THE PHRASE “song of songs” means the greatest, finest or most supreme song of all.
The “Song of Songs” (or “Canticle of Canticles”) is an exquisite collection of love lyrics arranged to tell a dramatic tale of mutual desire and courtship. It offers an inspired portrayal of ideal human love and a resounding affirmation of the goodness of human sexuality, particularly as it relates to the sacredness and depth of married union.
United States musician and author Ted Gioia argues in his excellent book “Music: A Subversive History” (2019): “At every stage in human history, music has been a catalyst for change, challenging conventions and conveying coded messages – or, not infrequently, delivering blunt, unambiguous ones. It has given voice to individuals and groups denied access to other platforms for expression. Pop music has often been dismissed as ‘lightweight’ given its young audience, simple snappiness and mainstream status, but those elements are really where its strength is concealed. Pop songs don’t originate themes of mental wellbeing, equality, liberty, activism – but they do transmit them to the broadest platforms possible.”
Turn on the radio, tune in to almost any station, and what are you likely to hear? Love songs. Songs of new love, disappointed love, grateful love and crazy love. I still remember my time as a radio host in Davao City several years ago, playing the hits of the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Nothing much has changed. Times change, but throughout history, the flow of love songs has remained constant.
Plenty of people are surprised, or even shocked, to discover an explicit love song in the Bible — complete with erotic imagery. But the “Song of Songs” is exactly that. It shows no embarrassment about the passion between lovers. Consequently, there have been intermittent attempts throughout history to exclude the “Song of Songs” from the Bible, almost as if it should be labeled “for adults only.”
Imagine, my dear reader, what happened in 16th-century Spain. Professor Fray Luis de León was dragged out of his classroom and imprisoned for four years. His crime? He had translated the “Song of Songs” into Spanish.
If you start reading the “Song of Songs”, you will discover that the book creates an atmosphere very different from that of most modern love songs and pop music. Because love songs are universally popular, many people may approach the “Song of Songs” with great expectations. Yet readers often discover that it is quite different from what they imagined.
One reason is its rich and sometimes puzzling poetic imagery. Another is that the “Song of Songs” can be difficult to follow. At times, one passage does not seem clearly connected to the next. Its language and structure therefore require readers to slow down, reflect and look beyond the surface of the poetry.
Still, try to explore the “Song of Songs”. Look beyond its unusual imagery and seemingly disconnected passages. One thing is certain: you may discover not only a profound celebration of human love but also a deeper understanding of the love between God and His people.
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Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook or LinkedIn, or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com./PN
