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Expressing from an Abundant Inner World
A prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting is the belief that acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts can enable individuals to circumvent the diligent 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 devoted Christian songwriter. It is essential to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life, as well as strong songwriting abilities. With these qualities, there is no need to search for shortcuts or quick fixes. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be accessible whenever you feel the Spirit guiding you.
The photo was taken by Laura E. Part
The fast-paced nature of our digital society has influenced our thinking, making us believe that we can mimic the capabilities of CHATGPT or AI. We mistakenly assume that we should be able to generate a song within a few seconds by simply providing a few prompts, and expect it to be instantly loved by 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 and effectively communicate through their art. They do not simply attempt to write a song and accidentally create powerful and timeless songs like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Prior to the arrival of the prominent figures, these individuals were already engrossed in their artistic pursuits and striving for greatness. They dedicated themselves to learning how to skillfully combine impactful words and melodies into captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners, evoking strong emotions. They aimed to create something extraordinary, possessing an indescribable "WOW" factor that can only be truly understood when experienced.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and dedication I put into practicing, the more fortunate I become in my performances.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways with malicious intent. They are dedicated and motivated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their work, constantly improving their skills and exploring the most sophisticated poetic and lyrical techniques. These are the individuals, both male and female, who are willing to invest their time and effort to create at a much more advanced level than the majority of aspiring writers I come across.
We have great respect for 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 a world 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 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 fourteen years old. While 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 working hard at her music for years. (Congratulations, Katy!)
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
If you aspire to enhance and nourish your inner life as a Christian songwriter, it's essential to consider the following three aspects while striving to expand and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves overwhelmed with busy schedules and limited time for self-care. While it is important to show care and support to others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. It is crucial to recognize that taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining a healthy inner life, which is closely interconnected with the care of our outer life and physical well-being.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of engaging their intellects and mistakenly believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only crucial components of a sanctified life. However, the most exceptional songwriters understand the significance of reading extensively. They recognize that it is impossible to craft exceptional lyrics without first being filled with profound words. If you have ceased reading after college, or even high school, it is essential for you to return to books. Merely consuming fear-inducing news from network or cable sources does not fulfill this need. If you aspire to write something impactful that may even outlast you, it is imperative to enrich your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on increasing ratings through spreading fear. Even the so-called "Christian" stations thrive on angering viewers in order to maintain their audience and satisfy their sponsors. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and even conservative commentators rely on boosting ratings and securing sponsorships for their shareholders. However, the constant flow of negativity they spew is detrimental to your spiritual well-being and creative abilities. Try abstaining from any form of news for a few weeks and use that time to sit quietly, reflecting on God's love and goodness. You will likely find that your positive outlook starts to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity steals your joy and intensifies fear and anxiety. Take a break and allow Jesus' Spirit to fill your heart and mind once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, and Maher, among others, create their music from a place of abundance in their connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their expertise as Christian songwriters. I am reminded of the renowned quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who stated, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you are working on improving your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing your inner self. It is necessary to bring something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world through your songs, rather than just repeating the same old phrases and ideas that have been heard for many years.
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