Thanks for releasing this! As long as something is not heretical I really wish we could break down more of these artificial topical barriers put on different genres. All of life is God's. From Psalms to train rides.
So many of the great songwriters in the last century have been able to write about God alongside other aspects of life, from Jon Forman, Bono, Lauryn Hill, Dylan, and Johnny Cash. Cash specifically I think about how he can go from a love song, to a criminal about to be hung in 25 minutes, a bathroom themed breakup song, to finding God in prison. And somehow he is able to transcend all the label/genre debates.
And I get it, we live in the playlistification age. I've faced all those submit hub cafeteria tables of being too this or too that. It's easier to market an artist if they stick to a lane. But we need to see God in all aspects of life and in all playlists. Keep writing about everything.
I've listened to lots of your music over the years. Music that has helped my worship to the Father, but this has me connecting with you as an artist, and now seeing the man who loves Jesus writing like David did in the psalms. Thank you for sharing. It was eloquent and beautiful.
I find such beautiful irony in the inner critic accusing the song of both being too much of a lament and not biblical enough. One of the difficulties I have been having with much of modern worship is that it lacks authentic lament. When you look at the Psalms, which is arguably the single most comprehensive piece of worship in scripture, it is filled with lament. Lament. In fact, there are more songs of lament than any other kind of Psalm. Thank you for being authentic.
I can’t thank you enough for this song. Winter isn’t an easy time of year for me, but by the first verse of Blue Feathers, I already felt seen. And comforted. This is one I’ll be returning to often, and I’m so glad you chose to share it.
Thank you for sharing this BTS with us, Jonathan. I feel very honored to be one of the people who delight in the songs you’ve made over the years. I know it’s just a part of who you are, but it’s a precious one and we appreciate you for being in our lives in that way.
I identify so much Jon, you are one of the people who inspires me to be transparent and vulnerable as a Christian, I appreciate you very much and this song certainly helps the process of healing the wounds of the heart❤️🩹
Thanks for sharing Jonathan. Lovely song with a real and raw story. It doesn’t really matter what people think, but the way I see it: the fact that you went through the process to write and release this song is a great milestone that stands to encourage you (and now others). So thank you.
I know the feeling of loss (my mom) and loneliness …
and as it is for you, picking up my guitar and singing before my God has been a lifeline … a place where God has met with me and where I have been able to be raw and real before Him.
Beautiful writing, Jon! I love the truth in your lyrics and hearing how close they were to your heart when you wrote them. The guitar and overall production sounds incredible too. I'll be adding it to my main playlist.
Also thank you for sharing the story behind it all. Most artists don't do that and I often want to connect more closely to songs I love, and this helps me do that. Take care! 🙏🏻
This is so beautiful. I’ve been a fan of your music for a while and it feels so special to get a behind the scenes, in this form of writing, into the process and heart of your creativity. Thanks for sharing your gifts.
This is actually my favorite song of yours that you've released in recent years, the authenticity of it is so felt, both lyrically and melodically. Ty for releasing it! After reading this, I feel so encouraged to create and share the things I never thought I could release :,)
I'm so glad you found the leading and courage to share this. It's beautiful and relatable, even while specific to your personal situation and season. The human experience, and the sharing of it, finds a foothold among us all. <3
Oh wow, the vulnerability, the raw emotions etched into this song... I could really relate to what you said about loneliness. It's hard to admit and I think it's harder for Christians because, you know, we have faith to hold on to. But I learned that acknowledging our feelings and being honest with our Father is true courage. So thank you for writing this song and making me (and your listeners) feel less alone. I'm sorry for your loss but I admire your courage through this winter 🤍
I’m really sorry to hear about your loss, but I’m proud of you for processing your grief through writing/creating. 🥹 Thank you for being vulnerable and inviting us into your creation. ☺️ Excited to listen to the song. 🎶
I listened to this song when it first came out and it's been such a gift — it's my favorite song of yours and currently my favorite song, period! Reading the backstory makes it all the more meaningful to me. My favorite lines are "Writing to process and I guess it kind of helps / a little taste of heaven on the days that hurt like hell." As a writer myself, I resonate with needing to process through writing: the confessional, healing nature of it, but also the underlying guilt that sometimes comes, nagging "is this biblical enough? shouldn't I have more faith?" What your song reminds me of is the truth that it's okay to be sad. That having faith doesn't always look like bright-eyed optimism but facing the grief knowing we have a God that is gracious enough to allow us to feel & kind enough to not let us get lost in it. As the song ends: "But somehow, now this morning sun arrives so bright and clear," it reminds me of how God provides us fresh grace in the most unexpected but timely ways. Thank you for this song and all the work you do — it's such a beautiful picture of godly lament.
Thanks for releasing this! As long as something is not heretical I really wish we could break down more of these artificial topical barriers put on different genres. All of life is God's. From Psalms to train rides.
So many of the great songwriters in the last century have been able to write about God alongside other aspects of life, from Jon Forman, Bono, Lauryn Hill, Dylan, and Johnny Cash. Cash specifically I think about how he can go from a love song, to a criminal about to be hung in 25 minutes, a bathroom themed breakup song, to finding God in prison. And somehow he is able to transcend all the label/genre debates.
And I get it, we live in the playlistification age. I've faced all those submit hub cafeteria tables of being too this or too that. It's easier to market an artist if they stick to a lane. But we need to see God in all aspects of life and in all playlists. Keep writing about everything.
I love this! And totally agree. All of life is God's.
I've listened to lots of your music over the years. Music that has helped my worship to the Father, but this has me connecting with you as an artist, and now seeing the man who loves Jesus writing like David did in the psalms. Thank you for sharing. It was eloquent and beautiful.
I find such beautiful irony in the inner critic accusing the song of both being too much of a lament and not biblical enough. One of the difficulties I have been having with much of modern worship is that it lacks authentic lament. When you look at the Psalms, which is arguably the single most comprehensive piece of worship in scripture, it is filled with lament. Lament. In fact, there are more songs of lament than any other kind of Psalm. Thank you for being authentic.
I can’t thank you enough for this song. Winter isn’t an easy time of year for me, but by the first verse of Blue Feathers, I already felt seen. And comforted. This is one I’ll be returning to often, and I’m so glad you chose to share it.
I’m sorry for your loss.
Thank you for sharing this BTS with us, Jonathan. I feel very honored to be one of the people who delight in the songs you’ve made over the years. I know it’s just a part of who you are, but it’s a precious one and we appreciate you for being in our lives in that way.
May God bless you always.
I identify so much Jon, you are one of the people who inspires me to be transparent and vulnerable as a Christian, I appreciate you very much and this song certainly helps the process of healing the wounds of the heart❤️🩹
Thanks for sharing Jonathan. Lovely song with a real and raw story. It doesn’t really matter what people think, but the way I see it: the fact that you went through the process to write and release this song is a great milestone that stands to encourage you (and now others). So thank you.
I know the feeling of loss (my mom) and loneliness …
and as it is for you, picking up my guitar and singing before my God has been a lifeline … a place where God has met with me and where I have been able to be raw and real before Him.
All the best to you man,
Jonathan
Beautiful writing, Jon! I love the truth in your lyrics and hearing how close they were to your heart when you wrote them. The guitar and overall production sounds incredible too. I'll be adding it to my main playlist.
Also thank you for sharing the story behind it all. Most artists don't do that and I often want to connect more closely to songs I love, and this helps me do that. Take care! 🙏🏻
Love the backstory. FYI - you can upload the audio right into Substack and let folks stream the song here. Stick it to the man a bit ;)
Oh! I love that idea. I’ll edit the post 😉
This is so beautiful. I’ve been a fan of your music for a while and it feels so special to get a behind the scenes, in this form of writing, into the process and heart of your creativity. Thanks for sharing your gifts.
This is actually my favorite song of yours that you've released in recent years, the authenticity of it is so felt, both lyrically and melodically. Ty for releasing it! After reading this, I feel so encouraged to create and share the things I never thought I could release :,)
I'm so glad you found the leading and courage to share this. It's beautiful and relatable, even while specific to your personal situation and season. The human experience, and the sharing of it, finds a foothold among us all. <3
Oh wow, the vulnerability, the raw emotions etched into this song... I could really relate to what you said about loneliness. It's hard to admit and I think it's harder for Christians because, you know, we have faith to hold on to. But I learned that acknowledging our feelings and being honest with our Father is true courage. So thank you for writing this song and making me (and your listeners) feel less alone. I'm sorry for your loss but I admire your courage through this winter 🤍
I’m really sorry to hear about your loss, but I’m proud of you for processing your grief through writing/creating. 🥹 Thank you for being vulnerable and inviting us into your creation. ☺️ Excited to listen to the song. 🎶
Beautiful and true. Can’t wait to listen.
I listened to this song when it first came out and it's been such a gift — it's my favorite song of yours and currently my favorite song, period! Reading the backstory makes it all the more meaningful to me. My favorite lines are "Writing to process and I guess it kind of helps / a little taste of heaven on the days that hurt like hell." As a writer myself, I resonate with needing to process through writing: the confessional, healing nature of it, but also the underlying guilt that sometimes comes, nagging "is this biblical enough? shouldn't I have more faith?" What your song reminds me of is the truth that it's okay to be sad. That having faith doesn't always look like bright-eyed optimism but facing the grief knowing we have a God that is gracious enough to allow us to feel & kind enough to not let us get lost in it. As the song ends: "But somehow, now this morning sun arrives so bright and clear," it reminds me of how God provides us fresh grace in the most unexpected but timely ways. Thank you for this song and all the work you do — it's such a beautiful picture of godly lament.
Thank you so much Allison! This is really encouraging.