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Expressing from a Deep Inner World
A prevalent misconception about Christian songwriting is that by simply acquiring sufficient advice, techniques, and shortcuts, one can avoid the challenging 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 connection with God and a well-developed inner life. With this strong foundation and excellent songwriting abilities, there is no need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible when you are inspired by the Spirit in your heart.
The photograph is credited to Laura E. Part
The prevalence of our fast-paced digital culture has influenced us to adopt a mindset that resembles the speed and convenience of a microwave. It leads us to believe that we have the ability to emulate the capabilities of advanced language models like CHATGPT or AI. We believe that with just a few prompts, we should be able to generate a song in less than three seconds that will astound everyone.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by those who rely on shortcuts. Instead, they are written by skilled Christian songwriters who communicate profound messages through their art. These individuals do not simply attempt to write a song randomly and accidentally produce a masterpiece like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the prominent figures, these individuals were already deeply engrossed in their art, devoting themselves to studying and striving for excellence. They consistently pursued knowledge on how to skillfully combine impactful words and melodies to create captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners, evoking strong emotions. Their goal was to create something so emotionally powerful and extraordinary that it would leave a lasting impression on anyone who hears it, something that is difficult to put into words but can be instantly recognized and appreciated.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more I dedicate myself to practicing, the more fortunate I become in my endeavors.
These writers are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are determined and dedicated songwriters who are already actively working on their craft. They are constantly learning and practicing advanced poetic and lyrical techniques. These individuals are investing their time and effort into their creative process at a much higher level than most aspiring writers are willing to do.
We greatly appreciate individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is difficult to imagine the Christian music landscape 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 developing their skills and have faced numerous challenges in perfecting their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, including the rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. She has been sharing her songs since she was only fourteen years old. Although her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it went viral by luck, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her success!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are various approaches to nurturing and enriching your inner life. Consider these three factors to help you expand your faith and convey it through your music.
Make taking care of your soul a priority. In our fast-paced and chaotic lives, it is easy to neglect our own well-being. However, it is important to remember that while we should continue to care for and serve others, we will ultimately exhaust ourselves if we do not take the time to rest and rejuvenate. Find what activities or practices help you take care of yourself, and understand that this is crucial for maintaining a healthy inner life, which is interconnected with the care of your external life and physical body.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of engaging their intellects and mistakenly believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only crucial aspects of leading a holy life. However, the most skillful songwriters understand the value of deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to compose remarkable lyrics if they themselves are not filled with profound words. If you have halted your reading habits after college, or even high school, it is essential for you to pick up books again. Merely indulging in fear-inducing news or reinforcing your cultural biases through network or cable news is not sufficient. If you aspire to write something that can have a significant impact and stand the test of time, it is imperative to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is focused on increasing ratings by promoting fear. Even the channels that claim to be Christian thrive on generating anger in order to retain viewers and make money from their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and even conservative commentators maintain their positions by building up ratings and securing sponsorships for the benefit of their shareholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they emit is detrimental to your soul and stifles your creativity. Try abstaining from consuming any kind of news for a few weeks and instead dedicate that time to sitting quietly and contemplating the love and goodness of God. You will then notice that your positivity begins to overflow into your music. Negativity steals your joy and heightens 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 others are able to create their music from a place of deep connection with God. However, their success can also be attributed, at least partially, to their abilities as skilled 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 skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing your own spiritual growth. It is essential to offer something fresh, daring, courageous, and liberating to the world through your songs, rather than simply using recycled phrases and ideas that have been heard for many years.
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