Beyond Belief

There aren’t all that many people whose music I follow these days. I’ll still buy an album by some of my old fav’s like James Taylor and Jackson Browne, but I haven’t bought any top 40 music in a long time. Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE listening to music and I love new music as well. The musicians I follow who put out fairly regular new music are kind of obscure. Lucy Kaplansky, Richard Shindell, John Gorka (thanks Julie!) to name a few.

One guy who I DO follow, and who may not be that obscure, is David Wilcox. I bought his new CD, “Open Hand” at Best Buy so he must not be THAT obscure. He is an incredible guitarist, all open tunings and partial capos, finger picking, etc. His voice is smooth and very baritone. When I first heard him he reminded me of some old James Taylor. Others agree. After a while he just started sounding like himself. The third part of his triple threat are his lyrics. I’m not sure that every single song is inspired, but some are truly memorable. He’ll never be top 40, but, honestly, I like him just where he is.

When I listen to a new album the first time or two, I just let it wash over me. This one sounds a lot like one he did with a band. It was called “Turning Point”. So I notice the music first. I get so I can hum along with favorites before really tuning into the lyrics.

I was driving along, thinking about the school day when this line jumped out at me…

Jesus - called me a hypocrite, 


When I said that I was saved


I started that song over and it gave me chills. I don’t want to interpret it. I just feel the need to share it.

Beyond Belief (youtube link)

Jesus - called me hypocrite. 


When I said that I believe


He said, how can you follow me


Without a willingness to leave



Leave the gates and the passwords, 


Known by just your kind


Walk beyond the divisions that religions always find


And BE the mercy,

My people need the peace


This fight over faith won't bring them relief


I love them beyond belief



Jesus - called me a hypocrite, 


When I said I'd spread the word


He said, how can you teach of love


Unless you live what you have heard



Hear the hearts of the people,

Crying out in pain 


Pain caused by dominion,

And fighting in my name,


So, BE the mercy,

My people need the peace


This fight over faith won't bring them relief


I love them beyond belief



Jesus - called me a hypocrite, 


When I said that I was saved


He said, how will your soul be judged


With all the judgments you have made



Faith can't be your fortress,

Arrogant with pride


Come walk here beside me

With the humble ones outside


And BE the mercy,

All my people need the peace


This fight over faith won't bring them relief


I love them beyond belief



Jesus called me to be the mercy