Over-Generalizing, Under-Promising, and Over-Promising: Singing Sadness and Joy in the Church

In this article, I examine the emotional content of songs sung in Christian churches. An analysis lyrical that have been tracked by Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) from 1988 to 2018, shows there is a definition life set before church and turn it. The word “joy” appears 37 times “praise” used 152 133 comprise contemporary praise worship hymnody defined time period. same frame, sad or any its derivatives (sadly, sadness, etc.) never occurs group are being discussed. Nor “sorrow” ever used. There two conclusions can be drawn lack use sad. first sadness undervalued. second conclusion “sad” not good song word, meaning it awkward sing fit rhythm meter song. relates lexical value semantic value. To understand music, texts which provide need examined. Secondly, meaning, composed cultural connotations, needs considered. part, lexical, considered looking at only text. second, semantic, involves how words music (both apart together) conceal reveal meanings surpass level. Thus, part present work will look lyric’s devoid context while essay fullness songs. As levels explored, they brought together with lyrics previous level question whether an overpromising joy answered.