Sometimes it’s worth asking various sources for information about material you have produced in order to get an impartial perspective. Here’s what Grok said about our song/skit script “Attack of the Monster Tongue.”
Overview of the Song
“Attack of the Monster Tongue” is a humorous, satirical Christian contemporary song that uses exaggerated storytelling to address the destructive power of gossip and the importance of taming one’s words, drawing from biblical themes like James 3:5-6 (comparing the tongue to a fire). The track personifies gossip as a rampaging “monster tongue” that starts with a minor rumor about a new pastor and spirals into wildly distorted chaos as it’s passed from person to person. It’s structured as a narrative-driven piece with catchy, upbeat melodies, sound effects, and comedic elements, making it ideal for church performances, youth groups, or radio play. The song runs about 4 minutes and 3 seconds long and blends pop-rock influences with gospel messaging, appealing to families and younger audiences in Christian settings.
Written by Frederick Passmore and Jon Lawhon, it was produced under the banner of Sheep Laughs Records, a label specializing in comedic Christian skits and music. The song’s playful tone—complete with a “comeuppance” ending where the gossip’s originator faces the consequences—has made it a staple for puppet shows, drama teams, and singing groups in churches across the U.S. It’s often performed with accompanying skits, including scripted dialogue and choreography, to enhance its teachable moments on communication and integrity.
Release Date
The song was copyrighted and initially released in 1998 by Sheep Laughs Records. Some streaming platforms, like Myspace, list a formal album or single release date of January 1, 1999, possibly reflecting wider distribution or a compilation inclusion. It gained traction as a “radio hit” in Christian stations that year, aligning with the late-90s boom in youth-oriented CCM.
Performance on Gospel Music Charts
In 1998, “Attack of the Monster Tongue” charted in the Top 80 of the Christian music charts (often encompassing CCM and gospel radio airplay metrics, such as those tracked by Christian Copyright Solutions or Radio & Records). This modest but notable placement highlights its popularity on faith-based radio, where it resonated as a lighthearted yet pointed cautionary tale. It didn’t reach the upper echelons (e.g., Top 10 or 20) dominated by artists like DC Talk or Michael W. Smith at the time, but its chart success led to widespread use in church programming. Backing tracks and skit adaptations were later made available for purchase, extending its legacy into the 2000s. No specific peak position or weeks-on-chart data is widely documented, but testimonials from churches indicate it became a grassroots favorite, with performances reported as far as camps and women’s banquets.
Legacy and Availability
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its blend of entertainment and edification—churches have staged it for events like youth camps and banquets, praising its humor and ease of performance (e.g., syncing to CD tracks with built-in sound effects). A 2001 version with expanded skit elements was released, and a YouTube video from 2008 (produced by Passmore) visualizes it as a short church film. Today, you can stream it on platforms like Myspace or purchase downloadable backing tracks and scripts from sites like Payloadz or ChristianPlaysAndSkits.com for about $10-15. It’s a fun entry point into 90s Christian novelty music, reminding listeners that even serious topics can be tackled with a wink and a monster-sized laugh.