Into The Mystic

The other day, I made a comment about “secular” music, promising to talk about it again at some point in the future.   To this end, I would pose the question; “Is there any secular music, or it is all Holy?”

It is an interesting position to consider.  Now, before you start calling out songs by name that, based on the crude or degrading nature of some lyrics, or the completely manufactured sound of a melody, remember this: since the beginning of time, humankind has been able to coopt the Holy and change it to the unholy.  We have this ability to take beautiful words, God-given talents, and Holy Scripture, and twist them to our own selfish devices.  Just because we can bastardize gifts of the Holy Spirit does not, by definition, change them from their original and truest existence.

I think the answer to the question is that there is no secular music.  Only a Holy gift which, like many, can remain Holy or be changed away from its original nature.

Van Morrison’s “Into The Mystic” is one of those songs that makes me sure that, at its core, music is Holy and a gift from God.  There is no mention of God, Jesus or any scripture from the Bible.  But does that make it something less than Holy?  When I look into a beautiful sunrise, hear a young child’s laughter, or embrace a loved one after a long time apart, God is not specifically “mentioned” by word, but oh my goodness, He is definitely there!

“We were born before the wind.
Also younger than the sun.
Ere the bonnie boat was won as we sailed into the mystic. 

Hark, now hear the sailor’s cry.
Smell the sea and feel the sky.
Let your soul and spirit fly into the mystic”

I can’t hear this song without thinking of the dozens of times I have listened to this song with my wife Greta, often dancing slowly to its smooth rhythm (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVAnlke_xUY).  The way this song starts with its quiet guitar strum, leading into the simple notes played on the piano, tunes my heart and spirit to the eternal.

This song is about a journey.  And, like many songs, can mean different things to different people.  Some might take this song as the story of a young couple beginning their journey together into love.  But, couldn’t this song also be a prayer to God, of a Christian wanderer making the decision to enter wholly into the life we are called, fully trusting in Him, stepping forward without fear?

“And when that fog horn blows I will be coming home.
And when the fog horn blows I want to hear it,
I don't have to fear it. 

And I want to rock your gypsy soul,
Just like way back in the days of old,
And magnificently we will flow into the mystic.”

Yeah…the “rock your gypsy soul” might make this song as a prayer a bit of a stretch.  But think about it; might the words mean “God, I want to praise you with my full self, leaving nothing back, singing and dancing in awe of your majesty, just like we did when we humans first knew you fully and completely!”  “Rock your gypsy soul” just flows a little better and sounds way more cool.

So, next time you are listening to this one from Van, or many of his others…or any song from anyone…ask yourself, can I hear the prayer in this song?  Can I find the Holy?  If you feel that feeling we all get when we hear an awesome tune, a beautiful arrangement, or soul-filling lyrics, I guarantee you, the Holy is there.  Give it a try…

…it’s too late to stop now…