Music is a universal language that can bring people together or create division. In particular, mainstream music has caused conflicts among Christians, with some claiming that certain genres are more holy than others. There's tension, but there shouldn't have to be. How can we break down these walls that divide us?
A.W. Tozer said it best in his book The Pursuit of God: "It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular; it is why he does it. The motive is everything. Let a man sanctify the Lord God in his heart, and he can thereafter do no common act." Whether we're playing music, writing, or engaging in any other activity, we can choose to do it with the intention of bringing honor and glory to God. When we do this, we can find a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment in our pursuits, knowing that we are using our talents and abilities to serve a higher purpose.
There's a place for worship, and there's a place for rock. There's a place for instrumental music, and there's a place for pop. The genre and style of music don't matter, but the heart and intention behind it do. Be intentional about your motivations and seek to bring honor to God in all that you do. If your heart is seeking to give honor and glory to God, go do what makes you come alive.
Christian pop artist Beckah Shae has consistently excelled in bridging the gap between sacred and secular music. For years, she's recorded Christian covers of popular mainstream songs. While other artists like ApologetiX and Mark Lowry have also reinterpreted popular songs, Beckah's covers stand out and deserve recognition. Let's examine three of Beckah Shae's covers to delve deeper into this subject.
From popular mainstream pop artists Justin Bieber to Taylor Swift, Beckah has been recording covers "Beckah Shae's Way," and in the process, changing the way we hear mainstream music. Let's dive in.
Justin Bieber "Holy"
In 2020, Justin Bieber's "Holy" became a viral hit, garnering 35 million views on the lyric video on YouTube. The song, which combines Christian and mainstream elements, features Chance the Rapper, adding a hip-hop component to the blend of genres. Both Justin and Chance the Rapper have been open about their faith, making the collaboration on "Holy" all the more impactful.
Shortly after Justin released his hit, "Holy," Beckah released her own version of the song. While the lyrics of Beckah's version are similar to Justin's original, there are some notable differences. Beckah modified certain wording and infused a more worshipful tone into the song. One change can be found in the first verse, where Beckah's version removes some of the questioning present in the original lyrics and speaks to God from a place of devotion. Beckah's version declares, "Even when I was a sinner/You said that I'd be a saint," while Justin's version says, "I hear a lot about sinners/Don't think that I'll be a saint."
Despite the minor differences, both songs convey the same message: God is holy, yet He loves us and desires to be with us. This truth is frequently addressed in Christian music, but it is not commonly found in mainstream music.
It was powerful to see Justin bring this message to a wider audience. It further demonstrated to me the potential for mainstream and Christian music to be used for good. While some elements of mainstream music may not be positive, I believe that a song like "Holy" has the ability to bring healing, regardless of genre or artist. Music has the power to both heal and create tension, and it is important to be mindful of this when listening to or creating any type of music.
Ed Sheeran "Bad Habits"
The talented songwriter Ed Sheeran has gained widespread popularity as a mainstream pop artist. "Bad Habits," one of his hit songs, includes Christian themes even though it was not originally written as a Christian song.
The song deals with feelings of temptation and returning to old routines and habits, like in the chorus, which says, "Swearin' this'll be the last, but it probably won't." It reminds me a lot of what the Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 7:15 (NIV), "What I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."
"Bad Habits" is an upbeat, pop song, but its lyrics may not be particularly uplifting. Beckah Shae reinterpreted the song and refocused it on how our positive habits can lead us closer to Jesus. The chorus of her version says, "My best habits lead to late nights with You alone/Conversations with your spirit, baring my soul."
Beckah's version maintains the energetic, pop sound of the original, but the lyrics shift from returning to negative habits to finding Jesus through positive habits. Her approach to "Bad Habits" differed from the way she rewrote "Holy," which was originally a Christian song. But, both of her reinterpretations are successful in finding a creative way to glorify Jesus.
Adele "Easy On Me"
In 2021, Adele's "Easy On Me" became a massive hit, with the official music and lyric videos on YouTube accumulating a combined total of 496 million views. While the song was popular worldwide, Beckah Shae reimagined the lyrics to incorporate Christian themes.
One line in Adele's original song reads "I know there is hope." Beckah capitalized on this concept of hope and created a beautiful song about finding strength and growth while waiting on God. Her vocals shine in her version of "Easy On Me."
After examining Beckah Shae's reinterpretations of these songs, we can return to the question posed in the title of this article: how is she altering our perception of mainstream music? These songs illustrate the truth of A.W. Tozer's quote: "It is not what a man does that determines whether his work is sacred or secular; it is why he does it."
Music is beautiful; it's a blessing to live in a world where music is available to people from all nations. We shouldn't argue about which genre of music is better or whether a song is sacred. When artists collaborate to make music, who are we to judge them? If their intentions are pure and their music brings life, why stop them?
Beckah Shae has shown me that music, no matter the song or artist, can be used for good. After seeing the way Beckah has transformed these songs, I cannot view mainstream music in the same way. Music is a gift, and I pray that we use it well.
Grace Chaves has been a fan of all things Christian music since 2016. She is NRT's news editor, and one of NRT's youngest writers. Homeschooled, Grace is an author who loves Jesus, concerts, and road trips.
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