Using U2 at church...

Knetsch, Robert ([email protected])
Mon, 23 Nov 1998 13:36:09 -0500

So, I am this youth leader for 12 and 13 year olds in my church here in
Toronto. I thought that it would be interesting to look at some current
music and analyze the lyrics to see what the music that young people listen
to today says about our culture. I also ask them to reflect on how it does
and does not reflect their own beliefs. Anyway, I did Verve's Bittersweet
Symphony (quite a deep song, really), It's The End OF The World As We Know
IT (And I Feel Fine) the Great Big Sea version (though I was quick to point
out that an "old" band, R.E.M. wrote the song) and, of course, I had to put
in a U2 song...so I did If God Would Send His Angels. I must say, as an
aside, that IGWSHA is an intensely deep song packed with meaning on various
levels.

Anyway, in my preamble, I told them the songs I was going to look at and
when I got to U2 I asked if anyone had heard of them. They said "Aren't
they an OLD band?" Although I was quick to point out that U2 here in Canada
is #1 on the charts, ahead of Alanis, they were unimpressed. They were not
all that enthralled with the song either, though they thought it was
interesting. (It was a weekend retreat and they were tired and cranky, so
that played a part in the problem) My point is that, unfortunately, there is
a strong impression that they are "old" and therefore unworthy of listening
to. I find this sad. The equivalence of old=boring is frustrating, though
I suppose I was like that too when I was their age (I am 28 right now). It
makes me wonder if U2 will ever reach the status in the eyes of the youth
that they did for me. I doubt it. I wonder if their new album will be
given the chance to do well. I look at myself and no matter how good the
Rolling Stones' new album could be, I am uninterested. They're just too old
in my opinion. I guess I am contributing to the problem.

Now, I know that there are many thoughtful teens on this site and I met some
when I was at PopMart and was pleased to see that all is not lost. But I
guess I am not sure what to make of this.

Any thoughts?

Rob Knetsch

"You can sew it up but you can still see the tear"
                 

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