Talking Mega (Church Blues)

Neal Morse's song "Talking Mega (Church Blues)" offers a satirical and critical look at the modern phenomenon of mega-churches. The lyrics narrate the experience of someone feeling down and seeking solace in a mega-church, only to be met with a spectacle that resembles a rock concert more than a traditional place of worship. The protagonist's initial amazement at the grandeur and commercialism of the church quickly turns into a critique of its superficiality. The comparison to a Barnes and Noble store, with its books, tapes, and CDs, underscores the commercialization of faith, suggesting that the church is more focused on selling products than providing spiritual guidance.

As the protagonist navigates through the mega-church, he encounters a service that is more about entertainment than spiritual enrichment. The loud music, jumping youth, and giant color TVs create an atmosphere that feels more like a concert than a place of worship. The protagonist's sarcastic remarks about needing a healing service after hitting his head on the ceiling and mistaking the guitar player for Jimmy Page highlight the absurdity of the situation. The mention of a best-selling author pastor who appears on Larry King further emphasizes the commercialization and celebrity culture infiltrating religious spaces.

The song takes a deeper turn when the protagonist reflects on the message being preached. The feel-good, no-conviction message contrasts sharply with the teachings of his old church, which emphasized living a life of conviction and carrying one's cross daily. The protagonist's realization that the mega-church's message allows him to continue sinning without consequence leads to a moment of self-awareness. The still small voice in his head and the memory of his old pastor's teachings remind him that true faith requires more than just feeling good about oneself. The song concludes with a poignant message about the importance of serving God rather than men and staying true to genuine spiritual principles.