I wrote about my issues with certain Christian songs here before. There’s a new one out now that drives me nuts! Before I talk about the specific song, let me explain why this category drives me crazy.

We had a praise team leader at one of our churches once (not you Kim, if you’re reading) who also was a DJ for a Christian radio station. He talked about the importance of playing songs that could be mistaken as regular love songs. I think he was under the assumption that someone would stop and listen as they flipped through the stations and then somehow come to Christ by listening to these pseudo-romantic songs about Him. Personally I think the idea is a bad one. Be honest about your preaching – don’t sneak it into the middle of a supposedly secular thing!And let’s be honest, there are some Christian songs that are sub-par musically but make it big in Christian circles because of the message. That annoys me even more.

The other reason I dislike the song I’m about to discuss is because of a South Park episode. Now, wait, before you start judging me, please know that I HATE that show. Ask my husband, he will tell you how much I despise it. For some reason I happened upon a synopsis of this particular episode and I have yet to forget the plot. In season 7, episode 9 (“Christian Rock Hard”) some of the characters decide to form a band, but to make it big they opt to rewrite their songs ever so slightly to be about Jesus instead of about a girl. They did quite well with it. Obviously a commentary that some Christians probably took offense to, but the thing is, some songs are like that.

What’s the song I’m particularly annoyed with right now? Jamie Grace’s “Hold Me.” It’s actually kinda catchy, something that as a love song to a guy I’d probably enjoy. In fact, if you substitute the word “Boy” for “Lord,” it works (eye roll). Can someone please explain to me how this song is considered appropriate to sing about God?

“Hold Me” by Jamie Grace
I’ve had a long day I just wanna relax
Don’t have time for my friends, no time to chit-chat
Problems at my job, wonderin’ what to do
I know I should be working but I’m thinking of You and
Just when I feel this crazy world is gonna bring me down
That’s when Your smile comes around

Oh, I love the way You hold me, by my side You’ll always be
You take each and every day, make it special in some way
I love the way you hold me, in Your arms I’ll always be
You take each and every day, make it special in some way
I love You more than the words in my brain can express
I can’t imagine even loving You less
Lord, I love the way You hold me
Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh, oh whoa, I love the way You hold me
Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh

Well You took my day and You flipped it around
Calmed the tidal wave and put my feet on the ground
Forever in my heart, always on my mind
It’s crazy how I think about You all of the time
And just when I think I’m ’bout to figure You out (figure You out)
You make me wanna sing and shout

I’m so grateful and thankful for all You’ve done
Wish I could tell You in a short story or poem
But, all I have is my voice and this guitar
And You have my heart

Oh, I love the way You hold me, by my side You’ll always be
You take each and every day, make it special in some way
I love the way you hold me, in Your arms I’ll always be
You take each and every day, every day, every day
Oh, I love the way You hold me, by my side You’ll always be
You take each and every day, make it oh-so-special
I love the way you hold me, in Your arms I’ll always be
You take each and every day, make it special in some way
I love You more than the words in my brain can express
I can’t imagine even loving You less
Lord, I love the way You hold me
Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh, oh whoa, I love the way You hold me
Whoa oh oh oh oh oh oh, oh I love