Oct 16th, 2005 by Jesse Moore
Updated SPINNING with a look at Chris Rice's new cd "Amusing."
Speaking of amusing, I guess there is a controversy of sorts surrounding a little song that Chris wrote about the theology of cartoon characters. Known as "The Cartoon Song," it was a song Chris wrote long before he had a record deal, and his record label insisted that he include it on the release of his second album. Begrudgingly Chris agreed, but only if they would include it as an unpublished hidden track on the cd. Since the release of that album, "The Cartoon Song" has been the most requested single on most Christian radio stations - even six years after it's release.
I (for one) tired of the song long ago. When I first heard it I thought it was cute - since then every Christian DJ in the Puget Sound uses the song to endear themselves to the audience, complete with fake laughter and dripping affection. Considering that it was such a popular song, I figured that I was in the minority. Not the case.
I visited Chris Rice's site today, in preparation of writing a review for his latest cd. I was intrigued when I saw a link to an article entitled "Eulogy for a Song about Cartoons." The first part of the article names the song (Cartoons) and it's lifespan (born in 1989, died in 2004). The best part: Chris Rice killed it.
When asked if he writes children's songs... "No, I’ve never written a children’s song, just a satirical song about the modern Christian tendency to “Christianize” everything. I was hoping everyone would get the satire, but they missed the satire, and embraced the song as legit." - Chris Rice
The funny thing is, now knowing his intent - I love the song. Thankfully I've heard it enough times that I don't need to hear it again to enjoy the irony. If you'd like to read the lyrics you can do that HERE.
Speaking of amusing, I guess there is a controversy of sorts surrounding a little song that Chris wrote about the theology of cartoon characters. Known as "The Cartoon Song," it was a song Chris wrote long before he had a record deal, and his record label insisted that he include it on the release of his second album. Begrudgingly Chris agreed, but only if they would include it as an unpublished hidden track on the cd. Since the release of that album, "The Cartoon Song" has been the most requested single on most Christian radio stations - even six years after it's release.
I (for one) tired of the song long ago. When I first heard it I thought it was cute - since then every Christian DJ in the Puget Sound uses the song to endear themselves to the audience, complete with fake laughter and dripping affection. Considering that it was such a popular song, I figured that I was in the minority. Not the case.
I visited Chris Rice's site today, in preparation of writing a review for his latest cd. I was intrigued when I saw a link to an article entitled "Eulogy for a Song about Cartoons." The first part of the article names the song (Cartoons) and it's lifespan (born in 1989, died in 2004). The best part: Chris Rice killed it.
When asked if he writes children's songs... "No, I’ve never written a children’s song, just a satirical song about the modern Christian tendency to “Christianize” everything. I was hoping everyone would get the satire, but they missed the satire, and embraced the song as legit." - Chris Rice
The funny thing is, now knowing his intent - I love the song. Thankfully I've heard it enough times that I don't need to hear it again to enjoy the irony. If you'd like to read the lyrics you can do that HERE.
I really like the sound of the new Chris Rice cd. I also enjoyed reading the article about the cartoon song. I am amazed that that song was popular. I thought it was just a silly song and one that should not be over analyzed. RIP Cartoon Song.