R. T. MORENA, J.D. FRENCH, P.T. YOKOTA, AND R.W. BISHOP | guest writers


An alternative approach to the meaning behind pop-culture lyrics.

Amidst the barrage of antisecular music, one might have trouble discerning the truth about popular music lyrics. Perhaps you’ve heard the spiel that songs like Soulja Boy’s “Crank Dat” or Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack” are about nothing more than sexual acts.

The fact of the matter is, despite these crude misconceptions, nothing could be further from the truth. After dozens and dozens of minutes of research and careful inspection of the lyrics of many popular songs by the experts who reside in

The Bible Corner, we would like to present quantifi able evidence that reveals the undeniable biblical narratives that run deep beneath the surface of secular lyrics.

Perhaps the most intricate interweaving of biblical narrative with pop culture can be found in Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack.” See, when God created humans, He intended us to bear His image  – Imago Dei. We lost the fullness of that image at The Fall. Some, like us, argue that Imago Dei could be more accurately translated as Imago Sexy. To put it quite literally, sexiness is the image in which we were made at Creation, and will bear once again in its fullness when Christ returns.

When Justin Timberlake is singing about “bringing sexy back,” we see that he is quite obviously calling out to God for the redemption of humankind. One might fi nd difficulty in discovering the true meaning of these words without relying totally and blindly upon the research and opinions of those who reside in The Bible Corner, as this is a perfect allegory and example of apocalyptic literature, much like the book of Revelation.

Even the bridge of “SexyBack,” where we fi nd the lyrics, “You see these shackles baby I’m your slave,” we fi nd that Justin’s theology includes the belief that we remain in bondage to sin until the day Christ returns.

Our sister Britney Spears has also been providing the body with theologically sound hymns since 1998 when her #1 single debut “Baby One More Time” hit the airwaves. The song obviously echoes the tradition of the Psalms as it beseeches God to “hit” us once again with his glory, grace, and presence. Thus, sister Britney’s ability as a psalmist rivals even David’s.

As we all know, Britney characteristically lives above reproach, as displayed in the stance of humility she maintains: “Show me how you want it to be, cause I need to know now what we’ve got.” She continues by earnestly crying out to the Lord, “My loneliness is killing me / I must confess, I still believe / When I’m not with you I lose my mind /Give me a sign / Hit me baby one more time.”

“The reason I breathe is you” she declares. Then she even goes on to echo the power of the Lord’s presence as displayed to Paul on the Damascus road as she cries “Boy you got me blinded.”

Britney’s numerous other theological contributions should not be overlooked either. “I’m a Slave 4 U” clearly echoes the Apostle Paul’s exhortation from Romans 6:22 “Now that you have been set free from sin, and have become slaves to God, the benefi t you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.” Another example of Britney’s biblical literacy and spiritual journey is found is her song “Oops!... I Did it Again” where she describes doing the very thing she hates, just as Paul does in Romans chapter seven.

Another fi ne example of biblical integration into pop culture is 50 Cent’s “In Da Club.” What is the biggest club in the Bible? Da Kingdom of God, of course. Not only do we see Fitty’s mention of Da Kingdom, but we also see his theology of suffering in the lyrics, “Been hit wit a few shells but I don’t walk wit a limp.” Suffering like this builds endurance and character, and once one enters Da Kingdom, we see Fitty’s description of the euphoria of heaven where every day is like your birthday. Even if it’s not your birthday, there’s still reason to celebrate. Sound theology abounds and resounds.

Who Let the Dogs Out? Jesus. Just as we see in Mark 7, where Jesus freed the Gentile woman’s daughter from bondage, so we too now can be freed from our own bondage as Gentiles. Because of Christ’s triumph over death, all dawgs are truly free to roam around the neighborhood. Despite this great freedom, we must heed the warning of the Baha Men when they say, “A doggy is nuttin’ if he don’t have a bone. All a doggy hold ya’ bone, all doggy hold it,” which greatly parallels Paul’s call in 1 Corinthians 5:2, “By this gospel you are saved, if you hold fi rmly to the word I preached to you.”Another signifi cant occurrence of indubitable spirituality is the contemporary work of the very Spirit of God in the chorus of the song “Lady Marmalade.”

Apparently the spontaneous work of the Spirit was manifest as the phenomenon of glossolalia, commonly known as speaking in tongues, overcame Lil’ Kim, Mya, Pink and Christina Aguilera just as is described in Acts two and I Corinthians 14. While none of us will ever truly know the meaning of these words, since the translation has not been released, we can be sure that God is active as he continues to work even among our pop icons.

Finally, the most complex integration of theology and biblical narrative with popular culture that The Bible Corner has discovered to date is found in Soulja Boy’s “Crank Dat.” Due to its complexity, the phrase “superman that hoe” has been more widely misunderstood than any other secular lyric. Secular infl uences would lead you to believe that this is merely a sexual reference. We in The Bible Corner note otherwise.

A hoe, as we all know, is a hand tool used in gardening for the purpose of agitating the soil and removing weeds, and the only scriptural mention we have of “Supermen” are the Nephilim referred to in Genesis six, Numbers 13, and again in I Enoch. These super-men were the stewards of the Promised Land before it was delivered to the nation of Israel. They tilled the earth, and even provided irrigation (referenced as “super-soak[ing]”). This is a pristine example of divinely inspired narrative fusing itself with pop culture in a purely positive and uplifting way.

So next time the antisecular voices begin decrying your favorite pop-culture artifact, proof-text. Or you can email us for insight and wisdom at thebiblecorner@gmail. com. Now That’s What I call Exegesis: Vol II.