Part of the Curt Jester's review (RSCT* to Dad29):...Another hilarious section is a critique of some of the songs you will find sung at most Masses. "
"Here I am, Lord." This hymn depicts a human soul responding to the call of Christ--but the music is whiny and grim, evoking in most people's minds a can of rancid potted meat, being slowly spread by windshield wipers across a plate of dirty auto glass.
You hear Christ calling all right--but you feel like He's some hobo who's tapping at your window at 4 a.m. to wake you from a sound sleep so He can ask you directions to Dunkin' Donuts. You don't so much want to answer Him as clock him with a slipper.
Sung in a sleepwalking, zombie rhythm, its use at Communion time produces a strikingly cinematic effect, which film critics have dubbed "The Church of the Living Dead." Here again, we have a chance to bring good out of evil: In preliminary tests, use of this song by military interrogators has proved successful, slightly more humane replacement for water-boarding."
One may note the many times families of faithful departed souls and undertakers call me (and many of my colleagues) asking for "Here Me Is, Lard" to be sung while the casket is being rolled down the aisle. It's just another song that focuses on me instead of on Christ, written to a ripoff of the Brady Bunch theme (as Thomas Day rightfully compares in his book Why Catholics Can't Sing). Oh, and let's not forget that in the verses, we sing as if we're Christ - in the first person.
Not good!
Peace,
BMP
*PS: RSCT = "Red Sox Cap Tip"
1 comment:
I can attest that it is just as hilarious and informative as the first. I can't put it down!
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