or in denial.

However, once I began to understand the depth of George's association, I still enjoyed the songs but felt uneasy about the wide gap between his belief's and mine.

This uneasy feeling is the primary reason that I posted this thread. You brothers have helped me sort out many issues surrounding this song. I really appreaciate the feedback and all the perspectives.

[wishus]

I've had a similar experience. I listened to the Grateful Dead a lot in high school and college, and friends and I would jam on their songs whenever we got together.

There was one song, "Friend of the Devil," that we used to play a lot. It never really bothered me, because it was straight from folk tradition, where the devil is a frequent character - just like "Devil went down to Georgia" by Charlie Daniels. It seemed harmless.

However, in the last few years I have really felt convicted that those words - "A friend of the devil is a friend of mine" - are not words that I want to be singing.

[kewlpack]

I'll add that I was a HUGE Iron Maiden fan in the mid-late 80's.

One of my favorite songs back then was "Number of the Beast" :dunno ... primarily because of the guitar tone and riff work. I actually used to tell people that it was a Christian song because it was inspired from Bible passages in Revelation (I was nowhere near God then) - ROFL. What a dufus. :innocent

I left it all behind when I converted to Christ in '91. Bye bye Eddie...

There are times when I still find myself choppin' on that intro riff... I try to avoid even going there though.

Another song that was done by a "Christian" band - Stryper - was "To Hell With The Devil". The lyrics and song are all fine I suppose, but I don't like the "tone" of the title or the chorus (where they sing that line a few times).

It seems wrong to take that attitude toward the devil when "...Michael the Archangel wouldn't even bring accusations against him when arguing over the body of Moses..." I'm not saying we embrace him - NO WAY... but the militant-in-your-face attitude isn't what a Christian is to be known for.

Anyway - just thought of this and jotted it down. :popcorn

[SAguitar]

It is interesting to look back on the journey now and then. There were several (OK, many) musicians that I used to follow closely throughout their careers. You know, bought nearly all of their records, learned and played a lot of their songs. But after 18 years now of being a Christian, when I play some of their music that I used to love, from my present state of mind and heart, it sounds empty and hollow, totally devoid of what I now understand to be real joy.

I can still identify with the Blues, though. IMHO, the Blues still seems to be a music rooted in reality. David wrote a lot of blues songs.

[MrMike]

I hear ya. I used to love Dio and W.A.S.P. and Iron Maiden. Now most of that stuff just gives me the willies.

[SAguitar]

Yeah! It is very interesting how the Holy Spirit works within you to soften your heart and make you more sensitive to truth, and the absence of truth. :cool:

[ptrallan01]

We used to sing a song called goin up to the high places:

We're goin up to the high places
We're goin up to the high places
We're goin up to the high places
to tear the devil's kingdom down

you gotta be strong
you gotta be bold
to tear the devil's kingdom down
we're gonna take back
everything the devil stole
and tear the devil's kingdom down.

Well, that song always bothered me because:

1 the devil didn't steal a thing: we gave it away :oops:

2 Scripture teaches that God will soon trample the devil under our feet (Roman's 16:20) :angel

3 As Kewlpack said if the Archangel Micheal didn't do it (Jude vs 9) maybe we should be careful not to do it as well!!!! :banghead

Peter

[seagullplayer]

We used to sing a song called goin up to the high places:

We're goin up to the high places
We're goin up to the high places
We're goin up to the high places
to tear the devil's kingdom down

you gotta be strong
you gotta be bold
to tear the devil's kingdom down
we're gonna take back
everything the devil stole
and tear the devil's kingdom down.

Well, that song always bothered me because:

1 the devil didn't steal a thing: we gave it away :oops:

2 Scripture teaches that God will soon trample the devil under our feet (Roman's 16:20) :angel

3 As Kewlpack said if the Archangel Micheal didn't do it (Jude vs 9) maybe we should be careful not to do it as well!!!! :banghead

Peter

We have given the "father of lies" enough of our time, we sure don't need to sing about him in Church. I agree Peter, good call.

[Ravindave_3600]

"To Hell With The Devil". The lyrics and song are all fine I suppose, but I don't like the "tone" of the title or the chorus (where they sing that line a few times).

It seems wrong to take that attitude toward the devil when "...Michael the Archangel wouldn't even bring accusations against him when arguing over the body of Moses..." I'm not saying we embrace him - NO WAY... but the militant-in-your-face attitude isn't what a Christian is to be known for.

Anyway - just thought of this and jotted it down. :popcorn

Awhile back I heard on Air1 a "bring it on!" kind of song that talked about how the singer was going to take on Satan. I was amazed at the audacity! Just because we have a Big Brother who will defend us, we shouldn't go around taunting the neighborhood bully.

Let's praise the Lord and let the neighborhood bully worry about HIM!

[SAguitar]

Good advice for sure. :cool:

[prscustom24]

Should I present My Sweet Lord as a P&W song for Jesus?

Uhhh. . . no.

I also would not consider Clapton's Presence of the Lord, even though it would be my choice if forced to choose one of them.

For a more contemplative mood, this seems to work and has room for small acoustic fills: Seeds -- Kathy Mattea. After life has dealt ya a few hands, the lyrics hit home.