What is a Muse?

In Greek mythology, the Muses were the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne.  The Muses were nine in number.  Hesiod said they were all one in mind, heart, and spirit.  If the Muses loved someone he was at once said to forget his worries when one of the Muses’ servants sang.  Each field of the arts was under the direction of the Muses.  Hesiod said that the Muses revealed to him their ability to make falsehood seem to be the truth as they so desired.  If the Muses inspired a man, he was considered to be more sacred than a priest.

It is worthy of note that many musicians have claimed have claimed to receive their inspiration from the supernatural.  Perhaps the most popular musician to credit his influence from the spirit world was the “electronic shaman,” Jim Morrison.  Jim Morrison called the spirits “The Lords,”1 Joni Mitchell called her muse “Art,”2 Jimi Hendrix did not call his influence by name but he knew he was possessed by something,3 and the list could go on and on.

Obviously, it is in the realm of the spirit that music reaches its greatest heights of influence and power.  It is not just the Greeks who are inspired by spirit beings today.  Most rock musicians admit that their creativity comes in somewhat unusual manners.  Given the fact that the kingdom of darkness is real, it is the spiritual source of all opposition to God.  Music, which certainly relates to man’s spirit, is among the most potent techniques that Satan uses to empower the lusts of man’s heart.  Satan does not just use a Hitler or Manson to bring about his desire, but he can use a pretty singer or amazing guitarist to disguise his presence and purposes.

Mick Jagger is quoted as saying, “Who’s dead this week then?  Roy Orbison?  Hard to tell these days, innit!  Pop star!  They’re droppin’ like flies!  Droppin’ all over the place, mate!”4  It seems as though “Muses” certainly do inspire many musicians with fame and fortune, but there is a price to pay is one’s own soul.  Pamela Des Barres’ book, Rock Bottom,5 documents the high number of rock related deaths.  The message in rock music today is anti-Christian to the core, and the demonic influence is all too rampant.  The Scripture warns, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked:  for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7).

1 James Douglas Morrison, The Lords and the New Creatures (New York:  Simon and Schuster, 1970).

2 Time magazine, 16 December 1974, p. 39.

3 David Henderson, Scuse Me While I Kiss the Sky (New York:  Bantam Books, 1978).

4 Nick Kent, The Dark Stuff:  Selected Writings on Rock Music, 1972-1995 (New York:  DeCapo Press, 1995), p. 145.

5 Pamela Des Barres, Rock Bottom:  Dark Moments in Music Babylon (New York:  St. Martin’s Press, 1996).