I’ve noticed a number of songs have the idea of karma as a theme. Maybe someone has done the singer wrong, and now that person is “getting what they deserve.” I thought I’d look at karma a little closer- to see if singers are defining it correctly, and if it’s even a Biblical concept.
Here’s a good definition from Wikipedia
Karma is believed to be a sum of all that an individual has done, is currently doing and will do. The results or “fruits” of actions are called karma-phala. Karma is not about retribution, vengeance, punishment or reward; karma simply deals with what is. The effects of all deeds actively create past, present and future experiences, thus making one responsible for one’s own life, and the pain and joy it brings to others. In religions that incorporate reincarnation, karma extends through one’s present life and all past and future lives as well. It is cumulative.
So, in other words: stuff happens. Good or bad, it’s your fault.
“Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club
(lyrics found at www.seeklyrics.com)
I’m a man
without conviction
I’m a man
who doesn’t know
How to sell a contradiction
You come and go
You come and go
I don’t think singer Boy George had the definition of karma in mind by naming the subject of the song “Karma,”- he was more interested in exploring the person’s chameleon-like attributes. Ah, what a great song this is!
“Beautiful Liar” by Beyonce and Shakira
(lyrics found at www.seeklyrics.com)
Lets not kill the Karma
Lets not start a fight
Its not worth the drama
For a Beautiful Liar
I’m not a big fan of this song, although it has grown on me a little bit. You can see what I wrote about this song here. The meaning behind this song is that they’re singing about a guy who was going out with the both of them at the same time, I believe. Rather than “kill the karma” between them, they’ll just drop the whole thing. It’s not worth it.
But wait, is karma something that exists between two people? I think the proper words would’ve been “let’s not destroy our friendship.” That doesn’t rhyme with “drama,” though.
“Karma” by Alicia Keys
(lyrics found at www.seeklyrics.com)
Cause what goes around, comes around
What goes up, must come down
Now who’s cryin, desirin to come back to me
What goes around, comes around
What goes up, must come down
Now who’s cryin, desirin to come back
Is this karma or is the law of gravity and the theory of relativity at work?
“What Goes Around Comes Around” by Justin Timberlake
(lyrics found at www.seeklyrics.com)
You cheated girl
My heart bleeds girl
So it goes without saying that you left me feeling hurt
Just a classic case
A scenario
Tale as old as time
Girl you got what you deserved
“Cry Me a River” by Justin Timberlake
(lyrics found at www.seeklyrics.com)
Your bridges were burned, and now it’s your turn
To cry, cry me a river
Justin is all about people getting theirs for messing with him. You mess with him, you’re going to get “what you deserve,” or “now it’s your turn.” Though he doesn’t mention karma by name, that’s exactly what he’s talking about. Treat him good, you’ll be OK. Do him wrong, you’re gonna get yours- it’s going to come back around.
The worst thing about “What Goes Around Comes Around” is that it’s way too long! That song is around 7 minutes long! The chorus comes around way too much!
Let’s see if the Bible has anything to say about karma.
Galatians 6:7-10
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.
This sounds like the classic example of one getting what they deserve according to their actions. But is it karma? If I eat 10 candy bars a day and sit in front of this computer all day without getting any exercise, I’ll get fat. If I jump out of my bedroom window, I’ll get hurt. Is it “karma” or cause and effect? If I sow wickedness, I will reap wickedness.
Matthew 7:1
“Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?”
This isn’t so much karma as avoiding being hypocritical. But if you judge harshly, you’ll be harshly judged- in other words, cause and effect.
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Finally, this is cause and effect as well. If you work 40 hours a week, you expect to receive your wages- a paycheck, right?
This verse kind of puts a monkey wrench in our definition of cause and effect, because the gift of God is free! One doesn’t have to work for God’s free gift of eternal life. One doesn’t have to do anything! Oh wait, perhaps that is cause and effect.
I’m not ready to say that “karma” is a Biblical concept, since it has it’s roots in Hinduism, but similar notions exist in pretty much all religions and philosophies. Call it what you will.
