Each day in November, I’m revisiting a song from the 90’s — a decade that was a sorta coming of age for me. In that span, I experienced high school, college and my time as a young single guy in New York City. It was a decade of ups and downs, and the music never stopped playing during that span. It was always there with me. #30DaysOf90sSongs
Since The Beatles, it seems bands have been able to state their political beliefs much more easily than their spiritual convictions without being lambasted or labeled or both. Artists like Dylan, Johnny Cash, U2 and Sufjan Stevens are the exception. But Jars of Clay was the rule. They came out of nowhere with “Flood”, which got extensive airplay on both mainstream and alternative radio formats. But very quickly, they got pegged as the next big Christian rock band, which they were. And, if “Flood” didn’t make it obvious enough that they were singing about Christian faith, “Liquid” certainly did.
Gregorian chants. String arrangements from Adrian Belew. Soaring three-part harmonies. And overt lyrics about the crucifixion. It wasn’t the typical rock & roll song by any stretch. And I think that’s partly why I gravitated toward it so much compared to the more accessible “Flood”. The song felt deeply sincere and assured, and as personal as faith can get. And somehow, it seemed every bit as remorseful as it was hopeful.
“Arms nailed down. Are you telling me something? Eyes turned out. Are you looking for someone?”