Sing Loud, Die Happy: An Exploration of How God’s Gift of Song Is Meant to Change Us

by Jim Thompson

Singing is one of the most repeated commands in Holy Scripture. It’s right up there with “believe” and “do not fear.” But commands like these can feel vaguely spiritual, intangible, or esoteric. You might not know if you’re doing them right. Not so with singing. You just open your mouth and make it happen. And when we do, we often get the sense that God is up to something, that he has designed singing to change us. But how?

How does singing do its transformative work? Why has God hard-wired singing with such power? What does Scripture teach us about the gift of song? What did the songs of Scripture feel like and sound like? Why does singing awaken something so visceral and emotional within us? And what are the results of being changed by the power of song? Behind all of these questions lies a creative, songful God. He delights in singing. He extends to us a melodic mission. He invites us into intimacy with himself and with his people, and singing is more essential to the journey than we have yet to believe.

Genres: Christian, Music

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2022

Reviews

[MJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was more conversational than I expected. It was less academic than I typically prefer. I think he had some helpful things to say and some true things to say, but I do think he set up the book as if those things have NEVER been said before. And I know he frames it with the truth that there are few books and resources about singing - I agree. I just don’t feel like I experienced the “wow I didn’t know that. That completely changed my frame of reference” experience that I expected based on his introduction.

I do admire that passion that leaks from every word, page, and chapter. That is rich enough.

[Bobbi Geosling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did you realize that one of the commands that occurs most often in scripture is to SING? I had never stopped to think about that or consider all the benefits of joining in song. This book was one that had me pause several times to say, “hmmm, I never thought of that!”
It took me a long time to get through this one though because I got stuck in some of the middle chapters that felt a little slow and dense, otherwise there was a lot of good thought provoking content. I’m not a history person so that’s where the middle sections got me a little bogged down. Would still recommend.

[Cassie Dickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this with a worship leading internship. Articulates what we do in a way that makes sense.

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book on singing. Noted, I also very enjoy singing, so there might be some inherent bias.

[Shannon Hugo · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love Jesus, if you love music, you should read this book.

As someone who has grown up in the church, I have had a wide variety of thoughts about the singing that happens there. I often keep them to myself because I don't want others to be swayed by them or think of them instead of God whilst singing. Thompson has managed to addressed them all in this book, the positive and negative. He gives history and evidence to anchor his argument that "... God has hard-wired song for your happiness. He has designed singing to enfold you into the divine life and to deepen your sense of belonging in his family. He has devised singing to anchor his people in gratitude and honesty before him. He has made melody to be a vehicle for healthy emotionality, whether lament or laud. Simply, he wants us to sing so that we might know and love him more."

And, it's super fun to me that it was written by a pastor at my old church and the cover art was designed by someone at my new one.

[Ella Heckman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was craving a book like this for a very long time and SLDH was a really good fix for that need! It was a simple book, very conversational which I believe was as much to its benefit as it wasn’t depending on how you look at it. In some ways, I expected the book to to feel a bit “meatier” or to be a little more abstract but Thompson’s writing is very clear-cut. However, that does not at mean it lacked depth! This book will take you through scripture and church history up to this present day with well researched and thought out insights on how singing has been and will continue to be a divine calling. I loved how Thompson would always end his chapters and eventually the entire book answering the questions of “so what/now what?”

[Chris Partyka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim Thompson writes a wonderful book to introduce Christians to the great tradition of singing. He surveys Scripture and Church History to provide a primer on the type of songs we have to sing and why we should sing them. Furthermore, he provides practical application and guidelines for a Christian to deepen their walk with Christ and their relationship with the family of God through song. This is a wonderful resource that is informative, easy-to-read, and pleasant. Worth the read!

[Josh Via · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jim brings clarity, conviction and sound teaching into the current worship conversation. Combining southern wit, unique insight into mainstream culture, and his love for theology, church history, and the local church, Jim has written a rare gem that should be on the bookshelf of every worship leader in America. Thanks so much, Jim!

[Jack Woodbury · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well reasoned, thoroughly joyful, and lovingly delivered argument on the importance and beauty of singing. I’d recommend it to anyone because it does what so few books claim to do; gives you practical advice that will actually change your life for the better.

[Linda Morrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fresh take on how we should view and participate in worship! The writing is a little heavy at times but well worth the perseverance! The footnotes should also not be missed as there are some great pearls of worship wisdom contained in them!

[Andrew Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praise Jesus that it’s “Sing Loud,” not “Sing Well.”