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Jars of Clay — Frail
Album: Much Afraid
Avg rating:
7.1

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Total ratings: 650









Released: 1997
Length: 6:51
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Convinced of my deception
I've always been a fool
I fear this love reaction
Just like you said I would

A rose could never lie
About the love it brings
And I could never promise
To be any of those things

[Chorus:]

If I was not so weak
If I was not so cold
If I was not so scared of being broken
Growing old
I would be...
I would be...
I would be...

Blessed are the shallow
Depth they'll never find
Seemed to be some comfort
In rooms I try to hide

Exposed beyond the shadows
You take the cup from me
Your dirt removes my blindness
Your pain becomes my peace

[Chorus]

...frail
Comments (188)add comment
Very nice. Didn't expect to see the name Jars of Clay when I looked to see who this was.
Frail / Jars of Clay - love this song. 
Cheeps, go kill yourselves listening to this shit.
Jeezuz what a drag song.
 Jo_Syzzlyxx wrote:
Wonderful segue, I was thinking. Little feat, fat man in the bathtub though.... lol

 
If you live in a solitary, yes, this is a wonderful music for your lousy life.
fok this music.
or u do Classical music or you do suicidal music.
dont mix both.
fok u.
Wonderful segue, I was thinking. Little feat, fat man in the bathtub though.... lol
Amazing...again, love you Radio Paradise for playing another gem! This piece rules!
Heartbreaking lyrics within the delicious music.
Their whole catalog of music is simply phenomenal.
Never heard this but definitely a keeper.
 On_The_Beach wrote:
Jars of Clay . . . now touring with Puddle of Mudd.

 
Don't forget Madonna, now touring with Supertramp.
This is (in many respects) why I listen to RP: Music I have not heard before that I can look into and enjoy. Along with eclectic tracks and timeless classics, this is the heart of progressive radio as I recall it from my youth. Kudos.

Thank you for playing this. Many thanks.

 

I am a christian and I would listen to christian songs all day if they were this good.

Sadly good modern christian songs are rare. I did not know Jars of Clay. Yes from name, but not from content. Ill check them out now.

 

So 2 artists on the list now:

David Eugene Edwards (16 Horsepower, Woven Hand)

Jars of Clay


"Exposed beyond the shadows
You take the cup from me
Your dirt removes my blindness
Your pain becomes my peace"

Salvation! 

"Take your cross and follow me"
This entire CD is amazing.  Probably one of my top 5 (Christian or otherwise).
Jars of Clay . . . now touring with Puddle of Mudd.
 Slipstream wrote:

What many may fail to differentiate is the huge gap, the enormous difference betwixt "faith" and "religion".  One is personal, kind, loving, Godly...and frail.  One is strict, human, unmoving, impartial.  Black and White.

This is a wonderful CHRISTIAN song.

 
 

Well said, "religion" has always been the same, it is a political construct to control others. Faith that rests in the hope of Jesus Christ and Him alone is very different. Very different.
I almost fell out of my chair here...realizing this was Jars...on RP...
then I reread Revelations for the umpteenth time to see if this was somehow mentioned...
"I like your Christ.  I do not like your Christians.  Your Christians are so unlike your Christ" - Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

This just sounds like good music to me however...


 haretic wrote:
I suppose this must be a "Christian" band, from the comments below.
This song does not, by itself, leave the somewhat foul taste in my mouth that religion does.
It seems pure and honest, simple and direct, an honest insight into human feeling.
I could say, though, that the orchestration on the single word "...frail" in the lyric gives me shivers, a bit like a religious experience.{#Meditate}
 
What many may fail to differentiate is the huge gap, the enormous difference betwixt "faith" and "religion".  One is personal, kind, loving, Godly...and frail.  One is strict, human, unmoving, impartial.  Black and White.

This is a wonderful CHRISTIAN song.

 
Good cover art. Clear, quiet sound — all you need for almost an autumn evening..
 vluvlu wrote:

What's so bad about religious overtones?

 
The one truly subversive aspect of Rock, or in other words, the only thing that ever really mattered about it politically, was that it helped foster an independent mind.  This is the only way we can break free from religion.  Even a band like U2 - a religious band - does a service in this respect.  Rock does not matter in any other utilitarian way.  Rock is beautiful though, and that's no small thing.


Still an awesome tune after all this time. It came on and I said. "this is a great tune". Then I said. "Jars of Clay on RP"? "Wow, this is what makes RP great, they will play excellent music regardless of genre.....and that's why I listen to RP".
 vluvlu wrote:

What's so bad about religious overtones?
 
Because with the exception perhaps of some down-home Baptist revival songs, almost all Christian music is lame... ironically, it lacks soul.

Now how about Tears for Fears Sketches of Pain which seems to be very close to this one?
I suppose this must be a "Christian" band, from the comments below.
This song does not, by itself, leave the somewhat foul taste in my mouth that religion does.
It seems pure and honest, simple and direct, an honest insight into human feeling.
I could say, though, that the orchestration on the single word "...frail" in the lyric gives me shivers, a bit like a religious experience.{#Meditate}
 Shesdifferent wrote:
OMG...just about missed this. The CD is one of their best......Love it despite the religious overtones, its still very relatable..
 
Didn't even notice any religiousy bits - just liked it

Ian the atheist ;-)

very good
Listening to RP and this song comes on - I message my daughter (who is a pretty devout Christian) through GMail chat while she is at work saying "Hey Jars of Clay on RP" her reply....." see, not all christian music is terrible
just most of it" {#Lol}
 Shesdifferent wrote:
OMG...just about missed this. The CD is one of their best......Love it despite the religious overtones, its still very relatable..

 
What's so bad about religious overtones?

{#Yes} JasperKnight wrote:
I like it, no matter who others may compare it to; the song is sweet to my ears.  RP Rocks!
 


Excellent!
I like it, no matter who others may compare it to; the song is sweet to my ears.  RP Rocks!
I really don't like CR but these guys seem ok. It's decent music.
I love the coda of this tune ... very evocative ... {#Devil_pimp}
OMG...just about missed this. The CD is one of their best......Love it despite the religious overtones, its still very relatable..

Nice!  Not Porcupine Tree but I hear the similarities.
 Bakaretsu wrote:
Thought it was Porcupine Tree...........
 

I did too.
Great song!

 mandolin wrote:
...they kind of sound like burlap to cashmere, so i can't help but wonder if they're another christian-market band...
 
Indeed they are.

...they kind of sound like burlap to cashmere, so i can't help but wonder if they're another christian-market band...

edit: ...scrolling down, apparently my ears aren't jaded without good reason...
This is the first time that I've heard this song in about 10-11 years. My sister loved this album, and used to play it all the time, so I immediately recognized the intro. Music has an amazing power to bring back such an amazing flood of memories with just a few notes. 

The guy on the cover needs to hit the gym ... STAT.
f....u........*.....kin.....awesome...no doo  doo!!der whole cd is wow{#Roflol}..and  I do believe God  has a sense of humor......otherwise,you's would be deeply in cow droppings

Thought it was Porcupine Tree...........
Convinced of my deception
I've always been a fool
I fear this love reaction
Just like you said I would

A rose could never lie
About the love it brings
And I could never promise
To be any of those things


Separating ourselves from labels or genres, this is a beautifully written song.


You sentimental old fool you.  Proving no romance survives a clinical explanation...

 
mandolin wrote:
 
...Still it's fun to try.

 mandolin wrote:


Never heard it put quite that way before, but it does make perfect sense when you put it like that!  {#Wink}
 

Shucks, just when I thought it was safe to prey on religion, they come out of the wood work.

A Cowboy and a pious Preacher board an airplane on their way to New York.  The stewardess comes by offering drinks, and the Cowboy orders a Jack Daniels and water. 

She asks the Preacher, "And you sir, would you care for a beverage?"  The Preacher replies indignantly, "As God is my witness, I'd rather be gang raped by fifty brazen whores than ever let alcohol pass these lips!" 

The Cowboy frowns, looks down at his drink, looks up at the stewardess, hands his drink back to her, and says, "Aw shucks, me too, I didn't know we had a choice!"


 mandolin wrote:

 
 Hahahahahahahaha!


if you're a fan of christianity at all, look away really quick!


...nice sounding song, though...
The girl on the cover is obviously after the guy's money.  There's no other explanation.
 alanthecowboy wrote:


I assumed it was Blackfield until I checked the RP page. Oops.
 

I have a couple of their CD's but not this one. I agree though, when I heard it I had to check because I also have both Blackfield albums and was thinking this wasn't on either (most be a rarity or something). But very Steven Wilsonesque for sure...

Sitting on the terrace under a star lit sky with my honey sipping wine, watching fire flies and torches move in the warm summer breeze with RP playing in the background.  Songs like this pull it all together.  Thanks RP.




That was really good! I've heard a few other Jars songs and they were good. This one worked pretty well too.

Some of the comments on CC music were good. I don't think Jars is trying to make God cool though. They are simply being who they are and singing about something very important to them. I too think having a CC genre is kind of silly. It attempts to segregate a person's faith from their life. You can't do that, not if you really believe something. It has to affect all aspects of your life. This is especially true with artists who express things creatively. Not only that, but some of the things done in CC are really poor but are accepted because they are "Christian".

 
iggam wrote:
I was surprised to see this was Jars of Clay - who I think is a Christian Contemporary band. I think the concept of the CC genre is trite. Let's make God Cool, that'll appeal to the kids. But this didn't sound like the rest of the stuff I've heard before. Maybe these guys are trying to go "mainstream" like Stryper tried. Hey Man. Like God Rocks!
FUNNY! But SERIOUSLY this is Stryper.............
b e a u t i f u l . . .
mgg8575 wrote:
I've had the opportunity to see this band several times. Incredible musicians with a wide range that sound great live as well. very engaging and you do not have to be a CC fan (whatever is supposed to meant by that). it's purely good music and worth a listen, if you only put preconceived bias aside.
I totally agree, they are a good bunch of musicians live when I got to see them as well. It was a little daunting for me though, because I was the only one wearing all black at the time! and I felt, being on the extreme other end of the belief spectrum that I was in the lions den! (They were all so clean cut)
alanthecowboy wrote:
I assumed it was Blackfield until I checked the RP page. Oops.
Whew, glad it wasn't just me. Nice sound!
Pyro wrote:
BB King once said the only difference between a gospel song and a blues or rock song is, you substitute "baby" for "Jesus". I like listening to it all without labeling!
Try reading some of the Sufi masters' poetry, their "Beloved" is God but the lyrics could just as easily be referring to a human lover. Or the poetry of Solomon--same thing. All spiritual masters throughout all time have consistently said the same thing: God is Love.
Pyro wrote:
Does anyone hear the tiniest shades of Porcupine Tree or Blackfield here?
I assumed it was Blackfield until I checked the RP page. Oops.
Does anyone hear the tiniest shades of Porcupine Tree or Blackfield here?
I've had the opportunity to see this band several times. Incredible musicians with a wide range that sound great live as well. very engaging and you do not have to be a CC fan (whatever is supposed to meant by that). it's purely good music and worth a listen, if you only put preconceived bias aside.
I love this song. Thanks RP for turning me on to this band!
Pyro wrote:
This has a very nice sound and feel. I can get past the label "Christian rock" to actually HEAR the song. These guys have come a long way!
Funny - the CD this track was released on is 11 years old. :-)
I was surprised to see this was Jars of Clay - who I think is a Christian Contemporary band. I think the concept of the CC genre is trite. Let's make God Cool, that'll appeal to the kids. But this didn't sound like the rest of the stuff I've heard before. Maybe these guys are trying to go "mainstream" like Stryper tried. Hey Man. Like God Rocks!
UltraNurd wrote:
I like to remind people that in this case"Christian" isn't really a genre so much as a lyrical content modifier, since genre is usually more the musical style than the words. And, more to the point, many love songs could be interpreted as being directed to the Christian God the Father, and many Christian lyrics could be interpreted as expressing love for one's romantic partner. Usually there's enough to disambiguate, but there are plenty of similarities in the words.
BB King once said the only difference between a gospel song and a blues or rock song is, you substitute "baby" for "Jesus". I like listening to it all without labeling!
This has a very nice sound and feel. I can get past the label "Christian rock" to actually HEAR the song. These guys have come a long way!
vandal wrote:
To make any love song a Christian song, simply replace the words of endearment such as 'baby,' 'honey,' or 'darling' with the word Jesus.
vandal wrote:
To make any love song a Christian song, simply replace the words of endearment such as 'baby,' 'honey,' or 'darling' with the word Jesus.
Yup, more or less my point :oD.
It's 4am and Im sat here doing some PC work while listening to this wonderful radio station, then, this song comes on and for me....it just feels like your loved one has sneeked up on you and started to give you one of those loving shoulder rubs. This somg is excellent
UltraNurd wrote:
I like to remind people that in this case"Christian" isn't really a genre so much as a lyrical content modifier, since genre is usually more the musical style than the words. And, more to the point, many love songs could be interpreted as being directed to the Christian God the Father, and many Christian lyrics could be interpreted as expressing love for one's romantic partner. Usually there's enough to disambiguate, but there are plenty of similarities in the words.

To make any love song a Christian song, simply replace the words of endearment such as 'baby,' 'honey,' or 'darling' with the word Jesus.

Open Up Your Heart And Hear What Flows Out
UltraNurd wrote:
I like to remind people that in this case"Christian" isn't really a genre so much as a lyrical content modifier, since genre is usually more the musical style than the words. And, more to the point, many love songs could be interpreted as being directed to the Christian God the Father, and many Christian lyrics could be interpreted as expressing love for one's romantic partner. Usually there's enough to disambiguate, but there are plenty of similarities in the words.
I agree
I wish I could find the quote from Peter Gabriel, where he basically says the best love songs are ones where you can't tell if they're being sung to God or the one you love the most.
timjclark wrote:
Um who copied who? This 'Clay is from 1997..
Porcupine Tree was invited shortly afterwards to sign to Delerium as one of the record label's first artists...in early 1992. - Wikipedia
jasongoforth wrote:
isnt it funny how when a Christian artist is played... the fact that they are Christian is brought up. If they were another religion would it even be thought about at all?
I like to remind people that in this case"Christian" isn't really a genre so much as a lyrical content modifier, since genre is usually more the musical style than the words. And, more to the point, many love songs could be interpreted as being directed to the Christian God the Father, and many Christian lyrics could be interpreted as expressing love for one's romantic partner. Usually there's enough to disambiguate, but there are plenty of similarities in the words.
Yes the ending is outstanding...I'm not sure why, but it reminds me of a toned down (Beatles she's so heavy)iransofaraway wrote:
Like it or hate it, you can't deny how cool the song gets at the end. The strings, keys, guitar, chanting.. wow. Gets me every time.
i have always liked this group, good lyrics, thoughtful, they can be just darn good musicians w/o religious or sexual orientation, right!
Like it or hate it, you can't deny how cool the song gets at the end. The strings, keys, guitar, chanting.. wow. Gets me every time.
isnt it funny how when a Christian artist is played... the fact that they are Christian is brought up. If they were another religion would it even be thought about at all?
I enjoy this so very much..Thanks
Absolutely love this song I'm not a Christian. That said, Jars of Clay is one of my favorite bands. Heartfelt, inspired music and lyrics is why I listen to music, not belief. Thanks for playing this Bill.
anniebear wrote:
Is this an "eclectic" station, or a xtian rock station?
Speaking as another atheist, I think you're being just a bit intolerant - but that is just IMHO... There are probably more 'xians' with whom I'd rather hang out with than you! Just sayin'...
Misterfixit wrote:
Hey Teacher! Leave those kids .... Oh never mind ...
Be that as it may, you still can't have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat.
Hootie wrote:
Wow. This thread is like when I moderated high school classroom discussions! In the best possible way... :-) OK, kids, we enjoyed the clowning - now is anyone else still interested in really talking about art, music, faith and life some more? Let's add love and sex to that list: What do you all think of U2's single "Window in the Skies," musically and lyrically?
Hey Teacher! Leave those kids .... Oh never mind ...
Wow. This thread is like when I moderated high school classroom discussions! In the best possible way... :-) OK, kids, we enjoyed the clowning - now is anyone else still interested in really talking about art, music, faith and life some more? Let's add love and sex to that list: What do you all think of U2's single "Window in the Skies," musically and lyrically?
1wolfy wrote:
Oh yes..the gasget has blown.
Gasket rhymes with casket rhymes with you asked it rhymes with a tisket, a tasket rhymes with put her in a basket rhymes with hold it while I mask it rhymes with .....
Oh yes..the gasket has blown.keller1 wrote:
Man ... you need to lay off the coffee.
keller1 wrote:
Man ... you need to lay off the coffee.
Hah! It ain't coffee that makes me write. Besides, that's what I do for a living so you are getting this for free. Hummmmm ... sounds like a song needing to get written.
Misterfixit wrote:
The word is actually "Xian" a shortened version of Christian -- substituting the "x" for the name "Christ", as in a Cross. Please note that RP plays other styles of music also: To Wit: Reggae - a direct extension of the Rastafarian Religion. Also, various Hindi music types which are very specific in their calling to, describing and relationships with the various gods of the non-Christian World. Of course, we also have the Jewish-inspired (Yiddish and Ashkenazi Jewish Culture of Eastern Europe, actually) clarinet and accordion heavy reels and dances known as Klezmer Music. Then we have the various types of African-Inspired music which we enjoy today, all of which inspired by the Slave Times, by vooduu, by the early Afri-centric Christian church music. Then, of course, we have the Homosexual lifestyle Inspired music of groups whose popularity encompassed the great "Concert Rock" bands of the 1980's. All in all I would opine that music has such an wonderful wide expanse of styles, genre and methodologies that there is no way possible any particular zealotry inspired rant by an ignoramus and unfortunately single issue inspired member of the Religion of Atheism would possible effect Radio Paradise's commitment to a wide ranging and wonderfully disparate world of World Music. So with that, I pray to Bajumba-Kalimba, the One-Goddess of My World, that you will have a nice day. Amen.
Man ... you need to lay off the coffee.
Hannio wrote:
Yeah, but why is the guy wearing old ladies underpants?
Because that is what we wore in those old days ... see, you couldn't wear a Speedo -- even if they were invented then -- because that would show your Basket of Stuff (in my case fairly expansive) and the police would arrest you for Indecent Exposure. Really. There was like a panel in front which covered the Goodies. Same for women, not a Camel Toe to be seen.
Agree. Music can speak in all languages to the spirit of manHootie wrote:
Well, at least the conversation is happening! As someone who easily tires of both trite Christian-label music as well as of other pop music that just avoids the human yearning for the transcendent altogether, I find Jars and U2, as well as new artists like Mike Mangione and Sufjan Stephens, to be examples of great musicians who address faith in both its joys and its struggles. Thoughts?
I love the Doves. Seen them in concert. Like I said, lyrics don't bother me as long as the song is good. Catherine Wheel and Sujan kick ass as well. iransofaraway wrote:
So, do you turn it off whenever a Porcupine Tree song comes on? How about Doves? Or Catherine Wheel? Or Phil Keaggy? Or Pat Methany? etc. etc.
anniebear wrote:
Is this an "eclectic" station, or a xtian rock station?
The word is actually "Xian" a shortened version of Christian -- substituting the "x" for the name "Christ", as in a Cross. Please note that RP plays other styles of music also: To Wit: Reggae - a direct extension of the Rastafarian Religion. Also, various Hindi music types which are very specific in their calling to, describing and relationships with the various gods of the non-Christian World. Of course, we also have the Jewish-inspired (Yiddish and Ashkenazi Jewish Culture of Eastern Europe, actually) clarinet and accordion heavy reels and dances known as Klezmer Music. Then we have the various types of African-Inspired music which we enjoy today, all of which inspired by the Slave Times, by vooduu, by the early Afri-centric Christian church music. Then, of course, we have the Homosexual lifestyle Inspired music of groups whose popularity encompassed the great "Concert Rock" bands of the 1980's. All in all I would opine that music has such an wonderful wide expanse of styles, genre and methodologies that there is no way possible any particular zealotry inspired rant by an ignoramus and unfortunately single issue inspired member of the Religion of Atheism would possible effect Radio Paradise's commitment to a wide ranging and wonderfully disparate world of World Music. So with that, I pray to Bajumba-Kalimba, the One-Goddess of My World, that you will have a nice day. Amen.
Well, at least the conversation is happening! As someone who easily tires of both trite Christian-label music as well as of other pop music that just avoids the human yearning for the transcendent altogether, I find Jars and U2, as well as new artists like Mike Mangione and Sufjan Stephens, to be examples of great musicians who address faith in both its joys and its struggles. Thoughts?
bdblinux wrote:
I've been listening to RP for > 7 years. This is definitely different from the normal. (Christian/cult-like lyrics don't bother me.. this song is just crap)
So, do you turn it off whenever a Porcupine Tree song comes on? How about Doves? Or Catherine Wheel? Or Phil Keaggy? Or Pat Methany? etc. etc.
Amazing how one could post such a comment. I sense something deeper going on here.bdblinux wrote:
Just terrible... worst song on RP.
I've been listening to RP for > 7 years. This is definitely different from the normal. (Christian/cult-like lyrics don't bother me.. this song is just crap) iransofaraway wrote:
Why? The Christian content? Or you really hate it? How is it very different from anything else RP plays?
Your OMG made me laugh..crazy times huh ?Misterfixit wrote:
Hooo Boy .. Bill's playing a Christian Group again... stand back and wait for the Slings and Arrows to start Flying! Edit: OMG! There's an obviously Hetero Couple on the album Cover!
bdblinux wrote:
Just terrible... worst song on RP.
Why? The Christian content? Or you really hate it? How is it very different from anything else RP plays?
Misterfixit wrote:
Edit: OMG! There's an obviously Hetero Couple on the album Cover!
Yeah, but why is the guy wearing old ladies underpants?
timjclark wrote:
Um who copied who? This 'Clay is from 1997..
The song's from 1994, or maybe even earlier: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frail
Just terrible... worst song on RP.
Misterfixit wrote:
Hooo Boy .. Bill's playing a Christian Group ... stand back and wait for the Slings and Arrows to start Flying!
These guys make great music --- I don't think the "Christian" thing is relevant. Don't know if the vibe has something to do with today's date...
Another wonderful tune! Never heard before. Thanks RP! You are top.
bobringer wrote:
Porcupine Tree called... they want their song back.
Um who copied who? This 'Clay is from 1997..
very cool comparison..I like both bands alot..I have to agree, they have similar sounds (Blackfield)bobringer wrote:
Porcupine Tree called... they want their song back.
Hooo Boy .. Bill's playing a Christian Group again... stand back and wait for the Slings and Arrows to start Flying! Edit: OMG! There's an obviously Hetero Couple on the album Cover!
First time hearing this on RP.. didn't know you'd even consider playing it! One of my favorite songs of all time.
jennywho wrote:
Over the Rhine...
...Innocence Mission, Blue Nile...
bobringer wrote:
Porcupine Tree called... they want their song back.
Awesome!
This song could be the poster child for Ho Hum.
trekhead wrote:
Cranberries, World Party(?), Blind Boys...
Over the Rhine...
Wow, i love this song and band. This brings back memories of high school and driving late at night.
megannnn wrote:
Who cares about the Jesus-lyrics, this song just sucks by itself. It sounds like an easy listening station. Bleah.
Yes, because he's mentioned so many times in this song....
Who cares about the Jesus-lyrics, this song just sucks by itself. It sounds like an easy listening station. Bleah.
wandersahn wrote:
wow, this is the most intolerant thread i've seen so far. Other Christian artists you've heard on RP: Sam Phillips, T Bone Burnett, Phil Keaggy (i'm sure there's more).
Cranberries, World Party(?), Blind Boys...
Lovely.
The guitar work of Jars of Clay is de.licio.us. Another one of those "pause what you're doing and listen" tunes.