S2E15: The One with the Three Chords

Flawed Theology

In this episode, Phil and Susie "dig" into the power of music. Harlan Howard in the 50’s used the phrase “3 chords and the truth” to describe his genre of country music and many other artists have used this phrase and allowed it to be their philosophy of songwriting. This phrase is funny because most worship songs are 3 chords and purports to be truth, but what is the truth that is actually being conveyed? How does music actually work to affect our emotions and how is this exploited in worship/Xtian music and sold as the “Spirit”? Can “secular” music do the same thing that Xtian music does? We will talk (and even sing) about some of the tactics that are used and even how chord structures and musical formulas can elicit certain responses.

For those interested in skipping over the music, here are the timestamps: 31:27-32:25 lord, I lift your name on high 33:30-34:22 how great is our god 35:15-35:55 how he loves 37:00-38:00 you alone 40:48-46:03 from the inside out by Hillsong

Show Links and Resources:

https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/07/29/1190374074/these-scientists-explain-the-power-of-music-to-spark-awe?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_medium=social

https://languageandreligion.com/2022/04/20/emotional-manipulation-in-worship-music/

https://blog.landr.com/emotional-chord-progressions/
https://reckersworld.jimdofree.com/religion/recker-s-writings-to-enlighten-and-entertain/how-churches-use-music-to-manipulate-you/
https://capuzzler.medium.com/emotion-effect-in-religious-music-9d383b34b24e

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/17470218221075330

https://www.ox.ac.uk/research/choir-singing-improves-health-happiness-%E2%80%93-and-perfect-icebreaker

https://www.praisecharts.com/blog/the-nashville-number-system-chart-for-bands/

Genetically modified skeptic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7btz0ocXDeg

Faith Free: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoaknMByfRs

*From the Inside Out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-9mUDbGsEk

Closing Poem: https://www.joniroseblog.com/post/strings-the-use-of-religious-song

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*We do not own the rights to the music in this episode.