Growing up in a poor family living and hand-to-mouth in central Wisconsin, Glenn eventually gravitated to Milwaukee’s local music scene where he fronted over a dozen bands, and wrote and performed solo acoustic music-—all before turning nineteen years of age.
With his adolescence plagued by drug and alcohol abuse, Glenn got clean through following Jesus after a life-changing spiritual confrontation around his eighteenth birthday. During this time his music got heavier and in many ways, deeper. His former song writing motif celebrating drugs, sex and other vices gave way to lyrics about spiritual struggle, personal temptation, institutional sin, poverty, exploitation, racism, materialism and other issues that few musicians seemed willing to tackle.
Now, after more than three decades of making original music, Kaiser is known for his raw, bluesy vocals, fiery guitar playing, bottleneck slide and harmonica work on thirty recordings and innumerable live shows. Glenn and his family have lived in Chicago’s inner city for over thirty years doing mission work with people not unlike he once was. Kaiser has released several acoustic-based CDs between his electric blues and blues/rock albums. His seminal delta blues projects Trimmed and Burnin’ and follow-up Slow Burn (both with harp player/singer Darrell Mansfield) established him as a singular and authentic Christian bluesman.
Three contemporary worship albums, along with the folk-pop Time Will Tell, fill out the acoustic discography. Acoustic cuts also comprise half of Kaiser’s critically acclaimed Ripley County Blues project which was recorded in a log cabin lodge in rural Missouri.
Glenn’s most recent recording, the acoustic-based Bound For Glory features his unique arrangements of old hymns and spiritual choruses done mostly in the blues tradition he so loves.
Slow Burn
Glenn Kaiser Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But in a short time they grow so cold
In the actions of a Christian
Love shines pure as tested gold
Fiction is fiction
But a fact, baby, ain't no lie
When you can look God in the face
You can look your neighbor in the eye
Take me any way you please
I'm not my own
Got eternity to love you
In the light all around your throne
Don't need no reputation
Earthly glory'll leave you cold
Live an' learn
It's like kissin' through a windowpane
Pretendin it's true love
Live an' learn
A love that lasts eternally
That's what I want
A slow burn
The song "Slow Burn" by Glenn Kaiser is a reflection on the nature of love and spirituality. Kaiser explores the idea that some things in life burn brightly but quickly fade away, while others are slow burning and long lasting. He references the metaphor of fire several times throughout the song, suggesting that while certain fires may seem impressive in their intensity, they are ultimately unsustainable. In contrast, a slow burning fire may not be as showy, but it has the potential to endure over time.
When Kaiser sings, "In the actions of a Christian / Love shines pure as tested gold," he is referencing the idea that love, when demonstrated through actions rather than just words, is a powerful force. This kind of love is not flashy or dramatic, but it has the power to withstand the test of time. He also suggests that true love is not just a feeling, but a commitment that requires effort and patience.
The final verse of the song expresses a desire to be taken by God in whatever way he chooses, acknowledging that we are not our own. Kaiser implies that true love cannot be pursued for personal gain or reputation, but must be sought after for its own sake. He concludes with the phrase "A slow burn," suggesting that this kind of enduring, patient love is what he really craves in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Some fires burn so brightly
Sometimes, things or people that seem amazing, fascinating or attractive at first can lose their shine and significance quickly
But in a short time they grow so cold
Quickly after they lose their initial attraction, these things or people can become uninteresting, indifferent and unimportant
In the actions of a Christian
True Christians reveal their authentic love through their acts of compassion, kindness, mercy, forgiveness and sacrifice
Love shines pure as tested gold
The love of a true Christian is a genuine, selfless, sacrificial and purifying kind of love, that is proven to be real and valuable despite any trial or hardship
Fiction is fiction
Something that is made up or imagined is not necessarily true or real
But a fact, baby, ain't no lie
Something that is verifiable, demonstrable or undeniable is a fact, and it does not require any embellishment, manipulation or deception
When you can look God in the face
When you have a right relationship with God, knowing Him personally, intimately and obediently, you can approach Him with humility, confidence and joy
You can look your neighbor in the eye
When you love God, you will love your neighbor, and treating them with respect, dignity, empathy and generosity becomes a natural expression of your faith
Father take me by degrees
Lord, guide me gentle and steady, step by step, day by day, deeper into Your love, wisdom and will
Take me any way you please
Father, mold me, shape me, refine me, transform me, use me, break me, heal me, humble me, sanctify me, for Your glory and purposes
I'm not my own
I do not belong to myself, but to God, who created, redeemed and called me to serve Him and others
Got eternity to love you
God's love is infinite, eternal and unchanging, and it is my privilege and responsibility to love Him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, forever
In the light all around your throne
Heaven is a place of majestic beauty, dazzling glory, perfect holiness and endless worship, where God reigns supreme and all who dwell there bask in His radiant presence
Don't need no reputation
I do not seek fame, fortune, power or popularity, but only to be faithful, humble and obedient to God, regardless of what others may think or say
Earthly glory'll leave you cold
The worldly pursuits, possessions and pleasures that many people value and pursue will ultimately disappoint, disillusion and destroy them, because they are temporary, empty and futile
Live an' learn
Through my experiences, mistakes, successes and failures, I gain wisdom, insight, maturity and humility, and I recognize that life is a journey of discovery, growth and grace
It's like kissin' through a windowpane
Trying to love, relate or communicate with someone or something that is separated, distant or obscured by barriers, differences or ignorance is frustrating, limited and unsatisfying
Pretendin it's true love
Deluding myself, or others, into thinking that what I feel, say or do is really loving, when it is not sincere, sacrificial, selfless or righteous, is hypocritical, shallow and harmful
A love that lasts eternally
What I truly desire, and what God offers, is a love that endures forever, that is genuine, pure, sacrificial and holy, that connects me to Him and His people, that satisfies my soul and glorifies my God
That's what I want
Lord, I long for Your love, Your truth, Your mercy, Your grace, Your presence, Your purpose, Your will, Your Son, Your Spirit, Your kingdom, Your glory, Your slow burn.
Contributed by Alexander M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@joeskill4663
I like blues, metal , rock, thrash, punk, and worship music..thank you Lord for giving us the blessing of Christian music..👍🏽🙏🏽
@Soul.food.
Yes! I used to have a copy of both of these amazing albums on cassette. So happy to meet up with them again! Thanks for uploading them!
@nateglover7703
I was born April 22, 2003 and I remember listening to this when I was a little boy with my father in the truck we had cassette tapes but sadly he recently died and this is just bringing me back
@dennishicks4965
Sorry for your lost of your Dad. Spent many year at the Fest where this music was made and was seen live . Still have their music on Cd. Still miss seeing them live . Was a bless to see them live. God Bless ! Look To Christ.
@auggiedog3
Blessings to you and the good memories with your Pops. I drummed for Darrell Mansfield band for a while and I know Darrell loved to hear about changed lives through the Gospel.
@kennethosburn3551
A surprisingly great worship album. This music gives God the glory. Music with a message isn't so easy to find.l love it.
@ricardomacielbrasil1744
Amazing songs, hugs from Brazil.
Praise the Lord Jesus
@owemylife
Love Love Love Kaiser. They are awesome together, praising Jesus.
@lostinvictory8526
I can't believe I have never heard this before. Brilliant!
@ewawycislak6517
Niewiarygodne, że można się modlić także w ten sposób. Płyta powala na kolana!!! Miałam ją kiedyś i nie mogłam odżałować, że się zniszczyła. Dzięki za udostępnienie!