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Expressing Thoughts from a Deep Inner World
A prevalent misconception regarding Christian songwriting is that by acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and techniques, one 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 dedicated Christian songwriter. It is essential to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life to draw inspiration from. If you possess this connection and strong songwriting skills, you don't need shortcuts or quick fixes. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible to you, especially when you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit stirring in your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The way we consume digital content, especially fast food culture, has deeply influenced our thinking. It has made us believe that we can achieve the same level of efficiency and creativity as CHATGPT or AI. We now expect to generate a complete song within seconds by simply providing a few prompts, and assume that it will be a sensational hit for everyone.
From my personal experience, I have found that the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not written by mere amateurs. The writers who create such influential songs are skilled practitioners of Christian songwriting who effectively convey their message through their art. They do not simply attempt to write a song on a whim and accidentally produce timeless classics like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the well-known individuals appeared, they were already dedicating themselves to studying and improving their craft. Continuously, they were learning how to create impactful lyrics and harmonies, constructing captivating compositions that could deeply touch and resonate with listeners. These compositions possessed an indescribable quality that left a lasting impression, evoking a strong emotional response that is instantly recognizable.
Pro golfer Gary Player once said that the more he dedicates himself to practicing, the more fortunate he becomes in his game. In other words, Player believes that his hard work and commitment to improving his skills ultimately result in better outcomes and opportunities.
These individuals are not actively seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated and passionate songwriters who are constantly working on their skills, studying the best techniques for poetry and lyrics. These are the individuals who are committed to their craft, investing their time and effort to produce work of a much higher caliber than most aspiring writers are willing to do.
We greatly admire 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 rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone" by Chris Tomlin. However, it's important to remember that these songwriters have dedicated countless years to perfecting their skills and have faced various challenges along the way to improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this is especially true for Katy Nichole, the talented artist signed to Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her songs online since she was fourteen years old, and her recent hit "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" might give the impression that she had a lucky viral breakthrough. However, the truth is that Katy has been working hard at her music for many years. (Congratulations, Katy!)
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches to nourish and expand your inner life. Here are three key points to consider while striving to enhance and articulate your faith through your music.
Make taking care of your soul a priority. In our fast-paced and overwhelming lives, we often neglect to set aside time for ourselves. Although it is important to show care and support to others, if we don't take care of our own need for rest and rejuvenation, we will eventually become exhausted. It is crucial to recognize that taking care of ourselves is essential for both our inner and outer well-being, as our inner life is interconnected with our physical body and overall well-being.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters often overlook the importance of intellectual growth, assuming that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the sole components of a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the significance of delving deep into literature. They recognize that it is impossible to craft remarkable lyrics if they have not first immersed themselves in profound words. If you ceased reading after college, or even high school, re-engaging with books is indispensable for you. Merely consuming fear and being influenced by cultural biases through network or cable news does not suffice. If you aspire to create something impactful that surpasses your own existence, 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 viewership. Even channels that claim to cater to Christians thrive on provoking anger in order to keep you watching and expose you to their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits maintain their jobs by attracting high ratings and securing sponsorships for their investors. However, the constant stream of negativity they spew forth is detrimental to your spiritual well-being and creative abilities. Consider taking a break from consuming any form of news for a few weeks and instead use that time to reflect quietly on God's love and goodness. You may notice that your positivity begins to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity steals your joy and heightens fear and anxiety. Give yourself a respite and allow Jesus' Spirit to fill your heart and mind once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, create their music by drawing from their deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed to their abilities as Christian songwriters. It reminds me of a well-known quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who stated, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you are honing your Christian songwriting skills, it is important to also focus on nurturing your inner life. It is crucial to strive for innovation, courage, and liberation in your music, rather than simply recycling old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years. The world is in need of something fresh and daring from you.
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