Assaulted. Breached. Desecrated. Infracted. Offended. Profaned. Raped.

I’m considering what word that suits best what Todd Agnew has done to one of the world’s most beautiful songs. He took it, pulled every natural, emotional sound out of the tune. He sings it in a disastrous, cold and inhuman manner. As if that wasn’t enough, he has also added some lines that are neither poetic nor purposeful:

Hallelujah,
Grace like rain falls down on me
Hallelujah,
All my stains are washed away –
They’re washed away…

Now, just look at that for a moment. It’s kind of typical for new worship songs, I’m sad to say. The words don’t tease your ears, and they don’t have much substance for your thinking. Besides, there are countless Holy Rain-songs that follow the same pattern. Mr. Agnew had fashion in mind when he wrote this! Now, compare it to the parts of the original song that remains, for instance:

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed

Do you see the difference? It’s two very different levels of writing. So here is my question: Why not take the classic version? It’s much better in every single aspect. Or why not take Chris Tomlin’s version which at least stays faithful to the tune?