Alternative folk-rock band Mumford and Sons released its new song Believe this week which contains subtle reminders of God, hope and faith but this single isn't too much different from some of the band's earlier works, which also contain discreet references to Christianity.
Believe, the first single from their upcoming album "Wilder Mind," explores the struggles of having faith, whether in a romantic relationship or a system of beliefs, according to Kate Beaudoin of Mic, who gave Believe a less-than-favorable review. She points to the chorus, "I don't even know if I believe, I don't even know if I believe, as a sign that the song is about faith in something higher.
In some ways this might be truer to the band's roots, particularly in the lyrics, Beaudoin wrote for Mic. The title is a clear indication of the song's love-as-faith message, and the lyrics hammer it home again and again. It's about a relationship, but it's also, likely, about faith writ large.
Beaudoin wrote that Mumford and Sons is often thought of by the masses as a Christian band because their songs frequently feature Christian themes, but the band's members personally resist being labeled as Christian rock artists.
They've adamantly denied the label from the beginning, but Believe is undeniably a Christian love song, Beaudoin wrote.
Christianity Todays Kevin P. Emmert, who reviewed the bands lyrics in 2012, agrees.
While Mumford & Sons wouldn't be categorized as a Christian band you won't find them in Christian bookstores or in the Gospel section at Best Buy Christian themes nevertheless run throughout many of their songs, Emmert wrote.
Emmert believes Mumford and Sons often includes religious undertones in its melodies, especially concerning issues many believers struggle with and ultimately overcome.
While some of the lyrics are raw and emotionally uncensored, they also provide glimpses of hope, Emmert wrote. Themes of love, grace, and forgiveness and a dusting of other biblical references also appear on Sigh No More, leading many listeners to believe that the band is drawing subtly from Christian faith.
Emmert wrote in his review that the bands album Babel, released in September 2012, was stacked with biblical references. The albums title itself is a reference to the Genesis story. Other songs like Below My Feet and Whispers in the Dark mention Jesus by name and the devil, respectively.
The band's emphasis on spirituality may come from its Christian roots. Marcus Mumfords parents, Eleanor and John Mumford, run the Vineyard Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland, according to Cathleen Falsani of Religion News Service. Marcus also recently married actress Carey Mulligan, who he spent many of his younger years with at a Christian youth camp, RNS reported.
But thats not to say Marcus likes being considered a Christian. He told Rolling Stone back in 2013 that he didnt like the label Christian to define his faith, RNS reported.
"I don't really like that word. It comes with so much baggage, Marcus said, according to HuffPost. So, no, I wouldn't call myself a Christian. I think the word just conjures up all these religious images that I don't really like. I have my personal views about the person of Jesus and who he was. I've kind of separated myself from the culture of Christianity."
Marcus said his faith is still a work in progress and that he didnt want the Christian label to define him and his music. Instead, he wants the music to speak for itself, RNS reported.
But Falsani tries to look past all the posturing to Mumford and Sons' true feelings and beliefs about Christianity, which are reminiscent of other bands like U2, Lifehouse and Switchfoot that write about spiritual themes yet also resist classifying themselves as Christian rock.
I don't care what Mumford or Bono or the pope call themselves or don't, Falsani reported. Their actions and (other) words tell a story of faith that is much more nuanced, and therefore truer, than any label they might pin over their hearts or have thrust upon them.
Believe, the first single from their upcoming album "Wilder Mind," explores the struggles of having faith, whether in a romantic relationship or a system of beliefs, according to Kate Beaudoin of Mic, who gave Believe a less-than-favorable review. She points to the chorus, "I don't even know if I believe, I don't even know if I believe, as a sign that the song is about faith in something higher.
In some ways this might be truer to the band's roots, particularly in the lyrics, Beaudoin wrote for Mic. The title is a clear indication of the song's love-as-faith message, and the lyrics hammer it home again and again. It's about a relationship, but it's also, likely, about faith writ large.
Beaudoin wrote that Mumford and Sons is often thought of by the masses as a Christian band because their songs frequently feature Christian themes, but the band's members personally resist being labeled as Christian rock artists.
They've adamantly denied the label from the beginning, but Believe is undeniably a Christian love song, Beaudoin wrote.
Christianity Todays Kevin P. Emmert, who reviewed the bands lyrics in 2012, agrees.
While Mumford & Sons wouldn't be categorized as a Christian band you won't find them in Christian bookstores or in the Gospel section at Best Buy Christian themes nevertheless run throughout many of their songs, Emmert wrote.
Emmert believes Mumford and Sons often includes religious undertones in its melodies, especially concerning issues many believers struggle with and ultimately overcome.
While some of the lyrics are raw and emotionally uncensored, they also provide glimpses of hope, Emmert wrote. Themes of love, grace, and forgiveness and a dusting of other biblical references also appear on Sigh No More, leading many listeners to believe that the band is drawing subtly from Christian faith.
Emmert wrote in his review that the bands album Babel, released in September 2012, was stacked with biblical references. The albums title itself is a reference to the Genesis story. Other songs like Below My Feet and Whispers in the Dark mention Jesus by name and the devil, respectively.
The band's emphasis on spirituality may come from its Christian roots. Marcus Mumfords parents, Eleanor and John Mumford, run the Vineyard Church in the United Kingdom and Ireland, according to Cathleen Falsani of Religion News Service. Marcus also recently married actress Carey Mulligan, who he spent many of his younger years with at a Christian youth camp, RNS reported.
But thats not to say Marcus likes being considered a Christian. He told Rolling Stone back in 2013 that he didnt like the label Christian to define his faith, RNS reported.
"I don't really like that word. It comes with so much baggage, Marcus said, according to HuffPost. So, no, I wouldn't call myself a Christian. I think the word just conjures up all these religious images that I don't really like. I have my personal views about the person of Jesus and who he was. I've kind of separated myself from the culture of Christianity."
Marcus said his faith is still a work in progress and that he didnt want the Christian label to define him and his music. Instead, he wants the music to speak for itself, RNS reported.
But Falsani tries to look past all the posturing to Mumford and Sons' true feelings and beliefs about Christianity, which are reminiscent of other bands like U2, Lifehouse and Switchfoot that write about spiritual themes yet also resist classifying themselves as Christian rock.
I don't care what Mumford or Bono or the pope call themselves or don't, Falsani reported. Their actions and (other) words tell a story of faith that is much more nuanced, and therefore truer, than any label they might pin over their hearts or have thrust upon them.