It seems that Dave and I grew up in similar church contexts, where easy answers were dished out with as much relish as jello salad at a Sunday potluck. Unfortunately, those easy answers overlooked the subtleties of real life, used the Bible to confirm preexisting beliefs, and required complete agreement to stay in the club.
Dave’s hymn “Ask the Complicated Questions” assumes that God is big enough to handle our questions, doubts, and disagreements. That’s a breath of fresh air.
Because the song deals with the uncertainty of seeking truth in a sometimes perplexing world, I chose an understated melody that moves in many different directions and never quite comes to rest. It’s this lack of resolution that urges Dave’s words forward.
As I was writing this song, and again as I was recording it, I was reminded of T Bone Burnett’s quirky classic, “Madison Avenue.” I’ve included it below.
1. Ask the complicated questions,
do not fear to be found out;
for our God makes strong our weakness,
forging faith in fires of doubt.
2. Seek the disconcerting answers,
follow where the Spirit blows;
test competing truths for wisdom,
for in tension new life grows.
3. Knock on doors of new ideas,
test assumptions long grown stale;
for Christ calls from shores of wonder,
daring us to try and fail.
4. For in struggle we discover
truth both simple and profound;
in the knocking, asking, seeking,
we are opened, answered, found.
12 replies on “Ask the Complicated Questions (David Bjorlin)”
do you have a score for this? I love your musical interpretation. I am the Music Director at a Lutheran church in MN and will be singing this text at church in a week.
Hi Meg, Sorry I didn’t see this until just today. I’ll contact you directly.
I really like your arrangement. May I see/purchase a score? (I already have Dave’s book, ‘Protest of Praise’, but I would prefer your tune for a solo anthem to introduce an upcoming sermon series at my church.) Thank you!
Hi Leah, thanks for asking! Check your email for a score.
Hi Greg. May I purchase the piano score? Thanks! Liz
Hi Liz, I don’t actually have a piano score for this one. Send me an email if you want to talk about it. Thanks! Peace, Greg (PS – I do have a leadsheet, if that would be helpful.)
I too came looking to purchase a piano score…and would happily work with a lead sheet. Thank you, Sharon
Hi Sharon,
Thanks for your interest. I’ll send you an email in a minute.
Peace, Greg
I would like to purchase a score of this. Can you help me?
Hi Tammy, Thanks for your interest! I’ll send you an email.
Hi, Greg. I’m here to ask about the lead sheet too!
jwj
I’ll send an email.