I was talking to a friend at a bar-b-que last night who is not impressed with the quality or lyrics of Christian music, and I found myself singing Rich Mullins’ praises. I helped lead music at our church Sunday, and one song we sang was Step by Step, a classic discipleship song. I think that is what put me in a Rich kind of mindset… I grew up listening to this earnest and gifted musician, but had not played a lot of his stuff for awhile, so I found some of my favorite songs this morning and remembered why he is so good. Beautiful melodies, careful words, honest self-revelations, gracious yet demanding theology, and always focused on God. Peace be to Rich Mullin’s memory and praise God for his legacy!
Along with “All the Way My Savior Leads Me,” “Step by Step” and “If I Stand,” the song “Maker of Noses” is one of my all-time favorite – even though less well-known – Rich songs. Here are the powerful lyrics to the first verse and chorus:
“I believe there is a place
Where people live in perfect peace
Where there is food on every plate
Where work is rewarded and rest is sweet
Where the color of your skin
Won’t get you in or keep you out
Where justice reigns and truth finally wins
Its hard fought war against fear and doubt
And everyone I know wants to go there too
But when I ask them how to do it they seem so confused
Do I turn to the left?
Do I turn to the right?
When I turn to the world they gave me this advice
They said boy you just follow your heart
But my heart just led me into my chest
They said follow your nose
But the direction changed every time I went and turned my head
And they said boy you just follow your dreams
But my dreams were only misty notions
But the Father of hearts and the Maker of noses
And the Giver of dreams He’s the one I have chosen
And I will follow Him.”