What do you believe?
I’ve always been interested in the meanings behind song lyrics. Songs that make you think, or songs that tell a story as they unfold seem to be a lot more interesting than those that are highly repetitive or have fairly shallow lyrics.
One song in particular that has always made me stop and reflect on things is Belief by John Mayer. The version I’ve embedded below (in case you haven’t heard it) is kind of an extended instrumentally version.
This song’s lyrics make me think about what I personally believe on a whole range of issues but puts things in perspective with the rest of the world. I think I’m right about what I believe. What about you? Well, when it comes down to it, we all think we’re right in what we believe, don’t we?
Something else it makes me reflect on is the way in which we as individuals and in groups impose our beliefs on others. If we want to stand up for our beliefs or impress our beliefs on others there are ways to go about it, yet so many times we seem to get this wrong.
Belief is a powerful thing.
A snipped version of the lyrics look kinda like this:
Is there anyone who ever remembers
changing their mind from the paint on a sign?,
is there anyone who really recalls
ever breaking rank at all
for something someone yelled real loud one time?
oh, everyone believes
in how they think it oughta be
oh, everyone believes
and they’re not going easily
we’re never gonna win the world
we’re never gonna stop the war
we’re never gonna beat this
if belief is what we’re fighting for
what puts a hundred thousand children in the sand?
belief can, belief can
what puts a folded flag inside his mother’s hand?
belief can, belief can
So you’ve heard it all before? Part 2: Confidence On religion and man-made belief: “my last prayer” How to be a skeptic Life’s not about ‘what’s better than’ So you’ve heard it all before? Part 1: Gratitude
February 28th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Hi Ross
For sure I believe my beliefs! Reading your post raises a couple of things for me I’d like to share:
1 Beliefs are important as kind of roots for living. Without them we don’t have much grounding and can be easily swayed or manipulated (for example, by the ‘paint on a sign’). But they are only beliefs and not ‘the truth’.
2 It’s often my hidden, unchallenged beliefs that cause the damage, when I treat my belief as a universal truth. When I recognise something as a a belief rather than a truth then I’m on the path to dislodge it and allow it to develop rather than stay set in stone. I think I’m right, but I can never be absolutely sure.
3 Trying to impose one set of beliefs on another is at the root of much violence in the world. Once I can see my belief is not ‘truth’ (and maybe nothing is really ‘truth’) then I find I’m much more accepting of different beliefs and views of the world. I can enjoy the difference rather than feel threatened by it.
Enjoyed the post very much!
February 28th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
@Ian – Hi there, hope you are well! Thanks for sharing your thoughts… It’s such a personal thing isn’t it? I have found that belief and how we apply it to our lives is so dependent on upbringings, experiences, and personality/strength of character.
March 1st, 2009 at 5:24 am
Hi Ross. Belief is tricky when it comes to connecting with those who have different beliefs. Believing that other people have beliefs that may be different than ours is a true test of our open-mindedness.
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March 3rd, 2009 at 3:46 am
Ross,
I agree with you that “belief is a powerful thing.” If we believe in something strongly, there is a tendency to “recruit” others to that belief. Yet, by doing this are we making a judgment that our belief is the right one?
I also agree with Davina in that this is a challenge for humanity…finding the balance between fully committing to our beliefs and still allowing others room to believe differently. Interesting post…thanks for sharing it :~)
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March 6th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Totally agree with you. Without a strong belief system you will sort of lead an “aimless” life. There will be no purpose and no goal. Before you know it 10 years of your life has pass away….without you realising it. What a waste.
Ron Hirsu
Healthy Times Magazine Blog
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March 8th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
Wow, that was an impressive reflection! It shows how you listen to what you hear, and notice things, people around you that most people forgot to do.
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