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Expressing from a Deep and Meaningful Inner World
Many people believe that if they acquire enough advice, shortcuts, and techniques, they can avoid the effort and dedication required to master the art of creating captivating songs that resonate with others. This misconception often surrounds Christian songwriting.
In my opinion, relying solely on tips and tricks is not enough for a Christian songwriter. It is crucial to have a deep connection with God and nurture a rich inner life, as this is the true source of inspiration. By cultivating a strong relationship with God and honing your songwriting skills, you won't need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be readily available whenever you are moved by the Spirit in your heart.
Photograph by Laura E. Partain
The way we consume digital content, especially fast food, has influenced our thinking to expect quick results and instant gratification. We have been led to believe that we can emulate the capabilities of advanced language models like CHATGPT or AI. Consequently, we believe that we should be capable of generating a popular song within seconds simply by providing a few prompts.
However, based on what I have seen, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who rely on shortcuts. Instead, they are skilled practitioners of Christian songwriting who communicate profound messages through their art. They do not simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally create something as powerful as "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the more experienced individuals, these artists were already putting in the effort to learn and improve their skills. They were dedicated to understanding how to create impactful lyrics and melodies, forming captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with their audience. Their aim was to create something emotionally stirring, possessing an indescribable "WOW" factor that can only be truly recognized when heard.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more time and effort I invest in practicing, the more fortunate I become.
These individuals are not actively seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated and motivated songwriters who are already engaged in their craft, constantly learning and practicing advanced poetic and lyrical techniques. They are committed to their work and invest a substantial amount of time and effort into creating at a level far beyond what most aspiring writers are willing to do.
Many of us hold deep admiration for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys due to their remarkable contributions to Christian worship songwriting. It is hard to imagine where we would be without the impact of Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, it is important to remember that these talented writers have dedicated years to developing their skills and have faced numerous challenges in perfecting their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles, or "hooks," overnight. This applies to everyone, including the rising star in Centricity Music, Katy Nichole. She has been sharing her songs online since she was just fourteen years old. While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained sudden popularity, the truth is that Katy has been working hard at her craft for several years. Congratulations to Katy for her dedication and success!
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches to nurturing and enhancing your inner life. Here are three essential factors to consider as you strive to develop and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and neglect our own well-being. While it's important to care for others, it's equally crucial to take care of ourselves. If we don't make time for rest and rejuvenation, we run the risk of burning out. Taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining a healthy inner life, which is closely connected to our overall well-being and physical health.
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 important aspects of living a sanctified life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the importance of deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to create powerful lyrics without first being enriched by them. If you have not engaged in reading since college or even high school, it is crucial for you to pick up books again. Simply consuming fear-inducing news from network or cable channels does not count. If you aspire to write something impactful that can endure beyond your lifetime, it is essential to feed your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect yourself from negativity. The content on cable news is solely focused on fear-mongering in order to increase ratings. Even channels that claim to be Christian often aim to provoke anger in order to keep viewers engaged and exposed to their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and even conservative pundits maintain their positions by generating high ratings and attracting sponsorships. However, the constant stream of negativity they spread is detrimental to your spiritual well-being and stifles your creativity. Consider taking a break from consuming any form of news for a few weeks and use that time to sit quietly and reflect on the love and goodness of God. You may find that this practice allows your positivity to overflow into your creative endeavors. Negativity robs you of joy and amplifies fear and anxiety. Take a pause and replenish your heart and mind with the spirit of Jesus once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, create their music from a place of abundant connection with God. However, their achievements as Christian songwriters can also be attributed, at least partially, to their honed skills. I am reminded of the words famously spoken by Australian golfer Gary Player, who stated, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you focus on honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is crucial to also nurture a deep and fulfilling personal life. It is important to offer the world something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing through your music, rather than simply regurgitating familiar phrases and concepts that have been around for years.
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