Here is an interesting article from The Nation magazine about protest songs.

Mary McDonough

In Detroit, the original home of the White Stripes, the band’s break-up was big news. I imagine it was in several parts of the U.S. and around the world, especially among rock music fans. The White Stripes, in my opinion, helped rock reclaim some of its authority to cast off inhibitions and dive into revelry without fear. Their sound, when I first heard it, seemed so new and fresh, but their influences were anything but—the Blues, Motown, garage rock, and American folk, among others, are nothing new. But in the context of the lavishly produced work that some rock musicians release, the White Stripes served as a reminder of the gritty roots that run deep in this music we love.

Some critics wrote that the White Stripes were correct to “retire” before they became a parody of themselves. Others expressed disappointment that the band cut its career so short—what about all of the great music they could have created? This is a fair debate to engage in the rock world when a popular and innovative band breaks up. Interestingly, it led me to think of the parallels that may exist in the spiritual life. I am struck by this question–When it is time to move on from spiritual practices or disciplines when they no longer engage us as they once did?

This question, for me, opens up a broad horizon of possibilities and other questions. How does one discern the difference between a spiritual or creative “dry-spell” and an invitation to let go, start over, or move on? There is a gentle comfort that comes from “playing/listening to the old hits,” so to speak—we know them, they have become part of our life narrative, and we can leave them on in the background without them distracting us with demands for attention. As a rock musician and as one who seeks spiritual meaning in my life practices, I attempt to keep these and other related questions before me. I hope to address this topic further in future posts. For now, given the spiritual “heaviness” of this particular day (Good Friday), how about enjoying some tasty licks from Jack and Meg.

Dave Nantais