Does anyone else find it amazing that in the Country music world no one bats an eye if an artist says a prayer or sings a song about Jesus, God or anything Christian oriented? Have you noticed it’s the last remaining mainstream genre in which gospel themes are intertwined in the genres roots. Almost every year at least one song rises to the top of the Country music charts that proclaim something about God.
Now I’m not saying country is for everyone or that you should go out and became a big Carrie Underwood, Toby Keith or Little Big Town fans (although there are far worse artists out there!). What I’m stating is simply an observation. An observation which I think is worthy a few brain tickling moments. What makes it so acceptable in Country music, but not say rap?
To state it point blank, mainstream rap music’s purpose/core/ideas are everything that is opposite of God, same can be said for mainstream rock music. Now DO NOT think for a moment I’m stating every rock or rap group/artist out there is a horrible individual or that their goal of their music is to pull people from God; does it pull you to him though?
Country music has found that balance of sharing honest, entertaining but yet spiritual experiences. Yes there are songs like Billy’s Got His Beer Goggles On, that have no spiritual backing at all and are obviously just centered around stupid humor. Unlike other mainstream genres though, Country music has a song that mentions God or spiritual undertones for every song that doesn’t…just awesome if you ask me.
Another thought about Country music which maybe expands upon this is as follows:
You pull up to a stoplight, a 20 something year old guy pulls up beside you blaring his ___________(insert genre) music. You can insert metal, tecno, rap or rock music and I think if we’re honest with ourselves we all know we judge without even consciously trying to. Stereotypical thoughts about the guy’s character have already slipped into our mind due to viewpoints on each genre that we’ve been conditioned to, even though there are Christian forms of each genre. However, now insert Country. What are you thinking now? You may be thinking hick, hillbilly, redneck…but it doesn’t have the same negative character stereotypes that other genres have. That in and of itself has to state something about the genre…not saying it’s good or bad just making a note.
Well, my thinking out loud…eh…in writing is now over. Just something for ya’ll J to think on.
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