tomorrow i'll be preaching on the transfiguration, and while it is certainly a fascinating story, it isn't one that many modern musicians are trying to tell through their music.
except for sufjan stevens, the eccentric and incredibly awesome (in my opinion) indie artist who resides in new york city and makes some of the coolest music ever. sort of paul simon meets phillip glass meets chris martin meets a bible scholar. sufjan stevens is not afraid to write songs with obvious Biblical references and connections, even when he's writing about his love for michigan, or about a serial killer. this particular song, though, is all about the transfiguration, and while the video is homemade and not that great, it's worth hearing the man strum his banjo and sing about this strange story.
the transfiguration - sufjan stevens
When he took the three disciples
to the mountainside to pray,
his countenance was modified, his clothing was aflame.
Two men appeared: Moses and Elijah came;
they were at his side.
The prophecy, the legislation spoke of whenever he would die.
Then there came a word
of what he should accomplish on the day.
Then Peter spoke, to make of them a tabernacle place.
A cloud appeared in glory as an accolade.
They fell on the ground.
A voice arrived, the voice of God,
the face of God, covered in a cloud.
What he said to them,
the voice of God: the most beloved son.
Consider what he says to you, consider what's to come.
The prophecy was put to death,
was put to death, and so will the Son.
And keep your word, disguise the vision till the time has come.
Lost in the cloud, a voice: Have no fear! We draw near!
Lost in the cloud, a sign: Son of man! Turn your ear!
Lost in the cloud, a voice: Lamb of God! We draw near!
Lost in the cloud, a sign: Son of man! Son of God!
except for sufjan stevens, the eccentric and incredibly awesome (in my opinion) indie artist who resides in new york city and makes some of the coolest music ever. sort of paul simon meets phillip glass meets chris martin meets a bible scholar. sufjan stevens is not afraid to write songs with obvious Biblical references and connections, even when he's writing about his love for michigan, or about a serial killer. this particular song, though, is all about the transfiguration, and while the video is homemade and not that great, it's worth hearing the man strum his banjo and sing about this strange story.
the transfiguration - sufjan stevens
When he took the three disciples
to the mountainside to pray,
his countenance was modified, his clothing was aflame.
Two men appeared: Moses and Elijah came;
they were at his side.
The prophecy, the legislation spoke of whenever he would die.
Then there came a word
of what he should accomplish on the day.
Then Peter spoke, to make of them a tabernacle place.
A cloud appeared in glory as an accolade.
They fell on the ground.
A voice arrived, the voice of God,
the face of God, covered in a cloud.
What he said to them,
the voice of God: the most beloved son.
Consider what he says to you, consider what's to come.
The prophecy was put to death,
was put to death, and so will the Son.
And keep your word, disguise the vision till the time has come.
Lost in the cloud, a voice: Have no fear! We draw near!
Lost in the cloud, a sign: Son of man! Turn your ear!
Lost in the cloud, a voice: Lamb of God! We draw near!
Lost in the cloud, a sign: Son of man! Son of God!
Comments