The Gospel According to Neil Young

Neil Young is one of my favorite singer/songwriters. His music has always touched upon the realities of life. There is also a spirituality attendant to much of what he writes. I'm especially taken by the final track on his most recent album, Prairie Wind -- check it out on-line: http://www.neilyoung.com/prairiewind.html

Consider these words and let them speak to you. Do they challenge our self-concern/self-centeredness? Don't they challenge our civil religions and exclusiveness.

"When God Made Me"
Was He thinking about my country
or the color of my skin
Was He thinkin' about my religion
and the way I worship Him?
Did he create just me in His image
or every living thing?
When God made me -- When God made me.
Was He planning only for believers
or for those who just had faith?
Did He envision all the wars
That were fought in His Name?
Did He think there was only one way
to be close to Him?
When God made me -- When God made me.
Did He give us the Gift of Love
to say who we could choose?
When God made me -- When God made me.
When God made me -- When God made me.
Did He give me the gift of voice
so some could silence me?
Did He give me the gift of vision
Not knowin' what I might see?
Did He give me the gift of compassion
To help my fellow man?
When God made me --- When God made me.
When God made me -- When God made me.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Pastor Bob,

Thank you so much for posting these lyrics. Regretfully, like Bob Dylan, I can't stand to hear Neil Young sing, but their lyrics are something else. These lyrics really do challenge us to think and to take a good look at ourselves. I may just have to check out the album anyway, because this song deserves to be heard, and widely so.

Thank you also for a great blog! I don't remember how I got here (Disciples.org site?) but I will bookmark it. I belong to a fabulous DoC church that has taught me so much, but am always interested in hearing from/about other Disciples. Keep up the great work!

Blessings,
Sandy

Popular Posts