Music Filter: Is That Song Helping or Hurting You? (A Quick Quiz for Teens & Parents)

By Layne McDonald

Hey Boundless family! 🎵

Ever find yourself humming along to a catchy tune, only to suddenly realize what the lyrics are actually saying? Or maybe you're a parent wondering if that song your teen's been playing on repeat is building them up or tearing them down?

You're not alone. Music shapes our hearts, minds, and souls more than we realize, and in our streaming world, we're exposed to thousands of songs that can either fuel our faith or cloud our judgment. The good news? You don't need a theology degree to figure out which is which.

Here's the truth: God gave you discernment for a reason. You can absolutely learn to filter music in a way that protects your peace, strengthens your faith, and keeps your family safe, all without becoming the "fun police."

Let's dive into a simple, shame-free way to evaluate the music flowing through your earbuds and into your heart.

The 5-Minute Music Filter Quiz

Ready to become a music detective? Grab the last 3 songs you (or your teen) listened to and run them through these quick checkpoints:

Checkpoint 1: The Heart Check

Ask yourself: How do I feel after listening to this song?

• Green Light: Peaceful, encouraged, hopeful, energized in a positive way

• Yellow Light: Neutral, entertained but unchanged

• Red Light: Angry, anxious, depressed, or craving something harmful

Checkpoint 2: The Mind Check

Ask yourself: What thoughts does this song put in my head?

• Green Light: Thoughts about love, hope, overcoming challenges, gratitude

• Yellow Light: Random thoughts, catchy but harmless phrases

• Red Light: Thoughts about violence, unhealthy relationships, substance abuse, or self-harm

Checkpoint 3: The Action Check

Ask yourself: Does this song make me want to do something, and if so, what?

• Green Light: Serve others, pursue dreams, love better, grow spiritually

• Yellow Light: Dance, sing along, but no major behavioral pull

• Red Light: Engage in risky behavior, treat people poorly, or make unwise choices

Checkpoint 4: The Future Check

Ask yourself: If I listened to this song every day for a year, who would I become?

• Green Light: Someone I'd be proud to be

• Yellow Light: Pretty much the same person

• Red Light: Someone I wouldn't recognize or respect

Checkpoint 5: The Family Check

Ask yourself: Would I be comfortable playing this song at a family dinner or church gathering?

• Green Light: Absolutely!

• Yellow Light: Probably fine, but might skip it

• Red Light: Definitely not

Red Flags Every Parent Should Know

Let's get practical. Here are the most common warning signs that a song might be working against your family's values:

Lyrical Red Flags:

• Glorifying substance abuse - Songs that make drinking, drugs, or other addictions sound glamorous • Promoting unhealthy relationships - Lyrics about manipulation, obsession, or toxic behavior • Encouraging violence - Content that celebrates aggression or harm toward others • Sexual exploitation - Content that reduces people to objects or promotes unsafe behavior • Hopelessness themes - Songs that promote despair, self-harm, or giving up on life • Disrespecting authority - Content that encourages rebellion against parents, teachers, or positive role models

Musical Red Flags:

• Aggressive sound that increases anxiety or anger • Hypnotic beats designed to bypass critical thinking • Subliminal messaging (yes, it's still a thing!)

Remember: A catchy melody can make dangerous lyrics stick in our minds long after the song ends.

The Culture-Watch Corner

Want to stay ahead of trends that might impact your family? Here's what's happening right now:

Current Music Trends to Monitor:

• TikTok viral songs - Often 15-second clips that hide problematic full versions • "Sad boy/girl" music - Genre promoting depression and hopelessness as trendy • Drill music - Hip-hop subgenre often containing extreme violence • AI-generated music - Songs created specifically to manipulate emotions

Smart Parent Strategies:

• Listen together first - Make it a bonding experience, not a battleground • Ask questions, don't lecture - "What do you think this song is really saying?" • Share your own music journey - Talk about songs that shaped you (good and bad) • Create family playlists - Find music you can all enjoy

Building Your Positive Music Library

Instead of just filtering out the negative, let's actively build up the positive! Here are some quick ways to discover music that builds faith, character, and joy:

Genre Categories That Typically Offer Safe Options:

• Contemporary Christian - Hillsong, Chris Tomlin, Lauren Daigle • Inspirational Pop - Clean versions of mainstream hits with positive messages • Worship/Gospel - Traditional and modern praise music • Folk/Acoustic - Often story-driven with meaningful lyrics • Classical/Instrumental - Great for focus and peace

Quick Discovery Tips:

• Check "clean" or "radio edit" versions of popular songs • Use family-friendly streaming playlists on Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora • Follow Christian music influencers on social media for recommendations • Ask your Boundless community - we're all in this together!

The Power of Replacement

Instead of just taking away problematic music, replace it with something equally compelling. Love rap? Try Lecrae or Andy Mineo. Into pop? Check out for KING & COUNTRY or Skillet. There's literally something for everyone!

Your Turn: Join the Conversation

Here's where you come in! We want to build the ultimate family-friendly music resource together.

Drop your recommendations in the comments or send them to us at info@famemphis.net: • What songs are currently lifting your spirits? • Which artists create music that builds instead of breaks down? • What's your family's current favorite "clean" playlist? • Any songs that surprised you (good or bad) during your own music filter quiz?

Challenge for this week: Try the 5-checkpoint quiz with your family. Make it fun: maybe do a "music filter game night" where everyone shares their results. No judgment, just discovery and growth together.

Remember: You're Never Alone in This

Whether you're a parent feeling overwhelmed by today's music scene or a teen trying to make sense of what's worth your time and heart space, know this: You're never forgotten, never alone, and deeply loved by God.

Music is a gift: one that can draw us closer to our Creator and each other when we choose wisely. And when we mess up? Grace covers that too. This isn't about perfection; it's about progress and protecting the peace in your heart and home.

Need more support? Connect with our Boundless community at www.bounlessonlinechurch.org. Whether you're looking for accountability, encouragement, or just want to join others on this journey, you've found your family.

Our 24/7 ministry team is here for you, and our global family celebrates every step you take toward wisdom and growth. Remember, membership is always free, and you're always welcome exactly as you are.

Ready to transform your music experience? Your filter quiz adventure starts now! 🎵✨

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First Assembly Memphis8650 Walnut Grove RoadCordova, Tennessee 38018Phone: 901-843-8600Email: info@famemphis.net