One of the most potent accusations that the critics of Christian rock throw at it is that the lyrics are blasphemous.  If this were true, I would have to stop listening to Christian rock.  But no matter how much they say it, they can't prove it because it's not true!

Five Iron Frenzy, "A Flowery Song" from Upbeats and Beatdowns.

Beautiful day, wonderful feeling, this reason to sing psalms meaning songs singing praises all day long. Joy fills the weak, joy makes us strong. Filled 'till we burst, songs of praise to the God of the Universe. Despite our selfish selves, despite all loss of hope, despite our lack of faith, despite our stony hearts, despite the waning moon, despite the ebbing tide of how we think this world should be. Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise Him all creatures here below, praise Him above ye heavenly host, praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Gray rainy day, down in the mud for us. Don't feel I can sing songs to the God in control of the seasons. But what's good and bad flow from the hands of the God with the perfect plan. Filling us with joy all of this will glorify.

Can anyone provide a better example of Ephesians 5:19-20?  Sing praises on beautiful days when the world seems great; sing praises on ugly days when nothing's going right. That chorus seems a little familiar, too.  Well what do you know, it's taken from a traditional hymn.  So, does this excellent song become evil the minute it's put to a "evil" rock beat?  Somehow, I don't think so.

Five Iron Frenzy, "Every New Day" from Our Newest Album Ever.

When I was young, the smallest trick of light could catch my eye, then life was new and every new day I thought that I could fly. I believed in what I hoped for, and I hope for things unseen, I had wings and dreams could soar, I just don't feel like flying anymore. When the stars threw down their spears watered heaven with their tears, before words were spoken, before eternity. Dear Father I need you, your strength my heart to mend. I want to fly higher every new day again. When I was small the furthest I could reach was not so high, then I thought the world was so much smaller feeling I could fly. Through distant deeps and skies behind infinity below the face of Heaven He stoops to create me. Man versus himself. Man versus machine. Man versus the world. Mankind versus me. The struggles go on, the wisdom I lack, the burdens keep piling up on my back. So hard to breathe, to take the next step. The mountain is high, I wait in the depths. Yearning for grace, and hoping for peace. Dear God . . . Increase. Healing hands of God have mercy on our unclean souls once again. Jesus Christ, light of the world burning bright within our hearts forever. Freedom means love without condition, a beginning or an end. Here's my heart, let it be forever Yours, only You can make every new day seem so new.

What was it Jesus said?  "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3-4 NIV).  Seems like that's what Five Iron Frenzy is praying for.  If I may paraphrase, "God give me strength to trust in you like a little child again." I also like that part, "Healing hands/of God have mercy on our unclean souls/once again."  That shows a humility that many of Christian rock's critics would do well to imitate.  We are the ones with unclean souls, we are the ones who need forgiven.  And it is only God's mercy that can save us.

Third Day, "My Hope Is In You" - Conspiracy No. 5

To You, oh Lord, I lift my soul. In You oh God I place my trust. Do not let me be put to shame. Don't let my enemies triumph over me. Chorus My hope is in You Show me Your ways. Guide me in Your truth In all my days. My hope is in You, Oh Lord. I am, oh Lord, Filled with Your love. You are, oh God, my salvation. Oh, guard my life and rescue me. My broken spirit shouts. My mended heart cries out. Chorus

This song is taken almost verbatim from Psalm 25.  Of course they made a few adjustments to fit the song's meter, but these changes are too small to be significant at all. Here's the relevant scripture passages: "To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God.  Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. . . . Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. . . . Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you." Psalm 25: 1-2, 4-5, 20 NIV

3 Car Pile-Up - "Parents" from 3 Car Pile-Up

When I was a little guy my mama used tell me why, why I had to be all that I could be for the king the mighty king. And on that day she came to me she told me she showed me the way. And on that day I prayed to Him and asked Him to give me life. And till this day I live for Him, I live for Him, I live for Him. Chorus Only by His grace can we live, can we live. Only by His love can we live, can we live. When I was a little guy my daddy used to tell me why why the world it was cold and Jesus is the way the only way. And in those times he worked so long and life was hard. But I was never scarred. And in those times he prayed so long and harbored strength from our Lord. And to this day he lives for Him, He lives for Him, he lives for Him. Chorus And only by his shed blood can we live, can we live And only by [I can't make this part out] can we live, can we live.

A great example of two things, first, of honoring your father and mother as commanded in Exodus 20:12.  Second, the songwriter's parents give a good example of raising a child in the Christian faith.  Does anyone see anything in here advocating rebelling against your parents?  I don't.

The Insyderz - "Trigger Happy" from Motor City Ska

Man this world's going down the tubes with gangs and guns and drug abuse For the moment whatcha got to lose? Extend a hand do what you can do. This is my cry, this is my plea to make a better society. Do you wanna see insyde of me? Wake up and smell the coffee. Chorus Any punk can point and pull the trigger. But it takes a real man to bite your lip and to take a stand. Any punk can point and pull the trigger. To walk away is a loss of pride but at least you're still alive Gotta act big, gotta stare me down you're actin' stupid like a drunken clown. You could be foolin', maybe jokin around. Someday your jokes may put you in the ground. Lord, oh please, I'm so confused, Why do they do what they do? Why can't they focus more on you? They are blind to the truth Chorus Put down your guard, let your fists relax. Don't need your boys to get your back. Say something nice, don't always attack. No one gets hurt, no one gets whacked. Change your style and you will see, it's much better in unity. No more violence, no more pain. Jesus saves from goin' down the drain.

I think I can sum this song up in three words.  "Stop the violence."  Not one thing in here that contradicts the Bible.  Instead, it complements passages like Ephesians 4:29, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Music by Silage, words by Terry Taylor, "Sister Mariana Trench" - Surfonic Water Revival

Sister Mariana Trench Has got the faith that moves mountains. You can find her after church On a bench by the fountain. And if you wanna just believe You'll perceive her devotion. And if you wanna see faith At a fever pitch, Mariana trench The deepest part of the ocean. Sister Mariana Trench, She'll be praying in fasting. She's got the Bible in her hand. She's got the Life Everlasting. You Might find you've fallen in Her depths of holy emotion. If you're trading doubt for faith She can make that switch. Mariana Trench The deepest part of the ocean. She's got the love of God so deep It will make you weep. With a word, inspire. Just above her head you'd swear There's a halo there. In her eyes burns a holy fire. Sister Mariana Trench She's old, but she's able To look into your soul and put her cards on the table. (She's) no good at mincing words. She's got the Book and it's open. If you're neither hot nor cold She'll kick you off the fence. Mariana Trench The deepest part of the ocean The deepest part of the ocean The deepest part of the ocean.

"Respect your elders," hmmm?  While I wouldn't say that is exactly the message of this song, that seems to be a part of it.  I wish I knew whether this was based on a real person, but for right now all I can say is this is a wonderful tribute to those who are veterans of the Christian faith, who have had a lifetime of following and serving Christ.  Disrespect for the elderly?  I don't see it here.