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Tapping into Your Inner World of Thoughts and Feelings
There is a widespread misconception surrounding Christian songwriting, which suggests that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and techniques, you can somehow evade the arduous 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. It is important to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life that can inspire and guide your songwriting. With a strong foundation in your faith and well-developed songwriting skills, you will not need to resort to shortcuts. The clarity and confidence to write well will always be readily available to you, especially when you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit moving within your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The way our society heavily relies on technology and expects instant results has influenced us to adopt a similar mindset. We have come to believe that we can emulate the capabilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. Consequently, we assume that we should be able to generate a remarkable song within a matter of seconds simply by providing 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. These writers are dedicated practitioners of the art of Christian songwriting, effectively communicating through their craft. They didn't just randomly attempt to write a song one day and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the arrival of the influential figures, these individuals were already deeply immersed in their artistic pursuits, striving to excel. They dedicated themselves to consistently expanding their knowledge and skills in creating impactful lyrics and melodies, constructing captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners on an emotional level. Their aim was to create something truly extraordinary, possessing that indescribable "WOW" factor that instantly leaves a lasting impression on anyone who hears it.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and time I put into practicing, the more fortunate outcomes I tend to experience.
These individuals are not seeking out opportunities for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in order to gain something without putting in the effort. These are dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in the process of learning and practicing advanced poetic and lyrical techniques. They are committed to their craft and are investing a significant amount of time and effort to create at a level that surpasses the commitment I observe in most aspiring writers.
We greatly appreciate individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It's difficult to imagine what our worship experiences would be like without Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we tend to overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated numerous years to perfecting their skills and have faced various challenges while refining their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this is true even for rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs online since she was just fourteen years old. While it may seem like her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" gained overnight success, that is not the case. Katy has been working hard at her craft for many years. Congratulations to Katy for her dedication and success!
Discovering ways to cultivate a fulfilling and meaningful inner life is essential for Christian songwriters. To enhance spiritual growth and effectively convey their faith through music, here are three fundamental aspects to consider.
Make your soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and busy lives, we often neglect to take care of our own well-being. While it is important to show care and support to others, if we don't also take the time to rest and recharge our own souls, we will eventually become exhausted. It is crucial to recognize the importance of self-care and view it as essential for maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life, as our inner well-being is interconnected with our outer life and physical health.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth, assuming that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential aspects of a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the significance of delving into profound knowledge. They recognize that it is impossible to create extraordinary lyrics without first immersing themselves in a wealth of meaningful words. Merely relying on news from network or cable channels to fuel your fears and reinforce cultural biases is insufficient. If you aspire to write something impactful and enduring, it is crucial to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on driving ratings through fear mongering. Even the "Christian" channels thrive on making you angry so that you'll continue watching and endure their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and even conservative commentators secure their positions by increasing ratings and securing sponsorships for their shareholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they emit is detrimental to your soul and creativity. Consider abstaining from any form of news for a few weeks and utilize that time to quietly reflect on the love and goodness of God. Notice if your positive outlook doesn't begin to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity steals your joy and amplifies fear and anxiety. Take a break and replenish your heart and mind with the Spirit of Jesus once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more create their music from a deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed to their talent and expertise in crafting Christian songs. It reminds me of the famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who stated that the more he practiced, the more fortunate he became.
While you are working on improving your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing your inner self. It is crucial to offer something fresh, courageous, and liberating to the world through your music, rather than simply repeating the same phrases and ideas that have been used for many years.
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