"Kingdom Come." You’ve probably heard the phrase before, right? It’s that line from the Lord’s Prayer, but it also means so much more when you stop and think about it. It's not just some ancient concept; it's something that still speaks to people today in ways that are practical, not just spiritual or theoretical. Let’s break it down together.
What Does "Kingdom Come" Even Mean?
So, what does "Kingdom Come" actually mean? The phrase refers to the idea of God’s reign or rule coming to earth. It’s often used in religious contexts, but even if you’re not super religious, there’s something really interesting about the idea. It’s about bringing something better into the world—a sense of peace, justice, or order that feels right.
Think about it like this: In the prayer, it’s a request for things on earth to be as they are in heaven. That means wanting a world that’s free from the mess, where things make sense, and where people treat each other fairly. It doesn’t mean everything is perfect, but there’s a vision of things getting better.
- When you see someone doing the right thing, even when it’s hard, it feels like a little piece of "Kingdom Come."
- Standing up for what’s right, even when nobody’s watching, feels like part of this idea.
- When things fall into place and people work together without selfishness, that’s another piece of this puzzle.
It’s not some far-off idea; it’s something that happens little by little, in everyday moments. That’s what makes it feel real, not just some abstract thought.
Living Like the Kingdom Is Already Here
One thing people talk about with "Kingdom Come" is living as though the kingdom is already here. Now, that might sound a bit odd at first, but it’s pretty straightforward once you think about it. It’s not just waiting for some magical future—it’s about acting like the world you want is already here.
Imagine if people started treating each other with kindness, patience, and respect today, instead of waiting for a better world to come along. If you live like the kingdom has already arrived, you're not waiting around for someone else to fix things.
- Choosing to be kind, even when others are rude.
- Doing the right thing, even if it’s inconvenient or goes unnoticed.
- Helping someone out without expecting anything in return.
Living like the kingdom is already here isn’t easy, but it’s possible in the small choices we make every day. It's a shift in thinking. Instead of looking around and wishing things were better, you start acting like they are. The more people live this way, the more things start to change for real.
The Upside-Down Kingdom
What makes this whole "Kingdom Come" concept even more interesting is that it flips the usual way of thinking on its head. The kingdom isn’t about power, money, or fame. It’s often called the "upside-down kingdom" because it values things that the world usually doesn’t.
In most places, success means climbing to the top, being in control, and having more than others. But in this kingdom, the ones who serve are the greatest. It’s about lifting others up, rather than stepping over them. That’s a pretty wild idea when you compare it to how things usually go.
- Helping others when you have nothing to gain from it.
- Valuing people for who they are, not what they can do for you.
- Choosing humility over pride, even when the world says that’s weak.
The upside-down kingdom asks you to rethink what really matters. It's not about how much you achieve or how far you get ahead; it’s more about how you treat the people around you and how you carry yourself when no one’s watching. That’s what makes it such a refreshing perspective.
Finding Kingdom Moments in Everyday Life
If you look closely, there are small moments in life that reflect "Kingdom Come." These aren’t grand gestures or big events; they’re usually the quiet moments where someone makes a choice that reflects this idea of a better world. The cool thing is, these moments are everywhere—you just have to notice them.
Think about those times when people show unexpected kindness or when you see someone doing the right thing, even though it’s not easy. Those are glimpses of the kingdom in action. They might not change the world overnight, but they show how things could be.
- A stranger paying for someone’s groceries when they’ve come up short.
- A friend who checks in on you just because they know you’ve had a rough day.
- Someone standing up for someone else, even when there’s nothing in it for them.
These moments aren’t huge, but they matter. It’s the small things that add up, and that’s what starts to create a real sense of "Kingdom Come" in everyday life. It’s not about waiting for something massive to happen; it’s about noticing and being part of these little moments that reflect a better way of living.
The Future and the Now
Here’s another part of the conversation that’s kind of cool. People often think of "Kingdom Come" as something that’s only going to happen in the future. But there’s this whole idea that the kingdom is already here, just not fully revealed yet. It’s like a glimpse of what’s to come, but also something that’s already happening in small ways.
So, the kingdom is both future and present. It’s already started, but it’s not completely here yet. That’s why there’s this tension of seeing good things happen now, but also knowing there’s more to come. You’re living in the "now," but you’re also looking forward to a time when things will be even better.
- Seeing progress in the world but knowing there’s still work to be done.
- Experiencing moments of peace but knowing they’re just a taste of something greater.
- Watching as people choose love over hate and realizing that’s a small picture of what the kingdom is all about.
This "now and not yet" idea keeps things moving forward. You’re not just waiting around for things to change, but you’re also hopeful for a future where the kingdom is fully realized. It’s a mix of being content with the progress that’s already happening while looking forward to more.
"Kingdom Come" by David Bowie
"Kingdom Come" is a song by David Bowie from his 1980 album, "Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)." This track stands out as it is a cover of a song originally written and performed by Tom Verlaine, the frontman of the band Television. Bowie’s version brings his unique style and interpretation to the original piece.
Themes and Lyrics
The lyrics of "Kingdom Come" reflect feelings of frustration, longing, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. It talks about searching for meaning and dealing with the obstacles that life throws in the way. Let’s delve into some key themes and lyrics to better understand the song.
Frustration and Despair
The song opens with lines that express a deep sense of frustration:
"Well I walk in the pouring rain / And I hear a voice, it’s calling."
These lines suggest a sense of wandering and searching, perhaps for answers or a sense of direction. The pouring rain can be seen as a metaphor for challenging times or emotional turmoil.
Search for Meaning
A recurring theme in the song is the search for meaning or a better place, which could be referred to as the "kingdom come":
"Yes, I keep walking, walking, walking / 'Til kingdom come."
This phrase "’Til kingdom come" implies a relentless journey, continuing until a state of fulfillment or peace is achieved. It suggests perseverance despite not knowing when or if the destination will be reached.
Struggles and Obstacles
The song also touches on the struggles and obstacles faced along the way:
"A cry for help, a hint of anesthesia / The sound from broken homes."
These lines highlight the difficulties and the sense of numbness that can come from facing continual hardships. The reference to "broken homes" evokes a sense of dysfunction and pain, adding to the overall feeling of struggle.
Musical Style and Bowie’s Interpretation
Bowie’s version of "Kingdom Come" features a more intense and dramatic musical arrangement compared to the original by Tom Verlaine. Bowie infuses the song with his characteristic sound, which includes a powerful vocal delivery and a dynamic rock influence.
Production and Arrangement
The production on "Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)" has a clean, polished sound with a sharp edge, which is evident in "Kingdom Come." The guitar work, driving rhythm, and layered vocals create a rich and engaging listening experience. Bowie’s arrangement brings a fresh energy to the song, making it distinct from Verlaine’s more stripped-down version.
Vocal Performance
Bowie’s vocal performance adds a layer of intensity and emotion to the song. His delivery conveys the frustration and yearning described in the lyrics, making the listener feel the weight of the song’s themes. Bowie’s unique voice and style turn "Kingdom Come" into a powerful and compelling track.
Context within the Album
"Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)" is an album that explores themes of fear, uncertainty, and the search for identity. "Kingdom Come" fits well within this context, as it deals with the internal and external struggles of seeking a better life or state of being. The album as a whole reflects Bowie’s ability to blend introspective lyrics with innovative music, and "Kingdom Come" is a strong example of this blend.
Legacy and Reception
While "Kingdom Come" may not be as widely known as some of Bowie’s other songs, it has been appreciated by fans for its depth and Bowie’s unique take on Verlaine’s work. It showcases Bowie’s talent for interpreting and transforming songs, adding his personal touch to create something new and impactful.
In summary, "Kingdom Come" by David Bowie is about frustration, searching for meaning, and dealing with life's challenges. Bowie’s powerful musical style and vocal performance bring these themes to life, making the song a memorable part of the "Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)" album.
