Where’s the Thunder with “Lightning”?
You could say I’m not feeling struck by Eric Church’s new video, “Lightning.” After hearing the hype about this “controversial” new video that takes on the death penalty, I was expecting to be moved and emotionally drawn to the video. I suppose the shock value (no pun intended) and thought-provoking ideas were achieved, but there is something else missing altogether.
The idea of capital punishment, though an unsettling subject, is not what I find unsuitable about this video, but rather the way in which the man facing the death penalty is portrayed. I realize the song is viewed from his perspective rather than the victim’s, putting an overall interesting twist on the song. However, my problem is that the song does not make a strong enough case to feel much sympathy toward the killer. In other words, an emotional connection to the criminal is missing. I felt as though I was hanging and waiting, wondering when I when I was finally going to feel sorry for this man.
During the video, the man being put to death only decides to use his gun when he believes the store attendant has one himself. So, when he thinks he sees him reaching for the gun, he decides to shoot him dead on the floor. After all, he’s only robbing the store as a means of providing money for his hungry baby girl. What else was he to do, right? I have a better idea. Get a job.
I have watched this video several times thinking that the next time I may feel a bit more moved and that I was being too critical the time before. I even attended the debut of “Lightning” at City Hall in Nashville earlier this week, where I watched it on a large projection screen, but I still felt the same lack of sentiment. Others viewing the video that night also looked somewhat confused. Perhaps they too were not feeling the thunder.
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Mike Connell says:
I have been trying to get to a site that would lead me to a site that would let me e-mal Garth Brooks or at the very least mail him a letter. Can you help me?
ECFAN says:
I love the video, and I love the movie ‘The Green Mile’ which is where Eric got the idea for the song. Keep up the good work, it will be a #1 video.
Floozy&Bluesy says:
Song’s terrible. Video is worse. Is Eric Church still around? Next.
hotelmotel says:
Floozy%Bluesy has it right. Eric Church isn’t very good. He hasn’t released one interesting song yet. This new one takes an important topic and turns it into a real snoozer.
EricChurchFan says:
I think this video is amazing! Eric took such a powerful song and made a great video! And for those of you who don’t know, he wrote this song after watching “The Green Mile”
SinnersLikeMe says:
OK apparently you aren’t watching the same video I’m watching. Lightning is truly amazing and the acoustic part is breathe taking. If you haven’t ever met Eric please take the time to do so he treat you like your someone not just a fan!
Luvn’EBC says:
I have to disagree with the idea that there is a lack of empathy towards the criminal. When I watch this video, I DO feel for the criminal, and the victims mother, and the daughter. I think the video does an excellent job of creating those connections between the viewer and the subjects in the video. By the end of the video, I felt for everyone involved. When the video goes from recorded to Eric’s accoustic version of the song, I was chilled to the bone. I feel like this song and video do exactly what they were intended, and thats to create a relationship between the viewer and all the characters in the video. Good Job Eric!
Nikki says:
Although I believe everybody is entitled to their opinion, I have to say the writer here must not be seeing the same video or hearing the same song I am. The song on it’s own is very powerful, coupled with that video it is amazing and brings me to tears!
Meg says:
I don’t think anyone would argue that the better choice for the perpetrator would just be to “get a job” as you put it. But the fact remains that these crimes do sometimes happen out of desperation. This video isn’t really meant to make you cry for the person put to death, at least I see it.
I think rather this video is to show the human side of the man. I think the video is meant to show the pain of both the victim’s family and the perpetrator’s family. I think the video shows regret, sadness, and a darker side of life… all in a raw way.
I have seen a lot of videos lately that have failed to stir up any real emotion…. MOST of them in fact. I’m tired of video after video of people looking pretty….
I think this video is real… symbolic, beautifully put together.
And to those of you who think Eric hasn’t made any interesting songs, or “next!”.. I’d love to hear what artists you’re listening to. Because I, for one, thinks it’s refreshing to hear something different once in a while, and to hear someone who can actually sing, play, and get creative in music. A real artist like Church is hard to come by these days.
Chris says:
Maybe it’s because you have strong opinions of the death penalty is why you aren’t moved by the song or the video.
I think the song, and the video, is dark, deep and powerful. It spurs conversation and let’s you inside each person (the criminal, the criminals daughter and the victims mom). I can actually feel what each character is feeling through the strong and powerful lens of the camera.
I think Eric Church is a great song writer and can sing with the best of them. And… HotelMotel, since when do songs have to be “interesting”? Songs should entertain or touch people or can even motivate people, but interesting? I have never fallen in love with a song because it was interesting.
Keep up the GREAT work, Mr. Church. I am looking forward to your next CD and will be at the stores to buy it the day it comes out!
Patti says:
I agree with Nikki that everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
That being said, In my opinion this is a FANTASTIC video. I think Eric & Co. did a wonderful job. I absolutely love the way the video tells a story - but is without judgement on any of the people in the story.
Ironically - this is the video pushing Eric upward. This is the video that made it to #2 on the CMT 12 Pure Pack in the first week of fan voting.
AS for the is Eric Still around comment….Come-on - how rude and immature. Seriously. And if you gave him a chance you’d see how talented he is and what a great person he is. He is a man who truely loves his fans and treats us with the utmost respect. I’ve seen him win over more fans then you can imagine at live shows and meet and greets. He is a true talent.
Eric Church and the ECB are awesome :)
Loralei10 says:
Pure raw emotion filled this amazing video. Every time I watch it, I see more symbolism which is meant to connect you to all sides - criminal, victim, and their families. The pouring rain leading to the acoustic portion really touches me.
Eric reminds me of my preacher - his songs/sermons were written for me. Eric is very humble, appreciative, and always lets his fans know they are the reason for his success. I eagerly await the next CD of sermons!
Dana says:
I agree with Patti! This video was amazing! Sure, everyone may not like the video or the song but dont down on Eric Church because you dont like it. The “is Eric Church still around” comment is rude and immature and you should have more respect for people then that! Eric is very talented and will go very far in this business! His Fans love him and he loves his fans and he takes the time to actually acknowledge his fans other than some artist.
Just have a little respect for people especially when they sing and write their own music…as a matter of fact he probably wrote some of the songs you listen too!
You never know!
Great Job Eric!!!!
Mahea says:
I don’t think the intention of this song/video was to make you feel sorry for the guy. It was to get you thinking about your views on the death penalty and how it affects everyone involved, perpetrator and victim. If the video has you walking away thinking that the perpetrator should have gotten a job instead of robbing a store, then obviously the video has achieved it’s controversial purpose!
Eric Church is a great performer and an excellent songwriter. If this one isn’t catching your ear, he has a whole album full of fantastic songs, why don’t you give it a listen! It’s called Sinners Like Me :-)
charles says:
come on man i felt it it was awesome he got my attention and kept it the whole time sorry you missed it…i think cmt has overlooked eric church all togeather…sinnerslikeme is awesome…
JOEY(GATORBOY) says:
THIS VIDEO DOESN’T CONTAIN ANY SHOCK VALUE IT DOESN’T STRIKE YOU, ITS NOT CONTERVESAL, AND YOU CAN’T FEEL SORRY FOR THE CRIMANAL. WELL GUYS I HATE TO TELL YOU BUT THE WRITINGS ON THE WALL(LITERALLY) IF YOU NOTICE THERE IS A SCRIPTURE THE CONVICT HAS WRITTEN ON THE WALL ITS ABOUT NOT GETTING INTO HEAVEN FOR THINGS DONE UPON THE EARTH GOD SAID THAT THOSE PEOPLE SHALL NEVER ENTER IN HIS PLACE OF REST AND I BELIVE THE CONVICT BELIVES THIS BUT YET THERE IS A GLIMMER OF HOPE IN THIS SCRIPTURE BECAUSE THE FIRST LINE SAY THOSE THAT THOSE WHO BELIVE “WILL” ENTER INTO MY PLACE OF REST. WHEN THE SONG ENDS THERES THE LYRICS THAT SUM IT UP FOR THE MAN NOW PUT TO DEATH IT SAYS
LORD FORGIVE ME FOR LIVING MY LIFE THIS WAY
NOW THAT STRIKES ME
AND MAKES ME FEEL SORRY FOR THE GUY BECAUSE HE DOESN’T KNOW IF HE GETS TO HEAVEN BECAUSE HE BELIVES
AND HAS REPENTED OR DOES HE GO TO HELL FOR WHAT HE’S DONE
AND NOW THAT DEBATE IS A LITTLE CONTERVESAL
NOW ERIC HAS MADE HIS STATEMENT THAT HE BELIVES HE GOES KINDA SHOCKING HUH?
ITS NOT THE CONTERVERSY OF THE DEATH PENALTY, ITS THE BIBLE AND OF GODS FORGIVENESS UPON YOUR REPENT OF YOUR SINS ITS A DEBATE BEFORE OUR TIME AND BIGGER THAN WE ARE
GODS WRATH IS MIGHTY AND JUST, BUT CAN IT IT BE SPARED WITH FORGIVENESS BROUGHT ABOUT BY OUR REPENT
THERES YOU THUNDER.
FistCity says:
wow, can you say street team?
WD says:
I was at City Hall during the same event the person who wrote this was. I went to see The Randy Rogers Band, and stayed to see Eric Church(The Randy Rogers Band was a better). I didn’t know there would be a video and was kind of excited to see it when he described it before it played, but I must say I didn’t enjoy it either.
I don’t know Mr. Church’s stance on the death penalty or if that played into writing the song, but as someone who is against the death penalty I think it could have been more powerful if the character had been innocent.
A poster above stated that he wrote this song after he watched The Green Mile. The character in The Green Mile never murdered anybody. He was an innocent man being put to death. The message of The Green Mile and this video seem to be very different.
ME says:
Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and so is the author of this blog. She was just stating her opinions about the video, and not putting down Eric personally. But posting nasty things about her on Eric’s official message board isn’t nice. Doesn’t say much to me about his fans.
I agree with Whitney. I find the video and song to be extremely bland. Nope, it doesn’t move me either. It’s not a song that I would care to hear again.
I recently saw Johnny Cash’s performance of “Folsom Prison Blues” on CMT — now THAT’s a classic prison song that can’t be replicated.
Patti says:
FistCity, Is it not ok that I am a huge fan of Mr. Church and chose to post my feelings about his video? Regardless of if I’m part of his “street team” or not?
This is posted on CMT - eventually Eric Church fans are going to stumble on it.
Again not everyone has to agree….but I feel I have a right to state *MY* opinion.
I honestly wasn’t a HUGE fan of the song to be honest. It was my least favorite on Eric’s album….but in *MY* opinion….the video did it justice. And I don’t think Eric wants us to feel sorry for anyone. He is just telling a story. I do like watching the video. And I for one was a bit worried at how it would turn out and was completely thrilled with what *I* saw. :)
ECB Fan From Lafayette, LA says:
Eric Church is a great performer and an excellent songwriter. I loved the video. It’s awesome. I can’t tell you how many times that I have watched the video over and over again and it left me in tears and chills running down my spine. Eric & Co did an awesome job on this video. Eric is loved by his fans and he also appreciates his fans too. I can’t wait until his next CD comes out!!!
And for those of you who don’t know who Eric Church is go out and buy his CD it’s called “SINNERS LIKE ME” every song is AWESOME and for the one who said “is he still around”. He’ll be around for a long time to come…supported by his “CHURCH CHOIR FANS”.
YOU says:
To the Poster “Me”: Yes, yes, yes, everyone is entitled to their own opinions. So you don’t like Lightning video, that’s fine. You must like some part of Eric’s music, otherwise I don’t see why you’d take so much time to check out his Official Web Page.
Cookie Girl says:
I think there is nothing wrong that the author of this article didn’t like the video, because it did nothing for her. Not everyone will latch on to the same videos - what fun would it be if we all liked the exact same thing in life? Personally, I loved the video and think it is one of the best videos out there right now - extremely powerful.
I agree with Meg’s first two paragraphs - 100%. I am guessing the author of this article never hit hard times in her life. How can you just sit there and say the man should’ve just got a job? What if it was a man who just lost of his job of 20 years because his company downsized or it went bankrupt? Those type of things happen ALL THE TIME. Not everyone has someone there to help them rough times - people get desperate sometimes. Not that it makes it right, but it wasn’t just someone robbing the store to make a few extra dollars to buy drugs or for excitement - it was someone trying to get money to feed their baby. The line about how quick he killed the attendant, shows how nervous he was about the whole thing (probably indicating it was a first time). There is just soooooooo much to thing song and video if you really take the time to listen to it. I don’t think this story has a right or wrong answer - there is a lot of gray to the story on why it happened and the lasting affect on those left behind.
The whole statement of “get a job” is rude and immature and crossed the line of no longer being constructive criticism. I don’t this article is an attack on Eric at all (although some of the comments most definitely are), but simply someone who didn’t like the video - and that’s okay - we are all entitled to our opinion. She should’ve just been a bit more careful with a couple of her statements.
ME says:
I never said I didn’t like him, I just think the song is boring. And when I saw a bunch of posts from his fans on here all posted about a minute apart, I figured there must be something on his site about the blog with people trying to “Raise a Fuss.” I was right. And I still agree with Whitney! 8)
FistCity says:
Patti- i never said that ;) it was just an observation, that’s all. plus, i’m just not a big fan of street teams. most are rude if you don’t share their opinion, and maybe this post won’t turn into that, we’ll see. i’ve just seen it happen too many times on other boards & blogs, so that’s where my comment came from. well, and the fact that i was hungry, and a bit grumpy because i was needing a big greasy cheeseburger right about then ;)
anyway, personally, i didn’t really enjoy the video or the song. it just seems a bit forced to me. but hey, it’s just an opinion ;) life would be pretty bland if we all listened to & enjoyed the same thing.
so patti- are we good now?
YOU says:
ME ~ I appreciate you sharing your opinion. Of course I know that not everyone is going to feel as passionate about Eric’s music as I do, but we’re all adults and we should respect other’s rights to say how they feel with out “attacking” them.
YOU says:
Oops, I hit submit before I was done.
Me, I hope you’ll stick around the Web Page and check out Eric’s other songs if you haven’t already.
Meg says:
fistcity… i’m not too into any other street teams, but can’t get over this one… how nice they all are to each other, and how great he is to his street team… we’d love for you to join us, stop in and make a post sometime!
that goes for the rest of you too!
as for attacking whitney… i’m sorry if anyone got that impression… i didn’t as i was reading the responses. she is, of course, entitled to her opinion!
Shriverdiver says:
Did anyone catch the interview with this guy Eric Church on the Opry the other night. He Explained alot about the sone how the death penalty is not a Black or white issue its case by case. He dosent want you to feel sorry for the killer. He just whats you to feel the way he feels now that he regrets what he has done. I also did hear about eric watching the green mile then writting this song, But if he wrote a song about the green mile yes the guy Never did Kill no one. But it gave mr. church one heck of an Idea for a song. The death penalty can go either way in my eyes i’m for it on some cases and against it on others. In the video I’m for it. This is a touching video cause the man knows what he did wrong and he is ready to ride the lightning to his reasting place for what he did wrong. Capitol Records Was not wrong when they signed Eric Church because of this song that felt the power behind his song as so many have. You can dislike it but Mr Curch Will be a house hold name soon. This song just might do it for him and we can’t help that we come from a long line of sinners like me. I also attened the City Hall Show and watched the reaction on the faces of many people. They didn’t look confused they looked intrested and paid attention to the song and I talked with alot of them and they all loved the video and thought it did have a point. As you can see in one week time the song lighting is already to number 2 on the cmt pure 12 pack. Its just a matter of time to this song and video thunders its way to the top of the charts…..
Mahea says:
FistCity, I don’t know why but your reply to Patti made me laugh :)
WD, I think Eric was inspired to write a song because of the Green Mile, not ABOUT the Green Mile.
ME, I saw that same Johnny Cash performance of “Folsom Prison Blues” on CMT and your right, it is totally irreplaceable.
I understand you guys don’t get this video and that’s all right. But don’t give up on Eric yet, he’s an amazing songwriter and hopefully you guys will hear the ONE song that proves it to you :-)
Sue says:
Eric Church is a musician who is in an elite group of entertainers who can actually write his own music/lyrics and does so beautifully. He is a story teller and he tells his stories through song. Lightning is a story about a man who committed a terrible crime by taking someone’s life and he paid for it by loosing his own. The song was written beautifully and the video told the song perfectly.
The main character’s behavior had consequenses. Those consequences affected the mother of the dead boy, his own daughter and himself. No one person is portrayed overly sympathetic so the viewer/listener can draw their own conclusion as to how it affects them personally. Not an easy task but perfectly accomplished.
You can like it or you can hate it. I don’t think it was written to make a statement or it would have went to one or the other extreme.
Ohio Fan
It’s just a beautifully written story.
Amanda says:
I think it’s an incredible video and I enjoy Eric Churchs music. I’m not in his fan club or on his Street Team, but felt the urge to comment on this.
I love it and look forward to more of his work!
SBlades says:
I don’t think the goal of this video was to have the viewers feel “sympathy” towards the prisoner…..rather, maybe a little “empathy” for all those involved. The death penalty is truly NOT a black and white issue…Infact, there is a lot of grey in that area. This video, obviously, moved us all to respond on some level…and got us all thinking…otherwise we wouldn’t be taking the time to read this article and post a response. It is common knowledge that Eric wrote this song after seeing “The Green Mile”(great movie)…..I don’t think this song is supposed to be an interpretation of that movie….it is the thoughts and ideas that the movie inspired. Personally, I found the video quite remarkable and very moving. I am even more impressed by the fact that Eric wrote not only this song, but every other track on “Sinners Like Me”. So many artists today are very talented performers, but lack the skills that complete the entire package…..Believe me…..I don’t “buy in” very easily….but, it only took one show for me to be “in” on EC…..If you have not had the opportunity to see a live show…you really need to. I have had the opportunity to see the Eric Church Band (Eric’s band is made of some amazingly talented musicians) perform “Lightning” live a very few times and the response from the crowd is truly something to see. The complete silence that encompasses the crowd can only be described as “awe”. Just my opinion, but I thought I would take a minute to share.
=) =) =) =) =) =) =) =)
**Plus he is a super nice guy….as is the entire ECB**
=) =) =) =) =) =) =) =)
***PEACE***LOVE***ECB***
Amy says:
This Eric Church guy has nothing but wonderful music and this lightning video is fantastic. I have watched it several times and cant wait to watch it again. Yes everyone is entitled to thier opinion but it is getting a little out of hand bashing Eric Church. He is a wonderful musician and writes his own music and most of it comes from his heart. If you have never met or seen Eric church then you shouldnt be so fast to judge. As for the “get a job” comment I have to ask do you have a job and never have had financial problems. No murder and robbery is wrong but who are we to judge. so before you continue to bash and judge Eric Church give him a chance. No one treats his fans as well as Eric Church and his music comes straight from the heart so give it a listen
SINNERS LIKE ME
Laurie says:
Whitney, as a fan of Eric Church I could say some of the same things that many of Eric’s fans have already said (way to go choir)along with my opinion of the video (which only means something to me), however what I will say is this….by watching the video several times and starting this post you have helped us promote Eric Church and the amazing, thought provoking, emotionally charged, video, Lightning. So thank you. ECB will be around for a long time maybe you’ll feel the thunder with the next one and when you do you’ll understand.
Sinners Like Me 08″ Valerie” says:
I think you shouldn’t be so negative(CMT)Eric has his own style and not the same old crap from other artist who everyone of their song’s all sound the same..He can relate to people on our level in more ways then one,and Puts on one heck of a show!!!
Julie Darlin says:
True Lightning maybe considered controversal. But this is one of the best most POWERFUL vidoes I have ever seen. Eric has really blown me away with how his vocals and feel brings you right into the song. Along with the people used for the video.It is as if you are each and every chariter.
I for one am glad to see Eric release Lightning as a video single. And am very happy to see how well and AMAZING he made this video. And I appricate the opinon of the video. What is so wrong with speaking the truth and asking a child and god to forgive for a since that was commited? And feeling badly for that crime commited?
Kate says:
*MY opinion*
Ok, first off… this is an incredible video. It’s one of the best videos I have watched in a very long time. I’m not a very emotional person most of the time, so I’m not surprised that I didn’t tear up or anything but it did catch my attention. I’m more of the “fun and crazy” kind of music video lover, but this very serious and very touching video caught my eye in an instant. Yes, I’m apart of the Church Choir, but I’m not sticking up for this song just because I am apart of the street team and that’s part of my job. I love it, it changed my opinion about this song a whole 180 degrees. Like many listeners, “Lightning” was not my favorite song and I preferred to skip over it everytime it came on, but after watching the video, it gave me a whole new look on it. I did feel for the prisoner, the daughter, the victim, and the victim’s mother because it was that strong. I think if you don’t like Eric now, watch out, because in the future, you might not be able to stop playing him… he’s getting bigger by the day.
*ECB lover forever*
Friend says:
The video is unbelievable… PERIOD!!!
elizabeth(ecrocks) says:
i have seen the video and it is an amazing video. when i first saw the video i was moved. eric wrote this song when he watched the green mile. eric is a awesome songwriter and when i listen to his songs he can get me to think about the song.
Kayla says:
I agree with many of you when you say that lightening wasnt one of your favorite songs..it wasnt one of mine either..but then hearing Eric play it live sent chills down my spine!..I’ve only heard him play it twice and I’ve seen him quite a few times..Eric is truely an amazing artisit!..and this video WOW is all I can say! It wasn’t until I saw the video that I finally realized how powerful this song is! Eric did an AMAZING job conveying emotion throughout the video!..I am so blessed to be apart of his “chior”…what a great communtity that is!..Eric has became one of my FAVORITE artists over the last couple of months!!..Because of him I can’t listen to most of the country that is played today because I just dont feel it is worth my time. So before you judge “Mr. Church” please check him out..believe me..it will be worth your time! Eric and the ECB-love you guys!
Amanda says:
Holy crap! How can you not love this song? I mean the video is great, but the song is amazing! This is easily one of the best written songs I have ever heard. So vote for it EC fans!
Tom says:
WHAT? I recently saw Eric in Charlotte and was floored. I since then really dove into what he is doing and must say his career is like a volcano that just has not erupted yet. However, he has sold a respectable amount of records despite no major radio hits or award show exposure. My point is this, the show I was at was sold-out. 3000 people and they knew every word to every song. When this hits it will be big. I applaud him for making music that is a breath of fresh air in what I believe is a very boring format. Kudos Eric, look forward to watching your career explode.
P.S. Video is great. Those of you who don’t like it….. there are plenty of cheesey videos out there to keep your taste satisfied.
reh says:
I think it is okay for people to have their own opinions. And even being an active supporter/street team member, I can still take myself outside of that jaded little box street teams/fan clubs so frequently are apart of and see that Eric Church is an outstanding songwriter first and foremost.
Secondly, it’s very sad to see the music industry continuously beat down on the success that he and his band continue to have because they are different then the mold mainstream country artists fit into. Most likely that is where the difference in opinions lie. I know this article wouldn’t have been posted if a band like Rascal Flatts, or Kenny Chesney/Tim McGraw, etc. recorded it, because they are mainstream and if they sang the alphabet it would be a #1 song - and we all know that is NOT an exaggeration.
In my own opinion I think this video is extremely underrated by some people. No maybe it’s not the best one out there, but it’s different, like the song itself and it makes you think. Also - I don’t see how anyone can say they have seen a live Eric Church Band show and not like it. They tour for months and months at a time, bringing you a rockin loud show that should get your a$s on your feet - EVERYTIME! But I guess I am one of they only ones seeing that because I’m not in that box.
ecbwafan says:
First off, I think you all should give these videos a chance, it is nice to see an actual country artist on CMT compared to ones that are going country, or who think they are country even though they aren’t. After all, it is COUNTRY MUSIC TELEVISION!
And the way I see it, Country Music is about telling a story of a persons life experience, even if the song doesn’t touch your heart, it may be a very emotional song for somebody else who was either the victim, the criminal, or even a member of the family on both sides.
Oh, and just so you know, we aren’t a “Street Team”- we are the Church Choir, not just fans of Eric but a really tight family too.
I am a VERY Proud Member of The Church Choir, How Bout You?!
*~NeXt~* says:
eh… I’ve seen better…
it just didn’t get my attention. I saw Mr. Church open for others, and live, he did catch my attention a bit more. I suppose thats why I was disappointed when this video was such a flop to me. His fans can only flood the voting for so long. Eventually, the TRUE public opinion will come to light about this video, and the preformer, and his street team knows this. I was an EC fan. but he kinda lost me with this video. Just *MY* thoughts.
Jourdan says:
ummm…i dont get how you CANT like this video!!!! its the most moving song i have heard since i first heard concreate angel by martina mcbride! thats the last song to make me cry [[or tear up just a little :)]] and when i bought eric’s cd and heard lightning i did tear up a little. i think it is a very moving song.
yes it may be a little controversial but what song that has made it big hasnt been?? indian outlaw by tim mcgraw?? that song was extreamly controversial and it was a MAJOR hit!
this video caught my attention right away and i cant stop watching it. especially since im sick ive had a lot of free time ;).
i just hope that you guys change your mind about eric. hes still a new artist. dont be ganging up on him just cause he is carrie underwood or rascal flatts.
:)
Patti says:
Next - I find it very sad that you won’t be an Eric fan because of a video? Seriously? :( You will disregard everything you like about him and his music because he put out ONE video you don’t like? Goodness I’ve been a fan of a rock band for 23+ years (yeah I’m that old) and they have done things I don’t care for but I’m still a fan.
FistCity - yeah we’re good lol. I firmly believe everyone has the right to their own opinion. And of course any “street team” or “fanclub” will have people who get heated while trying to represent “their” artist….but that doesn’t cover everyone.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Eric’s Church Choir - I’m a part of that because *overall* it consists of some of the kindest, nicest fans I’ve ever met…..I’m a fan of many artists - but none I want to be *THIS* involved with…..and part of it is the fans. As a rule Eric’s fans work hard at being respectful as we are fully aware that we are representing our favorite artist. We are not generally a *down your throat* group. But yeah we will defend our guy. Mostly - we try to do that respectfully. :)
SonyATVgirl says:
All I can say is I love the song, and I LOVE the video. I can’t watch it without getting emotional. Maybe part of that is because I’ve met Eric so many times and spent some time with him. I think he’s an amazing song writer, and a great entertainer. Maybe it’s just difficult for a lot of us to recognize what good music is anymore because most of what we’re hearing out of country music lately is crap. How many other songs have we heard lately that tackle any issue at all…or make us think or discuss anything? So for those of you who do not like Lightning (the song or the video), I ask you to please listen to some of the other songs on Eric’s album or go so a show if you get a chance. We’re all on here supporting him for a reason. Thanks :)
Tarheelgirl says:
I personally LOVE the video and the emotions that it has obviously stirred up in a lot of people. Eric has said that he really loves to write about subjects that other artists shy away from. He has put yet another controversial issue out there in his music for all of us to ponder and I am sure he is laughing right now at all of these comments that are exactly what he hoped to inspire.
Chris says:
Quote from NEXT: His fans can only flood the voting for so long.
If you noticed, his fan club isn’t THAT big (yet). It’s obvious to me that people other than his Choir is voting for this video. How else could it have climbed so fast in such a short time?
I believe people who are voting on CMT Pure 12 Pack aren’t just his Choir. We are strong, but not that strong, lol. Not yet, that is!!!
Jourdan says:
my bad on my last post…i ment dont gang up on him just because he ISNT carrie underwood or rascal flatts. sorry. :)
ECB Fan From Lafayette, LA says:
Thanks “Church Choir” for supporting Eric and ECB in what they beleive in and that is giving us “GREAT MUSIC”!!! Kudos goes out to all of you!!!!
ECB Fan From Lafayette, LA says:
Kudos goes out to all of you who are great supporters of Eric Church and his wonderful band. GREAT JOB ECB!!!
ECB Fan From Lafayette, LA says:
CMT 12 PACK FOR THE WEEK OF NOV 16TH
Eric Church in the #2 spot. “How ’bout that for some Lightning”
12 “I Told You So” Keith Urban
11 “Firecracker” Josh Turner
10 “Stay” Sugarland
09 “I Got My Game On” Trace Adkins
08 “Watching Airplanes” Gary Allan
07 “Til I Was a Daddy Too” Tracy Lawrence
06 “Love Me if You Can” Toby Keith
05 “The More I Drink” Blake Shelton
04 “Who’s Going With Me” Randy Kohrs
03 “It’s Good to Be Us” Bucky Covington
02 “Eric Church” Eric Church
01 “Close Up the Honky Tonks” Dwight Yoaka
Deloris Bowman says:
Well I think you are so wrong! Eric Church is the best singer to come along since Waylon, George Jones, Merle.He is a LOT BETTER than the so called “mega” country stars
Mahea says:
~*Next*~
Sorry you feel as though you can’t be a fan of someone if they sing or write a song you don’t like. Man, if I stopped being a fan of every artist I liked because they sang a song or produced a video that I didn’t like, my trash can would be filled with every cd I own and I’d have to get rid of GAC and CMT. That’s just madness I tell ya, but I guess, to each his own :-)
ECFAN says:
~*Next*~ You were never a true EC fan, if you can change your opinion that fast. I agree with you Mahea, I would not have any CD’s left and that is just crazzzzy!
Alea says:
I loved the video and thought it was phenomenal!!!
Eric put so much into it, and it was better than I could have ever imagined!! I can’t wait for his next video to see how he will top it!!
Bree says:
I think that EC doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. I have never seen an artist write and perform all their own music the way that EC does. I love ECB! Also, I wanted to say “GO CHOIR”. I have also never seen so many dedicated people rally around someone like the Choir has. I am so honored to be a part and a friend to ya’ll. To those who think the CHOIR is a joke, we went from World Premiere to #2. Watch out #1 here we come!
Mustangirl says:
CMT attacking EC again? Do they not understand how much he loves a challenge?
I too was at City Hall for the “premiere video” and all I heard was people RAVING about how great it was. Those confused looks you saw might have been initiated by the lady who had a tad too much to drink and decided to up-chuck it all over the floor.
I think the video amazingly expresses the emotions of Eric’s lyrics without taking it to extremes. The song is so powerful itself, why cover it up with an over-emotional video?
Just like Church’s writing…it’s perfection.
and I’ll leave it at that.
Julie Darlin says:
I agree with you Chris it isn’t just the choir putting in all the votes. He did jump fast. I know a few of us put the video up on some of the other singers boards. And some of the people there were impresed so they could be helping out!!!!
But isn’t Eric’s street team the best!!!!!!!
Chris says:
I just got to see it again on “that other station”…how can you NOT be moved by this video? I just don’t understand?
Julie says:
WOW!! How could that video not move you, whether you’re a fan of the artist or not? Actually, I followed the story that was told in that short time and the tears fell. I think it shows the very human side of the situation … both sides of it. Job well done Eric!!
Tammi says:
I’m the one Choir member who can’t take much credit for how well this video is doing. I’ve only voted a few times. School, kids, home and work take a lot of time! That said, I would like to say…**I**, despite my limited voting, LOVE this video! AND I LOVE my fellow choir members!
CHURCH RASCAL says:
I think that this video is very moving! I love every song on SINNERS LIKE ME!!! Not only is Eric a wonderful performer, he is first and foremost a talented song writer! I love how Eric takes the time to thank his fans and listens to THEIR feedback! Just because some people don’t like real country, which Eric Church is, and think that if I whine and cry about myself then they’ll get radio play. Well, I think that Eric Church and his band have more than radio play, they have a great fan base, a truly great COUNTRY album, and great determination to continue doing what they love! I went to an Eric Church show in Boston, and they sang every word of Guys Like Me back to him! That song, which he wrote, must have gotten some peoples’ attention!
sunkie says:
I must say that I have enjoyed the spirited discussion over this video. Whether one likes or dislikes the video, CMT.com has allowed the fans to write their comments about a very personal and controversial issue. Country music is a way for many of us to relate to certain topics in which Eric has written about. Through-out time, our nation has gone back and forth on how to deal with the death penalty. Eric has written from his heart how he feels about this and some have found it very moving, while others see it differently. I personally wasn’t inspired by the writing nor the video, but I can appreciate how others feel towards his writing and his artistic ability. I find it inspiring that in our country, we are allowed to express our different viewpoints.
Jeff says:
The song is very good, though maybe not great. For some other excellent country songs on the same subject, check out Steve Earle’s “Ellis Unit One,” “Over Yonder (Jonathan’s Song)” and “Billy Austin.” All are outstanding.