Twenty-one of you readers, the number of years you often need to get into a show, chimed in the other day, wanting to know things like how they could get more information, if I had other websites, and even if they could serve an apprenticeship or share links.

You have been writing and now I have answered.
I will soon be offering a secondary website for exclusives, more detailed and comprehensive information on concerts, and “the rest of the story,” as well as supplying a link to receive a handbook for writing your own song lyrics.
I will also go so far as to give my email for feedback: joewint52@gmail.com.
Here’s another snippet of what you can expect soon.
In lyrics, there is always the play on words, and cautiously forming new ones, ala Dani Filth. And in enters, sorry … religion. Write say, Hymncognito. Or Himcognito. Notice the distinction?
And the dichotomy? After all, incognito means not to be seen as a person, but the prefix “him” produces irony as it indeed establishes oneself as a person. And the prefix “hymn” implies a title given.
Some ideas are OK, but really pretty easy. Maybe just in essence, lyrical filler. Until they are extended. But then they can become virtuosic. I will, later on, show you the difference. I’ll start with generalized warfare lyrics … and there are many examples to pick out, but here’s one. “In the fields the bodies burning, as the war machine keeps turning.” Why not sing, on alternating choruses, to get in a series of stronger words that say basically the same thing, “singe with both barrels, with aim to maim and harrow,” and then change it to, “churn with all barrels, take aim to rip up the marrow. As we plunder, lives go asunder. Your’s too, bloody now sliced flesh extracted from bone.”
I borrowed that intro line from War Pigs, to give my example, and that’s the title of the Black Sabbath anti-war anthem, (hey they only had two words to choose from in naming it), and it starts out in that rather simple vein but then goes much further.
And then there is what I term generic insight. As an example, about the fiery crash of a slow-moving hydrogen blimp with untested design, citing what led to it, “and the engines did run, to the moon and the stars, what have we done?” Especially at the the phrase’s start and finish, it just fills wording gaps.
How about expounding further: “Plod southward newly leaking pod, put your best foot forward, but after the craft rises to full arch, it’ll arc and burn. Keep everyone on their toes, from an even-keel-heal?” Note the five-fold podiatry wording. (I must say that with both examples, there is the constraint of referencing well-known but cliche phrases. But these do produce a grounding effect for the lyric lines.)
Songwriters also play with plurals, or not.
Enter classic Iron Maiden: “Spy you with his eye.” Or is it eyes. As in that case, they are farther open, with more than one. And could be sung, to see more than just a single thing: “The eyes, they peered separately, perplexed with a pair of scenarios.” Notice that I did not say “and they were perplexed,” as those would be unneeded words.
Then there is more “secondary rhyming,” as also shown in the Iron Maiden line, “a terrible curse, a thirst had begun.” Not just at end of each line, but two such tricks in three words.
You don’t say just horse and horsemen, as in those often referenced Biblical four, but maybe steed and stallion, or to throw in terms I have written — I will give you this bit of a teaser, that being ponymen or even better Shetland-small-squires, as a difference.
Then to again invoke the spiritual, there is brilliance but also what is sometimes just simplistic prayer stances — and I’ll show you the difference in the upcoming handbook.
For instance the line, “get on my knees and pray,” from The Who and others. (They do save it a bit by adding, they hope, “We won’t get fooled again.”) It can go a lot deeper then that. Rather from Judas Priest and one of their messiah songs, “Down on your knees, Repent if you please.” A bit more poetic, and biting and punchier. And I’ll go even deeper with you.
So much more coming. Thanks. Joe.

Unless you are capable of time travel, and you’d still need to punch an olden-day with parchment, fittingly, ticket to Europe, this might be your best way to experience something truly Picasso-esque!

As you will need to use that time, since the popular Hudson location of Cheers Pablo and its multi-faceted painting classes is closing after a several-year run, and a liquidation sale of all kinds of art supplies and merch is being offered through Sunday. But don’t fret if you are a Hudson person, and especially if you have enjoyed their classes over time, as a main reason for this piece is to remind people in this locality that there is a Woodbury location, which is not far, to continue the experience of doing your art in such a way and prime your creative juices, and if you care to trek the other direction, also hit the Eau Claire studio. (Or even make it a true trek and hit their locations in Coon Rapids or Burnsville). Make it a (very short) road trip with you and a bunch of your buds! (And maybe at the same time have a Bud, although OK, maybe not that brand). And yes, the locations have a distinct style/libations, but we’re sure almost all the same offerings.
But for now, all people can come in and get great buys of the liquidated stuff, from canvas and painting boards and even wooden bases and ceramics, to all the various painting supplies and such in numerous colors to decorate them with. Need easels too? Have your own party with them at you own place! Just snap them up before they are gone, as at liquidation prices, they will go fast … But right now the place is quite full of the supplies, and buyers with whom you can hobnob over art.
But for now at the current Hudson location, depending on where you set your easel, the quite large Cheers Pablo art studio can be sun-drenched — and L-shaped so your group can branch out and meet with others and create a more social setting, or opt to keep a distance and make the experience fully and personally your own. And pick up this vibe, now, in Woodbury and Eau Claire.
The Hudson location as well as the others — this one in a roomy studio at 2421 Hanley Road — is not smashed into a tight strip-mall-style for their artists cove, but still not far from the beaten path.
The owners some time ago opted to include ceramics as a physical base for your artwork, something you don’t find offered regularly at any other class in the area, and one that can let loose even more your physical and emotion spurred creativity. And to restate, if you are elsewhere in western Wisconsin, you might want to consider their Eau Claire studio and its such stone as a hub, which includes all the other artist’s amenities, but not that far away from say, Dunn, Eau Claire and Chippewa counties, and even Barron and St. Croix. Worth the trip. Pack up the van full of friends who are art fiends. So the local art fair is not your only option.

— But there was that guy painting a picture, literally, outside the Smilin’ Moose the other noon hour, taking advantage of its lodge bar theme. This easel held a big white sheet and on it was drawn with dark, sparsely spaced lines a portrait of landscape, like the ones you would see back in an olden day from again, Europe. Closer to curbside was another example of his work, this one showing warm orange and blue hues. What are the prices for his art? Maybe like a sign a couple of blocks down at a boutique that said 50 percent off as a close of summer — or is it early autumn? — sale, as the lettering was hard to read and both words have six letters. It wasn’t blurry enough that one letter blurred into another. —

What you can still get, Cheers Pablo style, going east and west.
Come on in and enjoy the one-of-a-kind Cheers Pablo experience in-studio(s) during their signature Paint and Sip classes — as these bring in fun for adults not just the kiddies, packing those of any age into that van — or one of the other signature events such as using wood signs, or again, ceramics painting.
They also host all kinds of private and public events outside of their studios at partner locations throughout Hudson and Hastings, New Richmond and Stillwater, Prescott and other surrounding areas, some still close to Woodbury. View their calendar to see what’s coming up and register online or by phone. The studio showed its viability by remaining open through virus limitations and thus provides an option that had been scarce, even all along offering adult-style fun and food fare, and thus building a base for later.
Or, simply call them when you are ready to explore ideas for creating, whether they be a different style of fun for a bachlorette party, an infrequent twist on gift parties for newlyweds, a way to involve intergenerational folks in a true family bonding endeavor, a trip with your kids of all ages, or simply to let loose as a lady’s night out, especially after a stressful work week. And kudos to your guy if he wants to go with you, and discover another side of himself that requires him putting feelings on canvas, ceramics and the hard-to-find real wood board canvases, all by your side. And staffers at Cheers Pablo could give guidance and expertise, to smoothly help patrons fulfill their full artistic selves. Also, the libations of all types contribute to the fun, get creative juices going and are very inexpensive.
To wit: Cheers Pablo says you can let loose your inner Picasso and the ideas that flow from that, and they make this more than a cliche, adding that if you can dream it you can paint it, and that the instructors not only engage their students and make strong recommendations, they make a point of it to understand and even encourage. Photos online show tables chock full of tools for decorative options. They just want to make you part of their growing family. This is so also when groups of 10 or more have the time of their lives, and they might include mostly kids, and as a parent knows, keeping the young ones entertained and on task that long requires a fascinating subject. They say: Paint. Share. Connect.
One of the most touching recent creations depicted the howling of a lone wolf, including trees on either side, a big bright moon in back and other strong tones on top that reveal streaks of color. There are many more such works of art that have been created.
Back to the eats and drinks: Coming soon to fuel all that creativity, in addition to what’s already offered, are gooey treats, perfect for various holidays. Buttercream cupcakes — as a part of their trademark name — and cake slices, and all occasion cakes.
Patrons can register online or by calling (715) 808-0336, in an added way to check on the liquidation status. To wit: Walk-ins are also welcome, and of course private parties. Hours are seven days a week, noon to 6 p.m. So get there by Sunday! (On that day they close at 4 p.m.) But yes, they are open all seven days at their place, in the same roomy parking lot as Aldi and other stores to maximize your shopping experience.
They host many private events at their studios, at venues around town, (or other towns too), or at a location of your choice. They even are a differing-than-the-norm presence at many local and area festivals and other such events.
Some examples of private events include:
— Birthday parties: At Cheers Pablo, the instructors use their experience to work with with artists of all ages and skill levels, so when it comes to birthday parties, they are masterful at making fun an understanding of art principles, styles and techniques.
— Corporate team building: Such outings bring being corporate to a new level of interest that doesn’t take a lot of time or money, running past the cubicles and into the studio. The instructors learn about your team and personalize a Cheers Pablo experience. Don’t limit your creative expression to a whiteboard or PowerPoint presentation.
— Design your own: The Cheers Pablo people can come to you, and give them a call to brainstorm. From distracting kids with a friendly paint event, to being the main event, they say they are up for anything.
The staff has several wine and beer options, consisting of non-alcoholic selections, that vary by location, such as soda, juice and water, available for purchase before and during your class, along with a variety of snacks and appetizers you can buy and enjoy while you paint. Store-bought cake can be brought for birthday parties.
The very affordable food menu, (these prices are from back in their Hudson heyday), includes single deep dish pizza, $2.95; large soft pretzel, $4; State Fair mini-corndogs, $4; mozzarella sticks, $6; chips, $2; and candy, $1.50. In addition, there can be an offering of Cheers Pablo’s Turkey Panini.
Instructors take clients through step by step, choosing various colors and personalizing them. One such client has painted six times, and brought different friends and family — to catchup while being creative. Such a bonding experience was fueled by friendly and energetic staff. One additional client who had also used other such services, for sake of comparison, called Cheers Pablo picture perfect.
As for Paint and Sip classes, they feature those with an about 1.5-2.5 hour group, and you can fill an entire class with friends.
No experience necessary, for this is FUN art! On their calendar each month, are posted classes with painting styles being taught, or you can browse a catalog and select one just for you and your group (view the entire gallery to select what you’d like to paint). Clients can create art at their leisure during open studio for far less than a Benjamin, to do their Picasso, as the sun-filled studio(s) are open to all who want to experience the joy of art.
Paint and Sip sessions often produce colorful images of various animals, frequently in their habitat. Consider becoming a teaching artist, and show your stuff!

This happening is the heart of the heartland, considered the heart of the county. Not cowardly, via Kenny, with their musical covers, but roaring lyrics like a lion?

The music includes, yes, Heartbreaker. As in bringing Benatar. Pat patently comes to the pavilion. And more tunes said to be heartfelt, and hearty.
But take heart, no more puns, just substance, as Hammond Heartland Days has heaps of hot licks, too, with its lyrics.
They’ve happened onto Hailey James on Friday night, Aug. 11, who has performed a lot around the region, and now has taken it to the central heart of St. Croix, via the hub of Nashville.
Alongside Hailey, on Saturday night, is the “sideshow” and more of Side Hustle.
And befitting the themes, a good old fashioned truck and tractor pull, between shows, thusly, on Saturday late afternoon and early evening. Its gotta be 5 O’Clock somewhere, and that is this spectacle and its many machines, A Vulgar Display of Power beyond John Deere with its rumbling. Like an ol’ threshing hoedown, with hundreds and more of horses in power, before the night’s speakered amps even take hold. The tractor classes sound impressive, with about a dozen-and-half different four and five digit numbers as style IDs, and they throw around terms like not only Farm, but Turbo, Improved and Pro. So this isn’t just your daddy’s old basic green gizmo or red ride. There is a toned down, garden tractor pull the day before.
I do have to ask about some of these local festivals and their music. Where do they get these guys (and gals)? In a very good way.

— So what else is there on the Eleventh? Back to the Willow River Inn in Burkhardt, is the unveiling in the area, for the most part, of new band Herdes End, (kinda spelled like Hermes, but we can assume they’re country not, say, classical). Preps up the sheep dog trials at Badlands recreation center over Labor Day weekend, as spelled out by a sign in the ditch — is that not country? — near to the saloon. Makes me harken back to days of yore when such doggy tricks were first getting going, and included state-of-the-art obstacle courses much like horses in steeplechase and beyond and the Hudson area was Ground Zero, led by one local lady who moonlighted at Dick’s bar and grill selling shots. Are you viewing Rhonda?

Also on the Eleventh, we revisit again another W word, the Wild Badger in New Richmond, where they will host Samantha Grimes, on the patio, and display her take, as I announce it, on the auburn hair of a younger and — dare I say it? — hotter Peg Bundy. But not from Chicago. Closer to Milwaukee. —

Back to Hammond, starting with Hailey James, though not of the James Gang, who is a talented, obviously, singer/songwriter/performer/recording artist from neighboring Cottage Grove, Minn. She has garnered recognition as a four-time AWARD WINNER from the Midwest Country Music Organization, receiving thus-called prestigious titles such as 2022 Female Vocalist and Songwriter of the Year, as well as the 2021 Midwest CMO New Artist and Song of the Year for her track “Wide Awake.”
Having started her musical journey by playing local shows near her hometown, Hailey’s entertaining, as is said, performances have allowed her to captivate audiences throughout the Twin Cities, western Wisconsin, and even in the renowned music hub of Nashville. At just 14, Hailey found her place on stage as a weekly featured artist at Country Nites Saloon in Hastings, also just over the border in Minnesota, where she honed her skills/passion for performing in front of a live audience.
As an active member of, trifecta, the Midwest Country Music Organization, Songtown, and the Minnesota Music Coalition, Hailey continues to expand her musical horizons. She draws inspiration from esteemed artists such as Carrie Underwood, who you have No Doubt heard of, and Kelsea Ballerini and Lauren Alaina, channeling their influence into her own authentic sound.
When we talk about Heartland Days and heart, this is what we’re talking about.
Hailey’s dedication to her craft is shown in collaboration with up-and-coming Nashville artists and accomplished, chart-topping hit songwriters, shaping her unique musical style. Her dream is to, through her original songs and not just covers, become an integral part of the singer/songwriter scene in Nashville. Her original compositions have gained significant traction and can be heard on radio stations across the Midwest, making her a rising star in the abundant country music scene.
My new two-track album focuses on the things learned over the course of growing up and also reflecting on her younger self. “They’re an inside look at who I was and who I’ve become. I hope that when you listen to these songs that you reflect on who you were and what you’ve become, and that these songs inspire you to keep growing into the person that you’ve always wanted to be,” she expounds.
After the truck and tractors stop pulling, more music hits a couple of hours later on Saturday night.
Come that stated Saturday, just what is that Side Hustle from The Cities, aside from the obvious? We’ll let them tell it …
“We are Side Hustle. A collective of musical talent with an unconventional sense of style and taste.” Broadly hard rockin’ via funk, too, and also rock.
“When you’re on your ninth (but keep it in single digits) Coors Banquet at Applebee’s and some millennial jerkoff (not that there’s anything wrong with that) says that Van Halen is ‘dad rock’ …” They are there to defend Roth and rock, as a rollin’ band, via tunes and tonic.
Aside from that, take this into account. A single on YouTube shows them ripping through an amped-up covering of Separate Ways by Journey and Heartbreaker by Pat Benatar. So even more guitar for you, as the outro pumping solo really rocks!
Music starts at 8 p.m. both nights.

Something new, or maybe not, referenced before in cursory form on posts on this channel, or just call it a blog, is how to write lyrics in a heavy metal style that simply transcend. Even spiritually. Epically.
Below is an example of my own composing of such, a bit Iron-Maidenesque. Not everyone rhymes words in a single verse like aristocracy, animosity and atrocity. Or understand the reams of background that got these brilliant lyricists where they are today.
I’d love to show you how to make this your own, and write such lyrics yourself. (With all sorts of variations that I’ll explain at length, and numerous in-depth and specific mental exercises to bring you there, coming from sources used creatively that are unlikely for such applications, until you stop to think about it.) All through a DIY handbook and its followups that I soon will make available on this website. I will likely update this, as there is so much to say, with monthly installments of new tips in the inside departments, such as Killer Metal Lyrics. (You may have seen some of them listed alongside the homepage, and right now they are (unintentional) duplications of other posts but over time will delve into all kinds of new topical stuff).
For this deep stuff, most people need it explained — so here we go. My metalhead friends say I’m taking it to another level. A lot of this style goes deep into theology.
Some easy interpretations
I chose some of the easier-to-understand messiah references down toward the end as examples, only because the thought can be condensed. As some of this stuff is so deep it is almost beyond human comprehension on just one time around. I hope to provide a framework for the numerous references that are even more complex and open to different interpretations. Am I sometimes barking up the wrong tree when I see all these different layers that only a few others have ascertained — but likely the writers themselves? A very learned and successful man I talked to — he got off on U2’s The Joshua Tree — said this about even the basic messiah-mongering stuff that is described down below: “This is way over my head.”

Filth meaning
(But first an aside: Bands like Cradle of Filth, although edgy, are worthy of example because they are in another universe with their songwriting, and many others have copied it in lighter tone. The band title? The frontman is named Dani Filth.
And besides, for a variety of other metaphor reasons, do you think that the Bible’s manger was just all clean straw? Artsy.
I maybe, or may anyway, break from the rest, in how I write lyrics about such things, because I’ll not go to that degree with my symbolism; is there really a need to mention it just because it’s probably true? Or is that why this is truly art.
I’ll just get more poetic instead. A new friend says: By their fruits you will know them. Their points of emphasis are shown by the songs they choose to cover. It might seem odd, but Cradle of Filth is one of many bands to cover Hallowed Be Thy Name, the Iron Maiden prayful classic of a man going to the gallows that got the whole music reaction thing started in the first place.)
Word choice
Like not many others, to re-emphasize, I will rhyme in a single verse words like aristocracy, animosity and atrocity. That will set people apart.
And at times it is not really profound — a very overused word — just artistic word play. They write scapegracing rather than scapegoating, I say analog to make a point versus analogy.
Grand ideas
Some writers just tweak the concept — their combining words to make one is said to be like Paul in the New Testament, and that’s all fine and good but do they bring forth original thought? I think a better route is forming grand ideas, as opposed to simply word play that may just involve a very high vocabulary and use of phrases. Without further ado, see my example below, and I’ll share scores of these types of lyrics over time.

(The backstory of the lyrics that follow, I wrote them in five minutes, is that what if, all those macho men who bed hundreds of women, leave a spiritual piece of themselves behind with each one, and could not just sever the ties clean and go blithely forward. Imagine the cost).

Thoughts and prayers for me
and my betrothed, more than one?
And for most all of us, it will be
as we reach the deepest bowels of our souls
and into them dwell

What if you give away,
so many pieces of yourself
that there are no pieces left
many pieces, big and small,
but in the end, they all … they all

Those who you have actually known
The connection stronger will be shown
and what if that perfect one
was made more perfect, how?
that is the way it is done

Woe to you
who’ve bedded a hundred women
on all of you the wrath
of isolation and eventually ..
scorn will be given

Not a thousand needed
but merely a hundred
it will do, as well, to
a tinged soul plunder

Such seeds are sown in a holy place
But in that space, fell from grace

A thousand warriors I have known
not Perfect, wounded veterans all
and it’s not just in battle that they fall
for the very soul of your Queen awaits
and its absolute longing pervades and spreads
since what is fruitful will multiply

For the need to be complete
in a truly spiritual form
will never go away
once you’ve lorned
regardless of your loins

Though some baggage with women will remain
it’s not too late to change your wonton, wanting ways
But to backtrack, religion intentional?
Is all the theological imagery in metal especially, although overt, actually done on purpose? “The smoke of her burning,” again Dani Filth-written, a song with dozens of very-specific analyzed references — starting with the 70 A.D. Jerusalem siege — to all sorts of views of Revelation, Matthew, Daniel and such, answers the question flat-out, or is that just how I see it? One online explanation to the song goes on close to an hour. Too long for here.
These writers often just play off each others songs, in what early-on was like a closed club, with just a few bands that often mixed and matched members, so there is a body of work to reference and patterns to be seen, using song references few people understand, but love to find out about. This depth is like comparing Michael Jordan to a high school player.

Only Jesus can do
Also, in both metal and I’m sure many forms of literature, there is a metaphor where Jesus is the one who can do what no other can. And because he was part human, he’s also said to be the world’s best lover, and has even brought speculation about being its most well-endowed.
(Will I go into that territory?)
But how about this, by a group with a religion-themed name, Deep Purple, so that gives you a hint: “Sweet Lucy was a dancer, but none of us would chance her, because she was a samurai. She made electric shadows beyond our fingertips, but none of us could reach that high.” There can be many interpretations of “reach that high,” such as the height of a stage, or a lunge heavenward, or a superior spiritual state. But get this last line, a one-word changeup: “ONE of us could reach that high.” Guess who that could be?
Are these things important, or just mental gymnastics? But if they make people more comfortable with God and yes, bring about their understanding of theology and faith …
For grace of God go I
But another topic. There is a frequent metal metaphor, misunderstood, that can be summed up as “but for the Grace of God go I.” So how about this line, in a song about a hit man with a conscience. “Shot in the dark, one step away you. Shot in the dark, nothing you can do.” Meaning? If not for fate and God’s providence, you or I could be that person having to shoot, and then live with the consequences of our actions.
These lyrics writers often play with numbers, mostly three and seven. There’s even a style where one person in the Holy Trinity is being addressed in some songs, more than the other two, since they are in the best position to address the human need being presented.
Two Minutes to it
Some would say all this is a reach. But Iron Maiden has been asked to explain this satirical ending lyric in an antiwar anthem, about the atomic doomsday clock: “The killer’s breed are the demon seed, the clamor the fortune the pain. Go to war again, blood is freedom’s stain, don’t you pray for my soul anymore. Two minutes to midnight, the hands that threaten doom. Two minutes to midnight, to kill the unborn in the womb.” First, there is the Bible verse that says God will visit the father’s sins on the sons. But this is what they said about that last line: In what’s apparently a rather obscure reference, the Bible makes the comparison between the destruction in the final stages of war, and the pain a woman goes through in childbirth.
Dio and whose words
And this from Ronnie James Dio: Once the words of a song leave my lips, I no longer own them. They become yours to interpret however you see fit. So over and over, they give the listener free will to make such choices in meaning. And if there is one takeaway I have about metal lyrics, hundreds of times over as those in the last paragraphs, if you get stumped, think Biblical. Thus, the lyrics have almost exclusively been said, if such singers are pressed in an interview, to be of a “Christ figure.”
I think my handbook would be a perfect way to introde this school of thought, as its just this kind of empathy and intuition and similar subject matter that’s driven so many heavy metal songwriters since their beginnings, (once you really get behind the thick symbolism). They have been just as tormented as I with things like crazy strong emotional connections, shown in the “Easter Eggs” in dozens of songs.
(In the following “theory,” which could also be spun off of into song lyrics, I present what I now see — based in part on a song I just heard — as parallels to the warlike effectiveness shown during the sieges of Jerusalem as described in the Bible, which some of those people brought on themselves by being ungodlike. Do you think the analysis has merit? Or is it overstated? Would you offer another layer or line of reasoning?)
Jesus as uncaring?
As I have gone through excessive ruminations about theology, and the role of God in Three Persons in it, I began thinking about the lack of a Messiah at times, apparently, to protect the very weak, even though that is what He was all about.
Christ on the Cross died the most horrific death a person, even a (half) deity, could imagine. That is a matter of record, to a degree I’ve checked out from theological concern, that only gets worse as you explore further. But what of the hundreds of rotting corpses that the Romans left hanging from crosses as people ventured into Jerusalem, as a method to control the populace through fear the same thing could happen to them.
So why did Jesus not put His money where His mouth is, call all those legions of angels to come and as part of the picture free the Israelites from the tyranny of the Romans? Did Jesus not care so much about all those who befell the same fate as He, although maybe not as torturous? Or was He simply working within the constraints of the culture in which he lived.
But there’s got to be more to this, and I have prayed for answers — something I always default to — that are not angry and aggressive. And now maybe these answers are now here.
If all those angels (check out the metal band Armored Saint) did take down the Romans, there would have been the horrible deaths faced by tens of thousands of their soldiers, and maybe a few innocent angels in the process. Not as bad as being crucified, but the sheer difference in numbers affected has to speak to you. And once a dictator is overthrown in this manner in a given province, other peoples are emboldened to also act, with a domino effect.
And further, and more importantly, such a coup by Jesus would have put the entire ancient world and its long-established-and-still-evolving systems into turmoil. Consider the positioning of these countries in the overall region. Caravans of food and other marketable and very valuable goods across Asia and much of Europe and even Africa, which dealt with more then just newfangled spices of ther Orient, though that’s what you hear about most, would have been disrupted, and with that the meager food sources of the general populace would go asunder. And thus, the barter system so many replied on for an again, meager, sort of income, would be compromised. Or that’s my take on it, Coming From A Land Of Plenty.
Invoke Alexander
So what’s the end run here? I check out not only the Bible but also my Biblical metal music. The logical source of such commentary? An Iron Maiden song I’d long been wanting to check out, Alexander The Great, would be a source of insight.
The rub: Alexander started as a regional leader wanting to overthrow (tyrannical) governments, but he was so skilled he eventually conquered almost all of the known world. And Maiden pointed out what you might not normally hear, all this spread of culture and ideas along a fast track allowed the later establishment of an (enhanced) version of Christianity throughout the land. Certainly, this new religion would not have spread as broadly and as fast.
The politics of Jesus
So when considering that many Jewish leaders viewed Christ as a political failure, I need to revisit the words of rock groups like (very aptly named) Nazareth and Oasis on the politics of being the Christ, and all-in-all they are very much apologists, and I’m thinking more and more that’s OK. My friend who is a (lowkey) metalhead, concurred with my interpretation. Here are the two intros:
— “Heartbreaker, soul shaker, I’ve been told about you … what they are saying must be true … times come to pay your dues. Now you’re messing with …” That’s Nazareth, but later Oasis really got into it:
— “Today is gonna be the day when they throw it all back to you. Somehow you got to realize what you’ve got to do … Nobody feels the way I do about you now … Backbeat the word is on the street that the fire in your heart is out. I know you’ve heard it all before, but we never really had a doubt … Today was gonna be the day, but they’ll never throw it back to you … Maybe you’re the one that saves me. So after all, you’re my wonderwall.”
The singer says it’s about a hidden inner and possibly divine voice that guides him. A truism in metal.
Only a messiah, lyrically.
So tell me if I’m wrong, but who else in human history could the following phrases have referred to except Jesus, (the Ozzy lyrics come from Iron Man and what could be seen as its sequel Bark At The Moon). However, the critics, unchurched, have called the main character a killer robot or a vengeful werewolf. The lyrics are not to be taken as literal, and artistic license is taken with numbers, and Jesus can be shown even in the Old Testament to be a vengeful messiah, to prove a point about what we as sinners could be seen as deserving. (I do have this concern, what would Jesus think about such a presentation, after what he is said to have done for humankind. But I do like the idea that the pharisees and other hypocrites are skewered). A sampling of these lyrics:
“He was turned to steel, in the great magnetic field, when he traveled time, for the future of mankind.”
“Vengeance from the grave, kills the people he once saved.”
“They killed and buried him alone in shame, and thought his timeless soul had gone … But he’s returned to prove them wrong, so wrong.”
“Years spent in torment, buried in a nameless grave, now he has risen … Iron Man lives again!”