Love Notes

I’ve often said, at least to myself, that all the love songs in all the world were written for God, the original Writer of Love Songs.


Growing up in the 70’s, there was Maranatha! Music, Love Song, Keith Green. These were the beginnings of my love affair with God. He knew what would draw my heart, and the heart of my generation. Which music, in particular.


However, I’ve also noticed that many of the popular secular songs of that time and, in fact, all throughout time, could also, if heard with a spiritual ear, be a love song for - or from - God.


Songs often pop into my head, sometimes for no logical reason, but many times I’ll notice they reflect something I’ve been thinking about. Or something God is trying to speak to my heart. Or a song that goes with some message I’ve recently heard - my friend calls those “companion songs”.


So, just this morning, suddenly appearing was, An Old Fashioned Love Song, written by Paul H. Williams, for the group Three Dog Night. One of my absolute favorite groups of all time.


It caused me to ponder the song, since it was stuck there anyway. So, dissecting it a bit, I discovered these interesting little love notes…


“The sound of someone promising they’ll never go…” God will never leave us. He promised.


“You swear you’ve heard it before…” Can I really trust Him?


“No need in bringing ‘em back ‘cause they’ve never really gone…” Yes, He’s always with us.


“… one I’m sure they wrote for you and me…” Father, Son, Holy Spirit.


“…coming down in three part harmony…” Again, Father, Son, Holy Spirit!


“To weave our dreams upon and listen to each evening when the lights are low. To underscore our love affair with tenderness and feeling that we’ve come to know…” This has to be those quiet times woven through our days and nights when it’s just Him whispering into our hearts, in the way that only He can do.


No, it’s not always so simplistic, I get it. Nor can I twist it around and make too much of it all. It’s a secular song written about two lovers. But wouldn’t it be just like our creative God to use all means available within His infinite reach and power, even those creative efforts from man, to woo and capture, however He can, the hearts of those who are searching the world for their One True Love?


Yes. At least it’s been my experience.


So… shall we now look at the B-side… *One (is the Loneliest Number)..?




Songwriter: Harry Edward Nilsson