If I ever have an audio book made of something I write, I’m going to have a really adorable third grader read the last chapter. Hopefully, Christopher Walken will agree to read the first 20, but to close it out on a strong note, I feel an 8-year old is in order. At least I get that sense from all of the Christian songs that end with a choir of kids.
I think there are plenty of secular songs that do this, but when it comes to swinging for the fences with baby bats, we take the cake. I was recently given many examples of this through email, but my favorite has to be what Lincoln Brewster did on “Everlasting God.”
I like Lincoln Brewster. I purchased that song on iTunes and don’t have any issues with him, but as far as incorporating the quirks of contemporary worship leaders, he’s like some sort of ninja master. Here’s what I’m talking about:
1. The worship leader face.
It’s practically a scientific fact that if you really want to move a crowd, you better have a dang good worship leader face. I’ve written about this before, but this is basically when you close your eyes and scrunch your face and lean your head back emotionally. Does Lincoln make it? Forget make it, he threw it on the cover of his album. That is a bold move right there.
2. The use of kids.
Anyone can use a precious little kid singing to add an element to their song. It’s like having a lizard sell your car insurance. But Lincoln went beyond just having a kid sing, at the end of “Everlasting God” a little girl reads a Bible verse. It’s perfect. She sounds so sweet and friendly, you can practically imagine her petting a pony and playing jump rope with pig tails while she reads it.
I wish I could see how this happens in the studio because I don’t think it’s Lincoln’s fault:
Lincoln:
“That’s a wrap. Great recording everyone.”
Producer:
“Lincoln, it’s good, but it’s missing something. Hold on, I’m going to go see if there are any little kids on the baseball field behind the studio.” (Walks outside.) “Hey kids, ever heard of Lincoln Brewster? He’s like a Christian Jay-Z. Want to make $14?”
And the rest is Christian music history.
Update: Dear Lincoln Brewster’s Son
My bad dude. Seriously, I had no idea that was you on that track. I asked my daughter and she said it was a girl. OK, that’s a lie. I didn’t ask her but I’m pretty sure your dad could beat me up so I was trying to throw her under the bus. Please don’t take the whole “pony, jump rope” comment personally. I should have written “stallion, bb gun.” Again, my bad.
(Thanks to everyone that suggested this topic.)
