Holy Water (Paranormal, 2017)

Paranormal is the 20th solo studio LP recorded by Alice Cooper. Released in July 2017, the album features many musicians and artists, including original Alice Cooper band members Neal Smith, Dennis Dunaway, and Michael Bruce.

The album “accidentally” became a concept piece, with every single song having a character with abnormal or paranormal issues to deal with or resolve. Musically, the LP is pure Hard Rock, in many ways, paying homage to the 70s.

Perhaps the greatest celebratory song of Alice’s faith can be found on the Paranormal LP. “Holy Water,” the eighth track, is a fanfare of love, conviction, and declaration.

“Virtually an Alice Cooper take on “When The Saints Go Marching In”(Holy Water) stakes a claim as the album’s most innovative track in the way it merges hard rock, gospel, and faux rap…Alice’s faith is laid as bare here as it ever has been in lines such as “Kiss the devil goodbye” and “Raise your eyes to the Lord above…” – Ian Chapman, Experiencing Alice Cooper: A Listener’s Companion

As Chapman explains, “Holy Water” is a one-of-a-kind Alice Cooper song – both in style and lyrical content.

I look around, and I see loneliness and hearts so bitter and cold
And filled with tawdriness, the dark temptations of the soul
To cure the emptiness, you live with every night and day
But I’m here to tell ya, that ain’t the way
You gotta sing it out; we gotta reach for the sky
until ya wring it out, an’ kiss the devil goodbye
You gotta wrap your arms around the woman you love
And raise your eyes to the Lord above, yeah
Raise ’em up to the Lord above and say…

Ohhhh…Holy water
Take me down
Hold me under
Ohhhh, I feel the power
Fill my soul
With righteous thunder

If you read the above-listed lines carefully, a modern-day Psalm is revealed. As if Alice, like David, is proclaiming what life looks like once you’ve placed your hope, strength, and faith in God – that place and time when your soul becomes filled with righteous thunder.

“Now, my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ But this is the very reason I came! 28 Father, bring glory to your name.”

Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” 29 When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.

30 Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. 32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate how he was going to die.

34 The crowd responded, “We understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?”

35 Jesus replied, “My Light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the Light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. 36 Put your trust in the Light while there is still time; then you will become children of the Light.”

After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them. – John 12:27-36

The Bible references the word “thunder” multiple times. However, the above-listed verses are paramount when understanding the transformation and deliverance we are gifted through Christ and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus also made it clear that He must die so that we might live. But not just any life, a life more abundant – one not of this world. In fact, one must die to truly live (Galatians 2:20). With baptism, we see a symbolic gesture of such transformation.

This discussion would typically lead us to John The Baptist and the baptism of Christ, which we should still study at some point. The dynamic between John and Christ is astounding, and they teach us more about the nature of our Creator. But instead, let’s look at this from a couple of other scenarios.

Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever because you delight in showing unfailing love. 19 Once again, you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! 20 You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago. – Micah 7:19

Micah, a prophet from southern Judah, proclaimed God’s plans for restoration and forgiveness instead of well-deserved consequences. His words point to surrender and submission to God. In return, the pain and suffering we have caused ourselves will be redeemed by His grace and majesty.

Micah’s words lead us to Christ, the coming Messiah, showing us that God keeps His promises and will deliver His people.

The mistakes I’ve made
That caused pain
I could have done without
All my selfish thought
All my pride
The things I hide

You have forgot about
They’re all behind you
They’ll never find you
They’re on the ocean floor
Your sins are forgotten
They’re on the bottom
Of the ocean floor

The above-listed lyrics from the song “Ocean Floor,” written and performed by Audio Adrenaline, are magnificent and powerfully remind us of Micah’s proclamation.

Looking at this from a baptismal narrative, after we’ve accepted Christ as our Lord, we are washed clean and made new as we arise from the Holy Water. Our sins have been stripped from us and left to fall on the bottom of the ocean floor.

There is so much power and beauty in that visualization. Hold firm and know that all things are possible through Him (Matthew 19:26).

On the last day, the climax of the festival, Jesus stood and shouted to the crowds, “Anyone who is thirsty may come to me! 38 Anyone who believes in me may come and drink! For the Scriptures declare, ‘Rivers of living water will flow from his heart.’” – John 7:37-38

The second scenario brings us to the Living Water – the only thing that can satisfy our thirsty soul. Living and dwelling within us, Christ offers us the Holy Spirit, which becomes a river of love, acceptance, and freedom flowing through us.

The Bible references Living Water in multiple verses. And, each narrative speaks to the same river flowing through us like the one referenced in John 7:37-38. However, we must ask before receiving it – it’s a choice.

Wrapping up this week’s post, the Holy Spirit is our Holy Water. After we’ve accepted Christ and begin walking in faith, we find His Spirit flowing through us and guiding us more and more as we seek Him.

Our sins are washed away, and His Love purifies our hearts. “Holy Water” is a direct reference to this. In a few short verses, Alice sums up 2 Corinthians 5:17. In Christ, “old things have passed away, and we become new.”

“Holy Spirit, we ask that you intervene when we feel unaccepted and disconnected. We ask that you would separate us from the lies of the enemy. Replace those lies with your Truth. Your Will. Your ways. Shine Light on our lives and our paths. May that Light permeate outwards onto every person that encounters our presence. May they meet you through our actions and our walk. May they come to know you as we do. Our Light. Our Hope. Our Way. The Truth. AMEN.”

In conclusion, it’s fascinating to follow and learn more about the Alice Cooper journey. Even more captivating is his ability to wrap nuggets of his faith into his music. With “Holy Water,” his faith and beliefs are fully displayed.

It’s truly inspiring and refreshing to see someone not only proclaim Christ as Lord but also remain true to who he created them to be. Too often, we try to fit the “religious” stereotype of what a Christian “should be” or “look like.” However, that negates God’s purpose.

We are sovereign individuals created by our Father to be unique in our walks. Thank God Alice knows that to be true and has followed Him on this journey.

That’s it for this week, Be Well and Catch you Next Friday.

Until then, Keep Walkin’ in Faith and Rockin’ with Alice!