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Expressing from an Abundant Internal World
A prevailing misconception surrounding Christian songwriting is the belief that by acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, techniques, and shortcuts, one can somehow evade the rigorous process of mastering the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with listeners.
In my opinion, having a deep connection with God and being a dedicated Christian songwriter is more valuable than relying solely on tips and tricks. If you possess a strong spiritual foundation and good songwriting abilities, there is no need to search for shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be readily available to you when you feel inspired by the Holy Spirit.
The image was captured by Laura E. Part
The rapid pace of our modern digital culture has influenced our thinking to expect instant results, similar to the speed of a microwave. We believe that we should be capable of mimicking the abilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We assume that by simply providing a few prompts, we can effortlessly generate a captivating song within a matter of seconds that will impress everyone.
From what I've observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who rely on shortcuts or tricks. Instead, they are skilled Christian songwriters who effectively communicate through their art. These individuals don't simply attempt to write a song on a whim and accidentally produce masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the big opportunities arrived, they were already dedicated to studying and improving their craft. They were always learning and honing their skills in order to create impactful and captivating songs that could deeply resonate with listeners. Their goal was to create something emotionally powerful and unforgettable, something that leaves a lasting impression and evokes a sense of awe and wonder, even though it's difficult to put into words.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more time and effort he dedicates to practicing, the more fortunate he becomes in his golfing endeavors.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively learning and practicing advanced techniques in poetry and lyrics. They are the ones who are investing their time and effort to create at a much higher level compared to most aspiring writers who are not willing to put in the same amount of commitment and dedication into 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 hard to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's renowned song "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we tend to overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated years of their lives 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 everyone, including the rising star in Centricity Music, Katy Nichole. Katy has been sharing her songs online since she was only fourteen years old. Although her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained viral success by luck, that is not the case. Katy has been dedicated to her music for many years. (Congratulations, Katy!)
To cultivate a more fulfilling and vibrant internal world as a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches you can take. Here are three essential considerations to bear in mind while endeavoring to nurture and convey your faith through your musical compositions.
It is important to make soul care a priority. In our busy and hectic lives, it can be easy to neglect taking care of our own souls. While it is important to care for and serve others, if we do not take the time to rest and replenish ourselves, we will eventually become burnt out. Taking care of ourselves is essential in maintaining our inner life, which is interconnected with our outer life and physical well-being.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and believe that only Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are essential for a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the necessity of delving into profound reading materials. They recognize that it is impossible to create remarkable lyrics if they themselves are not enriched by words first. If you have not continued reading beyond college or even high school, it is imperative for you to pick up books once again. Merely consuming fear-inducing news from network or cable channels does not contribute to this endeavor. If you truly desire to write something impactful that surpasses your own lifespan, it is crucial to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating fear in order to attract viewers. Even the "Christian" stations depend on making you angry so that you continue watching and endure their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and even conservative commentators maintain their positions by increasing ratings and attracting sponsors for their shareholders. However, their constant stream of negativity is detrimental to your soul and creativity. Consider taking a break from all forms of news for a few weeks and use that time to sit quietly and reflect on the love and goodness of God. You may notice that your positivity begins to overflow into your music. Negativity steals your joy and intensifies fear and anxiety. Take a pause and replenish your heart and mind with the Spirit of Jesus once again.
Christian musicians and lyricists such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, use their deep connection with God as inspiration for their writing. However, their achievements can also be attributed to their talent and expertise in Christian songwriting. I am reminded of the words of Australian golfer Gary Player, who once famously said, "The more I dedicate myself to practice, the more fortunate I become."
While you work on advancing your abilities in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on cultivating a deep and fulfilling personal life. It is crucial to offer something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music instead of simply repeating the same old phrases and concepts that have been heard for years.
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