Quick note for fans of C. S. Lewis and/or U2 before the article begins:
When life’s sorrows bring us into shadowlands, we need the joy of Christ to restore our strength. We tap into this joy by nurturing a deeper longing for God. Shadowlands and Songs of Light: An Epic Journey into Joy and Healing takes you on a quest for joy and a life-changing longing for God.
Written by a C. S. Lewis expert and a skilled composer, the book explores 18 beloved C. S. Lewis classics, from Narnia to Mere Christianity, and 13 spiritual principles behind the art of songwriting, as seen in 13 studio albums by U2–all to answer one question: how do we experience deeper joy in our relationship with Christ during times of sorrow and trial?
Shadowlands is available to pre-order at Amazon or ChristianBooks.com. If you pre-order a copy, the author will personally email you with a thank-you note and a copy of his upcoming e-book devotional “Devotions with Tolkien,” which uses J. R. R. Tolkien’s epic “The Lord of the Rings” and Scripture. (This is all on the honor system: simply pre-order Shadowlands, and then send an email to shadowlands2016 (at) gmail (dot) com letting the author (Kevin Ott) know you’ve ordered it, and he will contact you.)
Text LIGHT to 54900 to get a preview of Shadowlands and Songs of Light.
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The other day I was watching a movie entitled The Way Way Back, starring Steve Carell. In one scene during a gathering of friends and family, a song is playing in the background and everybody begins to dance. It is the song “Kyrie” by Mr. Mister — a song I have loved almost my entire life. I really enjoy it because of its timeless rock ballad quality and its tribute to the Lord Jesus Christ. This got me thinking about Mr. Mister — a band I haven’t thought about in years. They recorded the song “Broken Wings” — also another cool tune straight out of the 80’s!
I decided to investigate them a little more and see what the band was up to these days. I was also intensely curious about the song “Kyrie.” I wanted to know if it was actually about Christianity. So I went straight to the guy who sang it: lead vocalist and bass player of Mr. Mister, Richard Page. I found out some very interesting stuff about the man; for example, he is now touring in Ringo Starr’s All Star Band, in addition to Mr. Mister. He is also a very accomplished songwriter and performer. He was asked to sing for Toto and Chicago, but he turned both down. He has also sung and recorded with Michael Jackson!
However, as impressive as these secular accomplishments might be in his career, the spiritual power and seemingly Christ-focused content of “Kyrie” has always been a very intriguing element in their music. I was able to catch up with Richard Page recently, and he was kind enough to answer a few questions, including one about the origin of the classic “Kyrie.” Although we didn’t discuss Richard’s personal beliefs, he did confirm, however, that at least one of the songwriters of “Kyrie” had a definite religious view point with the song.
Rockin’ God’s House: I would like to revisit the song “Kyrie.” It is one of the greatest songs ever written. Can you tell me about it — its origins and its meaning?
Richard: Kyrie Eleison is Greek for “Lord have mercy on us”, or something very close to that. It’s a commonly used phrase in the Catholic mass and other non-secular liturgies. The lyric was written mostly by John Lang, my co-writer on most of the Mr. albums. Once the song was recorded and it started to take on a life of its own, there was no going back.
[Note: in other interviews with media outlets, Page has confirmed that the song is, essentially, an entire prayer put in musical form. Although at first he resisted making “a religious statement” with pop music, lyricist John Lang kept pushing him to do it. When he finally tried the words Kyrie Eleison with the melody, it fit so perfectly that he agreed to do John’s religious theme even though, at the time, he did not think religious content would fit well in a pop song. Page has also joked that fans often mishear the lyric and think he is singing, “Carry a laser,” or “Carry a raisin.”]
Rockin’ God’s House: What’s it like touring with Ringo Starr?
Richard: Ringo is a great guy. He is a lot of fun to be around. The other All Starr’s are all extremely talented and the band rocks every night. Being able to play music with a living legend is an honor and a privilege.
Rockin’ God’s House: Is it true you turned down opportunities to sing for Toto and Chicago?
Richard: Both groups were replacing their lead singers around the same time as I was busy trying to get Mr. Mister off the ground. I was friends with the guys from Toto (Steve Lukather is in Ringo’s current line up), and I knew some of the members of Chicago. A lot has been made of this over the years. The truth is, my name came up as a potential replacement for Bobby Kimbel and Peter Cetera but because my band was signed to a label and recording albums it just didn’t make sense. I was flattered that they would consider me though.
Rockin’ God’s House: Did you ever collaborate with Michael Jackson?
Richard: I sang with Michael once on a song I wrote with Kenny Loggins called Who’s Right Who’s Wrong. Michael and I did all the background vocals together.
Rockin’ God’s House: You have written many songs; can you name a few that are recognizable?
Richard:”I’ll Remember” for Madonna. “My Confession” and “Thankful” for Josh Groban, “Sleep Tight” and “In Some Small Way” for Celine Dion. These are just a few. I’ve written songs over the years for many artists such as Hall and Oats, Meatloaf, Donna Summer, Pointer Sisters, Al Jarreau and many more.
Thank you for this write-up. Very informative. I was curious about the roots of the song as well. I knew the words, as it is often heard in religious context, as well as Benjamin Brittin’s Opera “Noye’s Fludde, Op. 59: ‘Noye, Noye, Take Thou Thy Company'”. This song was featured in Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom (2012).
Thank you again for doing the research and sharing with everyone.
God bless!
Darrell B.
Didn’t know any of this , most interesting I must say
I will be reading on this site in the future
I keep hearing this song so I had to Google what I thought the words were, because it was driving me nuts trying to figure out what they were singing! Now that I found your website I am so happy, since I am a Christian and so glad to know the song is really a prayer!! Next time I hear it I will really appreciate it more.
So glad our article could help you out in that way! Thanks for the comment.
Kyrie is a beautiful song. It was my favorite song from 1985 and still is a favorite today. I begged Itunes to put the video in the store and they did. Woo-Hoo. I grew up in a Methodist Church and knew the phrase Kyrie Eleison from that time in my life. So when I heard it in a modern song I was hooked immediately. Wonderful song and a great video. I laughed watching the band pushing the limo.
I remember this song back when it was originally released. I loved it. It never struck me as religious until a week ago. I was basically a pagan most of my life but I am now happily Catholic and this song absolutely spoke to my soul. Thanks for the article.
Wonderful! It is definitely amazing how a song will take on a completely different meaning and emotional tone when we’ve stepped into a different context and outlook in life. Love that about music.
My daughter loves the song Kyrie. When it plays it sounds like her name, Keeria, pronounced like Lake Erie with a K in the beginning and a long A on the end. She will have it play at her wedding. 🙂
That’s awesome! I would love that song too if I had her name. (What a great name.)
Loved the story behind this awesome song. It was a favorite back then is still today. Over the years when I’ve needed encouragement the song will suddenly play on my car radio. “Kyrie” is still reaching listeners.
So glad you liked reading this! It really is great how the song still reaches people. Thanks for the comment.
I was in my early twenties when this song came out. It really caught my attention then. It was so positive and lifted me up. My teenage daughter loves this song also and the video. I watch the video now and I get tears in my eyes. Thanks for this article.
Was familiar with the song previously, however, wanted to get a quick ‘refresher’ – having just done the Chris Tomlin song of same name in a recent concert. Thanks for the article – and glad it was still around!
Didn’t really no all of the lyrics, but always liked the song. Thanks for the story behind it. Awesome!
Thank you. This was so insightful and informative. Growing up, I never knew what the words to this song meant, I just remember listening to it with my Father and thinking it was catchy. He taught me a lot about music. He also taught me a lot about life and God. The song is really like a prayer, it is beautiful. I do not consider myself to be religious at all, however, I am spiritual and do have a personal relationship with Jesus. However,I find it hard to relate to a lot of Christians in the small town that I live in. I don’t belong to any denomination, but my heart belongs to the Lord. I don’t mean this in a judgemental tone, but a lot of christians where I am from consider any music that is not christian to be the devil’s…a mentality that listening to rock n’ roll roll will send you straight to hell. This is so not true.
I love Jesus, Rock n’roll and all types of music, Christian music included. Love the song by Petra called “God Gave Rock n’ Roll to you”. Loved this article/interview. It was wonderful.
My husband and I loved this song. So much so, in 1991 we named our daughter Kyrie. It’s such a beautiful name.
My Brother named his daughter “Kyrie” in April 1986, because this song really touched him. Our Kyrie is a beautiful spirit and wonderful tribute to such an amazing song.
It is amazing how the Lord works! I’ve loved song Kyrie since its release. I’m Catholic and this past weekend attended a Men’s Renewal. When I was getting ready to head home, I started the car and this son started on the radio. I looked up to the sky smiled and said “I see, Thank you Lord”! Great song & I wonder how many people know that this song is actually a prayer?
Great comment and testimony, Bill. Thanks for sharing that. Was nice to read.