This is another song I recently wrote called “Main Street or 5th Avenue” which was born out of prayer, the leading of the Holy Spirit, and personal experience. It describes our ability as followers of Jesus to befriend any person from any background without fear of being compromised by them, either in the small town setting (Main Street) or the city (5th Avenue). This song speaks directly to the concept in Ridder Church Renewal of crossing boundaries and reaching the “other side.” Cory Grimm
Within the urban centers and across the countryside, there still exists an old, disturbing trend
I might show you kindness, you might offer me a ride; but heads would turn if we became friends
They’d say we’re much too different, our worldviews are not the same,
and by all rights we should be mortal enemies
Because crossing ancient boundaries and drifting from our lanes is like chopping down old familiar trees
But something draws us closer, a force we cannot understand, some kind of cosmic curiosity
We’re searching for directions to elusive Promised Lands, described by Moses and by Dr. King
There are strongholds in the cities, and fortresses in towns, always preserving what is comfortable and safe
But foundations are eroding and old walls are falling down, as we march together keeping up the faith
I will walk with you down Main Street or 5th Avenue; it doesn’t matter what the people say
Small town or city street, we’ll smile at everyone we meet; I wouldn’t have it any other way
We started spending time together, like normal friends will do; at first we thought no one seemed to mind
Your circle was accepting me, and mine showed love to you, but then we both got wounded from behind
Sometimes the biggest obstacles to realizing peace are not the soldiers fighting on the other side
When you wave the white flag and hostilities cease, there still might be the threat of friendly fire
I will walk with you down Main Street or 5th Avenue; it doesn’t matter what the people say
We’ll stroll along without a care, even if they stop and stare; with each step we’re overcoming hate
We’ll change the world on both 5th Avenue and Main
We think we know a person by their culture, class, and race; we pack them in our boxes neat and nice
We overlook the sacred stories written on each face; we dismiss the holy longings in their eyes
Cause’ when we make our judgments, it’s ourselves we idolize, sitting on our thrones like manmade deities
In the waters of forgiveness, let us be baptized; in true communion, let us be set free
I will walk with you down Main Street or 5th Avenue; it doesn’t matter what the people say
The two of us make quite the pair; we’ll stretch the bounds of savoir faire;
and gather other friends along the way
I will walk with you down Main Street or 5th Avenue; it doesn’t matter what the people say
Small town or city street, we’ll smile at everyone we meet; I wouldn’t have it any other way
Let’s change the world on both 5th Avenue and Main