If you start reading now, then you will be very confused.  Please check out the posts from Monday and Tuesday to catch up. 

What I consider to be a "Neutral Song" is a song that doesn't have anything bad in it... it pretty much follows the guidelines set in place by Philippians 4:8... but it doesn't really have anything that good in it either.  Its message isn't phenomenal, but it isn't bad.  It's just a nice song.  It's okay.  Basically, you aren't corrupting your mind, but you aren't really improving your thoughts either. 

In my opinion, there is no right or wrong when it comes to listening to Neutral Songs.  It is up to you.  You probably won't get anything out of it, but that doesn't have to be an issue.  Sometimes, it's okay to just lean back with a pointless song and stop thinking about the message.  It also may have a lot of talent in the instrumental and musical area, but not so much meat in the actual lyric area.  And that's okay. 

There are going to be times when we need to be fed by song lyrics, but Good Songs aren't always necessary.  Music doesn't have to be some intense process where you feel like you're constantly having to gain something out of the content.  It doesn't always have to be that way.  Adding Neutral Songs to the mix isn't going to hurt a thing. 

Some examples of Neutral Songs are "Our Song" by Taylor Swift, "Bella Luna" by Jason Mraz, "The Little Things" by Colbie Caillat, "Love Bug" by the Jonas Brothers, and "L.O.V.E." by Nat King Cole. 

There can also be Neutral Songs in the Christian music industry.  Unless an artist is strictly worship or simply amazing, there are going to be fairly empty, neutral, fun songs in the album... and that is fine!  "Gibberish" by Relient K comes to mind, along with Veggie Tales' "Everybody's Got A Water Buffalo," and "Sore Eyes" by Brandon Heath. 

And always remember that you can get something from every song.  There is always a hidden meaning somewhere amongst the lyrics, and if you are out to search for something to impact you, then you will find it if you look hard enough.  Every one of the songs I mentioned above has a meaning... and just because they are not life-shattering, they are not completely empty.  You can find something.  Just know that you aren't required to search out a meaning with Neutral Songs.  They can always be just for fun. 

What are some Neutral Songs that you love or hate?  Do you agree that there are Neutral Songs at all, or do you think that they should be Good or Bad?  Leave your comment and opinion in the comment box below or send me an email.  I love to hear from you. 

Stay tuned tomorrow to read more about "The Almost Good With A Tiny Bit Of Bad Mixed In Song."  It should be interesting.

Today's pictures came from here and here.      

If you have not checked out yesterday's post, then please do so now, or you will have no idea what I am talking about, fair warning.

I thought I would start out with "The Good Song" because it is fairly easy to describe.  In fact, you probably know what kind of song that I am talking about. 

In the secular music industry, there are songs that carry great messages, no matter if they have a "Christian" label or not.  There are Good Songs in every genre of music.  No cussing or dishonorable topic, a good message, complete truth... they might even have lyrics, no matter how unintentionally, that will carry your thoughts to God. 

This may be an obvious example, but "Jesus Take the Wheel" by Carrie Underwood is a good country song with a great message.  "How to Save A Life" by the Fray is also a Good Song.  If you really want to go out on a limb, songs like "Dreams" by Van Halen have a good message, and the same with "In the Ghetto" by Elvis Presley, "Let It Be" by The Beatles, and "Man In the Mirror" by Michael Jackson. 

When you find a Good Song, even if it is by an artist that doesn't always produce the best music, then you can put that specific song on your playlist guilt-free.  However, you must be careful.  It is so easy to say, "Well, this is a Good Song..." because you like the song, and not necessarily because it is actually a Good Song.  Google the lyrics to your selected song choice... look up the meaning behind the words.  If the song is dishonorable, deceitful, untrue, or impure, then it doesn't make it into the list of Good Songs.  In fact, if it is "iffy" at all, then I wouldn't put it up there.  Instead, wait for Wednesday's post.   

Pretend that you are placing your song before God.  Is He going to turn away and close His ears, repulsed and ashamed, or is He going to enjoy the music?  If God would refuse to listen to your song, then you need to clear it off of your playlist.  As Christians, we are supposed to be "Little Christs," and listening to music that Christ disapproves of is not imitating Him.

I realize that it is difficult to only listen to pure and honorable songs... sometimes it seems like there aren't that many great Christian songs out there.  When you struggle with this, try to remember the sacrifices that Jesus made for you.  He suffered and died for you.  Don't you think that you can sacrifice the music that you listen to for Him? 

What are some Good Songs that you have found in the secular music industry?  What are your guidelines for a Good Song?  Leave a comment with your opinion.