What an interesting episode! After leaving the Org, I had an experience attending an evangelical Easter service at a large public forum. I routinely volunteered at this forum that hosted the city’s opera and ballet company. When not in use it was rented for public events. This was my first introduction to the power of gospel music. It was so incredibly moving that it brought me to tears. One of the ministers prayed with me as he could see that I was so affected by the service. The JW services and music are so bland. Music has POWER!!!
There was an elder in our congregation that used to show off and sing the Kingdom songs at the meetings in German, from a German songbook. He taught himself German and Russian, and wanted everyone to know it.
I was regularly having those visits by elders about my music tastes and the bands I was seeing live like Iron Maiden and Metallica. Although my mum was a JW my dad wasn't so that did stop most of the pressure. And sometimes I had to go in secret without mentioning it to any of my JW friends and sometimes friends at school cos they were also friends or knew my JW friends and it might come out that I went to see Metallica or Slayer or Iron Maiden etc.... But my mum didn't seem to mind. She believed that if it didn't unset my conscience then it was fine. Just hide it from others is what she use to say.....
I was forced to trash literally ( yes, literally) thousands of dollars worth of albums, 45's and cassettes( it was early 1980's) because of the Cult of Watchtower Org/JWs! 😡 All because of their opinions about and high control methods towards certain music and song lyrics. There was absolutely nothing wrong with my music choices and the viewpoints were never shared by Me. Next to the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assaults I endured while involved with that Misogynistic and Narcissistic Cult, Their Micromanagement and Personal Boundaries crossing of Me and Other Members, ensures a DEFINITELY NOT ever going back or supporting them! 😡 🤬
@@adamantiumbullet9215Maybe this person would be better suited to utilize his time, learning proper English and Spelling, than to harass Former JWs daily? We already know by now; He's NEVER EVER going to spend time researching the Cult and reconsider His acceptance of them and their Propaganda. He's better ignored for his Narcissism than responded to, acknowledged or become angered at. There's better use for our time, just like with Watchtower Org and JWs.
That's a great mom!!!! Oh yeah, I had all the same tastes...front row for RATT, Dokken, Cinderella, Sammy Hagar, Journey...on and on... we even dressed like the hair bands. It went over so well with the elders! LOL
Ah music, my best and oldest friend. At 48 years old I grew up in a fantastic era of music. Having a soundtrack in your head is REAL! Being raised as a JW I was deprived of pretty much everything except music. We had plenty of it in our house. Of course I listened to stuff that I used to have to hide because I knew I’d get lectured and it would be thrown in the trash if discovered! Nothing can compete with music for me.
I was constantly in the back room. Especially when I formed a band with my current guitar player. We put out an album in 2012 that didn't hit too well with the jdubs. I left in 2017 and my jw wife divorced me. Now we're writing a new album after almost 13 years. Band name is The Last Cavemen, and the album is on RUclips if you wanna listen. Great episode!
1967 from the Netherlands listening...o yes....disco!❤️ I remember being counseled (discouraged) as a bible study about singing in my small vocal group. Just 6 woman singing innocent songs. Maybe I could introduce Kingdom or original songs...!😬
😂😂Best Kreepsdumb meeting I ever endured was the day the jerk "Elder" played Rasputin by Boney M( and other songs 🎉 )over the sound system . The "Talk" was pure garbage and Intrusive, but the music played 🎶🎶 😎 💕 😆
@@survivingparadisepodcast I would have too; had he not bullied me into getting rid of my favorite music albums. Why?? Because there were lyrics and words he said were unacceptable? Because the artist happens to be a homosexual or lesbian or rumour had it that they hated Jehovah's Witnesses?? 😩 This dude was truly Self Centered already as a person, it just got amped up a notch by WT.
I think you should do a follow up episode on this subject specifically looking at the lyrics of JW songs over the years to see if they’re message has changed or if certain messages are more or less emphasised. Songs like “A Special Connection” and “Listen, Obey, and be Blessed” are good examples of just how devious these lyrics can get.
70's kid here! 🙋🏻♀️ Love the disco! Boogie oogie oogie dancin' shoes i remember secretly loving it. Great topic. It was actually triggering listening to the articles about music. They villified everything that brought joy or happines to our life. It was contant berating, I remember --relentless. Another great podcast. Thank you
I remember this Special pioneer hated the Cart song So when he left the congregation we had a Zoom party for him I just woke up then I asked the facililitator to play that song especially for him He had to listen to every second of it Oh boy! I’ve enjoyed that
@@universeworld1782 I wouldn't put it past them to change the lyrics of 🍼 🦈 to "Elder --Bob 🎶...d-d-d-d-d...(etc...)" ( I avoided the chance of triggering 😉 😂)
Oh, my culture club album got broken over my mother's knee--flashback there, by George 😏 Fun podcast. Really enjoyed it. We'd have had a blast if we were in the same hall back in the day I think.
I knew Prince back in the day. Went to the same congregation. His friends were my friends. It was not okay for JWs to like, or listen, to Prince when Purple Rain was released. He was demonized by JWs and the organization in the same way Michael Jackson was villified. It wasn't until shortly before his death that Prince was accepted by JWs...and only because he was attending meetings.
Mr. B you ever do car karoke? I can t sing a lick but in my car alone I can get down!! We have similar music taste since about same age. Earworms and lyrics move my inside emotions. Here is oldie but goodie song called Sign Sign Everywhere Signs by the 5 Man Electrical Band. Remember it?The JW WT is giving members signs but they need to notice it to wake up. The JW song book was boring and those lyrics to keep the members addicted...Myriad and Myriads of Brothers. Remember that JW song? At this time Christian Rock is so moving .I tried to get JW relatives listen to Dan Gokey s song Love God Love People. They refused it is not by the WT society. Oh they are so scared of anything and everything if WT does not approve it. Those lyrics are A ok but all Dan Gokey s songs are. Thank you for the hard work you do.!!
YES!!!! I love Signs! Remember when Tesla covered it in the late '80's? Still on my playlist....profoudn lyrics and fun! I'm not familiar with Dan Gokey, I'm going to have to go listen now!
I remember taking out the trash one day, opened the trash can lid, & on the very top of the trash were a number of my albums. I asked my mom why were some of my albums there. She replied "because some of the songs were inappropriate." After I walked away, about 5 years later from being a JW, the first thing that I did was to replace my favorite album that she threw out.
❤thank you! I’m old now & quit driving, used to ❤classical music in car but listen to rock music on🏃♀️, FORGOT classical music! Looking forward to Beethoven 🎹🎻🎧 etc
👋A kindred spirit, indeed! Music is on everywhere in my surroundings... or I'm humming tunes constantly... Soft Rock and Bossa Nova these days...❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I attended a Spanish congregation most of my life. We had a sister who sang every song mariachi style à la Lucha Villa (that might make sense to some of you). She definitely "thought" she had a great voice. She gets an 'A' for effort though.
56:36 The passage you're referring to is from *The Song of Solomon* (also known as *The Song of Songs*), a poetic and allegorical book in the Bible, often interpreted as a love story between a man (often seen as a shepherd or king) and a woman (the "Shulammite"). Specifically, the episode where the young woman is stripped and beaten occurs in Song of Solomon 5:7. Here, she is searching for her beloved and, after being rejected by the night watchmen, she is struck and stripped of her cloak. The passage reads: Song of Solomon 5:7: "The watchmen who patrol the city found me, they beat me, they bruised me; they took away my cloak, those watchmen of the walls." Interpretation of the Passage 1. Literal Interpretation: - While some might take this literally, the majority of scholars do not believe this describes an actual historical event. It is part of an allegorical or symbolic poem, and the events are poetic representations rather than literal happenings. 2. Symbolic or Allegorical Meaning: - Allegory of Love and Desire: Many interpretations suggest that this reflects the trials and difficulties of love. The woman, in her passionate search for her beloved, faces obstacles and suffering. The stripping and beating may symbolize the emotional or psychological vulnerability that love can bring-exposing someone to pain or hardship in the pursuit of their desires. -Spiritual Allegory: Some interpret *The Song of Solomon* as an allegory for the relationship between God and His people (or Christ and the Church). In this context, the woman’s search for her beloved represents the soul’s search for God. The beating by the watchmen could represent the trials and tribulations a person might face in their spiritual journey or the difficulty in maintaining faith. 3. Cultural Context: - In the ancient Near Eastern culture, the watchmen were responsible for guarding the city, and their beating of the woman might symbolize societal or external opposition that prevents her from fulfilling her desires, whether they be romantic or spiritual. 4. Psychological or Emotional Reading: - From a more emotional or psychological perspective, the beating and stripping could reflect feelings of rejection, humiliation, and vulnerability in love. In a state of intense longing and frustration, one might feel exposed and wounded by the world around them when their love is not reciprocated or when they cannot find the one they are seeking. Conclusion The passage is likely not describing a literal event but rather conveys the intense emotional experiences of love and longing, using symbolic language. Whether read as an allegory for human love or divine love, it speaks to the suffering, vulnerability, and trials one can face on the path to fulfillment. Each interpretation depends on the broader framework (literal, spiritual, or emotional) from which you approach The Song of Solomon.
Love that one! Must be played at full volume while driving in gangsta position, slouched down with one arm resting on the open window, chin jutting forward in beat! Oh, the days!
My father was an unbeliever so my mom let me listen to almost anything I wanted to, Kiss was the only band I wasn't allowed to listen to. That was a bridge too far for my mom, who believed their name stood for "Knights In Satan's Service". I remember all of my classmates liking Kiss and asking me if I liked Kiss.
🎵A PAIR OF DICE, THE EARTH WILL BE...🎵 I always looked around to look at people's expressions as we sang about beating off molested bees. Funny enough though the brown book was one of my early moments of mentally questioning JW doctrine. Song 27 Fear Them Not! "Fear not those who kill the body, But cannot destroy the soul. Faithful to the end continue; I will help you reach your goal." I remember probably around 14 years old being very puzzled at these lyrics because as far as I had been taught soul and body were the same thing. I then proceeded to not ask questions and buried that uncertainty like a good Witness.
@@survivingparadisepodcast One I've been planning on doing my own episode on is one maybe after you left. "He Will Call" based on Job 14:13-15. problem is when you actually read Job 14, especially from any other translation you quickly realize Job isnt talking about what WT says he is. And that they added a word to the NWT to change the meaning to fit their theology.
Glad that you have a subject that is a little lighter this time. But there is a LOT more to be said about WT & music! Yes, I remember everything you brought out here. What WT said on the subjects of music & movies was one of the "myriads" (lol) of ways that I was alerted to the fact that they were full of bs! When it came to music, I was rebellious & my dad let me be, because he loved music too...& it did not cause me to do anything bad. I was a good kid. And adult. None of that rock or rap debased me a bit. I like pretty much every genre, except Mariachi! Mexican food is my favorite, but please dont have a live band in the restuarant, lol! I also have identified with certain songs in regards to leaving JW's. REM's "Losing My Religion". "Save Myself" by Jane & The Boy, for 3 reasons. #1 Even family were willing to stand down & watch me & my daughter be stalked by a dangerous preditor. So no one had my back but me. The 2, who would have stepped up were not around. #2 The fact that religion is not salvation from anything, its a false hope. And #3, not even god will step up. After 11 yrs, I took matters into my own hands, saved myself & my daughter & we went on to have the best times of our lives! Finally, happiness & fulfillment.
I love it Heather! My mom is a big music lover too!! I love Mexican food.....LOVE IT! So many songs...REM had some poignant lyrics. Good thing for your dad. I can't even believe no one protected you from a dangerous stalker!! :( Jehovah gets too busy to help most people.....I'm so glad you and your daughter are SAFE!!!
Growing up during Vietnam War, listening to songs like "Don't Step On The Grass Sam" "Pusher" must I go on? Joan & Dylan coming through a small Arizona town protesting her Husbands incarceration in a nearby Federal Prison for refusing the draft! Yes I was their as a 18 year old cheering Joan on! In total fear of being drafted that year! Would I be in that Prison? Would I have the support of the Congregation? 😢
Remember the song "Myriads of Brothers"? When I was in I used to ask my JW sister why the lyrics were not Myriads of brothers and sisters? I've been out for almost 50 years now and Myriads of brothers is the only tune I remember. Why you might ask? When I joined the cult I was also a professional musician and so I played piano and organ for the meetings. I did not like how Myriads of Brothers was written so I wrote my own accompaniment for it adding a few additional chords. It went over big. BTW- I am still a professional musician. I play a cocktail hour and also play organ for not one but two Methodist churches. I am not a member because I am not a believer but those congregations like me and treat me very well. If my JW sister would talk to me (she wont) and tell me those churches are satanic I would slap her down.
@survivingparadisepodcast Yup, occasionally they would convince me to record my voice singing the kingdom melodies, but I always wanted to sing Sinatra, Matt Monro, Andy Williams, Nat King Cole, etc...
Music and musical abilities are a gift from Almighty God. These 9 old hypocritical men will do their best to crush you for their own selfish gain. They are fake, don't listen to them. If you have talent, let it grow and use it. Practice, practice, practice, start your journey, don't give up.
Of all things I found disagreeable in a kingdom hall, standing up to sing those songs was at the top of my list. It couldn't end fast enough for me. I always wondered, who writes these songs? P.S. I lip synched. Never actually sang.😅
Ahhh yes, music. This was a constant source of sorrow for me growing up. Music was a sure source of a guilt trip or a trip into the backroom. I'm passionate about this topic because I love music and am a musician. One of the things that absolutely disappointed me was when the bORG changed from the brown Sing Praises to Jehovah songbook, to that awful, disgusting, dog vomit yellow Sing to Jehovah. Never in my life had I seen such an arbitrary, unnecessary, unholy sacrilege of perfectly good music. It's like they said, hey, let's change all these old, classic songs just to piss the brothers off! Let's throw a bunch of musical notes in the air and wherever they land, that's the new songs! Well, I got taken to the elders' room because whilst in high school I played the bagpipes. I played Amazing Grace for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day program. It brought the house down and was published in the local newspaper. Ohhhh man! I did every cardinal sin for a Witness! I played a gospel hymn, I was creative, I stood out, and got public recognition! How dare you, young man??? Soooo, as I was disciplined and had my privileges taken away, JW hypocrisy was alive and well. Just a couple hours south, in the Brooklyn Park congregation (suburb of St. Paul, MN) the likes of Larry Graham (legendary bassplayer of Graham Central Station amd Sister Sledge) and Prince, active Witnesses, Larry is an elder, were still making records and on tour playing concerts!! Ohhh the hypocrisy!!! Til this day it still makes my blood boil!!!! 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
Wow, love musicians....you're such gifted people!! Unbelievable.....yet you have those famous musicians held up as examples. Don't forget Michael Jackson and George Benson....there were many! You were sure a sinner to play Amazing Grace! ....(Jeff Buckley's version.....so damn good!)
Oh After Singing 8000: Songs I Sung in 2Apps So that's Why Elders Aren't Banging Down My Door but they Were the Cause of it by Never Coming Back . I Can Relate Of I too Music Lover but I feel How They Get Us Hooked Sorry for the Pun on Words.🎉😂❤
Stacey: "We all know how this organization feels about homosexuality...they continue to push this and push it hard." 🤣😂🤣😂😁 Intentional pun or not, this is one of the funniest comments I've heard in a long time. The timing was perfect. "Straight" up hilarious, Stacy.
I’ve have always hated the JW music, it’s boring depressing outdated and far from diverse. For far too long it has has reflected the tastes of European culture from the early 20th century and yet this is supposed to be a world wide organisation? I’m sure Jehovah would love Kingdom songs that have a bit of reggae, rap disco rap or Afro beats or pop or rock. JW music is horrible!!!!
@@survivingparadisepodcast I'm not familiar with any of the current songs( thank you! 😩 🤮), but the Pre- 2000's songs were bad enough! ( For those who know..."Rolly Polly Fishheads" had more appeal than any KH drivel! 😂)
Excellent talk Stacey. Elder for 25 yrs. Mom & Dad, not J.db's, loved music as did my 2 siblings, also not J.db's. My wife, 5 kids & 11 Grandkids escaped this mind controlling religion some 8 yrs ago. One of my favorite, 1 hit wonders was performed by The Sugarhill Gang: 'Rappers Delight' Disco & Rap. Probably musics 1st rap song 1979 ruclips.net/video/mcCK99wHrk0/видео.htmlsi=2QUh5WYpHw1ZerJh Crank it. Vancouver B.C
Love it my fellow elders!! LOL, as if anyone cares! I'm so glad you got out and I almost moved to Vancouver BC ten years ago.......visited several KH's back in the day, love the city.....we probably have mutual friends! well....former friends lol
Ya, we may know a few lost sheep. C.O servant: I do recall such a visit at the Assembly Hall in Surrey B.C where he was maestro & leading singer with an amazing voice. Just can't place his name
@survivingparadisepodcast Doesn't ring a bell Stacey : I've sent out the question to a few still in the cult. Lol Anyhooo; keep up the great work my Friend !!
My mother was so ignorant that she would rather me listen to Who’s bed have your boots been under by Shania Twain because it’s country than Fuel by Metallica. The country song is about adultery and the latter is about a race car…..But the latter sounds mean and aggressive. My childhood was full of BS like that.
@@survivingparadisepodcast It’s real funny because most Country Music that Most JW’s defend is about being drunk, fornicating, adultery and other major sins you would get DF’d for.
Which book was it that had a picture of a couple booty bumping to disco? I remember asking my mum what was wrong with what they were doing. Anyway, I’m off to listen to the Saturday night fever soundtrack…
The trouble is my spouse is a JW and often has the latest kingdom music on its so depressing some even sound like funeral procession music and I am being serious. Other songs are corny some are even duets. No wonder many witnesses are on depression tablets. All the above would have been classed as Worldly once but alas not anymore the JWs has changed At least we can say Gospel music is uplifting and joyful even if you don't agree with the lyrics and God/god aspects.
Oh, my goodness! SO many thoughts on this! 😅 ¤ On the music I grew up with: When I was a kid, my mom used to tell me of this one TERRIBLE heavy metal band from her youth, that were just AWFUL. But they had one lovely ballad. The song was Come Away, Melinda, the band was Uriah Heep. 😑 And that might give a clue as to what kind of music I was or wasn't allowed, growing up. So, I grew up in the 90's, with my parents' music. It was folksy, pop-songs from the 60-80. I often scoured their CD's to find SOMETHING with a bit more edge to it, maybe some actual beat or an electric guitar, and if I lucked out, that song was on repeat. ¤ On heavy metal: I shied away from metal music, ofc, because it was satanic. But I did wonder, why it was ok for me to listen to pop groups, when on the covers the singers are barely dressed, while on the metal albums (at least of the ones I was interested in), the covers were actual art. 🤔 Then one time, at my dad's place, I was in a situation where I couldn't help but hear a melodic heavy metal song. I was transfixed to my place. ¤ On songs distracting while driving: When I got my driver's license, my first ever solo trip was a 40 min drive to the airport. I sang a happy little tune, over and over, to myself the entire way to KEEP myself concentrated and upbeat as I traversed the ever-busier highway. ¤ On disco: As a shy introvert, I never wanted to go to any extracurricular things, but I did, DESPERATELY, want to go to the Kick-out Disco of my 6th grade. It was a tradition in my school, as that was the last year, and then you'd get "kicked out." Mom forbade me, absolutely forbade. We were 12yos, the disco was at the school, chaperoned by the teachers. I never understood WHY mom thought it'd be SO immoral. But I didn't realize "disco" had been so demonized in my mom's youth. Another mystery solved. 😶 Thank you for that! ¤ More on metal: Some years back we had my mom over and due to outside circumstances, it was a very stressful visit. When I dropped her off at the airport, I kept a brave face all throughout the terminal and then, as I walked all the way back to the parking hall to my car. At the car, I broke down and cried. Once I had calmed down, I got on the road for the 40 minute drive home, but I was still, ofc, emotional. I turned the radio on and Rob Zombie's Dracula was on. I realized I'd not heard electric guitars for two weeks and really felt like my soul was getting replenished. 😆 ¤ "On the "poopy brown" 🤣😂🤣!! That song book was the only song I knew. When my first doubts were coming out, maybe the first one I voiced was, "If this is the ONLY true religion, of the ONLY true God, shouldn't HE have the BEST of everything? So why is the music so BAD??" I never learned any of the songs by heart, though bits and pieces are lodged in there, for sure. (Especially that one bipolar song, that started with doom and gloom and then transitioned into happy falsetto butterflies for a bit before plunging straight back into depths. Gah.) ¤ On how music is a way to one's heart and mind: A couple years back I was in Orlando, at the Wizarding World. I, in my witchy costume, was standing outside a ride, when it started playing a piece of music. My brain thought the music reminded enough of an orchestral version of some Kingdom Melody that I honestly got the whole panicky "Oh, no, I have to find my seat, NOW!!" -feeling. For real! 😅 ¤ On music videos: I can't even. My mind was absolutely blown when I found out about JW music videos. In my day we laughed and looked down our noses at the Christendom, and how they were watering down God's message with their Christian rock and pop songs. On one hand I'm trying to be glad that the young JW's nowadays have them, but on the other, they're SOOO very BAAAD. 😖
WOW!!! We had such similar experiences!! I think you're a little younger, but all of those things applied to me as well. I SNUCK to the jr. high dance....and I was big into the hair bands in HS....we had a group of other JW dudes that hung out together and we did air bands.....to the highly immoral hair metal! LOL!
@@survivingparadisepodcast I am a bit younger, yes. I grew up in the 80's and 90's. I am, sadly, not part of the special generation that grew up in the 70's 😉. Still, my experiences tend to line up a bit better than expected with those growing up in the 70's in the USA, as I grew up in Finland. Nowadays the transmit of culture is instant, but it wasn't back then, so that little bit of lag makes me fit in with older ppl here. I was actually allowed to go to my High School dance. It wasn't prom, because we don't have those. But.... 🤷♀ prom with an old-timey twist? My mom even made my dress for me, so full endorsement. But that DISCO ban has been bothering me for 28 years, dangit, lol. I'm actually glad that you cleared it up for me! It REALLY didn't make sense in my little world: what was so bad about a little school dance?? I'd never actually asked to go to a single school event before. But mom has a tendency to get stuck on words, as JW's are wont, of course, if that word is mentioned as BAD by the org. That explains it really well.
Negative emotions???? Songs about suicide actually save many from doing it (like "Fade to Black" from Metallica, among a few). You can´t hear to Slayer (I don´t like it anyway, though I am a metalhead) but you can sing about carnage in Armageddon or be "delighted" with illustrations about it. Sick and evil. Fun enough, I became a Black Metal vocalist mainly due to the lies in religion 😂🤣😂
LOVE IT, you have a unique perspective!! That is why I love bands like Seether.....they actually write songs that get you thinking about such sensitve subjects!
Talking Snakes, global flood, 10 plagues And prophets GB speak, you obey They watch the profits You think your thoughts are yours But they mold and shape ‘em watch what you say & think Even if you naked They got a lotta nerve, say they God’s microphone You betta not disagree, end up alone They got a lotta rules, They’ll make you tired Act like they care, Unless you’re A-minorrrrrr They not like us, They not like us, They not like us 😂 thank you Kendrick Lamar ✊🏾
@@survivingparadisepodcast please cite the artical and do a podcast about the spiritual dangers of mac n' cheese, bike riding and gum chewing-- you're creative and an experienced former jw elder ;) yet, at the same time, I don't doubt the genious govbody delivered a warning about mac'n cheese, bike riding and gum chewing it at !!! Sad part is that i can see how it could be sexually immoral. How about weiners, surely tyere is someting written about the dangers of eating hotdogs without the bun, well, even with the bun...omg what's wrong with me? hahaha!!! I'm so worldly now you see 😂
Growing up during Vietnam War, listening to songs like "Don't Step On The Grass Sam" "Pusher" must I go on? Joan & Dylan coming through a small Arizona town protesting her Husbands incarceration in a nearby Federal Prison for refusing the draft! Yes I was their as a 18 year old cheering Joan on! In total fear of being drafted that year! Would I be in that Prison? Would I have the support of the Congregation? 😢
I love listening to Christmas music no matter the time of year
Me too!!
What an interesting episode!
After leaving the Org, I had an experience attending an evangelical Easter service at a large public forum. I routinely volunteered at this forum that hosted the city’s opera and ballet company. When not in use it was rented for public events.
This was my first introduction to the power of gospel music. It was so incredibly moving that it brought me to tears. One of the ministers prayed with me as he could see that I was so affected by the service.
The JW services and music are so bland.
Music has POWER!!!
YES!!! It's incredible to see a good gospel choir....so powerful!!
There was an elder in our congregation that used to show off and sing the Kingdom songs at the meetings in German, from a German songbook. He taught himself German and Russian, and wanted everyone to know it.
LOL, oh yes, there is always one!
Music has kept me alive ! Yes watchtower learned a lot from “the wicked world”.
Me too!!! HUGE part of my healing!!
Yes! Our congregation had Janet Wilson. She sang at the top of her lungs but sounded like a cat being run over!
there was always one in every cong. that had a person that would sing loud and off big time...i guess god was deaf and that person needed its blessing
LOL LOL, shout out to Janet Wilson.....she wasn't going to be contained!!
@@astridmiller7938 It's SO true!!!
This episode was the bom Stacey!!
I’ll listen again & make another comment.
Seether.. I have “Rise Above This” tattooed on my arm. Love them!
NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm a HUGE Seether fan....Shawn Morgan knows how to write songs!!!
I was regularly having those visits by elders about my music tastes and the bands I was seeing live like Iron Maiden and Metallica. Although my mum was a JW my dad wasn't so that did stop most of the pressure. And sometimes I had to go in secret without mentioning it to any of my JW friends and sometimes friends at school cos they were also friends or knew my JW friends and it might come out that I went to see Metallica or Slayer or Iron Maiden etc.... But my mum didn't seem to mind. She believed that if it didn't unset my conscience then it was fine. Just hide it from others is what she use to say.....
Isaiah 8:10, 2thimoty 3:7-9, 2Peter 2:1-3.
@@vusimngomezulu2500
*"thimoty"*
How many weeks are you going to post the same typo?
I was forced to trash literally ( yes, literally) thousands of dollars worth of albums, 45's and cassettes( it was early 1980's) because of the Cult of Watchtower Org/JWs! 😡
All because of their opinions about and high control methods towards certain music and song lyrics.
There was absolutely nothing wrong with my music choices and the viewpoints were never shared by Me.
Next to the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assaults I endured while involved with that Misogynistic and Narcissistic Cult, Their Micromanagement and Personal Boundaries crossing of Me and Other Members, ensures a DEFINITELY NOT ever going back or supporting them! 😡 🤬
@@adamantiumbullet9215Maybe this person would be better suited to utilize his time, learning proper English and Spelling, than to harass Former JWs daily?
We already know by now; He's NEVER EVER going to spend time researching the Cult and reconsider His acceptance of them and their Propaganda.
He's better ignored for his Narcissism than responded to, acknowledged or become angered at.
There's better use for our time, just like with Watchtower Org and JWs.
That's a great mom!!!! Oh yeah, I had all the same tastes...front row for RATT, Dokken, Cinderella, Sammy Hagar, Journey...on and on... we even dressed like the hair bands. It went over so well with the elders! LOL
Awwww Yeeaaahhh my friend Stacey I'm ready for it 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉😊 we will 🎶 🎶 🎶 we will listen to you !!! Queen 👑
Love it, thank you!!
Moody Blues my secret go to at 15 years old! Love this topic!
Thanks Virginia! Moody Blues has some classics!!
Great episode again!
Thank you Julie!
Ah music, my best and oldest friend. At 48 years old I grew up in a fantastic era of music. Having a soundtrack in your head is REAL! Being raised as a JW I was deprived of pretty much everything except music. We had plenty of it in our house. Of course I listened to stuff that I used to have to hide because I knew I’d get lectured and it would be thrown in the trash if discovered! Nothing can compete with music for me.
It happened to me all the time. My music was a major issue as a teenager. I was seen as a black sheep. I got counseled for album covers!!!
I needed this! 😮
Awwww, I love that!!
I was constantly in the back room. Especially when I formed a band with my current guitar player. We put out an album in 2012 that didn't hit too well with the jdubs. I left in 2017 and my jw wife divorced me. Now we're writing a new album after almost 13 years. Band name is The Last Cavemen, and the album is on RUclips if you wanna listen. Great episode!
I can’t find it.
@@jackijax505
ruclips.net/p/PLZ4sdvzw-NxLr6zeIPqtpyP9JvefSS6rJ&si=feWMQg3cbY-hawr9
@@jackijax505 ruclips.net/p/PLZ4sdvzw-NxLr6zeIPqtpyP9JvefSS6rJ&si=feWMQg3cbY-hawr9
For anyone who can't find it (The Last Cavemen- Something In The Woods- Full album
@@jackijax505The Last Cavemen- Something in the Woods- Full album
1967 from the Netherlands listening...o yes....disco!❤️
I remember being counseled (discouraged) as a bible study about singing in my small vocal group. Just 6 woman singing innocent songs.
Maybe I could introduce Kingdom or original songs...!😬
😂😂Best Kreepsdumb meeting I ever endured was the day the jerk "Elder" played Rasputin by Boney M( and other songs 🎉 )over the sound system .
The "Talk" was pure garbage and Intrusive, but the music played 🎶🎶 😎 💕 😆
LOL, hi Netherlands!! Unreal, they have videos now of sisters going in service singing kingdom songs all morning. Totally absurd!
@@sparklecanada0112 LOL, I like that guy!!
@@survivingparadisepodcast I would have too; had he not bullied me into getting rid of my favorite music albums. Why?? Because there were lyrics and words he said were unacceptable? Because the artist happens to be a homosexual or lesbian or rumour had it that they hated Jehovah's Witnesses?? 😩
This dude was truly Self Centered already as a person, it just got amped up a notch by WT.
I think you should do a follow up episode on this subject specifically looking at the lyrics of JW songs over the years to see if they’re message has changed or if certain messages are more or less emphasised. Songs like “A Special Connection” and “Listen, Obey, and be Blessed” are good examples of just how devious these lyrics can get.
100%
I agree, I didn't cover NEAR enough on this subject!! Great idea!!
Hey Stacey me again from Australia. Marcia Hines had a great song called music is my life have a listen and thanks again for your good work.
I need to check that out!
70's kid here! 🙋🏻♀️ Love the disco! Boogie oogie oogie dancin' shoes i remember secretly loving it. Great topic. It was actually triggering listening to the articles about music. They villified everything that brought joy or happines to our life. It was contant berating, I remember --relentless. Another great podcast. Thank you
Love my 1970's!!!!! Disco was IT!
True say! We could have a full conversation using the song titles alone, I think.@@survivingparadisepodcast
Fleetwood Mac-- saw them in concert including The Eagles and others
A music one....
Right up my alley
Me too!
I remember this Special pioneer hated the Cart song So when he left the congregation we had a Zoom party for him I just woke up then I asked the facililitator to play that song especially for him He had to listen to every second of it Oh boy! I’ve enjoyed that
LOL!! I wanted to incorporate that in somehow, but couldn't figure out how to do it....and absolute abomination!!!
School House Rock
"I'm Just A Bill"
LOL. Second only to the "Conjunction Junction" song.
My favorite used to be Elementary My Dear😂. But, since WT ruined my psyche with their B.S.; I can't handle the biblical references. 😂
@@universeworld1782 I liked the .. 5, 10, 15, 20 … about counting. Lol
YES!!!!!
@@universeworld1782 I wouldn't put it past them to change the lyrics of 🍼 🦈 to "Elder --Bob 🎶...d-d-d-d-d...(etc...)"
( I avoided the chance of triggering 😉 😂)
Oh, my culture club album got broken over my mother's knee--flashback there, by George 😏 Fun podcast. Really enjoyed it. We'd have had a blast if we were in the same hall back in the day I think.
Boy George can sing! GREAT 80's music....Do you really want to hurt me? ;)
@@survivingparadisepodcast "I'm a Lover, Not A fighter"--see what we did there! Hahahaaa 😆
@@survivingparadisepodcast 😆. Ok, you asked for it my adorable brother... MJ coming up...
Prince made it all okay tho.. lol
I thoroughly enjoyed this episode!!! 💯👏😘
I knew Prince back in the day. Went to the same congregation. His friends were my friends. It was not okay for JWs to like, or listen, to Prince when Purple Rain was released. He was demonized by JWs and the organization in the same way Michael Jackson was villified.
It wasn't until shortly before his death that Prince was accepted by JWs...and only because he was attending meetings.
The GOAT!!! i can't even begin to tell you how GREAT Prince was.....SO missed :(
Mr. B you ever do car karoke? I can t sing a lick but in my car alone I can get down!! We have similar music taste since about same age. Earworms and lyrics move my inside emotions. Here is oldie but goodie song called Sign Sign Everywhere Signs by the 5 Man Electrical Band. Remember it?The JW WT is giving members signs but they need to notice it to wake up. The JW song book was boring and those lyrics to keep the members addicted...Myriad and Myriads of Brothers. Remember that JW song? At this time Christian Rock is so moving .I tried to get JW relatives listen to Dan Gokey s song Love God Love People. They refused it is not by the WT society. Oh they are so scared of anything and everything if WT does not approve it. Those lyrics are A ok but all Dan Gokey s songs are. Thank you for the hard work you do.!!
YES!!!! I love Signs! Remember when Tesla covered it in the late '80's? Still on my playlist....profoudn lyrics and fun! I'm not familiar with Dan Gokey, I'm going to have to go listen now!
Excellent episode. I couldn't post the link here, but you'll appreciate a song called Destroy Rock & Roll by Mylo. 🙂
Love it, thank you for the recommendation, searching for it now!
I remember taking out the trash one day, opened the trash can lid, & on the very top of the trash were a number of my albums. I asked my mom why were some of my albums there. She replied "because some of the songs were inappropriate." After I walked away, about 5 years later from being a JW, the first thing that I did was to replace my favorite album that she threw out.
There was so much of this in the 1980's. I was even told by former Bethelites they would do album purges in Brooklyn
@survivingparadisepodcast, wow!
Stacy always cooking up something great man! Also are you a good dancer?
Yeah I bet he is!!
Ohhhhhhh noooooooooo LOL!!! No one wants to see that!!!
@@janespitfire9884 LOL, you're too kind, but it's awful ;)
@@survivingparadisepodcast oh I definitely do!
❤thank you! I’m old now & quit driving, used to ❤classical music in car but listen to rock music on🏃♀️, FORGOT classical music! Looking forward to Beethoven 🎹🎻🎧 etc
All of the above for me!
That was great! Thanx.
thank you!
👋A kindred spirit, indeed! Music is on everywhere in my surroundings... or I'm humming tunes constantly... Soft Rock and Bossa Nova these days...❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Love it!!!!!!
I attended a Spanish congregation most of my life. We had a sister who sang every song mariachi style à la Lucha Villa (that might make sense to some of you). She definitely "thought" she had a great voice. She gets an 'A' for effort though.
LOL!!! There is always one! I always admired their lack of care......they were going to sing no matter what!
❤❤❤
Stacy I was hoping you would touch on the fact that Rutherford hated people singing and at some point outright banned singing at the meetings
Ohhhh, so much left on the table on this subject. GREAT point......we may need a Part II
@@survivingparadisepodcastI sympathize
With so much happening in the Org it's hard to keep up
56:36 The passage you're referring to is from *The Song of Solomon* (also known as *The Song of Songs*), a poetic and allegorical book in the Bible, often interpreted as a love story between a man (often seen as a shepherd or king) and a woman (the "Shulammite"). Specifically, the episode where the young woman is stripped and beaten occurs in Song of Solomon 5:7. Here, she is searching for her beloved and, after being rejected by the night watchmen, she is struck and stripped of her cloak.
The passage reads:
Song of Solomon 5:7: "The watchmen who patrol the city found me, they beat me, they bruised me; they took away my cloak, those watchmen of the walls."
Interpretation of the Passage
1. Literal Interpretation:
- While some might take this literally, the majority of scholars do not believe this describes an actual historical event. It is part of an allegorical or symbolic poem, and the events are poetic representations rather than literal happenings.
2. Symbolic or Allegorical Meaning:
- Allegory of Love and Desire: Many interpretations suggest that this reflects the trials and difficulties of love. The woman, in her passionate search for her beloved, faces obstacles and suffering. The stripping and beating may symbolize the emotional or psychological vulnerability that love can bring-exposing someone to pain or hardship in the pursuit of their desires.
-Spiritual Allegory: Some interpret *The Song of Solomon* as an allegory for the relationship between God and His people (or Christ and the Church). In this context, the woman’s search for her beloved represents the soul’s search for God. The beating by the watchmen could represent the trials and tribulations a person might face in their spiritual journey or the difficulty in maintaining faith.
3. Cultural Context:
- In the ancient Near Eastern culture, the watchmen were responsible for guarding the city, and their beating of the woman might symbolize societal or external opposition that prevents her from fulfilling her desires, whether they be romantic or spiritual.
4. Psychological or Emotional Reading:
- From a more emotional or psychological perspective, the beating and stripping could reflect feelings of rejection, humiliation, and vulnerability in love. In a state of intense longing and frustration, one might feel exposed and wounded by the world around them when their love is not reciprocated or when they cannot find the one they are seeking.
Conclusion
The passage is likely not describing a literal event but rather conveys the intense emotional experiences of love and longing, using symbolic language. Whether read as an allegory for human love or divine love, it speaks to the suffering, vulnerability, and trials one can face on the path to fulfillment. Each interpretation depends on the broader framework (literal, spiritual, or emotional) from which you approach The Song of Solomon.
a mandated christian practice; Bo Diddy would fit right into paradise
@@doggodell LOL!~
Yes, this!
Eminence Front…anyone who (see what I did there) plays this at less than nearly all the way turned up is not human 😂😂😂
Great episode man!
Classic....I now have that in my head!!
@ 56:30
Will we be seeing Kingdom Melodies #69, "50 Shades of the Shulammite Maiden", anytime soon?
LOL, I love it.....make it happen!!
Stacey, great episode. JW life is like living in a Gangsta's Paradise by Coolio (1995), sorry it's a rap song.
Love that one! Must be played at full volume while driving in gangsta position, slouched down with one arm resting on the open window, chin jutting forward in beat! Oh, the days!
@@heatherwillson4862 LOL🤣
@@Estee.Ar.6869
Right?
LOL, now I have that song in my head all day!!!
My father was an unbeliever so my mom let me listen to almost anything I wanted to, Kiss was the only band I wasn't allowed to listen to. That was a bridge too far for my mom, who believed their name stood for "Knights In Satan's Service". I remember all of my classmates liking Kiss and asking me if I liked Kiss.
Knights in Satan's Service....KISS! LOL! They werer a big no no!
I wonder how many Pioneers have gotten a speeding ticket because they were cranking Song 140, "The Life Of A Pioneer" while driving?
😂
LOL....and then had to get help to pay for the ticket because they lived in poverty handing out books
jw music shit back then and from what i see still shit now
What I could neve understand was why the creator of the Universe would want us to sing too him!
If he existed I would say that the guy has issues...
Because narcissists crave constant fuel.
@@josiasguiomar2504 I'm with you!
This! Well said.....
He doesn't have a Spotify subscription
🎵A PAIR OF DICE, THE EARTH WILL BE...🎵
I always looked around to look at people's expressions as we sang about beating off molested bees.
Funny enough though the brown book was one of my early moments of mentally questioning JW doctrine.
Song 27
Fear Them Not!
"Fear not those who kill the body, But cannot destroy the soul.
Faithful to the end continue;
I will help you reach your goal."
I remember probably around 14 years old being very puzzled at these lyrics because as far as I had been taught soul and body were the same thing.
I then proceeded to not ask questions and buried that uncertainty like a good Witness.
LOL! So glad you got the reference! Fear them Not is another classic......contradictions in the same song!!!! They're so smart in NY!
@@survivingparadisepodcast One I've been planning on doing my own episode on is one maybe after you left. "He Will Call" based on Job 14:13-15. problem is when you actually read Job 14, especially from any other translation you quickly realize Job isnt talking about what WT says he is. And that they added a word to the NWT to change the meaning to fit their theology.
Glad that you have a subject that is a little lighter this time. But there is a LOT more to be said about WT & music! Yes, I remember everything you brought out here. What WT said on the subjects of music & movies was one of the "myriads" (lol) of ways that I was alerted to the fact that they were full of bs! When it came to music, I was rebellious & my dad let me be, because he loved music too...& it did not cause me to do anything bad. I was a good kid. And adult. None of that rock or rap debased me a bit. I like pretty much every genre, except Mariachi! Mexican food is my favorite, but please dont have a live band in the restuarant, lol! I also have identified with certain songs in regards to leaving JW's. REM's "Losing My Religion". "Save Myself" by Jane & The Boy, for 3 reasons. #1 Even family were willing to stand down & watch me & my daughter be stalked by a dangerous preditor. So no one had my back but me. The 2, who would have stepped up were not around. #2 The fact that religion is not salvation from anything, its a false hope. And #3, not even god will step up. After 11 yrs, I took matters into my own hands, saved myself & my daughter & we went on to have the best times of our lives! Finally, happiness & fulfillment.
I love it Heather! My mom is a big music lover too!! I love Mexican food.....LOVE IT! So many songs...REM had some poignant lyrics. Good thing for your dad. I can't even believe no one protected you from a dangerous stalker!! :( Jehovah gets too busy to help most people.....I'm so glad you and your daughter are SAFE!!!
Growing up during Vietnam War, listening to songs like "Don't Step On The Grass Sam" "Pusher" must I go on? Joan & Dylan coming through a small Arizona town protesting her Husbands incarceration in a nearby Federal Prison for refusing the draft! Yes I was their as a 18 year old cheering Joan on! In total fear of being drafted that year! Would I be in that Prison? Would I have the support of the Congregation? 😢
Denny. Asuncion did that out in Cali!!!
"The Rapping Hebe" -- I like that. =)
LOL!
Remember the song "Myriads of Brothers"? When I was in I used to ask my JW sister why the lyrics were not Myriads of brothers and sisters? I've been out for almost 50 years now and Myriads of brothers is the only tune I remember. Why you might ask? When I joined the cult I was also a professional musician and so I played piano and organ for the meetings. I did not like how Myriads of Brothers was written so I wrote my own accompaniment for it adding a few additional chords. It went over big. BTW- I am still a professional musician. I play a cocktail hour and also play organ for not one but two Methodist churches. I am not a member because I am not a believer but those congregations like me and treat me very well. If my JW sister would talk to me (she wont) and tell me those churches are satanic I would slap her down.
Of course I remember that song!! I love that you made your own version!! Unbelievable how even music becomes a sore spot for a JW.....insane!
Im a crooner at heart.
YOu were that good singer, weren't you??
@survivingparadisepodcast Yup, occasionally they would convince me to record my voice singing the kingdom melodies, but I always wanted to sing Sinatra, Matt Monro, Andy Williams, Nat King Cole, etc...
Music and musical abilities are a gift from Almighty God. These 9 old hypocritical men will do their best to crush you for their own selfish gain. They are fake, don't listen to them. If you have talent, let it grow and use it. Practice, practice, practice, start your journey, don't give up.
YES and incredible gift they've distorted!
Of all things I found disagreeable in a kingdom hall, standing up to sing those songs was at the top of my list. It couldn't end fast enough for me. I always wondered, who writes these songs?
P.S. I lip synched. Never actually sang.😅
*"who writes these songs?"*
No doubt the same Bethelite that wrote the articles about m*asterbation, gay p*rn, and the evils of PG-13 movies.
We lip sync'd all the time!!! They're written so poorly written!!!
Ahhh yes, music. This was a constant source of sorrow for me growing up. Music was a sure source of a guilt trip or a trip into the backroom. I'm passionate about this topic because I love music and am a musician. One of the things that absolutely disappointed me was when the bORG changed from the brown Sing Praises to Jehovah songbook, to that awful, disgusting, dog vomit yellow Sing to Jehovah. Never in my life had I seen such an arbitrary, unnecessary, unholy sacrilege of perfectly good music. It's like they said, hey, let's change all these old, classic songs just to piss the brothers off! Let's throw a bunch of musical notes in the air and wherever they land, that's the new songs! Well, I got taken to the elders' room because whilst in high school I played the bagpipes. I played Amazing Grace for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day program. It brought the house down and was published in the local newspaper. Ohhhh man! I did every cardinal sin for a Witness! I played a gospel hymn, I was creative, I stood out, and got public recognition! How dare you, young man???
Soooo, as I was disciplined and had my privileges taken away, JW hypocrisy was alive and well. Just a couple hours south, in the Brooklyn Park congregation (suburb of St. Paul, MN) the likes of Larry Graham (legendary bassplayer of Graham Central Station amd Sister Sledge) and Prince, active Witnesses, Larry is an elder, were still making records and on tour playing concerts!! Ohhh the hypocrisy!!! Til this day it still makes my blood boil!!!! 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
Wow, love musicians....you're such gifted people!! Unbelievable.....yet you have those famous musicians held up as examples. Don't forget Michael Jackson and George Benson....there were many! You were sure a sinner to play Amazing Grace! ....(Jeff Buckley's version.....so damn good!)
Oh After Singing 8000: Songs I Sung in 2Apps So that's Why Elders Aren't Banging Down My Door but they Were the Cause of it by Never Coming Back . I Can Relate Of I too Music Lover but I feel How They Get Us Hooked Sorry for the Pun on Words.🎉😂❤
They get those jingles in our heads!
Stacey: "We all know how this organization feels about homosexuality...they continue to push this and push it hard." 🤣😂🤣😂😁
Intentional pun or not, this is one of the funniest comments I've heard in a long time. The timing was perfect. "Straight" up hilarious, Stacy.
LOL, I didn't even realize how that sounded!!! I'm out of control without knowing!
I’ve have always hated the JW music, it’s boring depressing outdated and far from diverse. For far too long it has has reflected the tastes of European culture from the early 20th century and yet this is supposed to be a world wide organisation? I’m sure Jehovah would love Kingdom songs that have a bit of reggae, rap disco rap or Afro beats or pop or rock. JW music is horrible!!!!
It's SO BAD..... just horrible children rhymes.....all pointing at them!
@@survivingparadisepodcast I'm not familiar with any of the current songs( thank you! 😩 🤮), but the Pre- 2000's songs were bad enough!
( For those who know..."Rolly Polly Fishheads" had more appeal than any KH drivel! 😂)
@@sparklecanada0112 FISHHEADS!!!!!!!
Excellent talk Stacey.
Elder for 25 yrs.
Mom & Dad, not J.db's, loved music as did my 2 siblings, also not J.db's.
My wife, 5 kids & 11 Grandkids escaped this mind controlling religion some 8 yrs ago.
One of my favorite, 1 hit wonders was performed by The Sugarhill Gang: 'Rappers Delight'
Disco & Rap. Probably musics 1st rap song 1979
ruclips.net/video/mcCK99wHrk0/видео.htmlsi=2QUh5WYpHw1ZerJh
Crank it.
Vancouver B.C
Love it my fellow elders!! LOL, as if anyone cares! I'm so glad you got out and I almost moved to Vancouver BC ten years ago.......visited several KH's back in the day, love the city.....we probably have mutual friends! well....former friends lol
Ya, we may know a few lost sheep.
C.O servant: I do recall such a visit at the Assembly Hall in Surrey B.C where he was maestro & leading singer with an amazing voice. Just can't place his name
@@ANDY_FUGAZI we had a CO named Michas who was a former opera singer......maybe him?
@survivingparadisepodcast
Doesn't ring a bell Stacey : I've sent out the question to a few still in the cult. Lol
Anyhooo; keep up the great work my Friend !!
@@ANDY_FUGAZI let me know if they answer!
Not sure what's going to happen here!!!
I hope it didn't disappoint!
My mother was so ignorant that she would rather me listen to Who’s bed have your boots been under by Shania Twain because it’s country than Fuel by Metallica. The country song is about adultery and the latter is about a race car…..But the latter sounds mean and aggressive. My childhood was full of BS like that.
Or you can have her listen to Mama Said by Metallica. That's Metallica goin' Outlaw Country!
LOL! now that is funny! They have no clue, but they have quieter guitars so it must be okay, right??? LOL!
@@azraeleldovahkiin4757 YES!!
@@survivingparadisepodcast It’s real funny because most Country Music that Most JW’s defend is about being drunk, fornicating, adultery and other major sins you would get DF’d for.
Which book was it that had a picture of a couple booty bumping to disco? I remember asking my mum what was wrong with what they were doing. Anyway, I’m off to listen to the Saturday night fever soundtrack…
One of the best movie soundtracks EVER! SO GOOD!!!!!!
I’m a cart I’m made of bits and pieces With a handle and some wheels I’m a cart ……
I see what you did there!
Ahhh yes The Aid To Bible Understanding book that justifies the use of a self confessed Spiritist for the translation of John 1:1!!
An INCREDIBLE fact that so few know.... so much to unpack with that one, including the big blue 'creation' book
The trouble is my spouse is a JW and often has the latest kingdom music on its so depressing some even sound like funeral procession music and I am being serious.
Other songs are corny some are even duets. No wonder many witnesses are on depression tablets.
All the above would have been classed as Worldly once but alas not anymore the JWs has changed
At least we can say Gospel music is uplifting and joyful even if you don't agree with the lyrics and God/god aspects.
So true! Gospel gives the goosebumps! But the kingdom melodies? UGH!
Oh, my goodness! SO many thoughts on this! 😅
¤ On the music I grew up with: When I was a kid, my mom used to tell me of this one TERRIBLE heavy metal band from her youth, that were just AWFUL. But they had one lovely ballad. The song was Come Away, Melinda, the band was Uriah Heep. 😑 And that might give a clue as to what kind of music I was or wasn't allowed, growing up. So, I grew up in the 90's, with my parents' music. It was folksy, pop-songs from the 60-80. I often scoured their CD's to find SOMETHING with a bit more edge to it, maybe some actual beat or an electric guitar, and if I lucked out, that song was on repeat.
¤ On heavy metal: I shied away from metal music, ofc, because it was satanic. But I did wonder, why it was ok for me to listen to pop groups, when on the covers the singers are barely dressed, while on the metal albums (at least of the ones I was interested in), the covers were actual art. 🤔 Then one time, at my dad's place, I was in a situation where I couldn't help but hear a melodic heavy metal song. I was transfixed to my place.
¤ On songs distracting while driving: When I got my driver's license, my first ever solo trip was a 40 min drive to the airport. I sang a happy little tune, over and over, to myself the entire way to KEEP myself concentrated and upbeat as I traversed the ever-busier highway.
¤ On disco: As a shy introvert, I never wanted to go to any extracurricular things, but I did, DESPERATELY, want to go to the Kick-out Disco of my 6th grade. It was a tradition in my school, as that was the last year, and then you'd get "kicked out." Mom forbade me, absolutely forbade. We were 12yos, the disco was at the school, chaperoned by the teachers. I never understood WHY mom thought it'd be SO immoral. But I didn't realize "disco" had been so demonized in my mom's youth. Another mystery solved. 😶 Thank you for that!
¤ More on metal: Some years back we had my mom over and due to outside circumstances, it was a very stressful visit. When I dropped her off at the airport, I kept a brave face all throughout the terminal and then, as I walked all the way back to the parking hall to my car. At the car, I broke down and cried. Once I had calmed down, I got on the road for the 40 minute drive home, but I was still, ofc, emotional. I turned the radio on and Rob Zombie's Dracula was on. I realized I'd not heard electric guitars for two weeks and really felt like my soul was getting replenished. 😆
¤ "On the "poopy brown" 🤣😂🤣!! That song book was the only song I knew. When my first doubts were coming out, maybe the first one I voiced was, "If this is the ONLY true religion, of the ONLY true God, shouldn't HE have the BEST of everything? So why is the music so BAD??" I never learned any of the songs by heart, though bits and pieces are lodged in there, for sure. (Especially that one bipolar song, that started with doom and gloom and then transitioned into happy falsetto butterflies for a bit before plunging straight back into depths. Gah.)
¤ On how music is a way to one's heart and mind: A couple years back I was in Orlando, at the Wizarding World. I, in my witchy costume, was standing outside a ride, when it started playing a piece of music. My brain thought the music reminded enough of an orchestral version of some Kingdom Melody that I honestly got the whole panicky "Oh, no, I have to find my seat, NOW!!" -feeling. For real! 😅
¤ On music videos: I can't even. My mind was absolutely blown when I found out about JW music videos. In my day we laughed and looked down our noses at the Christendom, and how they were watering down God's message with their Christian rock and pop songs. On one hand I'm trying to be glad that the young JW's nowadays have them, but on the other, they're SOOO very BAAAD. 😖
WOW!!! We had such similar experiences!! I think you're a little younger, but all of those things applied to me as well. I SNUCK to the jr. high dance....and I was big into the hair bands in HS....we had a group of other JW dudes that hung out together and we did air bands.....to the highly immoral hair metal! LOL!
@@survivingparadisepodcast I am a bit younger, yes. I grew up in the 80's and 90's. I am, sadly, not part of the special generation that grew up in the 70's 😉. Still, my experiences tend to line up a bit better than expected with those growing up in the 70's in the USA, as I grew up in Finland. Nowadays the transmit of culture is instant, but it wasn't back then, so that little bit of lag makes me fit in with older ppl here.
I was actually allowed to go to my High School dance. It wasn't prom, because we don't have those. But.... 🤷♀ prom with an old-timey twist? My mom even made my dress for me, so full endorsement. But that DISCO ban has been bothering me for 28 years, dangit, lol. I'm actually glad that you cleared it up for me! It REALLY didn't make sense in my little world: what was so bad about a little school dance?? I'd never actually asked to go to a single school event before. But mom has a tendency to get stuck on words, as JW's are wont, of course, if that word is mentioned as BAD by the org. That explains it really well.
Dark days are here men live in fear…. But the Bible tells us that soon there will be 😂
oh my, memory triggered!!! LOL
Negative emotions???? Songs about suicide actually save many from doing it (like "Fade to Black" from Metallica, among a few). You can´t hear to Slayer (I don´t like it anyway, though I am a metalhead) but you can sing about carnage in Armageddon or be "delighted" with illustrations about it. Sick and evil. Fun enough, I became a Black Metal vocalist mainly due to the lies in religion 😂🤣😂
LOVE IT, you have a unique perspective!! That is why I love bands like Seether.....they actually write songs that get you thinking about such sensitve subjects!
@@survivingparadisepodcast Yes, there are people that think that Metal music is all about screams. They don´t now what they´re missing😏
Talking Snakes, global flood, 10 plagues
And prophets
GB speak, you obey
They watch the profits
You think your thoughts are yours
But they mold and shape ‘em
watch what you say & think
Even if you naked
They got a lotta nerve,
say they God’s microphone
You betta not disagree,
end up alone
They got a lotta rules,
They’ll make you tired
Act like they care,
Unless you’re A-minorrrrrr
They not like us, They not like us, They not like us
😂 thank you Kendrick Lamar ✊🏾
DAMN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is GREAT!!!! You did it!!!! Who is going to come up with the beat?????
Disco leads to sexual immorality aparently 😂. I remember the admonition ad nausiam.
Oh yeah, disco was all about sex! But so is eating macaroni and cheese, riding your bike, or chewing gum, right? :)
@@survivingparadisepodcast please cite the artical and do a podcast about the spiritual dangers of mac n' cheese, bike riding and gum chewing-- you're creative and an experienced former jw elder ;) yet, at the same time, I don't doubt the genious govbody delivered a warning about mac'n cheese, bike riding and gum chewing it at !!! Sad part is that i can see how it could be sexually immoral. How about weiners, surely tyere is someting written about the dangers of eating hotdogs without the bun, well, even with the bun...omg what's wrong with me? hahaha!!! I'm so worldly now you see 😂
@@pennybeeflower1951 LOL!!!!!! This is awesome!!!! Don't forget the demonized socks you might get at a garage sale!
their paradise will be musicless...not worth living
Growing up during Vietnam War, listening to songs like "Don't Step On The Grass Sam" "Pusher" must I go on? Joan & Dylan coming through a small Arizona town protesting her Husbands incarceration in a nearby Federal Prison for refusing the draft! Yes I was their as a 18 year old cheering Joan on! In total fear of being drafted that year! Would I be in that Prison? Would I have the support of the Congregation? 😢
...and some of the most poignant....BEST music ever written during that era!