5 Best Footloose: The Musical Monologues

SHAW: I took the long way to church this morning, down past the old creek. I heard birds chirping and our own choir warming up in the distance. I was reminded of a line from our great poet, Walt Whitman, who wrote, “I hear America singing.” And I thought, “Aren”t we the song that we sing? Don”t we lift our voices to tell the world who we are? And what we believe?” So I ask you this morning – what song are you singing?But if Walt Whitman were alive today, what song would he hear America singing? When I turn on television, all I hear is the music of easy sexuality and relaxed morals. I hear rock and roll and the endless chant of pornography. And I ask myself, “Why does our Lord allow this?” We know God has the power to turn all those records and books and videos into one big fiery cinder like… (Clapping his hands before a sleeping boy.) …that! (The BOY startles awake.) But He doesn”t. And why? Because God is testing us. He”s watching to see whether we”ll choose his path. And that is why, every day, we must ask ourselves: “Have I done the right thing?”More Monologues from “Footloose”RelatedShareTweetPin

But if Walt Whitman were alive today, what song would he hear America singing? When I turn on television, all I hear is the music of easy sexuality and relaxed morals. I hear rock and roll and the endless chant of pornography. And I ask myself, “Why does our Lord allow this?” We know God has the power to turn all those records and books and videos into one big fiery cinder like… (Clapping his hands before a sleeping boy.) …that! (The BOY startles awake.) But He doesn”t. And why? Because God is testing us. He”s watching to see whether we”ll choose his path. And that is why, every day, we must ask ourselves: “Have I done the right thing?”More Monologues from “Footloose”RelatedShareTweetPin

SHAW: I”m standing before you this morning with a very troubled heart. You see, my friends, as your minister, I should be helping you to find the joy in your lives; last night I realized that I haven”t been doing that. After all, we all remember that terrible night five years ago when the lives of four young people ended on the Potawney Bridge. Everyone in this community lost someone that night – a child, a neighbor, a friend. I -Vi and I – we lost our son. (He looks to his family.) Ariel lost her brother.Now, somehow I got into my head that my loss was the greatest. That my pain was the deepest. And then, last night, someone much younger than I made me realize how tightly I had been holding onto that memory. A memory that has weighed me down as surely as a great stone. And in that moment, I did something I haven”t done for a very long time: I laid down my burden. It was a terrifying moment. And it was exhilarating. This morning I offer you the same opportunity. (Beat.) The Senior Class of Bomont High School has asked permission to hold a dance. Ren, I think that might be a good idea. (The congregation reacts with muted jubilation.) Please join me in asking our Lord to guide and protect our children.More Monologues from “Footloose”RelatedShareTweetPin

Now, somehow I got into my head that my loss was the greatest. That my pain was the deepest. And then, last night, someone much younger than I made me realize how tightly I had been holding onto that memory. A memory that has weighed me down as surely as a great stone. And in that moment, I did something I haven”t done for a very long time: I laid down my burden. It was a terrifying moment. And it was exhilarating. This morning I offer you the same opportunity. (Beat.) The Senior Class of Bomont High School has asked permission to hold a dance. Ren, I think that might be a good idea. (The congregation reacts with muted jubilation.) Please join me in asking our Lord to guide and protect our children.More Monologues from “Footloose”RelatedShareTweetPin