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Expressing from a Deep Inner World
There is a prevailing misconception surrounding Christian songwriting that suggests if one acquires a sufficient number of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, they 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 important to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life to draw inspiration from. With a strong foundation in faith and good songwriting skills, there is no need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be readily available, especially when you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The fast-paced nature of our modern digital culture has influenced us to adopt a mindset that expects quick and instant results, similar to how CHATGPT or AI operates. We believe that with just a few prompts, we should be able to generate a song within a matter of seconds that will impress everyone.
However, based on what I have personally observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not written by those who rely on shortcuts or tricks. Instead, they are crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who effectively communicate their message through their art. These songwriters don't simply attempt to write a song on a whim and accidentally create a masterpiece like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the prominent figures, these individuals were already dedicated to their art and striving for success. They consistently engaged in the process of learning and perfecting their skills in order to create impactful music and lyrics that could deeply resonate with listeners. Their goal was to create something that evoked strong emotions and had an indescribable quality that instantly captivated anyone who heard it.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more I dedicate myself to practice, the more fortunate I become.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a negative or deceitful manner. They are dedicated and motivated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, constantly learning and practicing the most sophisticated techniques and approaches to writing poetry and lyrics. These are the individuals who are investing their time and effort to excel at a much higher level compared to most aspiring writers, who often lack the same level of commitment and dedication to their craft.
We hold great respect for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their incredible impact on Christian worship songwriting. It's hard to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's iconic song "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we tend to overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated years to perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges in order to improve their songs and ministries.
No one can match their talent for creating catchy song titles, or "hooks," but this skill takes time to develop. Even the rising star of Centricity Music, Katy Nichole, has been sharing her songs since she was only fourteen years old. Although her hit "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like a sudden viral success, it is actually the result of years of hard work. Congratulations, Katy!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are several avenues to explore in order to enhance and nurture a deep and meaningful inner life. Consider the following three aspects as you aim to develop and articulate your faith through your music.
Make soul care a top priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves caught up in the chaos of our daily lives, leaving very little time to take care of our own souls. While it is important to prioritize our responsibilities and obligations towards others, it is equally crucial to make time for ourselves in order to avoid burnout. Taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining a healthy inner life, which is intricately connected to the well-being of our external lives and physical bodies.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and assume that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential elements for a holy life. However, the most talented songwriters understand the significance of reading extensively. They recognize that it is impossible to create remarkable lyrics without first immersing themselves in a wealth of knowledge and ideas. Simply relying on the information obtained during college or high school is insufficient; returning to books and learning is indispensable. Merely consuming fear and biased information through network or cable news does not fulfill this intellectual need. If you desire to write something impactful that can withstand the test of time, it is essential to enrich your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect from negativity. The content on cable news is primarily driven by the desire for high ratings and promotes fear and panic. Even the so-called "Christian" stations aim to make you angry so that you continue watching and endure their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also rely on increasing ratings and securing sponsorships for their shareholders. However, their constant stream of negativity is detrimental to your spiritual well-being and stifles your creativity. I suggest trying a news fast for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet reflection, focusing on God's love and goodness. You may find that this shift in focus leads to an abundance of positivity seeping into your music. Negativity steals your joy and intensifies fear and anxiety. Take a break and allow Jesus' Spirit to fill your heart and mind once more.
Christian artists and songwriters, such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, are able to create their music and lyrics because of their deep connection with God. However, their achievements in the industry can also be attributed to their talent and expertise as Christian songwriters. This reminds me of a famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who stated that his success on the golf course was not solely due to luck, but rather the result of continuous practice and improvement.
While you work on advancing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on cultivating a deep and fulfilling inner life. It is essential to offer the world something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing through your music, rather than simply recycling the same old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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