“King was a trained theologian,” he said in the 2012 RNS interview. “Music becomes the platter or the handmaiden for theology.”
In a 2021 video released by Candler School of Theology, Abbington described how the lyricist David G. Frazier’s simple words from the song titled “I Need You to Survive” were accessible as a congregational song shortly after 9/11 and became a global sensation.
“He was very intentional about singing it in unison and also using very simple chords, so that people in the congregation would not be intimidated to sing it together,” Abbington said, “but that it actually became a song of fellowship.
Abbington noted that the influence of a church song is not rooted in whether it is traditional, contemporary or reminiscent of a secular tune.
“It is important to remember that it is not about casting a judgment or value of this is high, this is low, this is secular sounding, this is sacred sounding,” he said. “But let’s see what is the text saying to people in the times. And trust me, a good tune will carry a great text.”
This article originally appeared here.
