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Expressing Your Inner World through Writing
A prevalent misconception about Christian songwriting is the belief that by simply acquiring enough tips, tricks, and shortcuts, one can avoid the laborious process of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, relying solely on tips and tricks is not enough for a dedicated Christian songwriter. Instead, it is essential to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life to draw inspiration from. With a strong foundation in both spirituality and songwriting skills, one does not need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible, especially when one feels the guidance of the Holy Spirit within their heart.
The image was captured by Laura E. Part
The modern culture of instant gratification through technology has influenced us to adopt a mindset that resembles the speed and convenience of microwave meals. It has made us believe that we can mimic the capabilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We expect that with just a few simple prompts, we should be able to effortlessly generate a highly impressive song within a matter of seconds that will amaze everyone.
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. Instead, these writers were and still are skilled practitioners of the art of Christian songwriting, effectively communicating through their craft. They did not simply attempt to write a song on a whim and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the prominent individuals arrived, they were already dedicated to studying and improving their skills in their chosen art form. They consistently sought knowledge on how to create impactful lyrics and melodies, constructing captivating compositions that could deeply touch the emotions and captivate the attention of the audience. These compositions possessed an indescribable "WOW" factor that was difficult to articulate, but immediately recognizable when experienced.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and dedication I put into practicing, the more fortunate opportunities seem to come my way.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a deceptive manner. They are dedicated and passionate songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, continuously improving their skills and knowledge in advanced poetic and lyrical techniques. These are the individuals who are investing their time and effort to create at a much more elevated standard compared to most aspiring writers who are not willing to dedicate themselves to their craft.
We have a deep 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 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 songwriters have dedicated years to perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges in order to improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this holds true for even the rising star in Centricity Music, Katy Nichole. Katy has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old. Although her hit "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained popularity by chance, this is not the case. Katy has been working hard at her craft for years. Congratulations to Katy for her dedication and success!
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are various methods you can adopt to nurture and enhance your inner life. Here are three key aspects to consider while striving to develop and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a top priority. In today's fast-paced world, our lives are jam-packed and filled with chaos, leaving very little time for taking care of our souls. While it's important to care for and serve others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation will eventually lead to burnout. Whatever self-care means to you, understand that it is essential for nurturing your inner self, which is intricately connected to the well-being of your external life and physical body.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and assume that focusing solely on Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs is enough for a holy life. However, the most talented songwriters understand the significance of deep reading. They recognize that in order to write profound lyrics, they need to immerse themselves in great literature first. Merely relying on news from television networks or cable channels to satisfy your curiosity and reinforce your cultural biases is insufficient. If you aspire to create something that could leave a lasting impact and endure beyond your own lifetime, it is crucial to engage with literature, poetry, and other inspiring works to enrich your mind.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news focuses on creating fear to attract viewers and advertisers. Even channels that claim to be Christian often rely on anger to keep people engaged and watch their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also prioritize ratings and sponsorships to maintain their jobs. However, the constant stream of negativity they promote is detrimental to your well-being and creativity. Consider taking a break from consuming any news for a few weeks and use that time to reflect quietly on the love and goodness of God. You may find that this allows your positivity to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity steals your joy and fuels 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 are able to create their music from a place of abundance in their relationship with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their talent and expertise as Christian songwriters. I am reminded of the famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player who said, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you are working on improving your Christian songwriting abilities, it is important to also focus on nurturing a deep and fulfilling spiritual life. It is crucial to offer something fresh, courageous, and transformative to the world through your music, rather than simply regurgitating the same old phrases and ideas that have been used for years.
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