wow. Powerful song and images. People who have never experienced the cult could never grasp the depth of symbolism, emotion and mystique with the garments and the cathartic effect tearing them off our bodies and throwing them down. Yah Tyler!
I'd never heard of the guy before his new album and the Dehlin interview. His music is not my style. But there are a few things about him and his music that I think are really impressive.
One is the complete reversal in his attitude towards the church. The Q15 and a lot of TBMs have always refused to see, or at least acknowledge, that their attitude towards LGTBQ is not one of abstract doctrine or conventional notions of marriage but rather of life and death. The church is killing a lot of people and inducing mental illness and crippling family stress on countless others. There really is no middle ground here; this isn't something that can be fixed by "adjusting" the policy. I respect how radically and decisively Glenn acted when confronted by that barbarity.
Another is the stupidity of the Q15 regarding public affairs. They always liked the Osmonds and other performers and politicians who brought favorable attention to the faith. But they seem to have underestimated the extent to which famous Mormons members could damage the church through the same media. I seriously doubt that any of the 15 had ever heard of Glenn let alone imagined how powerful he would be as an adversary.
Finally, having now gone back and listened to a fair bit of Glenn's music, I think his conflict with the church has made him a much better artist. I guess sometimes it goes like that. A person goes along, reasonably successful at his career but without showing--perhaps even realizing--what he is truly capable of. Then something happens that awakens something deep in his soul and the new passion invigorates his work. This Midnight in particular strikes me as a powerful song: the recognition that the God of Sunday is not the God of Midnight, that the church got in the way; the shocking yet tasteful way in which he strips himself of the garments; the passion of his delivery.
The church can't afford to alienate such people. He is a formidable enemy and a truly honorable man.
Wow, have to say, great song, powerful song! Buying the song as I type, believe he will be a force to be reckoned with, now and in the future. At first glance/hearing, not knowing his background, it just sounds like a song concerning religion and/or God. Knowing that he's former Mormon and watching the video, I can see the passion of his delivery. I couldn't put any better than Lot's Wife did, agree completely with her. I feel that he may be putting voice to what others haven't put words to yet.