Richard L. Ramsey

THE SONG Movie Biblical References and Easter Eggs #TBT

2016-01-28T15:53:00.000-05:00

Being that The Song is based on the story of King Solomon, there are dozens of “Easter eggs” in the film in the form of scriptural references pertaining to his life and writings. I compiled a list of them before the film's theatrical release, and since we didn’t make all that much use of them from a marketing standpoint (I’m not saying we should have, just that we didn’t) I thought why not post them here in the off chance that anyone is interested?

The list and its spoilers are below the next picture. If you haven’t seen The Song, you can stream it on Amazon Prime. If you don’t have Amazon Prime, I believe you can do a thirty-day free trial.

Since I’m feeling sassy today, a side note before getting to the list:

Pretty much everyone got…and was intended to get…that David King is King David. Congratulations. And, an annoying amount of people reacted to this with a sarcastic, "Oh, that's really subtle." While it is admittedly not at all subtle, given the vast disparity of biblical literacy amongst audience members, filling your film with scripture references is like conducting an Easter egg hunt for kids from two to twelve years old.

Sometimes you have to put the big, fat, neon, L’eggs pantyhose egg right in the open grass in order to not only give the toddlers a chance to find an egg, but to demonstrate to them that there is even an egg hunt going on in the first place.

If you were a twelve year-old who saw the egg set out for the two year olds, then assumed every egg was so poorly hidden, and so then quit, not only would you miss out on a great number of eggs, you’d look rather ridiculous insulting the intelligence of the adults whom you think made the eggs too easy to find.

So, if you scoffed at the neon David King panty-hose egg, there’s a good chance you missed most of the many eggs listed below.

Also, for crying out loud, Google the name "David King." It will likely be several dozen pages before anything about The Song appears. Why? Because it's an actual name that several people actually have.

The film’s prologue is a summation of 2 Samuel 11-12 and 1 Kings 1-2.

The rest of the movie is inspired by 1 Kings 3-11 and assumes the traditionalist narrative that Solomon wrote Song of Songs (aka Song of Solomon) as a young newlywed and Ecclesiastes as a world-weary and remorseful king.

All voiceovers are taken from Solomonic text - Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon.

As stated, David King is obviously King David.

Like his biblical parallel, David King is a renowned songwriter and musician.

David's hit song, "Can't Hold On," is derived from Psalm 38.

In the Bible, King David sees Bathsheba bathing on a roof. In "The Song," David King sees Bethany swimming naked in a lake.

Bathsheba is the wife of one of King David's generals. Bethany is the wife of one of David King's bandmates.

King David's adultery with Bathsheba produces an unplanned, illegitimate pregnancy. Likewise with David King and Bethany.

In a failed attempt to cover up the pregnancy, King David tries to get Bathsheba's husband, Uriah, drunk in hope that Uriah will sleep with Bathsheba and ultimately believe the child is his own. In "The Song," David King takes his bandmate's beer and hands him whiskey in an attempt to get him drunk for different, but equally selfish, reasons.

Ultimately, King David has Bathsheba's husband killed by placing him on the front lines of a battle. In the film, Bethany's husband commits suicide upon discovering his wife's unfaithfulness and his friends betrayal.

In the Bible, the prophet Nathanael speaks on behalf of God and confronts David over his egregious sins. The prophet tells the king that, among other punishments, God will take the life of David and Bathsheba's child. David, genuinely repentant and grief stricken, lies facedown on the floor – begging God to have mercy on him and the new child. "The Song" also depicts David King facedown in repentance after he's devestated his friends and destroyed his family.

After the death of her husband, King David marries Bathsheba just like David King marries Bethany.

From King David's union with Bathsheba comes Solomon:

"Then David comforted his wife Bathsheba, and he went to her and made love to her. She gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon. The Lord loved him; and because the Lord loved him, he sent word through Nathan the prophet to name him Jedidiah." - 2 Samuel 12:24, 25 NIV

"Jed," the name of the main character in "The Song," is also taken from this verse - the one verse in which Solomon is called "Jedidiah."

David King's guitar features a crown emblem. Just like his biblical namesake, our David dies and leaves his "crown" to his son.

The first verse of Psalm 23 - arguably the most famous song written by King David - is engraved on David King's tombstone.

At David King's gravesite, Bethany's gray hair and youthful face are a tribute to Emmylou Harris, who is considered by many to be the Queen Mother of Americana music. But, it's also a nod to Proverbs 16:31, "Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness." The biblical text indicates that, by the end of King David's life, Bathsheba was revered by her husband and sons.

Top: Kenda Benward as Bethany King :: Bottom: Emmylou Harris

Jed's first song, "Son of a King," has lyrics that summarize David's affair and the ensuing fallout. The lyrics are equally applicable to both Davids.

As he reluctantly drives to a gig at a vineyard harvest festival, Jed passes the city limit sign for the fictional town of Sharon, Kentucky. The sign reads:

"Sharon - Population 2221"

22 is Song of Songs, the 22nd book of the Bible. 21 is chapter 2, verse 1: "I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys."

The character Rose Jordan and her hometown of Sharon are named after this verse.

Like the young Shulamite woman in the Song of Songs, Rose is the daughter of a vineyard owner. (SoS 1:6)

Also, the Jordan river is frequently referenced throughout the Bible. Jesus was baptized in it. The Israelites had to cross it in order to enter the promised land. It's often used symbolically in songs and literature to delineate the boundary between earthly life and eternal paradise.

Jed's impromptu banjo jam, "Split the Baby," is a musical hat tip to the landmark event in Solomon's life described in 1 Kings 3, in which he arbitrates a legal dispute between two prostitutes claiming to be the rightful mother of the same baby. Both he and Jed administer justice in a way that leaves onlookers in awe.

Rose correctly notes that the lyrics to "Turn, Turn, Turn" are in the Bible. They were adapted by folk-musician Pete Seeger, nearly word for word, from the third chapter of Ecclesiastes, a book traditionally attributed to Solomon.

Nearly every life event listed in Ecclesiastes 3 (and "Turn, Turn, Turn") occurs in the film.

Shep mentions that both Jed and his father, David, have songs about God. 78 of the 150 psalms in the Bible are attributed to King David. Psalm 72 is written by Solomon. Song of Songs is traditionally attributed to Solomon. And, 1 Kings says Solomon composed over 1000 songs.

Rose tells Jed that she has two brothers, "but they weren't cut out for winemaking, so they bailed [left home]." In Song of Songs 1:6, the woman says that her angry brothers made her tend to the family vineyard.

Rose asks Jed where he learned to skip rocks across the water so well. His response is a reference to the story of David and Goliath.

Jed tells Rose if she dances with him it will keep her warm. Ecclesiastes 4:11 says, "Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?"

Rose asks Jed what he would ask for if he knew God would give him anything he wanted. Jed says he would want to be wise. In the Bible, God appears to Solomon in a dream, promising to give Solomon whatever he desires. When Solomon asks for wisdom, God is so pleased with his answer that He promises to give him that and everything he didn't ask for - peace and prosperity unsurpassed in Israel's history.

Almost immediately after asking for wisdom, Jed decides to propose to Rose. Throughout the opening chapters of Proverbs, wisdom is personified as a woman.

Wisdom versus foolishness is a running theme in Solomon's work and in, "The Song." Both words are used several times in the film.

Jed builds Rose a vineyard chapel. He doesn't finish it for several years. Under Solomon's command, Israel built its first temple to God. It took seven years to complete.

On their honeymoon, Jed writes Rose "The Song." Tradition holds that Solomon wrote Song of Songs as an erotic love song for his first wife and true love. The lyrics from "The Song" are heavily derived from Song of Songs - particularly, 8:6-7.

Like Solomon, Jed becomes very rich and famous - even touring outside the US. The Bible says that royalty and dignitaries from all over the world came to hear Solomon speak and to see the grandeurs of his kingdom.

Jed and Rose have a son named Ray. Solomon's son and successor was named Rehoboam.

After becoming famous, Jed meets the singer and violinist, Shelby Bale.

She is a composite of the 700 wives and 300 concubines that 1 Kings 11 says led Solomon away from God.

Many believe that Solomon had a love affair with the Queen of Sheba though the biblical text never explicitly says this. Nevertheless, this is the female name most associated with Solomon, and the name Shelby derives from it.

(I actually decided on the name "Shelby" while writing the script in a farmhouse near Shelbyville, KY. A tattoo on Shelby's inner forearm says, "Shelbyville.")

Also, Shelby's surname "Bale" is a homophone of "Baal" - the name of an idol that continually proved to be a stumbling block to ancient Israel.

1 Kings 9 tells us that Solomon took Pharaoh's daughter as the first of many pagan wives. Shelby's tattoos feature gods and symbols from ancient Egypt, Babylon, and others. And, at Jed and Shelby's Amsterdam concert, her costume, make-up, and hair bear a striking resemblance to Cleopatra.

No, there's not anti-tattoo agenda in The Song. I just thought it would be a visually striking way to differentiate Shelby from Rose and to pay homage to the source material: the Biblical account of Solomon's life.

Shelby's introductory song, "Confetti," is inspired by Solomon's descriptions of "the adulterous woman" found in the opening chapters of Proverbs.

Just as many of Solomon's marriages were likely the result of strategic political alliances, Jed tells Rose that touring with Shelby will increase his fan base and thus his income.

The song "All I Want To Be" incorporates Solomon's famous observation that, "there is nothing new under the sun," as well as Proverbs 13:12, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."

Like the man and woman in Song of Songs, the film's characters use allusions to wine-drinking and wine-making as a metaphor for relationships and sex.

Jed's royal-themed photo-shoot with Shelby is an allusion to the actual royalty of Solomon.

In fact, as the film progresses, Jed's hair and beard grow, causing his appearance to more and more resemble traditional depictions of Solomon.

Jed and Shelby grace the cover of "Rock & Roots" magazine with the headline, "The Son Also Rises." This is an allusion to the famous verse from Ecclesiastes, "The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose." (Ecclesiastes 1:5 KJV)

Stricken by a guilty conscience, Jed begins to have paranoid nightmares of being pursued by his father-in-law and his father. Proverbs 28:1 reads, "The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion."

There is also a lion motif in the film. A painted portrait of a lion hangs on the wall in David's party. Jed and Shelby stare at a nature TV show featuring a lioness pouncing on a wildebeest. In "1 Samuel," a young David tells King Saul that he has killed a lion.

Jed's song, "Chasing After Wind" is very derivative of Ecclesiastes, which teaches that life "under the sun" - that is, life without God or any heavenly considerations - has no objective meaning or purpose and that nothing on earth can satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. Seeking meaning and ultimate satisfaction in life apart from God is as futile as "chasing after wind." Many believe that Ecclesiastes expresses Solomon's remorse and repentance for walking away from God.

"What do we mean if nothing has meaning? If in the end, we're chasing after wind?"

Jed's moral failures nearly destroy his music career, and he is presented with an opportunity to make a comeback. In the end, he walks away from fame and fortune to live the simple life with his wife and children. This is a happier ending than the one in the biblical account. Solomon's sin leads to his son, Rehoboam, losing most of the kingdom in a civil war that divides his country into the two nations of Israel and Judah.

(I’ll note in passing that a few people have complained/insinuated that this "happier" ending was the result of my kowtowing to the supposed genre conventions of “faith-based films.” Nope. Upbeat endings are not so much a CHRISTIAN movie thing as they are just a movie thing in general.)

Jed's final song in the chapel (post-credits scene) places the life and teachings of Solomon in the broader context of the entire Biblical narrative of "Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Consummation" - No one knows or can know everything God has done and will do from the beginning of the world to its end. Our only hope is that God's Son will redeem those who live by faith and that He will bring every deed into judgment and make everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 and 3:11).

The Song: Louisville's Wave3 News Reports

2014-09-24T11:33:00.002-04:00

wave3.com-Louisville News, Weather

The Song: Catholics Champion The Movie

2014-09-23T16:30:00.001-04:00

Caitlin Nicol-Thomas as Shelby Bale and Alan Powell as Jed King

It fills with me with immense gratitude and joy to see Catholic leaders, organizations, and bloggers embracing The Song. Click on links below to read the full articles/reviews.

"The beauty of the faithful love of husband and wife is showcased in a moving portrayal of a man and woman who fall in love and conquer the world’s challenges. This movie, based on Holy Scripture’s ‘Song of Songs,’ leads the viewer to yearn for a faithful love of such deep and lasting beauty and helps us appreciate the sacrifices such a love in this life requires and deserves. Our world needs such a compelling witness, which is too often missed in the glitter of today’s fast-paced culture of impulsive and shallow relationships."

-Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D., Archbishop of Louisville and President of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

"The Song is filled with beauty—breathtaking scenery, attractive actors, and a captivating soundtrack that is Mumford & Sons-esque—but it is the voiceover of Jed King quoting from The Song of Solomon and Ecclesiastes about the meaning of life that adds another layer of depth and elevates this movie to art."

"...a 'mini-masterpiece'”

"...This is what Christian movie-making should look like."

- Lori Hadacek Chaplin, CatholicMatch.com

“The power of The Song comes not only from the beautiful blend of Scripture, music, and married life lived large on the screen, but from the way it lays bare the sacrifices and surrender that true love requires of both spouses. The Song will make you rethink your own marriage and the ways you are – or are not — living out your vows to love, honor, and cherish your spouse.”

-Mary DeTurris Poust, Not Strictly Spiritual Blog

The Song is strong in message, casting, and production. The Song of Solomon was a Golden thread interwoven with great music, and the messiness of real life. This Thread of God’s word made a great movie a gorgeous quality tapestry.

-Marya Jauregui, CatholicMom.com

"I liked that we had to see what happens when half of a married couple forsakes integrity (doing what you say you will), honesty (telling the truth), and communication (as it applies to expectations, thoughts, feelings, sex, you name it) — all of which a marriage needs if it’s to thrive. And I liked that Jed learned that all his choices but one added nothing to his life."

-Arleen Spenceley, ArleenSpencely.com

"This movie takes a look at the difficulties of married life and how if marriage is not properly looked after, it can wither and die. This movie also takes a look at how the role of confession, penance, and redemption can save not just a marriage but also a man’s soul."

-Angela Calabro, Family Theatre Productions

"There are countless gems that shine through this movie – the biblical wisdom subtly woven throughout, the countless lessons to learn, and just plain enjoying a movie well done. Don’t miss the release this Friday, September 26th."

-Katie Sciba, CatholicWife.net

Also, here is an article on the film by Catholic News Service, and here Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle interviews Alan Poweel for The Catholic World Report.

The Song: Exclusive Clip On Apple Trailers

2014-09-23T14:39:00.001-04:00

Click here to watch an exclusive clip from The Song courtesy of Apple Trailers.

The Song: Tony Dungy - "Every Couple Should See This Movie"

2014-09-23T14:20:00.000-04:00

Well...the man who's been the primary cause behind many, many painful Sunday afternoons for this Texans fan has made me very happy today! So thankful this great man and great coach supports The Song!

The Song: Christianity Today Review

2014-09-22T15:46:00.001-04:00

Ali Faulkner as Rose Jordan and Alan Powell as Jed King

Jonathan Merrit has written a three out of four star review for The Song in Christianity Today:

"A film that re-imagines the story of Solomon with uncommon artistic integrity...By blending together Song of Solomon and Ecclesiastes, The Song gives us something very Proverbs-like. It forces audiences to ask probing questions about life and love. It grapples with timeless, tough topics without pulling punches. But, most of all, this film reminds us that pursuing anything outside of the Source of true meaning is—as both Solomon and his modern counterpart say—'a chasing of wind.'”

Full review here.

The Song: What Do @alanpowell10 And Solomon Have In Common?

2014-09-16T17:28:00.000-04:00

They've both been involved with a 700 club.

Boom, baby!

I'll be here all week. Be sure and tip your waitress.

In the meantime, you can also enjoy these media appearances by The Song's Alan Powell:

The Song: Interviews with @Global_Dispatch #seethesong

2014-09-11T15:56:00.002-04:00

For anyone interested, here's interviews that Alan Powell, Ali Faulkner, and I did for the Global Dispatch. I ramble rather embarrassingly in the middle, but I get straightened back out again. It's like I forgot I was doing an interview and thought I was just on the phone. Anyway...

THE SONG: 2nd Interview with WHAS

2014-09-05T12:51:00.000-04:00

Here's another interview Tony and I did with WHAS11 to promote The Song and its hometown premiere.

Also, Vince Emmett, our film's Music Producer, and I will be on Louisville's WFPK 91.9 from 5pm to 6pm Eastern to talk about The Song. We'll also be playing several tracks from the movie!

THE SONG on WHAS "Great Day Live"

2014-09-04T13:23:00.000-04:00

Tony Young, Executive Producer of The Song, and I appeared on Louisville's "Great Day Live" to talk about the film and this Saturday's Hometown Premiere (tickets still available).

You can watch our interview here.

THE SONG Interview For ChristianCinema.com

2014-09-04T10:56:00.002-04:00

Here's a recent interview I did for ChristianCinema.com about The Song and faith-based films.

Emmylou Harris, Ricky Skaggs, And The Byrds' Roger McGuinn To Join "The Song" Movie Soundtrack

2014-09-03T18:13:00.002-04:00

with Emmylou Harris, Caitlin Nicol-Thomas, and Executive Music Producer, Vince Emmett

More details here.

Click here to listen to samples of the soundtrack album.

And, you can even download a few free tracks here:

THE SONG - Official Trailer #2

2014-09-01T09:00:00.000-04:00

Yahoo! Movies article on The Song.

THE SONG In Theaters September 26th

2014-05-24T00:34:00.002-04:00

The Deadline Article.

The Variety Article.

THE SONG - Featured Artist: The Wallings Jr.

2013-11-26T11:19:00.000-05:00

Taylor Walling, who wrote a delightful song for, and makes an appearance in, THE SONG, has just released a wonderful Americana album with his wife, Courtney. The album, entitled Before the War is currently featured on the front page of NoiseTrade, where you can download three FREE sample tracks.

My wife and I purchased their album last week and love it, and we think you will too. You can also check out their album on iTunes.

THE SONG Website

2013-11-21T22:02:00.002-05:00

THE SONG now has a website: www.thesongfilm.com

Also, be sure to like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

"After A Decade, A Leadership Change At City On A Hill."

2013-09-06T21:08:00.002-04:00

Click here to read more.

THE SONG - BTS Still Sc113

2013-07-26T14:04:00.001-04:00

Jed King (Alan Powell) and Shelby Bale (Caitlin Nicol-Thomas) Photo: Daniel Treat

"I'll walk with you
Your hand in my hand
I'll say, 'Hey, I like it this way.'
You kiss my mouth
You give me dreams
Make me say, 'Hey, I like it this way.'"
-"I Like It This Way"
written by Jill Paquette and Connie Harrington

"Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine." - Song of Solomon 1:2

THE SONG: An aspiring singer-songwriter's life and marriage suffer when the song he writes for his wife propels him to stardom. Inspired by the life of Solomon.

THE SONG - Pick-up Pics

2013-07-05T14:19:00.002-04:00

Ali Faulkner as Rose Jordan

Ali Faulkner, Alan Powell, and Director of Photography, Kevin Bryan

Jed King and Shelby Bale get mobbed by fans.

Discussing an upcoming scene with Caitlin Nicol-Thomas and Alan Powell.

Jed's bandmates celebrate their picture wrap.

"Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart." - Ecclesiastes 5:19-20

THE SONG: An aspiring singer-songwriter's life and marriage suffer when the song he writes for his wife propels him to stardom. Inspired by the life of Solomon.

THE SONG - Official Trailer

2013-06-21T16:18:00.000-04:00

"I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God." - Ecclesiastes 3:12-13

Amen. Feeling so blessed today. If you haven't seen it already, please watch and enjoy!

THE SONG - Production Still Sc96

2013-06-18T13:21:00.000-04:00

"From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom." - 1 Kings 4:34

THE SONG: An aspiring singer-songwriter's life and marriage suffer when the song he writes for his wife propels him to stardom. Inspired by the life of Solomon.

Trailer coming soon.

THE SONG - Production Still Sc19

2013-05-15T10:16:00.000-04:00

Aaron Benward as David King

These are the last words of David:

“The inspired utterance of David son of Jesse,
the utterance of the man exalted by the Most High,
the man anointed by the God of Jacob,
the hero of Israel’s songs..."
-2 Samuel 23:1

THE SONG: An aspiring singer-songwriter's life and marriage suffer when the song he writes for his wife propels him to stardom. Inspired by the life and writings of King Solomon.

THE SONG - Production Still Sc13

2013-05-02T15:46:00.001-04:00

Aaron Benward as David King

Psalm 51

For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba.

Have mercy on me, O God,

according to your unfailing love;

according to your great compassion

blot out my transgressions.

Wash away all my iniquity

and cleanse me from my sin.

For I know my transgressions,

and my sin is always before me.

Against you, you only, have I sinned

and done what is evil in your sight;

so you are right in your verdict

and justified when you judge.

Surely I was sinful at birth,

sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

Yet you desired faithfulness even in the womb;

you taught me wisdom in that secret place.

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;

wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Let me hear joy and gladness;

let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

Hide your face from my sins

and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,

and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Do not cast me from your presence

or take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation

and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Then I will teach transgressors your ways,

so that sinners will turn back to you.

Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God,

you who are God my Savior,

and my tongue will sing of your righteousness.

Open my lips, Lord,

and my mouth will declare your praise.

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;

you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.

My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;

a broken and contrite heart

you, God, will not despise.

May it please you to prosper Zion,

to build up the walls of Jerusalem.

Then you will delight in the sacrifices of the righteous,

in burnt offerings offered whole;

then bulls will be offered on your altar.

THE SONG: An aspiring singer-songwriter's life and marriage suffer when the song he writes for his wife propels him to stardom. Inspired by the life and writings of King Solomon.

THE SONG - Banjo Casting

2013-04-30T17:15:00.003-04:00

Saw this video today and realized what a fantastic job our music producer, Vince Emmett, did in picking out instruments for THE SONG. To see for yourself, check out this picture I took on set or this one I took back in August.

THE SONG - Productions Still Sc21

2013-04-26T21:57:00.001-04:00

Kenda Benward as Bethany King and Alan Powell as Jed King

"Generations come and generations go,
but the earth remains forever."
-Ecclesiastes 1:4

THE SONG: An aspiring singer-songwriter's life and marriage suffer when the song he writes for his wife propels him to stardom. Inspired by the life and writings of King Solomon.