Moby and "With or Without You"

I had a "God moment" today. I'm not one who normally talks about "God moments" (that phrase is so abused by those who want to spiritualize everything), but today I definitely had a very strange one.

I had just downloaded an audio clip from Sojourners Magazine of an interview with Moby. It's a fascinating five-minute segment in which Moby talks about coming to Christ (hint: it wasn't by praying a magic prayer and signing a card), the hard teachings of Jesus, his struggle with "conventional" Christianity, and his journey into being a "clueless" Christian. The "moment" happened as the clip ended. The next song on my mp3 player, a cover of a U2 song by the Belgian girl choir Scala, automatically loaded and began playing. I was overwhelmed as I moved from listening to Moby talk about the transcendence of God to the most profound and haunting version of "With or Without You" I have ever heard. Even though I had listened to the Scala recording many times, the song took on new life after hearing the Moby interview. I was deeply affected by the tension that both Moby and U2 bring out between the known and the unknown, the finite and the mysterious, the concrete and the abstract. I can't adequately describe.

I would really like to hear your reaction to these two pieces so I've included them in one file; just hit play below. Turn up the volume or put on headphones, try to eliminate the distractions, listen. Then, please leave a comment about this "devotional" experience if it becomes a "moment" for you too.

The Moby interview can be found here. The Scala recording can be found here. Both files are free downloads.

Comments

[Linda]

The interview was good, but the song has haunted me since I listened to it. It is simple beauty. I find myself humming it and thinking about the harmonies, innocent voices, and the creator who made them all. Thanks for including it in your blog.

[Melinda]

Moby's final comment about leaving it to God -- he made it so He should know how it should be -- really resonated with me. I struggle with this all the time and feel pretty clueless myself. And the choir sounds like what I expect the angels sound like when they sing u2 songs (as I'm sure they do). Thank you for putting these together.

[kent burgess]

Tim, I had been sent the Moby interview from Sojourners also and had posted a link to it on my blog. The addition of this version of With or Without You is beautiful. I am amazed at how U2's songs change with different listenings even with their versions. Hearing the Scala recording changes it again into a different experience. I just watched the ZooTV DVD and seeing MacPhisto sing it was another totally different experience. Thanks for posting the link.

[Tim]

Linda, I think it's the innocence that haunts me too. And the images are almost cinematic. Thanks.

Melinda, I used to think it was of utmost importance to know and follow God's plan for my life. Now I'm simply content to stumble into it day by day. He's in charge. It's wonderfully freeing!

Kent, I saw on your blog that you found the video of the Scala girl choir for "With or Without You." Beautiful isn't it?! For others who would like to see it look here: http://www.kolacny.com/en/music/videos/index.htm

[kent burgess]

Tim, I'm with you on the stumble into his plan day by day. I wake up every morning and say, God, what are you up to today? I'm in. It is a wonderful way to live and it is very freeing.

[Joy]

I stumbled upon your blog as I was listening to Moby today at work and as I listened I remembered he is a Christian, so I thought I'd do a search on
the net to see if I could find a transcript of some of his thoughts about
his faith or something similar. I came across this and since reading that
you had a God moment I was itching to listen to see what had touched you,
but I've had to wait all day as I couldn't at work. I just listened to the
two files together and I identified with alot of what Moby says about being
'clueless.' I've been wondering alot lately about where my life is
going; I'm 23 and have just come out of quite a difficult time where I made
some wrong choices and I've seen but a glimpse I guess of the bad side of the world but even that has thrown me. I also have been to a youth club
tonight where I volunteer as a leader for kids who aren't Christian and come
from all types of backgrounds. Tonight I saw the same side of the world
through what they were saying, the side of the world that makes your heart
bleed. I came home as tight as a coiled spring and as the music began after Moby's words I just decided to read the comments. For some reason as I read the above, saying 'the choir sounds like what I expect the angels sound like' I
burst into tears. I think what strikes me at this moment is how Moby and
U2 also express in their songs is the resonance between the beautiful and
painful things in life, which for me ties totally in with my Christian
cluelessness. Like, as Moby describes, to continue forgiving no matter what, pursuing the good through the bad...I really understand the 'knowing somethings true but not knowing how to live it.' Listening to that choir is almost like touching the hem of His cloak.

[goavircarexia]

One for all and all for one, it's a pretty story.

[Chris Timby]

Not sure if there is a statue of limitations on this blog...

WOW...Moby speaks from his heart and bares his soul and nails religion without relationship with God into the ground so humbly and with meekness that I do not possess.

And Scala's cover of "With or Without You" was a devotional moment for me...the meaning of the song rang home to me - so clear and so true...I can't live--with or without YOU...more than just religion and doing good deeds. WOW

[Tim]

Chris,

Glad you found this link. Even though this post is old, I have to come back to this audio file often and give it a listen. I'm really amazed by Moby's perspective as well. I continue to look to artists like Moby and Bono for a fresh perspective of my own faith. Thanks for the comment!

Tim