loyolahcmass

[loyolahcmass]

Mass Music Playlist 5/9/21

These were the songs used last night at Mass!

Opening Songs:

--The Times They Are A-Changin Cover by Dillon James 

--I Will Follow You into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie 

--Smoke Clears by Andy Grammer 

--Come and Get Your Love by Redbone 

 For Homily Song:

--Remedy by Zac Brown Band 

 Communion:

--Hearts Don’t Break Around Here by Ed Sheeran 

 Ending:

--Accidentally in Love by Counting Crows 

[loyolahcmass]

Homily on Remedy by Zac Brown Band

Here is the preview of Fr. Rossi’s homily about the song Remedy by Zac Brown Band:

God’s Love is the “Remedy” 

by

Zac Brown Band

 “Everyone can be forgiven

One love and one religion

Open up your heart and listen

Love is the remedy.”

“Remedy”, Zac Brown Band

 “Remedy” is a song written by Zac Brown himself.  

For anyone who hasn’t heard of the Zac Brown Band, they were selected the Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards a few years back.

They were only the third country act ever to win the award.

__________

The Band has chalked up many hits since

But, in 2016, they showcased their Christian side with the song “Remedy” 

Recently, they spoke about how the song highlights the significance of the spiritual in their life.

__________

“Remedy” can be found in the Band’s album “Jekyll + Hyde”. 

What’s a Jekyll and Hyde personality?

One having a two-sided persona, one side of which is good and the other evil.

And “Remedy” definitely comes from the Jekyll, or good side, of their lives.

__________

“I’m not saying I’m a wise man

Heaven knows there’s much that I'm still finding

Making my way down this winding road

Holding on to what I love.”

Zac Brown has said this about the song:

“Remedy’" is affirming my spirituality and the way that I look at life.

“It’s the prism through which I’ve viewed things in every life journey that I’ve been on.

__________

“Through church, through my personal experiences, through what I’ve seen of the world, “Remedy” is a reminder to me that God is love.

“And when you get too far away from that love, then you discover the hard way that God’s blessing is not there as much.

“That’s why this song means a lot to me personally.”

__________

“We're all in this world together

Life's a gift that we have to treasure

Happiness, now that is the measure

Love is the remedy."

 “Remedy” is the Band’s way of reaching out, to remind each other of one important fact: you just can’t go through life loving only yourself.

“We’ve got to try to share love with other people; that's what's going to make the difference. 

“I believe in what I sing about.

“And I believe that other people need to center themselves around love and that'll make for a transformation.

“That's what “Remedy” is to me."

__________

“I’ve come to realize that showing kindness to each other is a must in this world. 

“With the song, we want to emphasize that God is the center of that love.

“And that we always need to follow His path to attain it.”

__________

The music video for the song echoes this theological theme.

It was produced, not surprisingly, by a committed Christian director. 

The story is engrossing and poignant and to the point.

It features a young woman running away from an alcoholic mother.

__________

The video starts with a big fight between mother and daughter. 

The skirmish keeps ratcheting up until the alcoholic mother says,

“I don’t need you. 

“That’s what I don’t need right now. 

“Just go away.”

__________

That’s the breaking point for the daughter, Brown says. 

“To escape from her self-destructive lifestyle and her drunken mother, the young woman runs into the forest to just get lost.

"But instead, she connects there with her spiritual heritage.

“She discovers she has to search out love and understanding or else she won’t survive emotionally.

__________

“Everyone can be forgiven

One love and one religion

Open up your heart and listen.

Love is the remedy.”

 “When communication becomes impossible, the heritage of your ancestors, Christian forgiveness and love, are the only way to heal."

“She must grow spiritually and psychologically, so she can go home again, taking the first step toward a loving reconciliation with her mother.”

And, may I add, salvation for both of them.

__________

"My commandment to you is 

Love one another.” Gospel of John

In today’s Gospel, Jesus makes his salvation known through the love he has for his followers.

It’s the same message Zac Brown is trying to get across to us.

We can’t love anyone without God’s help.

__________

Why?

Because love comes from God, St. John tells us.

He loves us—all of us.

And, like the daughter in the music video, he does it first.

That’s the remedy!

[loyolahcmass]

This week Fr. Rossi will be talking about the song Remedy by Zac Brown Band!

[loyolahcmass]

Mass Music Playlist 5/2/21

These were the songs used last night at Mass!

Opening Songs:

--Starman by David Bowie 

--Golden by Harry Styles

--Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) by Journey 

--All About Soul by Billy Joel 

 For Homily Song:

--ON by BTS 

 Communion:

--pov by Arianna Grande 

 Ending:

--Livin’ On A Prayer by Bon Jovi 

[loyolahcmass]

Homily on ON by BTS

Here is the preview of Fr. Rossi’s homily about the song ON by BTS: BTS Show Their Spiritual Grit”

 “Who do I need to follow?”

“ON” by BTS

 As you no doubt know, BTS is a seven-member South Korean boy band.

 They’ve been around now for almost eight years.

 Originally a hip-hop group, their musical style over the years has evolved to include a wide range of genres. 

__________

 Their lyrics often focus on personal and social commentary, touch on themes like spiritual and mental health.

 They also sing about troubles of school-age youth, loss, the journey towards loving oneself, and caring for others. 

 Their work features references to literature, including lots of allusions to the Bible.

__________

 The group has released several platinum-selling albums. 

 “Map of the Soul: 7” is their fourth Korean-language (seventh overall) studio album. 

 The album was released on February 21, 2020. 

 It is the follow-up to their 2019 extended play Map of the Soul: Persona, with five of its songs appearing on the album. 

__________

 Described by BTS as "deeply personal", the album is influenced by their spiritual journey and personal growth over the previous seven years. 

 Lyrically, “Map of the Soul: 7” contains themes of reflection, introspection, and self-acceptance.

 The world was facing the beginnings of the global pandemic as BTS was promoting the upcoming album in America. 

__________

 “All will be my blood and flesh.

Bring the pain on.”

 These promotions ended with the official release of their title track “ON”, a hymn-like song that delivers a message of overcoming obstacles and growing together.

 The track even includes a gospel choir singing about tough times.

__________

 The lyric “Bring the pain on” may sound like a challenge.

 That’s certainly spot-one when you consider Covid-19. 

 So yes, it’s a challenge, but it’s also a reminder that with faith we can, and we will, endure everything.

__________

 The song begins with uncertainty, showcased in the first verse.

 And it grows deeper when a rap exposes their fears “there’s no way that I’m not afraid, there’s no way that everything is okay”. 

 However, instantly, the song comes to terms with the struggle:

 “But I know awkwardly, 

I flow with that black wind, 

I fly.”

 It’s acknowledging the inner strength to keep going.

__________

 In the next rap verse, we hear, “even if I fall, I get back up, scream, because that’s what we always did.” 

 The wording of this lyric is very important. 

 The use of “we” instead of “I” is a testimony. 

 The group’s members have each other when overcoming the ups and downs.

__________

 “We’re alone but also together.”

 With sentiments like these during the Corona virus year, ON” has become one of BTS’ biggest hits ever.

  The “ON” official music video tells a story from start to finish and is filled with biblical references. 

 It has a super positive vibe.

 It’s completely different from anything BTS have ever done, but still captures their traditional message of perseverance. 

__________

 The dove of peace, a symbol of spiritual hope, revives and is released at the video’s end.

 This gives the video a double meaning: it’s a representation of their rough pilgrimage over the years and a hopeful message for the future.

 The strength to face your fears can change the world. 

 They’re saying if we believe together, we can achieve anything. 

__________

 The “ON” video opens with imagery that refers to the Crusades.

 One group member walks through a war-torn field and finds a dove with an arrow shot through it. 

 In the next scene, another runs through a field, an escaped prisoner with his hands still bound by thorns.

__________

A third lays in a field with his arms outstretched like a cross. 

 When he opens his eyes, a young girl who is blindfolded sits next to him. 

 The injured dove is carried in a cage.

 The next shot shows him surrounded by animals and a shipwreck, representing Noah’s Ark.

 He heals the dove which represents the Holy Spirit, the One sent by Jesus to renew our lives.

__________

 At this point, the young girl’s blindfold is removed; she is cured.

 Placing their hands in water, which removes the constraints of the thorns, they find salvation as if through baptism.

 The dove is released, and they are all reunited. 

 Together, they reach the promised land.

__________

 “Without me you can do nothing.”

Gospel of John 

 To their credit, in this song BTS is searching for peace and building up both their personal lives and their community.

 They have great reverence for the process of salvation they’re going through.

 Only one thing can account for such hope and perseverance: the grace of God.

__________

 The 7 guys in BTS have developed a unique camaraderie.

 As Jesus tells us in the Gospel, if we put our hope in God, we will “bear much fruit”.

 BTS are the most popular performers in the world today and their faith in a greater power is the spark that makes it all possible.

[loyolahcmass]

This week Fr. Rossi will be talking about the song ON by BTS!

[loyolahcmass]

Mass Music Playlist 4/25/21

These were the songs used last night at Mass!

Opening Songs:

--Sweet Annie by Zac Brown Band 

--God Only Knows by For King & Country 

--H.O.L.Y. by Florida Georgia Line 

--The Good Ones by Gabby Barrett 

 For Homily Song:

--If You’re Reading This by Tim McGraw 

 Communion:

--Whom Shall I Fear by Chris Tomlin 

 Ending:

--Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins 

[loyolahcmass]

Homily on If You’re Reading This by Tim McGraw

Here is the preview of Fr. Rossi’s homily about the song If You’re Reading This by Tim McGraw:

“If You’re Reading This”

By

Tim McGraw

 Lay me down

In that open field out on the edge of town

And know my soul

Is where my momma always prayed

That it would go

And if you're reading this

I'm already home.

 There are many good songs about fallen soldiers.

 But there’s one song that’s cherished by those who have family members who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

 It’s Tim McGraw’s classic “If You’re Reading This”.

__________

 Penned by the country superstar himself, it instantly became one of the most treasured memorial songs ever.

 McGraw, alongside his two co-writers, were inspired to write “If You’re Reading This” after reading a magazine article about the casualties of war.

 Together, the three of them crafted a story that is indeed one of the most heartfelt tributes songs to our country’s fallen heroes. 

__________

 This song was first performed during the televised Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards on May 15, 2007. 

 McGraw performed it live.

 And he decided it wouldn’t be released to radio until after its very special debut on that show.

__________

 What made the performance truly memorable was that McGraw was joined on stage by 100 relatives of fallen soldiers.

 They carried with them a huge banner that read simply “Families of Fallen Heroes”. 

 The concert was so moving it brought the entire stadium to its feet.

__________

 Shortly after the telecast, the single debuted on the Top Country Songs at number 35. 

 “If You’re Reading This” went on to peak high on the Billboard Top 100.

 A phenomenon that’s highly unusual for a country song.

__________

 Fourteen years later, this song still stands the test of time.

 Why?

 Because it’s a genuinely sincere reflection on not just loss in military combat, but on death and what follows.

 That’s why it’s come to be so important to so many people, particularly families who have lost loved ones in the military. 

__________

 Sure wish I

Could give you one more kiss

And war was just a game we played when we were kids.

 The lyrics form a series of letters from a deployed soldier speaking to his family.

 They detail the unimaginable heartbreak of someone writing down his last goodbyes to his mother, father, and his beloved wife.

 Basically, the song is a fallen soldier’s very last letter to them.

 It’s a loving, deeply personal farewell to a family left behind. 

__________

 If you're reading this

Halfway around the world

I won't be there

To see the birth of our little girl

I hope she looks like you

I hope she fights like me

Stand up for the innocent and weak.

 We hear that love throughout the song, and it tugs at our hearts.

 He talks about everything he’s wanted to say to these very special people but didn’t have the chance. 

 He won’t be home for those important moments in their lives.

 Like the birth of the daughter, the child for which they’d both been praying. 

__________

 I'm laying down my gun

I'm hanging up boots

I'm up here with God and we're both watching over you

 But as he says in the letter, he’ll be with them spiritually.

 He reassures them that he is at peace with God, a better place without war. 

 They will be forever in his heart and more.

 He will be praying for them.

__________

 That’s the reason “If You’re Reading This” has retained its popularity all these years.

 Dealing with the loss of a loved one is difficult for anyone to take in and comprehend. 

 But death in wartime comes swiftly and is always a brutal shock, because often the person is so young.

__________

 This song consoles these military families, assuring them that their beloved son, husband, father, or brother is now moving forward.

 Not with them, unfortunately, but to another, more peaceable chapter in their life. 

 This song achieves something miraculous; it heals.

__________

 Just remember this

I'm in a better place

Where soldiers live in peace

And angels sing amazing grace

So lay me down

In that open field out on the edge of town.

 What I love about “If You’re Reading This” is the fact that the soldier is comforting his loved ones in the Lord.

 He tells them to “take refuge” in Jesus, who as we hear in the Gospel today is the Good Shepherd.

 He is now powerless to help them, but Christ, who loves and cares for them as a good shepherd does, is not.

__________

 “A good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.”

Gospel of John 10:11

 Why the image of the Good Shepherd, you may ask?

 Because unlike the herd, the departed soldier is keenly aware of the risks that our Shepherd takes.

 Risks that remind him of those he took in combat.

__________

 Their soldier is now fighting the good fight together with Jesus.

 He’s in holy combat.

 It’s a crusade of prayers for those he loves: those who will forever be praying for him!

[loyolahcmass]

This week Fr. Rossi will be talking about the song If You’re Reading This by Tim McGraw!

[loyolahcmass]

Mass Music Playlist 4/18/21

These were the songs used Sunday night at Mass!

Opening Songs:

--BANG! by AJR 

--Chippin Away by Allen Stone 

--Set Me Free by Oliver Heldens & Party Pupils feat. MAX 

--All I Need by Jacob Collier, Mahalia, and Ty Dolla $ign 

 For Homily Song:

--Cringe by Matt Maeson 

 Communion:

--Home by Livingston 

 Ending:

--Levitating by Dua Lipa feat. DaBaby 

[loyolahcmass]

Homily on Cringe by Matt Maeson

Here is the preview of Fr. Rossi’s homily about the song Cringe by Matt Maeson:

“Cringe”

by

Matt Maeson

 "Sweating all your sins out.”

“Cringe”-Matt Maeson

 Matt Maeson was raised in Norfolk, Virginia by parents who played in Christian metal bands with names like Holy Warfare and Neverthirst. 

 Matt grew up performing songs for inmates at maximum-security prisons with his mother and father.

 He was part of their inmate ministry, “Life on The Verge,” which is still going strong today. 

__________

 “Growing up, I wasn't allowed to listen to secular music.

 "I was raised on Christian music only, mainly lousy Christian music. 

 “I had to dig really deep to find something I actually liked in that world." 

 And he found it. It was his faith in God

__________

 He admits further that his Christian upbringing contributed to his development as an artist.

 “I have a unique faith in God because of it, and that’s very important to me. 

 "Also, touring with my parents for a few years really kickstarted my live performances. 

 "We did A LOT of shows, and by the time I went my separate way, I’d like to think I was pretty damn good at it."

__________

 It was the way he discovered the effect music can have on people, even those incarcerated.

 "I was seeing the difference music could make in people's lives in such a dark place, and how influential music could be on those guys. 

 "Like, they walked in sluggish, just like, oh, I've been in prison for 30 years -- obviously, not in the best mood. 

 “And then by the end of it, they're on their feet, clapping, having fun.

 “It's like, wow, man, music really does have the power to completely shift your atmosphere." 

__________

 It was playing with “Life on the Verge” after a debut gig at a Chick-Fil-A open mic when he was just 16—one Maeson says he won, "not because I was good, but because everyone else sucked,"—that he found out the good his music could do.

 “I brought that kind of attitude to every show I did after that, even outside of prison.

 “And it's been great just to see how music can help people.”

__________

 “Then I found out about the whole other world of music outside and went bonkers. 

 “I attribute most of my writing skills to the likes of Johnny Cash, Jeff Buckley and Kurt Cobain. 

 “People who knew how to write a song from experience and with brutal honesty. 

 “That’s what I respected.

__________

 “And that’s what I wanted to do, too.

 “However, I went off the rails for a while in my late teens.

 “I got addicted to drugs, and later served time in jail.”

__________

 Maeson’s song “Cringe” is about all of that.

 Its undercurrents deal with his search for redemption. 

 His impassioned singing cuts to the core, telling the story of his struggling against his sins and transgressions. 

 His goal he says is to point listeners towards a life of transcendence and triumph through the prism of his own spiritual battles.

__________

 “I didn’t think much of “Cringe” after I wrote it. 

 “I definitely didn’t think it would do as well as its done.”

 But it was brutally honest, for him the most important benchmark, and so he believed in it.

__________

 Maeson says he also wrote "Cringe" about being pushed away by people close to him because of the lifestyle he was living. 

 Rather than pulling him in and loving him, he was merely getting reprimanded.

 He felt he was making these people "cringe." 

 "I lived pretty rough for a while.

 "Some of the people I really cared about would rather tell me how wrong I was rather than ask how I was doing."

__________

 Breaking a song is often a time-consuming process, but rarely does it take well over two years to make a hit. 

 "Cringe" had somewhat of an unconventional trip to the top of the Billboard charts. 

 Not that Maeson's complaining.

__________

 Originally released in November 2016, it wasn't until nearly two years later that the song hit the charts.

 It debuted at No. 38 on the Adult Alternative Songs airplay list, eventually peaking at No. 7 in January. 

 Seven months later, it was the No. 1 song on the Alternative Songs airplay ranking, a distinction it held for four weeks.

__________

 Maeson knew something was up right off the bat, despite having to wait a bit to see the returns on Billboard's charts. 

 “It took a while for 'Cringe' to do its thing organically but it kept getting more and more listeners. 

 When "Cringe" began making the rounds on streaming services, Maeson was surprised about the song's trajectory.

 Something didn't add up, compared to most releases.

 "I saw the consistent number of streams it was getting, and it was getting higher each time, which Isn’t normal a year and a half after you release a song.

 “The streams kept going up.”

__________

 The lightbulb moment occurred in a July 2017 concert, when Maeson says he "could hear everyone singing “Cringe” back. 

 This was when the song was still over a year off from its radio debut.

 "Cringe" eventually remained on Billboard's Rock Airplay chart for 42 weeks between December 2018 and October 2019, a product of its success at two different radio formats over an extended period of time. 

__________

 “Why are you troubled?”

Gospel of John

 "I think there will always be a hint of the darker side of me in my music, Maeson says.

 "But there’s an uplifting spirit to it and that’s just because of where I’m at in my life. 

 "That’s what attracted more and more people to “Cringe”.

__________

 "Whatever I put out is going to be about where I am in life at that point. 

 "I think a lot of my songs are both depressing and uplifting at the same time, because even if I’m in a really dark place, I’ve got faith I’m going get out of it. 

 "That’s the message I’ve put in “Cringe”. People want that!"

[loyolahcmass]

This week Fr. Rossi will be talking about the song Cringe by Matt Maeson!

[loyolahcmass]

Mass Music Playlist 4/11/21

These were the songs used Sunday night at Mass!

Opening Songs:

--Muscle Soul by Anders Lewen 

--Kids In America by Kim Wilde

--Rebel Yell by Billy Idol 

--For Once In My Life by Stevie Wonder 

 For Homily Song:

--Keeping the Faith by Billy Joel 

 Communion:

--God Bless the U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood

 Ending:

--The Nights by Avicii 

[loyolahcmass]

Keeping the Faith by Billy Joel

Here is the preview of Fr. Rossi’s homily about the song Keeping the Faith by Billy Joel:

“Keeping the Faith”

By

Billy Joel

In 1983, Billy Joel made a very funny video for his biggest hit that year.

 The video depicts a jury trial to determine whether Joel is innocent and is "keeping the faith" with his music. 

 The courtroom is populated by 1950s acts on one side, and 1960s entertainers (including a Jimi Hendrix lookalike) on the other.

 Joel is guilty of nothing more than singing and dancing riotously throughout the video. 

 It’s a blast!

__________

 In another classic music video, George Michael also sang about having “Faith”. OK! 

But in what? In himself.

 It occurs to me that neither one of them must have known very much about the theological virtue of faith.  

 Sorry Billy and George! You were great, but faith is about how we relate to God Himself, not merely ourselves.

__________

 After all, one sings about having faith in his music, the other croons about having faith in himself. 

 The songs sold a lot of records and they deserved it, because they're great tracks.

 But how does that kind of faith, faith in what you do or who you are, change anything outside yourself? 

 There’s a fancy word for that: solipsism.

 That’s the view or theory that the self is all that’s important.

__________

 It’s good to have faith in yourself, there's no denying it. You need it for a "can-do" attitude.

 Who wants to hang around a negative person? 

 You know, a person who thinks he or she can't do anything and will give you every reason that you can't either.

__________

 But you know the problem with mere faith in myself?  

 I fail. Regularly.  

 And when I fail, I lose faith in myself. Quickly. 

 Eventually, I pick myself up, dust myself off, and start all over again, with a lesson learned, I hope (another theological virtue).

 But I’ve still failed.

__________

 Which is why it's not wise to have the object of my faith be little old me and what I do. 

 Because Me, Myself and I? We're just not reliable. 

 We’re not evil or anything.

 We usually try to do what’s right and all.

 But we’re still not G.O.D.

 You know who I mean, the real God? The One in whom I should have faith.

__________

 Admit it. We're fickle and erratic. 

 We’re human. Fallible. Flawed. Pick you own word.

 Prone to mess up, sometimes on a grand scale.

__________

 So, back to faith, which must have a supernatural, spiritual object. 

 So, what is your faith in? 

 Your best self? 

 That's a good start, but it’s not enough.

 We need to ask a further question.

 Where does the good in me come from?

__________

 We’ve got to have faith in something bigger than ourselves.  

 We may be weak, sinful human beings, but we still can have faith in the Creator God who never fails.

 He’s the same God who also came to our rescue on the first Easter Sunday (Jesus Christ) and is still around to help us now (The Holy Spirit).

__________

 Even when we think He’s failed us, He hasn't.

 We just don't understand why some things happen.

 Ask that guy Job in the Old Testament!

__________

 Faith in God is the kind of faith that does change things. Everything, in fact. 

 Sometimes it's as simple as changing my attitude for the way I accept something I can't change. 

 Sometimes, it sustains and buoys me to keep on working at something I'm ready to quit on. 

__________

 Speaking personally, I’m grateful that I've chosen to keep my faith.

 I’m not bragging here, except about God Himself.

 Faith in Him, an unwavering, fixed object that won't rust and decay or get wiped out in the next recession, is a meaningful fidelity.

 He’s someone that isn't capricious, likely to make a mistake, or leave me alone to just figure it all out by myself with my pea sized brain. 

 Because it's with personal hindsight that I'm able to look back and see how that faith has been rewarded.  

 For example: I've never told Mount Everest to move, but God has helped me move quite a few mountains of another kind.

__________

 So, my question for all of us is, what is it that we need to move?  

 Our anger? Our bitterness? Our fears? Our unloving hearts?

__________

 If so, maybe it's time to refocus on what, or on whom, our faith rests. 

 Because keeping the faith in yourself or what you can achieve like Billy Joel or George Michael?

 Well, that's just not going to change anything significant or long-term.

 You may have noticed that Billy Joel is no longer putting out classics like “Keeping the Faith”.

 And George Michael probably died alone of substance abuse.

 It’s time to have faith in the Peace that ONLY Christ can give.

__________

 The Apostle Thomas and the other disciples put their faith in themselves after Jesus died.

 What did it gain them? Nothing but fear, panic and doubt in themselves.

 That’s why the Resurrected Jesus lovingly comes to their rescue in today’s Gospel.

 He’s happy to do the same for us any day!

[loyolahcmass]

This week Fr. Rossi will be talking about the song Keeping the Faith by Billy Joel!

[loyolahcmass]

Mass Music Playlist 3/21/21

These were the songs used last night at Mass!

Opening Songs:

--Clocks by Coldplay 

--Jericho by Andrew Ripp 

--Spirit by Judah & the Lion 

--Coming Home by Leon Bridges

 For Homily Song:

--Wings by Birdy 

 Communion:

--Surrender by Birdy 

 Ending:

--Holy Water by We The Kingdom 

[loyolahcmass]

Homily on Wings by Birdy

Here is the preview of Fr. Rossi’s homily about the song Wings by Birdy:

Birdy’s Song of Love

“Wings”

 “I'm in a foreign state

My thoughts, they slip away

My words are leaving me

They caught an aeroplane

Because I thought of you

Just from the thought of you.”

__________

 Everybody asks: “Why the stage name Birdy?”

 Well, because as a baby, she ate like a little bird.

 Her mother, a concert pianist, labeled her that.

 Birdy adopted her mother’s love for the piano, learning to play at age 7.

 Soon, she was writing her own songs—as early as 8. 

__________

 The 2011 song “Wings” is extraordinary for many reasons.

 But especially because Birdy wrote it herself when she was comparatively a veteran composer at the ripe old age of 17. 

 That’s a rare talent.

 She was astonishingly mature by that time, particularly in the matter of love. 

__________

 That year, Birdy also covered Bon Iver’s song "Skinny Love," which reached number 1 in several countries. 

 She released not one, but two albums in that 12-month period.

 The first was a debut album of covers, which she simply entitled "Birdy".

__________

 But its follow-up, "Fire Within," revealed a dramatic change.

 Instead of covers, Birdy composed all the songs on the album.

 The first single from the album, the afore-mentioned "Wings," was a true revelation.

__________

 In "Wings," a young girl recalls fondly recent encounters.

 They range from dancing on top of cars to waking up with the sunlight streaming in her bedroom window.

 But they all have one thing in common: they arouse memories of the person she fancies.

__________

 The video that accompanies the song evokes the same recollections.

 We’re at a big costume party at a lavish mansion.

 Everyone’s dressed in weird costumes. 

 Birdy is shown on a swing, while glowing lights illumine the nightly sky. 

 It’s all about having a great time with friends, the kind you know you’ll never forget and sadly never have again.

__________

 The song also has a distinct romantic edge. 

 We don’t just see a wild bash with lots of people frolicking.

 The camera has a conspicuous focus.

__________

 We see a couple alone at night, under a star-filled sky.

 They’re lost in each other, dancing to Birdy’s exquisitely sensual music. 

 Both lovers are not only caught up in the moment; they are also looking back affectionately on their life together thus far.

__________

 "Lights go down

In the moment we’re lost and found.

 They promise each other mutually never to forget this dream-like night.

 A night where all good things, past and present, have come together.

__________

 Alone in their revelry, the rest of the world seems to them no longer to exist. 

 All that matters is the two of them.

 They want to make this night, their private night, last a lifetime.

__________

 For them, being with the one you love is, in Birdy’s lyrics, like a waterfall of happiness. 

 They fall into each other’s arms. For them, it’s total joy. 

 They want no one around to suspend the moment. 

__________

 This wholehearted feeling even illuminates the sky.

 Their mutual love literally lights up the darkness.

 Desire warms the night air.

__________

 And the lovers sense it.

 It can’t be contained.

 Radiating out from them, it fills the ether around them.

__________

 Love songs are often cliched and faux over-the-top.

 But “Wings” is anchored to reality, because it’s about an authentic, if deeply passionate, kind of love: one that is also a friendship.

 This is the perfect song for that first chaste kiss.

 It would make for an ideal first dance at a wedding reception.

__________

 “I just wanna be by your side

If these wings could fly

For the rest of our lives.”

 With “Wings,” Birdy is telling us to surrender to that longing.

 And never fly far from its source.

 Remember, she insists, lovers can only soar together.

__________

 "Whoever loves me must follow me.”

Gospel of John

 Jesus has much the same very practical, empathetic message as Birdy.

__________

 In the Gospel, some people want to meet Jesus.

 Why? 

 They hope to find the joy, even the thrill, of salvation with Christ.

__________

 And it’s reciprocated. 

 Jesus wants this for them, too.

 He, as both divine and human, is more than willing to get closer to them, even suffer for them, out of love.

 He wants to share all he is with them.

__________

 In this way, he is the perfect lover.

 He cares as much for them as he does for himself.

 That’s the very definition of a loving relationship.

__________

 In a very tender way, Jesus writes his law on their hearts.

 If we surrender in this way, we will be on the proverbial “wings of love”.

 Listen closely: Birdy is saying precisely the same thing!