When I discovered the music of Canadian singer/songwriter Bruce Cockburn (over the course of the 80s), I was immediately drawn to the Christian mysticism and political activism of his lyrics. He is a believer in non-violence but he's no starry eyed pacifist (as his song "Rocket Launcher" made vividly clear in the mid 80s). He basically translates the "Two Great Commandments" (love God with all that you are, and love your neighbor as yourself) into a personal and political philosophy of life that demands total involvement in the world and in ones own spiritual development. His lyrical perspective has greatly influenced my own spiritual pilgrimage.
Bono's lyrical perspective in U2's music has also been an inspiration in my life. The members of U2 have confessed to being influenced by both Cockburn's excellent songwriting and musicianship as well as his example of spirituality and political activism. Bono directly quoted the lyric of Cockburn's "Lovers In A Dangerous Time" in U2's "God Part 2" on the Rattle and Hum album.
Several of George Harrison's songs have made an impact on me as well. He has written some "love songs to God" that are truly powerful devotional statements. "Long, Long, Long", "Hear Me Lord", "Give Me Love, Give Me Peace On Earth", and a lesser known tune called "Your Love Is Forever" are some that immediately come to mind. The song "All Things Must Pass" is hard to deal with when you're young and feeling invincible. But now with (most likely) over half my earthly life behind me, I hear this song and find it infinitely comforting, to understand that the pain of life (as well as its joy) is temporary and should not be held too tightly.
Peace,
The Rev