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Expressing from a Deep Internal World
A widespread misconception surrounding Christian songwriting is the belief that by acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, one can avoid the laborious process of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with listeners.
In my opinion, relying on tips and tricks alone is not enough for a dedicated Christian songwriter. It is important to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life to draw inspiration from. With a strong foundation in songwriting skills and a spiritual connection, there is no need to look for shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be accessible, especially when one feels the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their heart.
The image was captured by Laura E. Part
The prevalence of our fast-paced digital culture has influenced us to adopt a mindset that expects instant results, similar to the capabilities of CHATGPT or AI. We believe that with just a few prompts, we should be able to effortlessly generate a song within seconds that will amaze everyone.
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. These writers are skilled practitioners of the art of Christian songwriting, effectively communicating their message through their craft. They did not simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the prominent figures, these individuals were already devoted to studying and improving their skills in their chosen art form. They were constantly learning how to skillfully combine impactful words and melodies to create captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners, evoking strong emotions. Their aim was to create something truly extraordinary that had an indescribable "WOW" factor, which could only be understood when experienced firsthand.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more time and effort I dedicate to practicing, the more fortunate and successful I become.
These individuals are not seeking out free workshops or giveaways for Christian songwriting. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, constantly refining their skills and exploring sophisticated poetic and lyrical techniques. These are the individuals who are committed to their art and are willing to invest considerable time and effort to achieve a level of expertise that surpasses that of most aspiring writers.
We greatly appreciate individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their incredible impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is difficult to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's powerful rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, it is important to remember that these talented songwriters have dedicated years of their lives to perfecting their craft and have faced numerous challenges in order to enhance their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight. This is true for everyone, including the rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. 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 a lucky viral success, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her perseverance in pursuing her musical career!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, you have various avenues to nurture and enhance your inner life. Consider these three essential factors when aiming to expand your faith and convey it through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves caught up in busy and chaotic routines, leaving little room for taking care of our souls. However, it is essential to ensure that we do not neglect our own need for rest and rejuvenation. While it is important to show care and support to others, we risk burning out if we do not take the time to nurture ourselves. No matter how you define self-care, remember that it is crucial for maintaining a balanced and fulfilled inner life, which in turn impacts our overall well-being and physical health.
Nourish your mind. 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 elements of a holy life. However, the most exceptional songwriters understand the significance of delving deep into literature. They recognize that they cannot create extraordinary lyrics without first immersing themselves in profound words. If you have not engaged in reading since college, or even high school, it is crucial for you to pick up a book again. Merely consuming fear and allowing your cultural biases to be reinforced by watching network or cable news does not suffice. If you aspire to write something that can make a lasting impact and surpass your own lifetime, it is imperative to nourish your mind with remarkable literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating fear to attract viewership. Even the so-called "Christian" stations thrive on inciting anger to keep you engaged and exposed to their advertisements. Talk radio, provocative hosts, and even conservative commentators maintain their positions by increasing ratings and attracting sponsors. However, their constant stream of negativity is detrimental to your spiritual well-being and creative abilities. Take a break from consuming any news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet contemplation, reflecting on the love and goodness of God. You will likely notice that your positive outlook begins to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity steals your joy and amplifies fear and anxiety. Take a pause and replenish your heart and mind with the Spirit of Jesus.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many others create music that flows from their deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their talent and proficiency in composing Christian songs. I am reminded of the wise words of Australian golfer Gary Player, who famously said, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you work on growing your Christian songwriting ministry, it's important to remember to also cultivate a deep and meaningful inner life. It is crucial to strive for originality, fearlessness, and empowerment in your music, rather than relying on clichéd phrases and ideas that have been used for years.
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