Shaun Groves
I was gonna call it Third World Symphony. I liked that title for lots of reasons. And the graphic designer already had a concept for the cover. But…
“Third World” isn’t a moniker folks in the third world developing world like too much. Demeaning.
And this album isn’t really about the developing world as much as it is about the fruit in my life of time spent there.
Lastly, in an upbeat and positive musical and theological subculture, well, some folks won’t venture a listen. And I’d sure like them to.
So, I need a new title. And pretty quickly.
I’ve gone through the lyrics again and again looking for lines that would make a good one. Came up with more than twenty. Narrowed those down to a handful. Would love your input on them.
Here are the nominees…
[poll id=”2″]
Thanks!
JessicaB says:
Come by here.
Or the original, cause I like it better.
JessicaB says:
P.S. *blows smoking first comment gun*
Rick Orrell says:
I agree, my first thought is stay with the “Third World Symphony” because of the poetic images it brings to mind. But Come By Here stuck out BIG time to me……
Can’t wait to hear the finished product!
Kelli says:
I did really like Third World Symphony, but I see your point.
All is Grace seems really fitting. It’s the song that you’ve shared the most in this online world and the meaning behind it speaks volumes about what God has obviously taught you and worked in you over the years. My second choice would have been Awake My Soul. I like the sound of that one. I think your work with impoverished children has awakened the souls of passion in many, so that title seems equally fitting to me. 🙂
Angie says:
I second Kelli.
Ron says:
Third.
Karen says:
can I make that 4th?
Holly says:
Enough.
I LOVE one word titles on albums.
Says all you need and no more.
especially that word….it’s just….enough.
NancyTyler says:
Who’s your target audience? Where are they most likely to first come into contact with the album or its title?
Shaun Groves says:
Oh, you marketing people ; )
I’m not so much aiming at a group as I am serving the group who – for whatever reason – are already interested. That would be mostly Christian women 35-45 on-line. A smaller group would be the college students I speak to a lot on behalf of Compassion.
Most people – I’m guessing here – will come into contact with this album through blogs. We’ll be spreading the word that way more than any other. Radio play is not likely. Nor is being carried in Christian bookstores.
Does that help? Interested in your thinking process, O Great One.
Scott says:
Why are you not selling your CD’s in Christian bookstores?
Shaun Groves says:
If a store wants to carry them I’ll certainly be thrilled to sell them some but…
Having a CD on a shelf in a Christian bookstore is not all that beneficial without radio play in that store’s market. People typically don’t go to bookstores and browse, listening to CDs they’ve never heard of. Not typically. They go in looking for a particular CD. The radio chart and the sales chart are very very similar for this reason.
Also, most Christian music isn’t purchased in stores. Sales in stores are so bad that many stores are discontinuing or reducing their music sections.
And lastly, you need a national distributor to get in lots of stores. At this point I don’t have one of those.
There are things brewing that could change all of this. But at the moment there is no plan to have my new CD in major bookstore chains across the U.S.
NancyTyler says:
LOL Thanks–that helps a lot!
I went and listened to your “sneak peek” rough samples before looking at the list of potential titles and then came back happy to find that my choice, Awake My Soul, was on the list.
Awake My Soul–give me a sense of purpose! It’s an aspiration that most of us have as we’re caught in the day-to-day grind.
And an awakened soul is exactly what you got on your first Compassion trip and it’s what you’re working and praying to ignite in the people you come in contact with on every tour stop and in every blog post.
“Awake My Soul” also reads well and sounds smoother to the ear than the other titles. And except for “Enough,” the other titles could be reminiscent of church language or sermon titles and may not make the album as attractive to people who aren’t part of the traditional church scene.
Also…I couldn’t see some of those other titles on t-shirts. 😉
kiriseth says:
I really liked the original title. But, seeing as how you had to go and make sense on your justification, I like “Through Us on Earth” because that seems to be the underlying theme of so much of your writing. Let God’s will be done through us on Earth. That’s just my interpretation, anyway.
Bryan says:
I like the original myself. The rest are too…typical for a “Christian” album. And the “third world” moniker could be seen to be used somewhat ironically since the fruit of your time there has caused you to see them, yourself, your family and this country in a different light.
Just my two cents.
Brooksie says:
Just a note…
– “Enough” made me think of a J-Lo movie.
– “Awake My Soul” made me think of Mumford & Sons
– “Kingdom Coming” made me think of Bethany Dillon.
None of these are BAD things of course (well, the last two certainly aren’t) but I thought the process of selection might be helpful as well as my vote.
“Come By Here” and “All Is Grace” are both great… but I’m with your other readers, “Third World Symphony” is still a winner in my book!
David Wilson says:
“Come By Here” for me reflects the idea of “as you are going” and that’s what I think Compassion and your ministry are trying to get us to do.
Lindsay says:
I’m tied with “Awake My Soul” and “Kingdom Coming.” I really like either one, and both of those idea have been on my heart for quite a while…it seems to me like the Spirit is imprinting the same ideas on many hearts. 🙂
(I’ll admit that I’m sad to see “Third World Sympony” go, though…)
Rachel says:
I loved “Third World Symphony”. But I do see the point of not using it – I had the same thought as you after hearing it the first time. I voted for “Awake My Soul” because it seems that your time overseas really did awake your soul.
redheadkate says:
How about “Where I’ve Been”?
JD says:
Love “Awake My Soul” — it’s what happened to me through sponsorship and serving Him.
I would have still LOVED a “Third World Symphony” shirt, but love Awake My Soul just as much. Will it have the same graphics on the cover?
Christine says:
I agree with the others…I was completely taken by the original. But if I have to choose another, it would definitely be Come By Here, which immediately takes me right back to the incredible experiences shared on the last bloggers trip.
Jessica says:
Do I have to choose just one? Well, I was tied between “Awake My Soul” and “All Is Grace.” I voted for the second, because it had fewer votes so far. How’s that for a tie breaker 🙂
Angie says:
I voted for Come By Here but All is Grace would by 2nd pick.
Adam says:
That was my feeling as well. I really like the idea of “come by here”, it strikes me as an invitation to we who are so well to do that we bypass those who are enslaved to poverty. A reminder to come by those who are forgotten. The poor, prisoner, blind, and oppressed.
@ Shaun, very compassionate and sensitive my friend…I wouldn’t have even thought of it.
Christine says:
where’s the ‘like’ button? 🙂
completely agree!
scott says:
Come By Here. Or, Third Symphony for the World. 🙂
FzxGkJssFrk says:
As a proud member of the coveted 25-to-35 male demographic, naturally I picked one of the bottom two choices so far. Gonna be a close vote by the looks of things.
I like the simplicity of “Enough”. For one, it could convey a sense of both appropriate satisfaction and appropriate dissatisifaction at the same time. For two, I can already see a graphic for the cover design, like an overflowing bag of grain or something to convey that Corinthians idea about our present plenty supplying their present want.
But then I liked Third World Symphony too.
Shaun Groves says:
OK…
I’ve got e-mails into formerly sponsored children I’m honored to call friend. I’m asking them for their take on Third World…since so many of you seem to like that title the best.
Geez. So pushy ; )
Karen F. says:
I love Awake My Soul –
I think that’s what God did for you while serving in those countries.
I KNOW that’s what God did for me while serving in China.
Just my two cents.
🙂
Beth says:
Come By Here.
Shaun Groves says:
For those voting “Awake My Soul”…
The song is about being fully present – awake to the moment, and grateful for it. If that changes anything.
Karen F. says:
Glad for the clarification . . . so now I vote for your original after reading your follow-up comments/emails from some former Compassion kids.
jeff says:
Could you run with “All’s Grace” like you intended originally? When you read it, you automatically know the contraction is for “All Is.”
Jennifer, Snapshot says:
What about just World Symphony? I voted for Kingdom Coming, but I also like Through Us on Earth, or maybe just Through Us?
I’m listening to “Awake My Soul” right now.
It’s so good, Shaun. Congrats.
Jennifer, Snapshot says:
What about just World Symphony??
I was just listening to Awake My Soul. It’s really great. Congrats.
(My first comment came up as an error, so if this show’s up twice that’s why)
Shaun Groves says:
One formerly sponsored Compassion child has chimed in…
“Can’t wait for the release of your new album. I think the title “Third World Symphony” is good because that is the reality of the countries in the global south. For some people here (those who are educated and wants to be politically correct) that might be offensive to them, but for a starving mother and child living in poverty, that title doesn’t matter, as long as someone is advocating for them. “
NancyTyler says:
What’s Compassion’s official take on your use of that title? I was sad that it had been eliminated.
Shaun Groves says:
I’ve put in an e-mail to a marketing guy. We’ll see.
NancyTyler says:
Yeah, they’re your first audience just like the big fish bureaucrats are mine. If they’ll clear it, go for it! I stand by all the reasons why I like Awake My Soul but “Third Word Symphony” is absolutely beautiful and would be appealing to an even broader audience.
Shaun Groves says:
You’re always surprising me, Nancy. In a good way ; )
Meredith Dunn says:
What about …
“You paid for it… I sang it.”
Or Awake My Soul is good too.
Meredith Dunn says:
In the event that my attempt at dry humor failed miserably… I was completely kidding. OK? Ok.
Shaun Groves says:
I swim in dry humor. I mean…I get it.
Joe says:
Imagine the pushback on a Second World album.
HeatherEV says:
I love Third World Symphony the best…but as for the ones listed, I think Come By Here is good because it captures the idea of traveling somewhere else and experiencing something outside of what we’re used to.
Jaime Jones says:
Since it seems to be inching its way back on the table, I’ll just say that Third World Symphony is definitely my favorite. It’s the most original, in my opinion. I obviously can’t speak for those in developing countries, but I really like how you paired “third world” and “symphony.” I think it’s a creative way to begin to reclaim the term. To me, it says that there’s a beautiful work of art in the making there… a symphony being played, not *to* them, but by them and with them.
If that’s not an option, my vote goes to Through Us On Earth.
Dave says:
(Hm… my first post came up as an error, trying this again.)
How come “No Better” is not nominated? Hm… probably wouldn’t sell so well, right? 🙂
Shaun Groves says:
It’s not about sales so much as theme. No Better is the farthest from the theme of any of the songs.
jeffrey says:
It depends on what the album as a whole is about.
Enough sounds like Chris Tomlin, so scratch it.
All is Grace is awkward. All’s Grace would sound better. Nice sentiment, but awkward.
Through us On Earth sounds like what you want us to do, but it is awkward and unwieldy as an album title.
Two Things I ask of you only makes sense if the whole album is about TWO things.
The other three are good. It depends on the focus of the album.
Come By Here focuses on God.
Awake My Soul focuses on us.
Kingdom Coming, my favourite, is a little in between. God’s kingdom is coming, but we can help be the agents to bring God’s kingdom to Earth.
My thoughts.
Shaun Groves says:
A second formerly sponsored child has offered his two cents…
“Shaun, the term third world means different things to different people. To some, it suggests backward and primitive (in an offensive way), while to others, it refers to any place other than the first world. I think that the content of your album will bring to rest any negative sentiments from the title, if any. as for me, I have no problem with the term “third world”, infact, it is very interesting to me.”
Kelli says:
I am really hoping that Third World Symphony ends up working out! I just really love that title. 🙂
Sassiekiwi says:
Have to say that THird World Symphony is still my favorite … it says something that the other titles don’t … and actually … I don’t associate backwards and primitive with third world (maybe because I have travelled a lot) but really third world and symphony in the same breath speak of something beautiful … where many parts orchestrated together create something bigger and different … and isn’t that what happens with compassion … sponsors and families … many parts come together in an orchestrated way that creates something beautiful!?
Thats my 2 cents for the day!
Carly says:
Third World Symphony is my favourite too! Would love to see it back on the table. I voted for “All is Grace” though as that’d still be my second pick.
Though, like many others, I prefer “All’s Grace”.
Just sayin’. 🙂
Thomas says:
First of all, if Compassion has reservations about the title, I like Awaken my Soul or All is Grace, but I like the original title most and as Nancy said if Compassion clears it “go for it!” I believe in the end though you need to go with your heart is telling you to do with this one.
Thomas
Amber says:
Just a small thought – is that “All is Grace” reminds me of Ann Voskamp, her branding, and 1000 gifts. You might want something more your own.
I voted for Come by here, but there are many good choices in the list.
Shaun Groves says:
Me too, Amber.
Sara @ Happy Brown House says:
I agree with Amber. While I like “All is Grace”, it is Ann’s signature line. Nothing wrong with it, but I think you need your own tag line. It would be like you subtitled it “Ode to Ann Voskamp”…even if I think she is pretty wonderful.
Shaun Groves says:
Ode To Ann Voskamp’s not a bad idea, actually. ; )
Beth says:
Third World Symphony is still my favorite. Maybe because that’s I understand what it is you’re trying to say (as do many others). If it clears with Compassion, then definitely use it. Otherwise, I like Kingdom Coming. I understand the other points made and it’s a hard decision, but that is my very favorite song you’ve EVER done because it sums up exactly how I understand God’s kingdom here on earth to be carried out.
Beth
Sara @ Happy Brown House says:
My favorite is still Third World Symphony. While I understand the hesitation to use it, I think it’s kind of interesting and might draw someone’s attention.
Michelle@OneRoofAfrica says:
Awake My Soul is cool but Mumford and Sons have a song called fhat on Sigh No More. No news to you as I am sure you are a fan.
All Is Grace is a fabulous song! I cried like a baby the first time I heard it. But I agree with you and Amber it’s Ann’s trademark.
All that said I voted for Enough.
Jason says:
Shaun, honestly, Third World Symphony is the strongest title of anything I’ve seen here. I don’t know if I could really vote for any of the others because they just pale in comparison.
TWS has punch. It has WEIGHT. It’s a title that catches someone’s attention and makes them wonder the story behind the title. It’s also something that you don’t normally see on a Christian CD…most Christian CDs have some “safe for the whole family” title. TWS isn’t safe. It commands attention and it commands us to respond to it.
Please reconsider not using TWS.
Michelle@OneRoofAfrica says:
Yes and Amen.
BryanG says:
Agreed.
CariK says:
Ditto…Third World Symphony…I love it.
Michelle@OneRoofAfrica says:
Jason is spot on. Well put bro.
Liz Reeves says:
What about “…for the least of these”?
BryanG says:
If not “Third World Symphony” at least “
Third WorldDeveloping World Symphony”Jimmy Hammond says:
For whatever it’s worth, I realllly liked “two things I beg of you”. It’s interesting enough to grab someone’s attention – which is important b/c of aforementioned lack of radio play – and it conveys the heart of why you’re singing – to hopefully inspire people to make a change. Plus, it seems like a loose tie-in with one of the most epic albums of all time – invitation to eavesdrop.
Joseph says:
Or…. “Third World Symphony: Songs from the Country of Africa”
Alex Green says:
Maybe because Africa is a Continent, not a Country! 😉
Rick Orrell says:
How about “Third World” Symphony (with quotes around Third World, to denote that’s how ‘some’ people view it? Might be an alternative way to keep the original title you had in mind, but give you an ‘out’ to explain it in more diplomatic terms….. Just a thought…..
jen says:
If you have to get rid of TWS, I vote for Come By Here.
Stuart Rind says:
How about:
“Symphony of the Nations”
or
“Praise of the Nations”
🙂
Alexia says:
I voted, but I’m still holding out for Third World Symphony. Just in case you were wondering LOL
sara varghese says:
not to be a spam in the works, but my hubby from India says there are better titles than TWS….
you’re right no one likes “third world” when they belong to a “third world”. He calls his country a “developing country”. however, he is NOT “offended” by the title.
I personally feel it cancels itself out from a good/bad perspective. all that to say…..hmmmmm? thanks for being sensitive.
Win says:
I really liked the original title too, but you need to follow your heart and God’s leading as you seek to position this album to achieve your hopes and dreams for it.
Jenn says:
I am in the crowd pulling for Third World Symphony. If I’m not mistaken, that is a title that was impressed on your heart by the Holy Spirit. Also, if I can use a fancy word, I love the juxtaposition of “Third World,” which typically brings to mind a people who are poor, uneducated, children who are dirty and barely clothed, with “Symphony,” which is a beautiful and intricate kind of art through music and it is typically enjoyed by wealthy, educated people. I think that your songs and your work with Compassion is a means through which God shows us the intricate kind of beauty found in the poorest places on earth, if we just take the time to care and see, and get our hands a little dirty along the way.
Cheri says:
I like how both Jenn & Jaime pointed out the beauty of using Third World and Symphony as a way to open people’s eyes to the beauty, creativity and wonder that is found in the lives of the people all over the world if you will just take a chance to build the relationships that God is calling us to do. When you mix in the Holy Spirit the Symphony does a big crescendo. It is what happens to most of us who sponsor and advocate for Compassion. Trying to humble ourselves enough to see the real beauty of the earth. If it is not offensive to those we have come to know and love as our friends then maybe it will prove to be a wonderful teaching moment. If the name needs to be changed I voted for Through Us On Earth. Loving this discussion and praying for the Holy Spirit to conduct this movement to the final crescendo!
Funkymunkee says:
I get how “Third World” could be offensive, as someone else suggested put “3rd World” in quotations marks. People developing countries are not your audience, however you may lose “cred” with potential child sponsors if you are thought by some to be demeaning the very people you are actually championing.
Other title suggestions; “Symphony of the Changed”, “We See-Symphony”, ‘Developing (a) Symphony”, or “On Earth…”
I think “Awake My Soul” reminds me of the Hillsong United “Awakening”, “All’s Grace” is Ann Voskamp’s signature. “Enough” is just too bland for the message you wish to convey.
There is a title out there that is right for your message!
keith says:
I can’t believe “Kingdom Coming” is in fourth place. That one makes the most sense to me. The idea of “kingdom” is not that culturally relevant in our modern republic, though… maybe. Anyway, I love your attention to detail and for, once again, letting us be involved. Looking forward to hearing the album.
Kris says:
Awake My Soul and my second favorite Come By Here. I LOVE the acoustic version of Come By Here from the Compassion Trip.
shayne says:
Can’t you title it Third World Symphony for release in America and then everywhere else title it something else?
I voted for All is Grace, but man, Third World Symphony is so much stronger.
Just my puny 2 cents.
Alex Green says:
I feel “Awake My Soul” speaks of the heart of what you were aiming to do if I read a post a while ago correctly – to wake up the slumbering, comfortable masses to the reality of what goes on on distant and removed shores. To wake up the detached cosseted genetic middle class christian massea to start to do more about the problems you have encountered?
Maybe I misunderstood / misread the original post or imagined it all together!
I think the original title would be fine too!
Johanna says:
I do love the name Third World Symphony, and use the term myself. But I also see the issues with it, so let’s see…
I like keeping “symphony” in the title. Maybe delete the “Third World” part because 1) the obvious problems, and also because 2) it makes the (third) world the topic.
How does Symphony of Grace sound? It’s a similar name, and really, that’s the story. God’s grace, His amazing, abundantly poured out grace that is ALL and that Came By Here – in the third world, in the first world, in our broken hearts, in poverty, all of it. And it all combines into a Symphony of Grace.
Aaron K. says:
Third World Symphony is a great title so is Through Us On Earth and All is Grace. I like a title that captures the overall message of the album. I want to know what I’m investing in with my purchase.
Whatever title you go with, I looking forward to investing in the work of God you are faithfully committed to. It really is all grace.
Jill Foley says:
I agree with most that Third World Symphony is my favorite. Even if I didn’t know you, the title alone would draw me in and find out what the album is about.
My second choice is Come By Here – it sounds like an invitation to listen and see what God is doing in your life.
All is Grace is my last choice, simply because of the connection it has with Ann V. Love her, love the song, but think you need your own “voice”, so to speak.
Melody Joy King says:
It’s not on the list, but what about calling it “A Beggar’s Fortune.”…? Just a thought.
Sarah says:
I looked at it from a different perspective… my vote was for “All is Grace” because I looked at the titles & wondered which one would catch my attention if I knew nothing about you. I like them all, and if I was choosing one which I thought described you & your ministry & your music the best, I would choose “Kingdom Coming” because the most impactful thing I personally have learned from you was your teaching on the Kingdom when you were in concert here in Franklin. BUT if I had never heard of Shaun Groves & was just browsing album titles, “All is Grace” is the one that would cause me to take a second look. I hope that makes sense 🙂
Dave Haupert says:
How about ‘Symphony of a Developing World’?
I personally like “Enough” because it was the title of a post over 5 years ago on this blog that changed my life forever! But barring that and the original title, “All is Grace” sounds good as well.
Tracy Smith says:
Shaun…I love the original. Everything about it resounded with me. Even if I didn’t know you or your music, if I saw a CD by that title, by anyone, I’d be interested and I’d give it a listen.
Hope you can keep it.
Come by Here would be my number 2.
Paul Mitchell says:
Maybe you just need to redefine what “Third” means. Instead of it talking about impoverished nations, maybe you’re talking to the 1/3 of the world that has 95% of the wealth. Be honest, the people who are buying your album (or hearing your album) are in the rich 1/3 of the world. So it’s not a symphony about the “Third World,” it’s a symphony to the 1/3 of the world that needs to be motivated to affect the 2/3 of the world in need.
How about “1/3 World Symphony” with a tag somewhere that says “Symphony to the 1/3; Sympathy to the 2/3.” Or something.
Kevin says:
I voted for “Kingdom Coming” as the best alternative title. It does reflect the message of the album and is an amazing song, so it’s a great title track. Like everyone else, I also think “Third World Symphony” is an even better album title.
Betsy says:
I voted for “All is Grace” just because I like it. I REALLY, REALLY liked “Third World Symphony”. I know the term “third world” can have negative conotations. To me, though, the title brought to mind all the very different, yet similar sounds that make up a symphony and all the different, yet similar, circumstances you have seen with Compassion that are writing YOUR symphony. Good luck with the album.