The first thing that comes to my mind when I read the phrase “From a Distance” is the song sung by Bette Midler. The lyrics suggest (as does the phrase) that when we look at our world from afar, we see it with a different viewpoint to when we look at it close up. We see, for example, “snow capped mountains white” instead of the extreme cold and hardship it may bring to people. When we look at the world from afar, we see “harmony echo(ing) through the land”. Yet when we look closer, we see the seeds of discontent and the disharmony that exist among people.
When listening carefully to the lyrics that Bette Midler sings, one realises that the songwriter suggests one does not see the poverty, the fighting, the war, the disease, the hunger when looking at the world from afar:
From a distance
We all have enough
And no one is in need
And there are no guns, no bombs and no disease
No hungry mouths to feed
From a Distance
We are instruments
Marching in a common band
Playing songs of hope
Playing songs of peace
They are the songs of every man
In addition, the songwords suggest that people all have a common goal – the goal of peace, a goal that all strive for with the hope that it will be attained. But it is not only people who may look at the world “from a distance”. The chorus of the song is repeated a number of times:
God is watching us
God is watching us
God is watching us
From a distance
It is a chorus that suggests, not only that God has distanced Himself from humanity, but also that He is not seeing the world as it truly is. Instead of seeing war, He sees people striving for peace. Instead of seeing poverty and hunger, He sees that we all have enough. It is a message that suggests God does not see the reality that many are experiencing in their everyday lives. The words in the chorus express a reason as to why God does not present Himself more in people’s lives; and why He does not intervene to prevent the suffering that so many experience.
I remember listening to this song on the radio and singing along with the chorus without ever really thinking of the song words. Reflecting on them now, I do not think I agree with the sentiment expressed by the songwriter – that God does not see the reality of the world as it is.
What do you think of the content of Bette Midler’s song “From a Distance”?
(Join Jake every week for a theme for creative inspiration. This week’s prompt is From A Distance)
© Colline Kook-Chun, 2012
Well put!
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Thank you.
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Interesting post, and especially interesting as restlessjo just posted the same lyrics in her post for Jake’s challenge!! And all about the same time. What a coincidence!
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I just saw that post – makes you realise how pop songs and their phrases become embedded in our psyche. 🙂
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Yes, funny isn’t it? When I read restlessjo’s post, I went immediately to YouTube and listened to the song, thinking I’d never heard it before, but I had! 🙂
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I also thought of that song, and often play it on the piano. Your thoughts and questions on it are very interesting, and I’d love to know the answers. 🙂
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The answers will depend, I think on a person’s background and what they believe God to be. Many will believe God to be distant from his people, and others will say the opposite. And then philosophers may have another point of view! It is definitely something to think about.
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I’ve been hearing this song in my head ever since I saw Jake’s theme for this week! At first I could not remember what exactly the song was or who sang it, I just remembered the phrase “from a distance.” Gradually it all came to me. Great post!
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Thanks Anita. The wonders of the internet helped me remember the artist – and thanks to YouTube I could listen again to a song I had not heard for a while 🙂
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that is so weird…I have had that song going round in my head all morning
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Somehow you knew you were going to read my post 😉
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Yep I think that is it.
😉
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I know about the song but it is the first time I get to read the lyrics. Will have to think about it, not sure I totally agree with the songwriter.
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I know I do not as I believe God is distant from people and the world we live in. I believe he leaves the world as is because He has given us free choice and our choices have resulted in the world we live in, poverty and war included.
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Very thought provoking, especially your views on how God sees the world.
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Thank you – though what I detailed in the post is the opinion of the songwriter of “From a Distance”.
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First thing that came to my mind, too, with that phrase.
Yes, I think the cynical slant is theologically unsound. God by nature would have to be aware of everything on the closest possible basis – lack of intervention certainly cannot be due to vision distorted by distance.
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I agree with you totally. A God who is all-seeing and all-knowing would be able to see the reality of the world as it is. Lack of intervention is caused, I believe, by the free will God has given man. By intervening in our world and changing our environment, He would take away the gift of free will that He gave us.
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I think I’m a lot more simplistic, Colline, and I don’t interpret the lyric that way at all. It’s up to us what we make of this world, and we are responsible for what happens there. I don’t have any of the answers when it comes to God. I just wish that the world was a better place, for everybody.
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I am sure that we all do – that is the hope for peace that the songwriter alludes to. What do you make of the chorus then?
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Interesting discussion here. I have to go and listen to the song, now.
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Let us know what you think 🙂
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This was her first song I ever heard…love it.
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She does sing it beautifully doesn’t she? She has a really beautiful voice.
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Excellent choice Colline , A very inspiring song from Bette Midler ,Thanks for sharing my friend 🙂
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You are welcome Jake. It is good to be back participating again after a long break. 🙂
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You explained it well… We live in an unequal world where beauty is next to suffering. We can speak out about it or pretend everything is wonderful. Up to us. 😉
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I thin we need to. If it is taboo to speak of, then solutions won’t be sought for and things will not be changed.
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This is wonderful. My sister also used the words. So many people came up with the song. Bette Midler is one of my favorite singers. The Rose was or is my first favorite.
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The Rose is definitely a favourite with me – so haunting.
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How nice to see you again dear Colline. I have missed you. You are welcome. I hope and wish you had a nice summer times. This is wonderful entry and I love this song, brings me my memories and I am singing now… Thank you, have a nice week, love, nia
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Happy singing Nia – and it is good to see you again 🙂
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I agree with restlessjo. We make the choices with what we’ve been given. As far as God’s part, who am I to question Him. He has His plan. I just do my part.
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And that is all that can be expected of us 🙂
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Interesting interpretations from the commenters! It is interesting to see how people view God. My thoughts…I think what the song is trying to convey is that we have everything we need to be at peace, to feed everyone, to sustain the planet, to get along and work together. God is watching because he has already given us everything we need. Now we need to pull it together or perish.
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I agree Darlene. He has given it to us and now it is up to us to take it. He cannot force us to take His gift. Brings to mind the saying: you can take a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.
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I have always liked this song and you outline the word so well here
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Thank you – it gives me the chance to implement the skills I learnt at university when analysing poetry 🙂
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