Steve Taylor is probably the most unique Christians artist of all time. His music is different compared to other artists. He uses "satirical, sardonic lyrics" to get his message across.
This year marked the 25th anniversary of "Squint," which, in my opinion, is his best one. As 2018 draws to a close, I thought we have the final Music Monday of the year with three music videos (the lyrics are provided below) from "Squint."
This first song is called "Bannerman," which is tribute to those who hold "John 3:16" signs at football games.
Lyrics:
One man's grinning from behind the net, waits 'til the camera's adjusted,
Don't you worry 'bout the flak you'll get? Aren't you scared of getting busted?
The ball gets booted, it hits the crossbeam; up goes the banner: "John 3:16."
He don't worry 'bout the critics; they tow the line,
He don't worry 'bout the cynics; they live to whine,
He ain't gonna change the world, but he knows who can,
Bannerman.
Prime time football in the Buffalo snow; freezing his little epidermis,
Lifts that banner at the first field goal, drinks clam chowder from a thermos,
He's never missed a game, he never spells it wrong,
He never talks back when they tell him, "Move along."
He don't worry 'bout the critics; they'll howl for days,
He don't worry 'bout the cynics; they navel-gaze,
He ain't gonna change the world, but he knows who can,
Bannerman.
Sports fans everywhere dying for a drink, but they gotta find the well first,
One man's ready with a banner and a wink; a whole lotta souls are getting well-versed,
Every time I see him, I smile a little more; I can't help praying for another high score.
He don't worry 'bout the critics; they'll howl for days,
He don't worry 'bout the cynics; they navel-gaze,
He ain't gonna change the world, but he knows who can,
Bannerman.
He don't worry 'bout the critics; they've met their match,
He don't worry 'bout the cynics; they sniff and scratch,
He ain't gonna change the world, but he knows who can,
Bannerman.
The next song is my favorite from the album, "Jesus Is For Losers."
Lyrics:
If I was driven
Driven ahead by some noble ideal
Who took the wheel?
If I was given
Given a glimpse of some glorious road
When was it sold?
So caught up in the chase
I keep forgetting my place
Just as I am
I am stiff-necked and proud
Jesus is for losers
Why do I still play to the crowd?
Just as I am
Pass the compass, please
Jesus is for losers
I'm off about a hundred degrees
If I was groping
Groping around for some ladder to fame
I am ashamed
If I was hoping
Hoping respect would make a sturdy footstool
I am a fool
Bone-weary every climb
Blindsided every time
Just as I am
I am needy and dry
Jesus is for losers
The self-made need not apply
Just as I am
In a desert crawl
Lord, I'm so thirsty
Take me to the waterfall
And if you're certain
Certain your life is some cosmic mistake
Why do you shake?
And if you're certain
Certain that faith is some know-nothing mask
Why do you still ask?
They don't grade here on the curve
We both know what we deserve
Just as you are
Just a wretch like me
Jesus is for losers
Grace from the blood of a tree
Just as we are
At a total loss
Jesus is for losers
Broken at the foot of the cross
Just as I am
Pass the compass, please
Jesus is for losers
I'm off about a hundred degrees
Just as I am
In a desert crawl
Lord, I'm so thirsty
Take me to the waterfall
The last song is actually the last song on the album, which takes a jab at Robert Tilton, who is a prosperity gospel preacher. This is video is probably the weird music video I have ever seen. Without further ado, I give you "Cash Cow (A Rock Opera In Three Small Acts)."
([Act One)
Move...
Move in closer...
Move in closer to the...
Move in closer to the middle of the frame
(Act Two)
It was a morning just like any other morning
In the Sinai desert, 1200 B. C
It glistened, it glowed, it rose from the gold of the children of Israel
...And most of the adults
The cash cow!
The golden cash cow had a body like the great cows of ancient Egypt
And a face like the face of Robert Tilton
...Without the horns
And through the centuries is has roamed the earth
Like a ravenous bovine
Seeking whom it may lick
Cash cow!
Cash cow!
From the valley of the shadow of the outlet mall
To customized petwear boutique
From the trailer of the fry chef
To the palace of the sheik
The cash cow lurks
The cash cow lurks
The cash cow lurks
HA HA HA HA...
Who loves you, baby?
Who'll give you good credit?
Who says you'll regret it?
Aaa-ooooooo
Who loves you, baby?
Who'll give you good credit?
Who says you'll regret it?
Aaa-aaa-aaa-ooooooo
I was in love and I needed the money
And then I needed more money
I was filthy rich and all I wanted was love
[Lyrics from: https:/lyrics.az/steve-taylor/squint/cash-cow-a-rock-opera-in-three-small-acts.html]
...And a little more money
Woe to you, proud mortal
Secure in your modest digs
You think you're immune?
You, who couldn't finger said cow in a police line-up with the three little pigs!
Cash cow!
Master of disguises!
Who's gonna change shape at will?
Who's the eye on the pyramid on the back of the dollar bill?
Who loves power lunchin' from Spago to Sizzler?
Who loves you, baby?
Who'll give you good credit?
Who says you'll regret it?
Aaa-ooooooo
Who loves you, baby?
Who'll give you good credit?
Who says you'll regret it?
Aaa-aaa-aaa-ooooooo
Who loves you, baby?
Who'll give you good credit?
Who says you'll regret it?
Aaa-aaa-aaa-ooooooo
Cash cow comin' to get ya
Why?
Cuz you think this is stupid, don't you?
The cash cow will not be mocked!
The cash cow's planning a coup!
The cash cow chews cud bigger than you!
Woe, woe, woe to you
Who blow off this warning
Perhaps you've already been licked
I, too, was hypnotized
By those big cow eyes
The last time I uttered those three little words
"I deserve better!"
(Act Three - instrumental)
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