During the 1980’s, there was a spiritual wind that blew through the lyrics of several groups. U2 ‘s The Unforgetable Album Fire album featured 7 songs with a biblical message. Mike and the Mechanics created songs that spoke from their hearts, dealing with real life issues. Even MC Hammer joined the fray with his hit Pray. However, one of the most powerful song lyrics of this decade is Kyrie from Mr. Mister‘s album Welcome to the Real World.
As I work my daily 10 hour shift, music from the 80’s often echo throughout the warehouse. Although the genres change from shift to shift, songs from this decade seem to be ahead of their time. The title Kyrie is a Greek word which actually refers to a form of prayer, “Lord, have mercy.” While kyrie if often a spoken prayer, Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Anglican churches still sing these words as a part of their mass.
My first observation of Kyrie is why would a secular group write a song which means Lord have mercy. Did the song writer foresee the error of his generation? Was the lead singer trying to find forgiveness for something he regretted earlier in life? Or did the group as a whole become aware of their own sinful and wrecked state, recognizing a need for God’s help? Regardless of the answer to these questions, one thing is certain, Mr. Mister was comprised of musicians ahead of their time, not afraid to proclaim Kyrie, Lord have mercy!
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 