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Expressing from a Deep and Meaningful Inner World
A prevalent misconception about Christian songwriting is that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, techniques, and shortcuts, one can avoid the diligent process of acquiring the skills to create impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, relying solely on tips and tricks cannot replace the importance of having a deep spiritual connection with God as a committed Christian songwriter. If you possess this connection and possess strong songwriting abilities, you won't need to rely on shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible to you when you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The prevailing culture of quickly consuming digital content has influenced us to adopt an impatient mindset, where we believe we can emulate the capabilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We expect to effortlessly generate a song within seconds by providing a few prompts, and anticipate that it will elicit an overwhelmingly positive response from everyone.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not produced by writers who rely on shortcuts. Instead, these writers are skilled practitioners of Christian songwriting who are able to effectively communicate their message through their art. They do not simply attempt to write a song randomly and happen to create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the renowned individuals, they were already deeply engrossed in studying and striving to excel in their artistic endeavors. They were consistently dedicating themselves to learning the skill of crafting impactful words and melodies, merging them into captivating compositions that had the ability to captivate and touch the emotions of listeners. These creations possessed an indescribable and irresistible quality, often evoking a profound "WOW" reaction when experienced.
As professional golfer Gary Player once said, the more time and effort I dedicate to practicing my skills, the more fortunate I seem to become.
These individuals are not actively seeking free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated songwriters who are already committed to their craft, constantly learning and honing their skills in poetic and lyrical techniques. These women and men are investing their time and effort to create at a much higher standard than most aspiring writers are willing to do.
We have great admiration for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys, who have made incredible contributions to 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, we tend to overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated years to perfecting their skills and have faced various challenges in refining their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this applies to even emerging talents like Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old. While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained sudden viral fame, this is not the case. Katy has been working hard at her craft for years. Congratulations to her on her success!
Discovering ways to cultivate a deep and fulfilling inner life is crucial for Christian songwriters. When striving to expand and articulate their faith through music, it is essential to remember these three important factors.
Make taking care of your soul a priority. In our fast-paced and busy lives, it can be easy to neglect our own well-being. However, it's important to remember that if we don't take the time to rest and rejuvenate ourselves, we will eventually burn out. While it's crucial to continue caring for and serving others, we must also prioritize our own needs. Whether it's through self-care practices like meditation, hobbies, or simply taking time for yourself, it's essential for maintaining a healthy inner life. This inner life is intricately connected to our overall well-being, including our outer life and physical health.
Nourish your mind. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of engaging their minds and believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential components of a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the value of reading extensively. They recognize that it is impossible to create extraordinary lyrics without being enriched by words themselves. If you have not pursued further reading since college or even high school, it is crucial for you to revisit books. Simply consuming news from television networks or cable channels to satisfy your fears and reinforce your cultural biases is not sufficient. If you aspire to write something impactful that has the potential to endure beyond your own existence, it is imperative that you stimulate your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating fear in order to boost their ratings. Even the so-called "Christian" stations thrive on inciting anger in order to keep you engaged and watch their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also rely on high ratings and sponsorships to maintain their positions. However, the constant stream of negativity they spread is detrimental to your well-being and creativity. Consider taking a break from consuming any form of news for a few weeks and spend that time in quiet reflection on God's love and goodness. You may find that your positive outlook begins to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity steals your joy and increases feelings of fear and anxiety. Take a pause and allow Jesus' Spirit to fill your heart and mind once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, draw inspiration for their music from their deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their exceptional skills in songwriting. I am reminded of the wise words spoken by Australian golfer Gary Player, who famously stated, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you focus on improving your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also prioritize the growth of your inner self. It is crucial to offer something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, rather than relying on overused phrases and concepts that have been heard for years.
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