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Expressing the Depths of Your Inner World
There is a widespread misconception regarding Christian songwriting, suggesting that by simply acquiring sufficient advice, shortcuts, and techniques, one can effortlessly evade the diligent process of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people's hearts.
In my opinion, relying solely on tips and tricks is not enough for a committed Christian songwriter. It is crucial to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life to draw inspiration from. With a strong foundation in faith and excellent songwriting skills, there is no need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be readily available whenever you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
This picture was taken by Laura E. Part
The way we consume digital content quickly and easily has shaped our thinking, making us believe that we can possess the same abilities as advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We have this idea that we should be able to input a few prompts and instantly generate a mind-blowing song in less than three seconds, expecting it to impress everyone.
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. These writers are skilled practitioners of Christian songwriting, able to effectively communicate profound messages through their art. They did not simply attempt to write a song one day and by chance create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the more established figures, these individuals were already dedicated to studying and improving their artistic abilities. They consistently worked on honing their skills in creating impactful lyrics and catchy tunes, striving to create structures that could deeply resonate with and touch the emotions of their audience. Their goal was to create something that had an indescribable but undeniable "WOW" factor, which could leave a lasting impression on anyone who listened to their music.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more he dedicates himself to practicing, the more fortunate he becomes.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a deceptive manner. They are dedicated songwriters who are already committed to their craft, constantly seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in poetic and lyrical techniques. These are the individuals who are investing their time and effort to create music at a much higher standard than most aspiring writers are willing to devote to their own work.
We greatly appreciate and look up to 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 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 of hard work 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 also applies to the rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. She has been sharing her songs since she was only fourteen years old. Even though her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained popularity overnight, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her success!
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are several approaches you can take to nurture and enhance your inner life. Here are three essential factors to consider while striving to deepen your faith and convey it through your music.
Make taking care of your soul a priority. In our fast-paced and overwhelming lives, we often neglect to give ourselves time to care for our souls. While it is important to show care and service to others, it is equally important to take care of ourselves. Ignoring our need for rest and rejuvenation will eventually lead to burnout. No matter how you choose to prioritize self-care, remember that it is essential for maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life, one that is interconnected with the well-being of your external life and physical body.
Nurture your intellectual side. 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 key elements in leading a sanctified life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the necessity of delving deep into various sources of knowledge. They recognize that it is impossible to craft extraordinary lyrics unless they themselves are enriched with profound ideas and concepts. Merely relying on the information obtained during college or high school is insufficient. It is crucial for you to revisit books and engage in continuous learning. Simply consuming fear-inducing news or reinforcing your own cultural biases through network or cable news channels does not contribute to intellectual development. If you aspire to create impactful and enduring works, it is imperative to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating fear to attract viewers. Even the channels that claim to be "Christian" thrive on provoking anger in order to keep viewers hooked and sit through advertisements. Talk radio hosts, provocative personalities, and even conservative commentators maintain their positions by increasing ratings and securing sponsorships. However, the constant stream of negativity they spread is detrimental to your spiritual well-being and creativity. Give yourself a break from any form of news for a few weeks and utilize that time to quietly reflect on God's love and goodness. You will notice a transformation in your outlook, as your positivity begins to overflow into your artistic expressions. Negativity steals away your joy and intensifies feelings of fear and anxiety. Take a pause and allow your heart and mind to once again be filled with the spirit of Jesus.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, are able to create their music from a place of abundant connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, to some extent, to their expertise as Christian songwriters. I am particularly fond of the famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who said, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
As you embark on your journey of Christian songwriting, it is crucial to remember the importance of nurturing a deep and vibrant inner life alongside honing your songwriting abilities. It is essential to offer the world something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing in your music, rather than simply regurgitating clichéd phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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