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Expressing from an Abundant Inner World
There is a prevailing misconception surrounding Christian songwriting that suggests if one acquires a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and techniques, they can somehow evade 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 profound 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 readily available, especially when inspired by the movement of the Holy Spirit in one's heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
Our modern society's obsession with fast and convenient digital experiences has influenced our way of thinking, making us believe that we can possess the same capabilities as advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We believe that we should be able to simply input a few prompts and instantly generate a song that will impress everyone within a matter of seconds.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world were not created by writers who relied on shortcuts. These writers were and still are skilled practitioners of Christian songwriting, using their art to communicate on a profound level. They did not simply attempt to write a song on a whim and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the arrival of influential figures, these individuals were already dedicated to honing their skills and striving for excellence in their craft. They consistently immersed themselves in learning how to skillfully combine impactful words and melodies to create captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with audiences. They aimed to create something that evoked strong emotions and possessed an indescribable quality that leaves a lasting impression on listeners.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the harder I work on my skills, the more fortunate I become in my endeavors.
These individuals are not seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways as a means to further their skills. They are dedicated and motivated songwriters who are already actively engaged in honing their craft, studying and implementing advanced techniques in poetry and lyrics. These are the individuals who are investing their time and effort in order to create at a much higher standard than most aspiring writers are willing to commit to.
We have great respect for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys, who have made significant contributions to Christian worship songwriting. It is hard to imagine what our worship music would be like without 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 various challenges in order to improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks without practice and time. Even emerging artist Katy Nichole, who is gaining popularity with her song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)," has been sharing her music since she was fourteen. While it may seem like she gained overnight success through a viral breakout, the truth is that she has been dedicated to her craft for years. Congratulations to Katy for her hard work and success!
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches to nurture and enhance your inner life. Consider these three essential aspects while striving to deepen your faith and convey it through your music.
It is important to make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves overwhelmed and with little time for self-care. While it is essential to care for others, we need to remember that neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. Taking care of ourselves is crucial for maintaining our inner well-being, which is deeply connected to our overall health and physical body.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to neglect their intellectual growth and believe that only Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the essential aspects of living a sanctified life. However, the most talented songwriters understand the importance of delving into deep reading. They acknowledge that it is impossible to craft extraordinary lyrics without first immersing themselves in a wealth of knowledge and ideas. Simply relying on news from television networks or cable channels, which often only reinforce fears and cultural biases, is insufficient. If you desire to write something impactful that can endure long after you're gone, it is crucial to feed your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is primarily driven by ratings and often promotes fear and panic. Even channels with a Christian focus tend to provoke anger in order to keep viewers engaged and sit through their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also rely on generating high ratings and attracting sponsors to maintain their jobs. However, the constant stream of negativity they emit can have a detrimental effect on your inner peace and creative thinking. Consider abstaining from consuming any news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet reflection, contemplating the love and goodness of God. You might be surprised to find that your newfound positivity starts to overflow into your music. Negativity not only steals your joy but also intensifies feelings of fear and anxiety. Take a break and replenish your heart and mind with the Spirit of Jesus.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many others create their work 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 particularly fond of the quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who famously 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 cultivating a deep and fulfilling inner life. It is essential to bring something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, rather than simply repeating the same old phrases and ideas that have been heard for many years.
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