During our Bible studies on the Psalms, we discussed the power of song and how music and song are powerful ways of communicating and retaining God’s message in our hearts. No wonder Nebuchadnezzar connected worship with music, ordering the people to bow down as soon as they heard ‘the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music.’ (Daniel 3:5) Throughout history, music has been instrumental in focussing our attention – either on God or on false gods. What we sing so often reflects the truths (or lies) we are allowing to find residence in our heart.
Nowhere is the power of music more evident than in the world of films. Even in dramatic films, the musical score is used to heighten our understanding of what is happening. From the ominous refrain which heralds the arrival of the shark in ‘Jaws’ to the daredevil theme in ‘Indiana Jones’ to the ethereal notes of the ‘Harry Potter’ theme tune, the soundtracks in film prepare us to be excited, afraid, worried or happy, often without us even realising it.
‘The Lego Movie’ gave us an upbeat, catchy song called ‘Everything Is Awesome’, a cheerful, happy, beat-driven tune which radiated enthusiasm and positive joy. In the sequel, when everything is not quite so awesome, they slowed this tune down and made it seem bleak and depressing (‘Everything’s Not Awesome’). If you click on the links, you can listen to these tunes which show us something of the powerful effects of music. In ‘The Lego Movie 2’, there is another ‘catchy song’ whose lyrics proclaim proudly ‘this song’s gonna get stuck inside your head’, which is seen by Lucy and Emmet as a form of brainwashing. That is exactly the kind of power music can have in us.
Interestingly, however, at the end of the film, when the lyrics of this song are incorporated into the original theme tune as Lucy explores a more mature vision of the world when everything is not awesome but when there can still be hope and faith, there is a subtle change. Instead of ‘this song’s gonna get stuck inside your head’, Lucy sings ‘this song’s gonna get stuck inside your heart.’
The truth is that whatever song gets stuck inside our heads ultimately will get stuck inside our hearts. It’s why we need to be so careful what we listen to (and allow our children to listen to.) It’s why we need to take Paul’s words so seriously: ‘Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.‘ (Eph 5:18-20)
What we sing reflects who we worship. What we sing has the power to change us too.
