More short columns on key topics:

November 2023

Art feeds our brains to fuel the body

Philip Maffetone

In many different ways, the full spectrum of human art—both output and input—can trigger astounding brain changes for an expanded mind and better body. These are expressed and shared differently with virtually unlimited benefits, including increased self-awareness of our very human condition. 

Along with sex and politics, religion is a most common medium used in creativity, a theme of this column. These artforms have been presented for centuries in books, plays, poems, music, and modern movies. This includes satire. 

Can satirical storytelling safely spoof religion? Yes, and in important and serious ways. It can help us confront ourselves and society more holistically. Comedian, social critic, and satirist Lenny Bruce said, “People are leaving the church and going back to God.” From day one, the 1971 musical “Jesus Christ Superstar” drew the widest range of critique, from delight to blasphemy, adding to its popularity.

Religious satire is not just written by the non-religious. Jonathan Swift, who authored “Gulliver’s Travels,” was an enthusiastic cleric, Dean of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, and also the most impactful religious satirist of the 18th century. 

Songs often utilize humorous, tongue-in-cheek lyrics referencing religious stories or conceptual translations of social over-simplicity. Using satire in entertainment, these narratives offer a cultural purpose not unlike the themes they spoof. This can bring out intended and intricate meanings for great personal and social benefits, helping us better understand each other. 

While many sacred stories are not meant for literal translation, they are best read and appreciated as poetry. Like song lyrics, music, and other art, this promotes alpha brain waves cultivating clarity, compassion, self-confidence, wisdom, patience, and love. It encourages individuality, a reason art is understood differently by different people—I sometimes learn more about my own music from its interpretation by others. 

Satirical humor in song lyrics often lives on the edge of reality. They may be taken too literal and misinterpreted—misconstrued as confrontational—leading listeners to miss key meanings. Such is the case with two spoof songs on my last album. 

The first song’s provocative title, “The Devil Always Wins,” modernizes the reference of the devil as both herand his, ready to light the fire under us at life’s painful end. The theme tempts us to just give in and play with both wrong and right. After all, the devil always wins.

In the second song story, a sexy lady runs out of a house of worship to spread the word, in tongues, that religion is a dumbed-down form of philosophy. At least that’s what the Lord whispered to her. The simple satirical “Message in My Ear” adds more social commentary on spreading the word about world communal peace through music.

In all artforms, global satire continues growing in popularity, becoming a strongly influential modern-day genre of humor. While generally healthy, the deeper meanings behind the wit offer valuable lessons for all. 

** 

More…

Are poems and song lyrics the same?

Brain-Body Rhythm