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Tapping into a Deep Inner World through Writing
There is a prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting that suggests that if you gather sufficient advice, shortcuts, and techniques, you can evade the process of putting in the effort to create impactful songs that resonate with people's hearts.
In my opinion, having a deep and meaningful connection with God is essential for Christian songwriters. Tips and tricks can be helpful, but they cannot replace the inspiration and guidance that comes from a strong spiritual connection. If you possess both a rich inner life in God and strong songwriting abilities, you won't have to rely on shortcuts or hacks. The clarity and confidence to write well will always be readily available whenever you feel the Holy Spirit moving in your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The modern fast-paced culture heavily influenced by technology has conditioned us to expect instant results, making us believe that we can emulate the capabilities of AI systems like CHATGPT. We believe that we should effortlessly generate a remarkable song within a matter of seconds simply by inputting a few prompts.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who rely on shortcuts or easy solutions. Instead, these songs are crafted by individuals who are skilled in the art of Christian songwriting and are able to effectively communicate their message. These writers don't simply attempt to create a song on a whim and accidentally stumble upon masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the more prominent individuals arrived, they were already dedicated to studying and striving for excellence in their craft. They consistently pursued knowledge on how to create impactful lyrics and melodies, arranging them into captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners. Their goal was to create something emotionally stirring, possessing an indescribable "WOW" factor that could be instantly recognized and appreciated.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more one dedicates time to practice, the more fortunate they become in their endeavors.
These individuals are not actively seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated and determined songwriters who are already committed to their craft, constantly improving their skills and exploring advanced poetic and lyrical techniques. These individuals are investing their time and effort to create music at a much higher standard compared to the majority of aspiring writers who are not willing to put in the same level of commitment.
We hold great admiration for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys, who have made remarkable contributions to the field of Christian worship songwriting. It is difficult to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's iconic creation, "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we tend to overlook the fact that these writers have dedicated countless years to perfecting their skills and have encountered numerous challenges in order to refine their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this applies to everyone, including the rising star in Centricity Music, Katy Nichole. Katy has been sharing her songs online since she was just fourteen years old. Although her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained viral success by chance, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her success!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches to nurturing and enriching your inner life. Here are three essential aspects to consider while striving to expand your faith and convey it through your music.
Make taking care of your soul a top priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves overwhelmed and with little time to focus on our own well-being. While it is important to care for and help others, it is equally important to not neglect our own need for rest and rejuvenation. Whatever self-care means to you, recognize its significance in maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. Remember, caring for your inner self is just as important as taking care of your external responsibilities and physical health.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential aspects of a holy life. However, the most exceptional songwriters understand the significance of deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to create remarkable lyrics if their minds are not enriched with knowledge and inspiration. If you have stopped reading extensively since college, or even high school, it is crucial for you to pick up books again. Merely consuming fear-inducing news or reinforcing cultural biases through network or cable news does not suffice. If you aspire to write something impactful that will transcend your lifetime, it is essential to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news solely focuses on generating fear to increase their ratings. Even the "Christian" channels rely on anger-inducing content to keep viewers engaged and watch their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and even conservative commentators maintain their positions by attracting high ratings and securing sponsorships. However, the constant stream of negativity they emit is detrimental to your well-being and creativity. Consider abstaining from consuming any form of news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in peaceful contemplation, reflecting on the love and goodness of God. Notice how your positive outlook starts to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity steals your joy and amplifies feelings of fear and anxiety. Take a break and allow yourself to reconnect with the Spirit of Jesus, replenishing your heart and mind.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many others compose their music with a deep connection to God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their abilities as Christian songwriters. A famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player comes to mind: "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you focus on honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also nurture your personal growth and spirituality. It is crucial to offer something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, rather than simply recycling old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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