The Good Thief Revisited
Not one to believe in coincidence of late, I still find it very interesting that I should have recently come across two rather good songs of faith about Dismas, the Good Thief.
35 And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying, "He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God."
36 The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, 37 and saying, "If You are the King of the Jews, save Yourself."
38 And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39 Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, "If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us."
40 But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong." 42 Then he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom."
43 And Jesus said to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise." (Gospel of Luke23:35-43)
One song, "Never Look Away" by KJ-52 should have been reviewed for it's musical characteristics in a post yesterday but I picked it up after the fact. It is a Rap song that takes the point of view of Dismas while he's on the cross and emphasizes his joy at redemption despite the sorrow of the event and his physical suffering. The song is tastefully though powerfully done with a slow, wrenching rhythm that kicks in after a Pop-style opening and a personal approach to the lyrics that creates the impression of a dialogue. With each listening I come closer and closer to breaking down in tears. Not sure if I should reflect upon why this is so I'll just be grateful for the moderation brought by the Pop-style chorus and back-up vocals. KJ's fervent performance is that good.
Reviewers at Amazon seem to feel the same way about Third Day's "Thief" from their self-titled album. One reviewer felt "torn up" and I can understand why as the story is filled out more graphically than in "Never Look Away" despite also treating the lyrics as a dialogue in the first person. Raw rhythm isn't used to build the power in this piece, but rather a contemplative approach is taken as more of the story is told. Third Day takes us into Dismas's thought processes as he take the measure of Jesus throughout the day. When I get past the impression that this is a song out of a Broadway production -- the melody, the vocal arrangement, etc., make me picture a Godspell-like experience -- I find the piece rather moving, though not as deeply as others do.Additional Links:
