12 April 2024

Kyrie Eleison
Kyrie Eleison; Lord, Have Mercy
Despite the ACDC, Van Halen and Zeppelin that people normally heard blaring from the speakers of my stereo back in the Eighties, most did not know that I was harboring a secret. During the years I was in Texas, especially on weeknights when I wasn't partying as hard, I often could be found watching MTV. There were a number of bands (that were not hard rock) that I took a liking to, and still enjoy hearing when I come across them today. Bands such as Chicago, Crowded House, Dire Straits, Howard Jones, Mr. Mister, Sade, Simple Minds, and yes, even Tears for Fears. All had hit songs between 1984 to 1987. I don't listen to music much anymore, but when I hear certain songs, it zips me back in time like a time traveler. It's amazing how that works. Sometimes I am surprised by the lyrics; not having really paid any attention back in the day. Today, I randomly heard, Kyrie (Eleison) by Mr. Mister.
Kyrie Eleison means 'Lord, have mercy.'
And as the lyrics go...
Kyrie eleison down the road that I must travel
Kyrie eleison through the darkness of the night
Kyrie eleison where I'm going, will you follow
Kyrie eleison on a highway in the night...
I liked the song back in the day for its catchy tune but admire the song today for the meditative lyrics. Songwriter Richard Page said for him, it is a meditative prayer that didn't necessarily subscribe to any Christian dogma. That is really an eye opening statement, and in essence it means to me, the key is to focus on "the LORD," not necessarily all of the details and rules we have gift wrapped the LORD in.

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