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Expressing the Depths of Your Inner World
A prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting is the belief that by simply acquiring numerous tips, tricks, and shortcuts, one can avoid 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 Christian songwriter. It is essential to have a deep and fulfilling relationship with God, which will serve as a constant source of inspiration. By nurturing this connection and developing strong songwriting abilities, one does not need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be readily available whenever the Holy Spirit guides and influences the heart.
The photo credit for this image goes to Laura
The prevalent culture of instant gratification driven by technology has influenced us to adopt a mindset where we expect quick and effortless results, similar to the capabilities of CHATGPT or AI. We believe that we should be capable of generating a remarkable song within a few seconds just 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 take shortcuts. Instead, they are crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who effectively communicate their message through their art. These individuals do not simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally create timeless classics like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the prominent figures arrived, they were already dedicated to studying and striving for excellence in their craft. They were continuously learning how to skillfully combine impactful words and melodies into captivating arrangements that could deeply touch the emotions and captivate the attention of listeners. They aimed to create something that had that indescribable "WOW" factor, which is difficult to put into words but can be recognized when heard.
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 free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a deceptive manner. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, constantly learning and honing their skills in poetry and lyrical techniques. These are the individuals who are committed to paying their dues and investing considerable time and effort into their creative process, surpassing the dedication I observe in most aspiring writers.
We hold great respect for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys due to their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is hard to imagine where we would be without the influential song "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone" by Chris Tomlin. However, we tend to overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated years of their lives to perfecting their craft and have faced numerous challenges in order to refine their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating powerful song titles or "hooks" overnight, and this is true for even the rising star 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 give the impression of a sudden viral success, the reality is that she has been working hard at her music for years. Congratulations to Katy on her success!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches to nurture and enhance your spiritual journey through music. Consider these three factors to assist you in developing and articulating your faith in your musical creations.
Make taking care of your soul a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves caught up in busy and overwhelming lives, leaving little room for self-care. While it's important to show compassion and help others, we must also make sure to take care of ourselves. Neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize self-care in order to maintain a healthy inner life, which is deeply interconnected with the well-being of our outer life and physical body.
Nurture your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and mistakenly believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential aspects of a holy life. However, the most successful songwriters understand the significance of deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to create extraordinary lyrics without first immersing themselves in a wealth of words. If you have not pursued reading beyond college or even high school, it is crucial for you to pick up books again. It is not enough to simply consume fear-inducing and biased content through network or cable news. If you desire to write something impactful that will endure beyond your own lifetime, it is essential to nourish 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 gain higher ratings. Even the channels claiming to be Christian are driven by the desire to make you angry so that you continue watching and endure their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and even conservative commentators maintain their positions by increasing ratings and attracting sponsors for their investors. However, the constant stream of negativity they spread is detrimental to your inner being and your ability to create. Consider abstaining from consuming any form of news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet contemplation, reflecting on the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positive outlook starts to overflow into your creative works. Negativity steals your happiness and intensifies feelings of fear and anxiety. Take a break 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, create their music with a deep connection to God. However, their success can also be attributed to their talent and proficiency in writing Christian songs. It reminds me of the words famously uttered by Australian golfer Gary Player, who stated that the more he practiced, the more fortunate he became.
While you are working on improving your Christian songwriting skills, it is important to also focus on nurturing your inner life. It is crucial to bring something fresh, courageous, and liberating to the world through your music, rather than simply recycling old phrases and ideas that have been around for years.
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