Patriotic Songs in Gospel Concerts
A couple of weeks ago, we discussed the purpose of a Gospel concert. There were many good answers, from a variety of viewpoints. I promised to share my own answer in a post which depended on that question.
I believe the purpose of a Gospel concert is to present Gospel truth through song, to draw the listeners closer to the Lord—the unsaved to salvation and the saved to a deeper, closer walk with the Lord.
Do patriotic songs help accomplish the purpose of a Gospel concert?
Don’t misunderstand me: Asking this question doesn’t make me against patriotism. Patriotic songs have their place. I’ve gone to a decent number of Veterans’ Day parades and Memorial Day ceremonies, and the national anthem belongs there. I get a chill down my spine when Taps is played, and it’s not from the cold weather. Nobody is out to ban patriotic songs; the question is whether their place is at a Gospel concert.
That, of course, depends on the purpose of a Gospel concert. If it’s to provide clean entertainment, or, as one commenter wittily put it, sell records, perhaps it fits. At least it will bring the audience to its feet; most any audience will rise in respect to the flag, even if that’s the only time they stand all night.
But if the purpose is to point people to the cross, is including what one industry type described to me as “the big flag-waving moment” a detour and distraction?
Comment by Paul (November 20, 2008, 8:04 am)
I feel a good pratiotic song COULD help point someone to the cross…I think there are many factors though.
Comment by Daniel J. Mount (November 20, 2008, 8:13 am)
Good morning, Paul!
Thanks for giving me an opening to say one more thing I wanted to include, but didn’t want to take my original post in too many different directions.
Some patriotic songs - frankly, the ones that sometimes bug me - are songs that start off with a Christian first verse, and then get to a big flag-waving patriotic second verse. But, like you mentioned, there are some that use patriotism to point people to the Cross. And I think those songs are entirely appropriate in a Gospel concert.
Two specific examples:
(1) Statue of Liberty
This starts with talking about the Statue of Liberty, but the second verse is the Cross. The punch line: “Oh, the Cross is my statue of Liberty!”
It’s definitely a classic from the pen of Neil Enloe. It’s a patriotic song, but it’s also a Gospel song in the highest sense. It does what’s necessary to catch your attention—and then it clearly points you to the Cross.
(2) Let Freedom Ring.
This Gaither classic starts with talking about the human yearning for freedom. Then it recognizes sacrifices men have made to try to win freedom:
“Some have walked through fire and flood to find a place of freedom
And some faced hell itself for freedom’s dream
Let freedom ring wherever minds know what it means to be in chains…”
And then - and, for me, then is the key - the musical climax of the song comes, and the focus is squarely on the Cross:
“God built freedom into every fiber of creation
And He meant for us to all be free and whole
Oh, but when my Lord bought freedom with the blood of His redemption
His cross stamped pardon on my very soul”
Comment by Paul (November 20, 2008, 8:25 am)
What do you think of “Truth is Marching On?”
Comment by Daniel J. Mount (November 20, 2008, 8:28 am)
I’ve viewed the song as more an apologetics song (defending the faith) than a patriotic song. I’d be curious to hear the case for it being a patriotic song.
For any onlookers to this conversation, here are the lyrics:
http://www.lyricstime.com/legacy-five-truth-is-marching-on-lyrics.html
Comment by Keith (November 20, 2008, 9:20 am)
What are some of the “songs that start off with a Christian first verse, and then get to a big flag-waving patriotic second verse”? I’ve usually noticed it being the other way around. Start off with a patriotic theme in the first verse and then transition into a play on patriotic terminology to drive home a message about the cross, the blood, sacrifice, or something like that. Some examples in addition to the two you mentioned would the Cathedrals’ “Scars and Stripes” and the Mullins “Overlooking Freedom”. Maybe I have heard the inverse of that form, but I can’t think of a specific song.
Comment by Paul (November 20, 2008, 11:08 am)
Regarding #4…I guess you’re right. I sometimes think of it as patriotic because it makes me think of the “Battle Hymn.”
Comment by Paul (November 20, 2008, 11:09 am)
#5…I agree, I have sung songs that start patriotic and then switch to a Christian theme…such as “The Statue of Liberty.”
Comment by Inquirer (November 20, 2008, 1:07 pm)
Harkening back to an earlier discussion we were involved in, Daniel, “Statue of Liberty” is indeed a true gospel song, and one of the best ever at that.
I say this because even though it draws on a secular motif(a symbol of our nation), that motif is used as an analogy to drive home the song’s main point, i.e., the Cross is a symbol of the source of our Christian faith…which is the sole means for man’s ultimate liberation and salvation.
“Let Freedom Ring” is quite similar. Both Neil Enloe and Bill Gaither are skilled wordsmiths with a unique skill in drawing creative analogies to illustrate their messages.
“Truth Is Marching On” is, as you point out, more a song about the faith itself than one drawing on a patriotic motif.
I confess, though, that I’m not aware of any songs that start with a Christian motif and then shift gears into a patriotic theme. Got any examples of those?:-)
Comment by Steven (November 20, 2008, 1:30 pm)
I really don’t like just out and out general patriotic songs at concerts. Now maybe saluting the flag or a patriotic number pre concert or for something special thats fine.
However, it seems as if some groups use patriotic songs just to get the audience to rise, shed a tear, and think “wow these boys are patriotic”.
Songs like let freedom ring ect really bring home a great point and i’ve always enjoyed them sung in concerts.
Now truth is marching on has a great message, but i think it gets lost when the whole “glory, glory hallelujah” part hits..because thats when the audience stands and puts their hand over their heart for the next few minutes.
Comment by Grigs (November 20, 2008, 1:31 pm)
I’ve seen more than one third rate group do a patriotic song and it was the only way they had any hope of a standing ovation.
Daniel, I can’t think of an example of a song that starts as Gospel, then turns into flag waving.
Comment by Daniel J. Mount (November 20, 2008, 1:35 pm)
I know I’ve heard some, on the radio if nothing else (and yes, probably by those third rate groups…) I will try to think of a specific one or two.
A good number of songs are patriotic all the way through, or end with the cross, but there are some that don’t.
Ah, I just thought of an example. “Battle Hymn of the Republic” starts with a martial / patriotic theme, then shifts to Christ’s coming and judgment, then back to the martial / patriotic theme. Here’s the verse most groups end with:
“In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free,
While God is marching on. ”
Sometimes they change the last die to live, though.
Comment by MattPaasch (November 20, 2008, 2:21 pm)
I really like the songs that are patriotic in nature that have a gospel message twist…
Another example would be, “He Took The Hill” by Gold City. Whew! What a song!
In concert, I like patriotic songs when they fit into the program. However, here in the Ozarks, it’s not easy to find music performer (especially in Branson) not singing at least one patriotic song. I guess it’s just part of our nature here!
Comment by Martha (November 20, 2008, 4:20 pm)
I have absolutely no problem with patriotic songs at Gospel concerts. And, although the purpose of Gospel concert very well might be to “point people to the cross” you have to keep in mind that a large portion of those who attend the concerts have ALREADY been “pointed to the cross” and go to be uplifted—and also for enjoyment.
Comment by John the cynic (November 20, 2008, 8:00 pm)
I don’t care for patriotic songs in a gospel concert. There are a few exceptions such as the aforementioned “Statue of Liberty”, but generally I don’t care for them. I got so tired of the Florida Boys “Declaration of Dependence” . . . almost as much as OWAS.
If a promoter chooses to open a concert with a simple version of the Star Spangled Banner or perhaps the Pledge of Allegiance, I’m fine with that. That’s the prerogative of the promoter.
However, I am quite cynical when a group begins an overtly patriotic song which all but demands that the audience stand in appreciation. If I don’t want to stand, then I’m branded as unpatriotic. It’s the gospel music equivilent of the question “Are you still beating your wife?”
I equate it with the words “Give Jesus a hand!” Is the group being truly patriotic, or are they looking for a way to work the crowd?
Comment by Janet (November 20, 2008, 11:50 pm)
To Inquirer #8:
I do believe that Gloria, not Bill, penned the words to “Let Freedom Ring.” And, yes, she is quite the poet. I still get goosebumps every time I listen to that song.
As to Daniel’s original question…conversely, does the singing of “God Bless America” during the 7th inning stretch - every night - diminish the song? Just a thought…
Comment by David Bruce Murray (November 21, 2008, 12:29 am)
“I believe the purpose of a Gospel concert is to present Gospel truth through song, to draw the listeners closer to the Lord—the unsaved to salvation and the saved to a deeper, closer walk with the Lord.”
Do you draw any distinctions between a ticketed Gospel concert’s purpose and a non-ticketed Gospel concert’s purpose?
Comment by Donna (November 21, 2008, 6:39 am)
The reason I like Patriotic songs at a gospel concert is that it reminds me to be grateful that I live in a country where I can worship as I please. In fact, I went to a Triumphant Quartet concert last night, and they ended with a patriotic song. It was very appropriate.
Comment by Daniel J. Mount (November 21, 2008, 7:06 am)
#16 - No, not really.
Comment by Inquirer (November 21, 2008, 12:46 pm)
Yes, Janet(#15), you’re correct that Gloria did write the lyrics to “Let Freedom Ring”.
But surely you won’t disagree that both Bill AND Gloria(as former English teachers)are BOTH superlative wordsmiths, as is Neil Enloe(”Statue of Liberty” composer).
Comment by Quaid (November 21, 2008, 8:30 pm)
“I Love This Land” starts out wholly patriotic with this line: “There’s a man who lives beside me who fought in World War Two.” who salutes the flag everyday.
The chorus includes the phrase “one nation under God”
The second verse mentions a “typical” patriotic, church-going American family preparing to join a worship service where they are “free to worship Jesus and they are free to pray”.
Comment by David Bruce Murray (November 21, 2008, 10:43 pm)
In comment #16, I asked, “Do you draw any distinctions between a ticketed Gospel concert’s purpose and a non-ticketed Gospel concert’s purpose?”
In #18, Daniel responded, “No, not really.”
Here’s why I asked.
Any time you pay cash for a ticket, the artist/promoter owes you a product. That product is entertainment. If it’s a free concert, I don’t have a problem with the fact that a group isn’t particularly professional. But if I buy a ticket, I expect certain standards to be met.
Now, that doesn’t mean the Gospel message should be watered down or compromised. It merely means the artist shouldn’t do amateurish things…like talking more than he sings or never making eye contact with the audience or being so unprepared as to not learn the words to the song.
I think the second paragraph in the original blog post more or less states the obvious. You could also say that the purpose of being a Christian is to carry out the Great Commission, which is true. That’s the fundamental reason for anything we do as Christians.
The purpose of a Gospel concert goes further than that, though.
I can’t see how a single patriotic song in the middle of an otherwise 100% Gospel concert distracts from the Gospel message any more than singing with a focus on quality and making the audience laugh and feel the songs distracts from the Gospel message.
I just got home from an Ivan Parker concert where he not only sang a patriotic song, he also sang a secular Christmas song. Guess what? No one was so distracted that they forgot to praise God when he got to “Midnight Cry.”
Comment by Janet (November 22, 2008, 2:23 am)
Inquirer (#19) -
Of course I’m not going to disagree with that! My favorite thing in the world is an inspired lyric married to a beautiful melody. And SG is filled with people who can pull that off - without peers, IMHO. I’m just particularly taken with Gloria’s ability to weave words, that’s all.
Sorry to go slightly OT on you there, Daniel!
Comment by Daniel J. Mount (November 22, 2008, 8:35 am)
#21: About the secular Christmas song - I would have been.
#22: I agree with you, Gloria is just amazing. I don’t really mind OT posts so long as they’re not too far from the original topic.