In this second edition of Rock Theology, we explore the intersection of rock music and theology through the lens of Ian Hunter's song "(God) Advice To A Friend."

Oh, God said to me:

"Gonna kick your ass, 'cos all you do is ask, ask, ask

All that energy looking for me, when I'm sitting here inside you, plain to see

How I built you cell for cell, gave you sights to see, I gave you tales to tell."

Rock music has always been known for its rebellious and free-spirited nature, often challenging societal norms and traditional beliefs. However, it may surprise some that the genre has also been a platform for exploring deeper philosophical and spiritual themes. One such example of this rock theology is the British rock musician Ian Hunter, who has incorporated elements of theology in his music, particularly in the song "(God) Advice To A Friend." In this post, we will delve deeper into the lyrics of this song and analyze the themes of theology and spirituality portrayed by Hunter.

Mott The Hoople

Mott the Hoople has many admirers, including Queen, the Clash, Def Leppard, and Cheap Trick, who point to Mott the Hopple's influence on their rock music. The lead singer, Ian Hunter, left the band in 1974, and then the band called it quits in 1980.

Starting in 2009, they did a few reunion concerts in Great Britain. However, 1974 was the last time Mott The Hoople had toured in the States. Finally, in 2019, they did a U.S. reunion tour, but it had just eight stops. They kicked off the tour in Milwaukee, where they had also played in the same theater in 1974. And I was lucky enough to attend the Milwaukee tour stop, billed as "Mott the Hoople '74". Hunter said it would be the final Mott tour as he was then 79.

Ian Hunter

Hunter had a big hit in 1979 with his ballad "Ships" about his relationship with his father, including the song's memorable chorus, "We're just two ships that pass in the night." However, the song was somewhat out of character with his rock music persona. After Barry Manilow also made a hit of it, Hunter distanced himself from the song even though he had written it.

At about the same time, Ian Hunter also had a minor hit with "Cleveland Rocks," which was from the album "You're Never Alone with a Schizophrenic," which was the same album that included "Ships." "Cleveland Rocks was more in keeping with his style. Yet, despite his reputation as a rock music rebel, Hunter has consistently produced some thought-provoking lyrics and introspective songwriting making him a good subject for a Rock Theology post.

Rock Theology in (God) Advice To A Friend

While neither the artist nor the song is well known to many, a rock song that is a dialogue between the artist and God was an easy choice for this second Rock Theology edition. The lyrics are a powerful blend of rock music and theology, addressing themes of faith, the nature of reality, and the human experience.

The song was first released in 1976 on Huter's second solo album, "All‐American Alien Boy," under the title "God (Take 1)." It was then re-released as "(God) Advice To A Friend" on Hunter’s 2000 album "Once Bitten Twice Shy."

In the song God offers advice, reassurance, and challenge to the friend (Hunter) in his confusion and lack of understanding. I do not find Hunter getting all the theology right (who of us does). But the song delves into interesting areas and makes one think which is the very center of Rock Theology's purpose.

Good and Evil

Thanks to Hunter's questions, much of the dialogue focuses on what philosophers call the "problem of evil." If God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-loving, how can we account for the evil in the world? God's responses in the dialogue do not answer that question but state, "It is the way it is." Hunter's theology lays out an eternal cosmic and personal struggle. God and evil are both within us, making our nature three, and we, therefore, have choices to make about which side we are on.

Now I said to God"

I found you out, 'cos I know what this life is all about!"

And God said

"Stop, don't scramble your brain

My opponent's been messing you around again

See him and me, are enemies and we play little games for galaxies

And he's inside you and I am too, so here we are, just the three of you."

God's answer in the song to the cosmic struggle between good and evil may come across as rather nonchalant and be less than satisfying. It does not give a clear answer to who will ultimately win. But perhaps that is fine; it means we cannot leave everything up to God—we must do our part. However, it is also absolutely clear in the song that God is doing God's part! That is rock music making rock theology!

Oh, I said to God"

Who's winning this game?

Is the devil in front?"

He said

"Is that his name?

You know I've been so busy I never asked

I never looked up from this awesome task."

Death

On a different subject, the song's straightforward answer to the reality of death is both profound and comforting. Death is simply “a time to move on”.

I said to God"

What's it like to die?"

He said

"It's as plain as the sea and sky

Conception was me and him and you

When your batteries fade, we all just move on."

Conclusion

In "(God) Advice To A Friend," Ian Hunter skillfully weaves rock music and theology to explore the human experience, faith and spirituality. The song offers a refreshing perspective on the often-debated relationship between rock music and religion. It showcases the power of music in conveying profound messages.

Hunter's theology in the song focuses more on our minds than our souls. The dialogue makes us ponder questions we have for God but feel too constrained to ask. But with the song's title, Ian Hunter reminds us that God is a friend with whom we can have such dialogues. A perfect example of good Rock Theology

God seems to have other things to do, as the song ends rather abruptly with God saying:

Behave yourself

See you around

You can check out the song's full lyrics at AZLyrics and see if other parts of the dialogue intrigue you. Please use the comments section below to discuss my thoughts or what you discover in the lyrics. Keep the rock theology discussion going!

If you would like to get familiar with Ian Hunter's music I would suggest "You're Never Alone With A Schizophrenic" or the live album "Welcome to the Club." Both were favorites of mine when I was in college. Try something a bit more recent (2001) with "Rant."