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Expressing the Depths of Your Soul through Writing
There is a prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting that suggests that simply acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts can enable you to evade the arduous process of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, relying on tips and tricks alone is not enough for a Christian songwriter to excel. It is essential to have a deep connection with God and a well-developed inner life, as these serve as a constant source of inspiration and creativity. With a strong foundation in faith and proficient songwriting abilities, you don't have to resort to shortcuts or quick fixes. The clarity and confidence required to write good songs are always accessible to you, especially when you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit within your heart.
The photo was taken by Laura E. Part
The modern culture of instant gratification through technology has influenced us to expect quick and effortless results, making us believe that we can effortlessly emulate the abilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We mistakenly assume that we should be capable of generating a mind-blowing song within a matter of seconds simply by providing a few prompts.
However, based on what I have seen, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not written by those who rely on shortcuts or unoriginal ideas. Instead, they are created by skilled Christian songwriters who communicate profound messages through their art. These individuals do not simply attempt to write a song randomly and happen to produce masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the influential figures, these individuals were already dedicated to studying and improving their artistic skills. They were consistently learning how to skillfully combine impactful words and melodies to create captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with audiences, evoking strong emotions and possessing an indescribable but unmistakable "WOW" factor that can be sensed upon listening.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more I dedicate myself to practicing, the more fortunate I become.
These individuals are not actively seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated and passionate songwriters who are already committed to honing their skills and exploring advanced techniques in poetry and lyrics. These individuals are investing their time and effort to create music at a much higher standard than what I typically observe from aspiring writers who are not as committed to their craft.
We greatly appreciate individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their incredible impact on Christian worship songwriting. It's difficult to imagine where we would be without the powerful rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone" by Chris Tomlin. However, it's important to remember that these songwriters have dedicated many years to perfecting their craft and have faced numerous challenges in order to enhance their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight. This is true for everyone, including 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 seem like a lucky viral success, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her achievements!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous avenues to nurture and deepen your inner life. Consider these three key aspects while striving to expand and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a top priority. In today's fast-paced world, filled with demanding schedules and constant busyness, it can be challenging to find time for self-care. However, it is crucial to prioritize taking care of our own well-being, as neglecting it can lead to exhaustion and burnout. While it is important to continue caring for and serving others, we must also make time for rest and rejuvenation. Whatever self-care means to you, consider it essential for nurturing your inner self, which is intrinsically 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 believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential aspects of a holy life. However, the most exceptional songwriters understand the value of deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to create remarkable lyrics without first being enriched by them. If you have stopped reading extensively after college or even high school, it is crucial for you to pick up books again. Merely consuming fear-inducing news or reinforcing your cultural biases through network or cable channels does not suffice. If you aspire to write something impactful and long-lasting, it is imperative to feed your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news relies on fear tactics to attract viewers. Even channels that claim to be Christian often thrive on anger to keep people engaged and watching the advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and conservative pundits maintain their positions by generating high ratings and securing sponsorships for their stakeholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they emit can have a detrimental effect on your soul and creativity. Consider taking a break from consuming any news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet reflection, focusing on the love and goodness of God. You may find that this shift leads to an overflow of positivity in your songs. Negativity steals your joy and heightens feelings of fear and anxiety. Take a pause and allow your heart and mind to be filled with the spirit of Jesus once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many others create their music from a place of abundant connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their expertise as Christian songwriters. I am reminded of the words of Australian golfer Gary Player, who famously stated, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you are working on honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing a deep and fulfilling inner life. It is crucial to offer the world something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing, rather than just recycling the same old phrases and ideas that have been around for years.
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