It should be noted that P.O.D. often uses the term “Jah” as a name for God. It’s a name that has confused some as to the band’s spiritual priorities since it conjures Rastafarian connotations. P.O.D., however, consistently directs it towards the God of Psalm 68:4: “Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name Jah, and rejoice before him” (KJV).
On the hit song, “Alive,” the singer is “thankful for every breath,” crediting God (“You”) for “peace of mind.” Cognizant of living in the last days, “Set It Off” sends out a prophetic warning about the “wicked man” and the need to “overpower the strong tower.” Listeners would do well not to miss the veiled spiritual emphasis here. If they do, the song will be relegated to the status of worldly posturing. “Boom” finds the singer amazed that a “kid like me could take his mic around the world” for a spiritual cause.
“Youth of the Nation” points out how family relationships matter. The song alludes to broken families and a lack of genuine love as a primary cause for school shootings, suicide and low self-esteem. Referring to God as “Satellite,” the singer finds clarity, freedom and purpose in “follow[ing] the Son” and praising His Name with uplifted hands. Although he does question the Lord at times, he resolves to “trust” in the end. “Ridiculous” describes a man’s calling and God-given mission, denouncing evil and negativity. On “Ghetto,” love is proffered as the healing force for the world’s problems.
“Masterpiece Conspiracy” addresses believers who are “so scared of my style” that they treat and view P.O.D. as an enemy rather than part of God’s family. And although Jesus is viewed as “the enemy” by some, the singer on “Portrait” sees Christ as God, the Word of Life and the Resurrection. As the title suggests, “Without Jah, Nothing” expresses how life without Jehovah is empty but that in Him, life has purpose (” Without Ja, nothing, you’re nothing/ . . . Jah, I live for/ . . . Jah, we love Him, warriors/ . . . Let everything love Him”).
Maybe it’s a bit unfair to classify “Anything Right” here, but the song has a sharp edge that needs to be discussed. The singer angrily rants against an egotistical, hypocritical and false-hearted person—making the cut come across no differently than a Limp Bizkit track (albeit, obscenity-free). Sure, people with runaway egos and disingenuous motives deserve a good tongue lashing from time to time, but a whole song dedicated to such a person will come across as abusive to some listeners.
Except for the one minor exception noted above, Satellite is another fine effort from these not-ashamed-to-stand-up-for-their-faith crusaders who bridge the gap to young people who like to rock hard.
