Invisible Kingdom
The Waterboys, Fisherman’s Blues, and the Re-enchantment of the World
- Arts & Literature
- Publisher: Cascade Books (Wipf and Stock)
- Published: 2024
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Publisher's Description
In the mid 1980s the Waterboys took a sudden turn away from their climb up the ladder of UK rock stardom and headed out to Ireland--and eventually the rural West of Ireland--to record the remarkable Fisherman's Blues album. They drew together traditional Irish music; folk, gospel, and blues stylings; and a joyful sense of storied wonder. This tale of the rediscovery of an enchanted musical and lyrical kingdom serves as the framework for Richard Briggs to explore gospel re-enchantment, in dialogue with the worlds of myth and fairy. Drawing on C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and others, just as did the Waterboys themselves, Invisible Kingdom finds theological wisdom to the soundtrack of the rock band and the fiddle, in celebrating a life-giving Irish odyssey.
Endorsements (2)
“A song’s significance lies in between the intention of the composer and its reception by the audience. Rather like a biblical passage, both can be amplified by a skilled and passionate commentator. In this book, biblical scholar Richard Briggs shares his passion for the Waterboys to skillfully reveal theological wisdom—a book not just for fans but for all those who are committed to see God at work in the world.”
“Richard Briggs extends a much-needed hand, inviting us readers to journey with him to a re-enchanted world. Fisherman’s Blues becomes the wardrobe we climb through, a strange boat we are asked to board. Journey along sound waves and watch as shafts of light play upon the waters to reflect an invisible kingdom we have long overlooked. Indeed, the ferryboat becomes faerie boat to a dream at the end of the world!”
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