Song Analysis Blog - "Everlasting" by SonicFlood

When the average person thinks of Christian music, they may be cautious to hear it because of a mindset that it is religious humming and meditation language put to music. It would be if it was religion, but Christianity is a lifestyle. So therefore, that is not true. Modern Christian music spreads across all genres of music. From Rock to Hip-Hop, Jazz to Gospel, Punk to Metal, and many others, Christian music appeals to all listeners, bringing the message of God to all tastes and preferences. SonicFlood, a modern Christian rock-group, released a song in 2005 in their album, This Generation, called “Everlasting.” Rather than focusing on the negative things and thoughts of this world, this music reflects on the positive and is encouraging in everyday living. Although you may not hear this song in church, this style of music has become what we call Contemporary Christian music.

“Everlasting,” by SonicFlood, has a main theme that though the world around us may fall, God is everlasting and will still be there. This can be assumed by the lyrics in the first verse:
“The sky will fall, the ground will give. Through it all You will be faithful.” (SonicFlood) there is emphasis on the word “You”. It is capitalized to refer to the almighty God that they speak of in this song. Another example of the theme appears in the second verse. It quotes, “When beauty fades and slips away, for all my days You will be faithful.”

The most encouraging part of the song is the chorus and the bridge of the song. If you do not know what a bridge is in music, it is a small portion of the song where the music changes and confirms the message of the song by bridging the verses and chorus together smoothly, in a climatic way. It usually takes place before the final repeating of the chorus in the song. It also may change keys for that brief moment. For, example, in this song, the bridge begins, “When all around us is falling into waste…,” as stated in the lyrics posted below. The chorus tells listeners that God, “will always be the sam, [his] love will never change,” encouraging listeners that when we go through troubles and trials, God is still there.

The reason this song fits into Contemporary Christian music is in the instrumentation and overall sound of the music. The most important clue is the distortion electric guitars, bass, drums, and keys. Of course in this song it is a bit slower paced and mellow, but it fits into the Rock genre nicely. The youth of America and around the world can find preference in this style of music. It is a great song that appeals to Christians and non-Christians alike and is a very beautiful declaration of “I’m no gonna let this world bring me down,” which allows one to be free and happy. That is what makes “Everlasting” so special. It makes for a nice song to play in your car while driving to or from school or work. Many songs like this also play on 103.5 WMUZ, so it is definitely part of the culture.



Everlasting
V.1
The sky will fall
The ground will give
Through it all You will
be faithful
Friends may leave
They come and go
This I know
You will be faithful
You will be faithful

Chorus
You will always be the same
Your love will never change
You are the everlasting
i will put my trust in you
Forever to be true
You are the everlasting
You are the everlasting

V.2
When beauty fades
And slips away
For all my days You will
be faithful
When I breathe
My final breath
I find my rest in Your
faithfulness

Bridge:
When all around us
is falling into waste
When the earth is dying
You cannot be erased
And I don't have to be afraid

You're the Alpha and Omega
You're forever, everlasting



Works Cited
SonicFlood. "Everlasting." This Generation. Perf. Dan
Muckala and Jess Cates. CD. InoRecords, 2005.

Blog #4 - Radio Station

I chose Detroit’s WMUZ 103.5 fm (“The Light”) as the station I listen to the most. It is a Christian broadcasting station and it plays uplifting and encouraging songs. I like this music because no matter what, whether I had a bad day or not, it relaxes me and brings me back to another level of joy in my life. It helps me realize that my problems are so minor compared to some of the things that go on in this world and that I should be grateful to all of the things I do have, like my family, friends, church, and God. The target audiences for the station are new and old Christians, young and old. It has messages for all ages. The morning hosts even call eight year olds to wish them a happy birthday, and ask for their input on a favorite song of theirs, as well as up to 80 year olds. It is a strong family oriented radio station. Therefore, in general, the target audience are families.

The ads on WMUZ promote Christian businesses and Doctors, ranging from auto dealerships to eye doctors, chiropractors, marriage counselors, and the like, all of which give WMUZ listeners discounts for being part of the audience. The station brings weather forecasts, world news – politics and controversial issues all from a Christian perspective. One of the debaters brings authors and scientists on the show, non-Christian or Christian, and have talks about certain topics. Overall, it is my favorite radio station, and it has a Christian slant to it. It really has been an encouraging radio station for me this year, being my first year in college.