Pop Music and Hymns
When I compare pop music—particularly Chinese pop music—to hymns, I find some interesting feelings and discoveries.
I first heard hymns in 2006. By around 2008 or 2009, my life began to gradually drift away from pop music. This wasn’t intentional; it was a very natural process. I suppose I’ll talk about the reasons for this.
Before that, I really liked listening to Chinese pop music. With my limited understanding, many would likely agree with this observation: most pop songs revolve around the theme of love, and a large portion are about failed love—breakups, pain, and memories.
I seem to rarely hear pop songs that praise happy love. So, most pop music has a tone of sadness, regret, and nostalgia for past relationships.
I find this fascinating. It seems people are naturally drawn to these sentimental emotions, enjoying reminiscing, being nostalgic, and even finding some “emotional pleasure” in sadness. Especially when you’re in a state of romantic failure or disappointment, such music seems to resonate even more closely, keeping you from wanting to leave that state.
I’ve had similar experiences myself. In 2005, I went through the failure of my first love. During that time, I was deeply immersed in pain. Many pop songs resonated with me strongly, like Zhou Chuanxiong’s “Dusk.” The blend of sadness and music felt like an invisible hand dragging me into that pain, making me willing to linger there, reluctant to leave.
But when I began encountering hymns, everything changed.
Maybe hymns and pop music aren’t meant to be compared as music genres, but their emotional guidance and spiritual response differ greatly.
When I listen to or sing hymns, my focus doesn’t linger on personal pain. Even if I come with pain, it quickly directs my attention to God.
Hymns bring me hope, faith, and anticipation for the future. They offer comfort and strength, a stark contrast to the feelings experienced with pop music.
More importantly, hymns provide not just psychological comfort but real spiritual change. Many hymns directly quote Scripture or are firmly based on biblical texts. And the Bible is God’s Word, carrying power that brings healing, comfort, and renewal.
Unlike pop music, which keeps me trapped in pain, sadness, and nostalgia, hymns lead me towards light, peace, and joy.
Of course, I occasionally still listen to old pop songs, especially some Cantonese ones. Even if they bring sadness, they’re part of my growth and a piece of my life. I guess I don’t want to forget this part.
How to put it? Perhaps an imperfect analogy: pop music, to me, is like “junk food.” I know it’s not good for me—what I’m savoring are just the flavors of the additives—but sometimes I can’t help but take a bite for the nostalgic taste.