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Expressing Thoughts from a Deep Inner World
There is a prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting which suggests that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, one can avoid the laborious 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 important to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life to draw inspiration from. By combining this spiritual connection with strong songwriting skills, one can effortlessly access the clarity and confidence needed to write well whenever they feel the movement of the Holy Spirit in their heart.
The photo was taken by photographer Laura E.
The fast-paced nature of our modern digital culture has deeply influenced our way of thinking, leading us to believe that we can emulate the capabilities of advanced technologies like CHATGPT or AI. We have this notion that we should effortlessly generate a song within a matter of seconds by simply providing a few prompts, and expect it to be universally praised.
However, based on what I have observed, 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 who effectively communicate their message through their art. They did not simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the arrival of the more established artists, they were already dedicated to studying and improving their craft. They consistently sought to learn how to create impactful lyrics and melodies, constructing songs that could deeply resonate with listeners and evoke strong emotions. Their goal was to create something that had an indescribable "WOW" factor, which could captivate the audience's attention and leave a lasting impression.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more I dedicate myself to practice, the more fortunate I become in my endeavors.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, continuously learning and honing their skills in poetic and lyrical techniques. They are the ones who are committed to putting in the necessary effort and time to create at a much higher standard than what I typically observe from aspiring writers.
The creative talents of Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys in the field of Christian worship songwriting are highly respected and appreciated. It is difficult to imagine the Christian music landscape without the impact of Chris Tomlin's powerful rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, it is important to recognize that these songwriters have dedicated a significant amount of time and effort to develop their skills and overcome challenges in order to create meaningful songs and serve in their ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this is especially true for Katy Nichole, the rising star at Centricity Music. 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 a stroke of luck that went viral, it is important to recognize that she has been honing her craft for years. Congratulations to Katy for her hard work and dedication!
Discovering methods to cultivate a fulfilling and abundant inner life is essential for Christian songwriters. Here are three crucial aspects to consider while striving to enhance and convey your faith through your musical creations.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves caught up in the busyness of life, leaving little room to take care of our own souls. While it is important to serve and care for others, we must also recognize that neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. It is essential to find ways to take care of ourselves, as this not only nourishes our inner life but also impacts our overall well-being and physical health.
Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of feeding their intellects. They often believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential aspects of a holy life. However, successful songwriters understand the value of deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to write extraordinary lyrics without first immersing themselves in the beauty of words. If you have stopped reading extensively after college or high school, it is crucial for you to pick up books again. Simply consuming fear-inducing news from television networks or cable channels does not suffice. If you desire to create something impactful that can transcend time, it is necessary to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspirational works.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is focused solely on generating fear in order to attract viewers. Even channels that claim to have Christian values thrive on provoking anger to keep people watching and enduring the sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and even conservative commentators maintain their positions by boosting ratings and securing sponsorships for their stakeholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they emit is detrimental to your spirit and your creativity. Try abstaining from all forms of news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in peaceful reflection on the love and goodness of God. Then observe if your positivity doesn't start to overflow into your artistic expressions. Negativity deprives you of joy and amplifies fear and anxiety. Take a break 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 are able to create their music by drawing from their deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed to their talent and proficiency in crafting Christian songs. A quote from Australian golfer Gary Player comes to mind: "The more I work on my skills, the more fortunate I become."
While you are enhancing your abilities in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing a deep and fulfilling personal life. It is crucial to bring something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, rather than simply recycling clichéd phrases and concepts that have been around for years.
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