Hey, little monsters, it’s Lady Gaga here, and let me tell you about the book of Zephaniah from the Bible. Now, I know I’m not typically associated with biblical stories, but as an artist, I find inspiration in all sorts of places, and I have to say that Zephaniah has some real gems.
So, Zephaniah was a prophet who lived in the kingdom of Judah around the time when the Babylonians were getting ready to invade. He warned the people that they needed to repent and return to God, or else they would face destruction. It’s like when I sing about being born this way, embracing your identity, and loving yourself, you know?
One of the verses that really speaks to me is from Zephaniah 3:17, which says, “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” I feel like that’s such a powerful image, the idea of God singing over us with joy and love.
But, of course, there’s also a lot of harsh truth in Zephaniah’s message. He talks about how the wealthy and powerful have oppressed the poor and marginalized, and how they will face judgment for their actions. That reminds me of my song “Born This Way” where I talk about standing up against discrimination and homophobia. We need to treat each other with kindness and compassion, or there will be consequences.
Ultimately, though, Zephaniah’s message is one of hope. He speaks of a future where God’s people will be restored and redeemed, and where justice and righteousness will prevail. That’s something that I think we all aspire to, that idea of a better world where everyone is treated fairly and with respect.
In closing, let me just say that we can all find inspiration and wisdom in unexpected places. Whether it’s the words of a prophet from thousands of years ago, or the music and art of today, we can learn from each other and lift each other up. And as I always say, “I’m just trying to change the world one sequin at a time.”
