Sipping whiskey from a paper cup,
You drown your sorrows till you can’t stand up,
Take a look at what you’ve done to yourself,
Why don’t you put the bottle back on the shelf,
Yellow fingers from your cigarettes,
Your hands are shaking while your body sweats,
Why don’t you look into Jesus,
He’s got the answer.
Gonorrhea on Valentines Day,
And you’re still looking for the perfect lay,
You think rock and roll will set you free,
You’ll be deaf before your thirty three,
Shooting junk till your half insane,
Broken needle in your purple vein,
Why don’t you look into Jesus,
He’s got the answer.
–Why Don’t You Look into Jesus by Larry Norman 1972
Larry Norman (1947-2008) was a Christian songwriter from another era, specifically the Jesus People Movement of the 1960s – early 70s and considered one of the pioneers of Christian rock. He was very involved in the California music scene and was often the opening act for a number of rock groups—one of which was rock legend Janis Joplin (1943-1970).
In an interview Norman discussed at how taken aback he was at seeing her up close and in person. It was a chance encounter forever etched in his mind. In his own words Norman said, “One night I was singing on stage and Janis Joplin was sitting behind the front curtain watching the concert with a bottle of Southern Comfort in one hand and she was sipping whiskey from a paper cup. She was drunk and really unhappy.” It was only much later revealed that his chance encounter with Joplin had been the impetus behind the lyrics of Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus; a moment he would never forget. Sadly, along with Jim Morrison and Jimi Hendrix she became a member of the macabre “Club 27” and died from a drug overdose at age 27.
Aside from it being a reminder that everyone is dealing with something, the words of Jesus come to mind, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Mt. 16:26). Sooner or later, we realize that “all that glitters is not gold”. The world we’re trying to fit in with, please, or gain, will sooner or later chew you up and spit you out.
Jesus, however, has come that we may have an abundant life. And so, if you haven’t already, why don’t you look into Jesus, He is The Answer.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”
John 10:10
