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Expressing from a Deep and Abundant Inner World
There is a prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting, which suggests that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, techniques, and shortcuts, one can conveniently sidestep the diligent process of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my perspective, relying solely on tips and tricks is not enough for a dedicated Christian songwriter. It is essential to have a deep connection with God and nurture a rich inner life, as this will serve as a source of inspiration. With a strong foundation in both spirituality and songwriting skills, there is no need to search for shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be accessible whenever you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit guiding your heart.
Image captured by Laura E. Partain
The fast-paced nature of our digital society has influenced our thinking, making us believe that we can replicate the abilities of advanced technology like CHATGPT or AI. We have the expectation that with just a few prompts, we should be able to effortlessly create a song within a matter of seconds, and have it instantly become a sensation.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world were not created by writers who relied on shortcuts or easy techniques. Instead, these songs were crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who effectively communicated profound messages through their art. They didn't simply attempt to write a song on a whim and accidentally produce a masterpiece like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the arrival of the more established artists, they were already immersed in their art, dedicating themselves to learning and improving. They consistently sought knowledge on how to skillfully combine impactful lyrics and melodies to create captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners, evoking strong emotions. Their aim was to create something that had an indescribable, yet undeniably amazing quality, which you could instantly recognize when you heard it.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more I dedicate time and effort to practicing, the more fortunate I become in my performance.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways with the intention of taking advantage. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, constantly learning and practicing advanced poetic and lyrical techniques. These are the individuals who are committed to honing their skills and investing a substantial amount of time into creating music, surpassing the level of dedication I typically observe in aspiring writers.
We have a great admiration for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys because of their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It's hard to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's incredible rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone". However, we tend to overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated years of their lives to perfecting their craft, facing numerous challenges along the way in order to improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, including the rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. She has been sharing her songs online since she was only fourteen years old. Although her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained viral success by luck, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her achievements!
Discovering ways to nurture and enhance your spiritual well-being as a Christian songwriter is essential. Consider these three points to remember as you strive to deepen your faith and convey it through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves with jam-packed schedules and little time to take care of our own well-being. While it is important to prioritize caring for others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. It is crucial to recognize that taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining a healthy inner life, which is interconnected with our outer life and physical health.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook their intellectual growth, believing that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only crucial aspects of a holy life. However, the most accomplished songwriters understand the importance of delving into profound literature. They recognize that they cannot craft exceptional lyrics unless they first immerse themselves in remarkable words. If you ceased reading extensively after college, or even high school, it is essential for you to pick up books once again. Merely feeding your fears and conforming to cultural biases through watching news on network or cable television does not suffice. If you aspire to write something impactful that will endure beyond your lifetime, it is imperative to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating fear in order to attract viewers. Even the "Christian" channels thrive on provoking anger in order to keep you engaged and watch their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, provocative entertainers, and even the conservative commentators maintain their jobs by increasing ratings and securing sponsorships for their stakeholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they propagate is detrimental to your well-being and creativity. Consider abstaining from consuming any news for a few weeks and use that time to sit quietly and reflect on the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positive outlook begins to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity steals your joy and intensifies feelings of fear and anxiety. Take a break and allow your heart and mind to be filled with the spirit of Jesus once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, are known for writing their music from a place of abundance in their connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their talent and proficiency as Christian songwriters. I find great admiration in the words of Australian golfer Gary Player, who famously stated, "The more I dedicate myself to practice, the more fortunate I become."
While you are working on honing your Christian songwriting skills, it is essential to also focus on nurturing a fulfilling and meaningful personal life. It is important to offer something fresh, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, rather than simply regurgitating old cliches and concepts that have been heard for years.
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