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Expressing from a Deep Inner World
There is a prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting that suggests that by acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, techniques, and shortcuts, one can 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 dedicated Christian songwriter. It is important to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life, as well as strong songwriting skills. With these qualities, there is no need to search for shortcuts or quick fixes. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always available when one feels the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their heart.
The image was taken by Laura E. Part
Our society's reliance on instant gratification and quick solutions, fueled by our digital fast-food culture, has led us to believe that we can emulate the capabilities of CHATGPT or AI. We have come to expect that with just a few prompts, we should be able to effortlessly produce a song within a matter of seconds that will amaze and captivate 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. Instead, these writers are skilled practitioners of Christian songwriting who effectively communicate through their art. They do not simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally produce a masterpiece like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the arrival of the prominent figures, they were already dedicated to studying and improving their artistic skills. They consistently worked on mastering the art of combining impactful words and melodies to create captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners. Their goal was to evoke strong emotions and create a certain "WOW" factor in their music that is difficult to put into words, but undoubtedly apparent when experienced.
Professional golfer Gary Player once said that the harder he worked and practiced, the more fortunate he seemed to become.
These individuals are not seeking free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a deceptive manner. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, constantly learning and honing their skills in creating exceptional poetry and lyrics. These are the individuals who are investing their time and effort to reach a much higher level of proficiency in their art, surpassing the commitment I witness in most aspiring writers.
We greatly appreciate individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their incredible impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is difficult to imagine where we would be without the powerful song "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone" by Chris Tomlin. 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 is especially true for Katy Nichole, the rising star at Centricity Music. Katy has been sharing her music since she was just fourteen years old, and her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained viral popularity by luck, but that's not the case. Katy has been working hard at her music for years, and we congratulate her on her success.
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous ways to nurture and enhance your inner life. Here are three key points to consider while striving to expand and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and demanding lives, it is often difficult to find time for ourselves. However, it is crucial that we do not neglect our own well-being and recharge our souls. While it is important to care for and serve others, if we do not take the time to rest and replenish ourselves, we will eventually burn out. Self-care should be seen as essential for nurturing our inner life, which is inseparable from taking care of our external life and physical body.
Nurturing your intellect is crucial. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook their intellectual growth and mistakenly believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only significant aspects of a holy life. However, the most exceptional songwriters understand the value of deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to craft extraordinary lyrics without first immersing themselves in an abundance of words. If you have ceased reading extensively after college or even high school, reintroducing yourself to books is invaluable. Merely engaging with fear-inducing news or reinforcing your cultural biases through network or cable channels does not suffice. If you aspire to compose something that carries a profound impact and withstands the test of time, it is imperative to nourish your mind with remarkable literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on increasing their ratings by spreading fear. Even channels that claim to represent Christianity thrive on provoking anger in order to keep viewers hooked and watching their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also rely on building a large following and attracting sponsors to maintain their jobs. However, the constant stream of negativity they emit is harmful to your soul and stifles your creativity. Take a break from consuming any type of news for a few weeks and spend that time in silence, contemplating the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positivity begins to overflow into your music. Negativity steals your joy and amplifies fear and anxiety. Give yourself a break and allow the spirit of Jesus to fill your heart and mind once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, and Maher are able to write with such depth and passion because of their strong connection with God. However, their success in the music industry also stems from their talent and expertise as Christian songwriters. It reminds me of a quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who once said, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you work on improving your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing a deep and fulfilling personal life. It is essential to bring something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, rather than simply regurgitating old phrases and ideas that have been around for years.
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