I come from a town divided. Texarkana, Texas, USA. This unique positioning, with half of the city in Texas and the other half in Arkansas, offers a literal representation of division. This sense of being in two places at once, of straddling a line, is something that resonates deeply within the music of artists like Crowder, whose songs often explore themes of division and unity. My personal journey took me from this divided town in Texas to Atlanta, Georgia, a significant change that prompted reflections on roots, home, and belonging, themes frequently echoed in many beloved Crowder Songs.
Crowder’s Texarkana Roots: A Town Divided
Growing up in Texarkana, the physical division of the town by the state line was a constant reminder of boundaries and separations. This experience likely shaped a perspective that appreciates the complexities of division, a theme that subtly and sometimes explicitly emerges in crowder songs. The idea of a place being literally split can be a powerful metaphor for the internal and external divisions we experience in life, whether they are geographical, social, or personal. Understanding this background can provide a deeper context for appreciating the unifying messages within Crowder’s music.
Moving to Atlanta and Finding Roots: The “Neon Steeple” Era
Upon moving to Cabbagetown, Atlanta, I began working on my first solo album, “Neon Steeple.” This period was intensely introspective, focused on understanding roots, home, place, and belonging. Just as roots grow and adapt to their environment, crowder songs often explore how we find our place and identity amidst diverse and sometimes conflicting influences. The album “Neon Steeple” itself can be seen as a musical exploration of these themes, seeking to establish roots in a new environment while reflecting on the concept of home in a broader sense.
Themes of Division and Unity in Crowder’s Music
In today’s America, division is palpable. The social and political climate can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of unease and sadness. Observing the news, reading opinions, or simply listening to everyday conversations can highlight the deep rifts in our society. However, crowder songs offer a counter-narrative. They often remind us of our shared humanity, emphasizing that despite our differences, we are fundamentally more alike than we are unalike. We are all, in essence, “dirt and water and the breath of God,” a unifying concept that transcends superficial divisions.
Grace, Love, and Freedom: The Message of Crowder Songs
Crowder’s music, often categorized as Christian contemporary, frequently carries messages of grace, love, and freedom. These are presented as unifying forces that can bridge divides. The songs suggest that these principles work equally for everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. The “definitive line” is not a state border or a social construct, but rather the line between “death and life.” Crowder songs, therefore, can be interpreted as advocating for a perspective that looks beyond earthly divisions towards a more profound, unifying reality. They are, in his words, “subversive and healing” in their insistence on this reality, offering a message of hope and reconciliation in a divided world.
