SONGWRITING
[ UNDERSTANDING METAPHORS IN WORSHIP | Manuel Luz ]
met•a•phor ‘met-uh-for, noun, a figure of that comes from believing and living in the place boundaries on meaning; metaphors
speech in which a word or phrase is applied Spirit (John 1:1-21). Of course, Nicodemus, create space for the meaning to take shape.
to an object or action to which it is not literally the Pharisee, entirely misses the point of Definitions are distinct, specific, antiseptic;
applicable. Jesus metaphors are angular, indeterminable, open-
teaching—because
he
interpreted
Jesus literally.
ended. Definitions are like passport photos;
Some years ago, I was approached by a
metaphors are like watercolor portraits.
concerned visitor to our chur ch after a worship I mention this because I’m not only a worship service. She was asking for clarification on leader but also a songwriter, one who greatly I think that’s one reason why Jesus often
something regarding the message that morning, appreciates the craft of songwriting. And I’ve spoke in parables. For He was speaking
and during our conversation, we got on the noticed the very encouraging trend toward of unfathomable mysteries - propitiation,
subject of literal versus figurative language in more poetic prose in the lyrics being written incarnation, atonement, grace - and these
the Bible. I was trying to help her grasp that today. Metaphors, similes, allegories, symbols, words we have invented are simply too small
the Bible is far more poetic than we realize, analogies—those figures of speech which and inadequate to fully describe and explain.
certainly stretch and reframe the meanings of words. Definitions seem to fall short of the immortal
Like a painter dabbing at oddly colored acrylics grandeur, the cosmic drama, the eternal
on their pallet, trying to coax new hues from the consequence, of such things.
more
poetic
and
metaphorical
than she realized.
“You mean, you don’t believe that the Bible is brush, the songwriter must dab at the words in literally true?” she challenged me. an effort to elicit something more impassioned, When Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of God,
provocative, soul-stirring. And though there He drew word pictures of lost pearls and lost
“It depends on the passage of Scripture, may be an imprecision to these “figuratives”, I coins and lost sheep. With the art of words,
doesn’t it?” I replied. “Everything in the Bible is believe we can express greater truth from them. He painted images of castles built on shifting
wholly true, but not everything in the Bible is
literal. In fact, a lot of it is metaphorical.”
She was taken aback. “Well what about being
sand, of dragnets cast into the fickle ocean,
You see, you can be literal and compose the of a prodigal son who had lost his way. He
lyric, “God is eternal,” or you can write, “You stated these Truths with earthy but profound
ride the ancient skies.” elegance, presenting an invitation to a better
born again? Don’t you believe that you need to
life, a nobler way, a personal relationship with
You can compose, “God’s love for me is the Maker Himself. As if this mortal life we live
intense,” or you can pen, “He is jealous for me, were simply a metaphor for some larger eternal
loves like a hurricane, I am a tree.” life He invites us to.
must be born again,’ He wasn’t being literal. He You can say, “You lead me through trials,” or Of course, some people have difficulty grasping
was being figurative. I think what you’re really you can say, “You call me out upon the waters, the qualitative imprecision and beauty of a poem
asking is if we believe it is really, really true. So, the great unknown, where feet may fail.” or a good song - or for that matter, the Truth
be born again to be a Christian?”
Obviously, there was a disconnect going on.
So, I explained further. “When Jesus said, ‘you
yeah, we believe it is metaphorically really true
imbedded in a good painting, a good dance,
that we must be born again. But it isn’t literally Each of these sets of lyrics are true, and each or a good instrumental piece. They don’t get it,
true.” essentially say the same thing, but the latter like the concerned lady visitor. Literally.
lyrics better capture the depth and emotion of
In the third chapter of the book of John, Jesus
God’s eternal and active being.
was trying to explain to Nicodemus the keys
to the Kingdom. In His own unique creative There can be greater truth in the metaphor—
manner, Jesus employs the beautifully rich especially when speaking of mysteries of the
metaphor of birth to explain the regeneration universe or matters of the heart. Definitions
52
May 2018
Manuel Luz
Author, musician, inventor, and worship pastor
in northern California (Manuelluz.com and
walkaboutdrum.com). Check out his upcoming
book, HONEST WORSHIP (InterVarsity Press).
manuelluz.com
WorshipMusician.com