Thursday, November 06, 2008

"The Unforgiven" (repost)

I first posted this about a year and a half ago, which is before I got to know a lot of you. Some comments about freedom and prison walls on another post from today reminded me of this song, so I just thought I'd repost a shorted version of this post.
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About 3 or 4 years ago, I was listening to "The Black Album" (by Metallica). I was brought to tears, not only by the music, but by the lyrics of one particular song. I had never really paid much attention to what the lyrics of any of their songs actually meant, but this one really captured me on this day. I cried for what my life might have been, if not for people having told me about God's grace, and helping me out of the bondage of religion and its many effects. I cried for people who are still trapped in deadly religion.

I understand if you don't care for the music, so perhaps the lyrics will get the point across. But there is something about the "mood" of the music that adds to the emotion and the intensity of the subject matter, so I invite you to watch it if you want to. Don't worry, you won't have to brace yourself too much. It's one of Metallica's "slower" songs. :)

Metallica - The Unforgiven


New blood joins this earth
And quickly he's subdued
Through constant pained disgrace
The young boy learns their rules

With time the child draws in
This whipping boy done wrong
Deprived of all his thoughts
The young man struggles on and on he's known
A vow unto his own
That never from this day
His will they'll take away

What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never be
Never see
Won't see what might have been

What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never free
Never me
So I dub thee unforgiven

They dedicate their lives
To running all of his
He tries to please them all
This bitter man he is
Throughout his life the same
He's battled constantly
This fight he cannot win
A tired man they see no longer cares
The old man then prepares
To die regretfully
That old man here is me...

What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never be
Never see
Wont see what might have been

What I've felt
What I've known
Never shined through in what I've shown
Never free
Never me
So I dub thee unforgiven

You labeled me
I'll label you
So I dub thee unforgiven

9 comments:

  1. Thanks, Joel.

    I deleted the part of my earlier comment that said after tasting freedom some turn and go back to lead others out. We THEN become ministers of reconciliation.

    No one is unforgiven. All have been reconciled. Freedom doesn't stop with us; the world is waiting.

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  2. Yep indeed, God has reconciled the world to Himself; we hope for all to receive His life as well.

    The character in this song, who 'dubs thee unforgiven,' breaks my heart. I've met many of these people, who, instead of hearing about the love of God and His acceptance of them through Christ, have only heard about how evil they are and how if they don't change, they won't be accepted by God and by the church. I understand their unfavorable attitude towards the church (the church as they see it).

    Onward with the message of grace, life and freedom!

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  3. Oh man, what a perfect image of the "RELIGION" the Jesus hated. Never quite making the grade, never forgiven, never perfect, always fearing the "God with a big stick" who waits to beat you up.

    Thank you Papa for your Grace and unconditional love!

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  4. Wow! So strong a message.
    My heart cries, and my eyes agree.

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  5. Joel, I can really relate to this song. Like you, I'm so thankful that I heard the message of Father's love and acceptance. That truth has changed my life.

    Yet, it's so sad that many will never hear about grace and may go to the grave with a load of guilt and condemnation on them. That's why I so appreciate you and the other bloggers who are sharing Father's love. For many people, blogs and online groups are the only way they're hearing this message of life.

    I second your cry! "Onward with the message of grace, life and freedom!'

    BTW, Joel, this is the first time I've ever heard or seen Metallica so once again you've moved me out of my comfort zone and I love it.

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  6. Lennart, Free Spirit and Aida,

    There really is a strong message about religion and legalism in this song, and I can really relate to it as well. Christ came to give life and freedom, but to so many people the message has become bondage and condemnation.

    As Aida says, I am truly appreciative of all the bloggers who are out there sharing God's love. It's amazing how He is connecting so many people, and encouraging us and growing us in His love and grace!

    Aida... I've found it to be very freeing ever since I first 'stepped out' and began talking about so-called 'secular' songs that have spoken to me in one way or another. I still never really know how others are going to take them, and it's not as if I'm ever expecting anyone else to see the same things I do in them, but I'll say that your response to some of my songs, such as We're Not Gonna Take, and this one, encourages me and makes it easier for me to just share my heart openly. :)

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  7. Wow, needed to hear that tonight. Thanks bro.

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  8. Thanks, Joel. I'm thankful that you've met the new free Aida. The legalistic one wouldn't have been open to hearing Father through anything other than "praise and worship music."

    I love your openness and your willingness to be vulnerable as you share your heart. That encourages me so much.

    I like this song but I absolutely looove We're Not Going to Take It. Who would have thought that this prim and proper grandma would be so captivated by Twisted Sister's message? That just proves that Father can do ANYTHING!

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  9. Tyler,

    Glad it was of benefit to you.

    Aida,

    It had been a while since I'd listened to the song, so while driving this morning I looked up We're Not Gonna Take It on my mp3 player and cranked it up! The song will never be the same, after having become our freedom anthem! I'm thinking of posting it every year or so - I don't want to over-do it - just to highlight the message of the song (including the intro on the video).

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