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Expressing from a Deeply Personal Perspective
A prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting is the belief that by simply acquiring sufficient advice, techniques, and shortcuts, one can avoid the arduous process of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people.
I am of the opinion that relying solely on tips and tricks is not enough for a committed Christian songwriter. It is essential to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life to draw inspiration from. With a strong foundation of faith and excellent songwriting skills, there is no need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible whenever one feels the presence of the Holy Spirit stirring in their heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
Our society's obsession with fast-paced digital experiences has shaped our thinking to expect instant results, leading us to believe that we can possess the same abilities as advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We have developed a mindset that prompts us to believe we can effortlessly generate a popular song within a matter of seconds, astonishing 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 or easy methods. These songwriters are skilled practitioners of the art of Christian songwriting and effectively communicate profound messages through their songs. They didn't simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Prior to the arrival of the more prominent figures, these individuals were already dedicating themselves to the study and improvement of their art. They consistently strived to educate themselves on the techniques of creating impactful lyrics and melodies, shaping them into captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with the emotions of listeners. These compositions possessed an unexplainable yet undeniable quality that evoked a sense of awe and fascination when experienced.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and dedication I put into practicing, the more fortunate or successful I become.
These individuals are not actively seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated songwriters who are already immersed in their craft, constantly studying and honing their skills in poetic and lyrical techniques. They are hardworking individuals who are investing their time and effort to create music at a much higher standard than most aspiring writers are willing to commit to.
We greatly appreciate individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It's hard to imagine where we would be without the powerful influence of Chris Tomlin's "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 becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this applies to even the rising star Katy Nichole who is signed with Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old. While her hit "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like a lucky break that went viral, the truth is that she has been working on her music for years. Congratulations to Katy for her dedication and perseverance!
Discovering ways to cultivate a fulfilling and vibrant inner life is crucial for Christian songwriters. To enhance and communicate your faith through music, consider these three essential factors.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and demanding lives, it can be challenging to find time for ourselves and our well-being. It's important to remember that while helping and serving others is crucial, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. Taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining a healthy inner life, which is interconnected with the well-being of our outer life and physical body.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to neglect their intellectual growth and believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only crucial aspects of living a sanctified life. However, the most exceptional songwriters understand the importance of diving deep into reading. They realize that without immersing themselves in profound words, it is impossible to create awe-inspiring lyrics. If you have not been reading extensively since college or high school, it is crucial for you to pick up books again. Merely consuming fear-inducing news from network or cable channels does not count. If you aspire to write something impactful that can endure even after your lifetime, it is essential to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspirational works.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating fear and anxiety in order to boost their ratings. Even the so-called "Christian" stations thrive on provoking anger in order to keep viewers engaged and exposed to their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also rely on building ratings and securing sponsorships to maintain their positions. However, the constant stream of negativity they propagate has a detrimental effect on your soul and your ability to think creatively. Consider taking a break from consuming any 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 by doing so, your positivity and joy begin to overflow into your artistic expression. Negativity not only steals your happiness but also cultivates fear and anxiety. Take a pause and allow yourself to reconnect with the spirit of Jesus, filling your heart and mind with his teachings once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many others are able to create beautiful music because they have a deep connection with God. However, their success can also be attributed to their talent and abilities as Christian songwriters. It reminds me of the quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who said that the more he practiced, the more fortunate he became.
While you focus on honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is vital to also nurture your inner self. It is important to remember that the world is in need of fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing expressions from you, rather than the same old phrases and concepts that have been repeated for years.
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