Blog Post:
Expressing Your Inner World through Writing
There is a prevalent misconception when it comes to Christian songwriting, suggesting that by acquiring a multitude of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, one can evade the process of diligently 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 having this connection and possessing strong songwriting skills, there is no need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible when one feels the guidance of the Holy Spirit in their heart.
Photograph taken by Laura E. Partain
The prevalent fast-paced nature of our digital culture has influenced our thinking to become impatient, expecting instant results like those achieved by CHATGPT or AI. We believe that with just a few prompts, we should be capable of generating a song in less than three seconds that will amaze everyone.
However, based on my personal experience, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who rely on shortcuts or quick fixes. Instead, they are crafted by dedicated Christian songwriters who communicate profound messages through their art. These individuals do not simply attempt to write a song on a whim and accidentally produce masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Even before the arrival of the prominent figures, these individuals were already deeply engaged in the study and pursuit of their artistic abilities. They consistently devoted themselves to learning how to skillfully combine impactful words and melodies into captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners on an emotional level. Their creations possessed an indescribable "WOW" factor that was truly captivating and unforgettable.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and time I dedicate to practicing, the more fortunate I tend to become.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a deceitful manner. They are dedicated and determined songwriters who are actively engaged in their craft, constantly learning and honing their poetic and lyrical skills. These are the individuals who are investing their time and effort to elevate their writing abilities to a much higher standard than most aspiring writers are willing to commit to their own craft.
Many of us hold great admiration for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys due to their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is difficult to imagine a world without songs like Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we tend to overlook the fact that these writers have dedicated numerous years to perfecting their skills and have faced various challenges in order to enhance their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight. This holds true for even rising star Katy Nichole, who has been sharing her songs online since she was just fourteen years old. Although her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may have seemed like it gained sudden popularity, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her persistence!
Ways to Cultivate a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous methods to nurture and enrich your inner life. Below are three essential aspects to consider while aiming to expand your faith and express it through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and busy lives, we often neglect taking care of ourselves. However, it is essential to prioritize our own rest and rejuvenation alongside our responsibilities and helping others. Neglecting our own needs can lead to burnout. Taking care of ourselves is crucial for maintaining our inner well-being, which is interconnected with our outer life and physical health. Whatever self-care looks like for you, it is vital for overall balance and fulfillment.
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 a holy life. However, the most successful songwriters understand the importance of reading extensively. They recognize that it is impossible to create remarkable lyrics without first immersing themselves in a wealth of knowledge. If you have not continued to read beyond your college or high school years, it is essential for you to pick up books again. Merely consuming fear-inducing and biased information from network or cable news does not suffice. If you aspire to write something that can make a lasting impact even after you are gone, you must nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other inspiring works.
Disconnect yourself from negativity. The content on cable news is primarily focused on generating high ratings by spreading fear. Even channels that identify as "Christian" often rely on anger-inducing content to keep viewers engaged and sit through their advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits maintain their jobs by attracting ratings and sponsorships. However, the constant stream of negativity they promote is detrimental to your soul and stifles your creativity. Consider taking a break from consuming any news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet contemplation, reflecting on the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positivity begins to overflow into your artistic expression. Negativity deprives you of joy and increases feelings of fear and anxiety. Take a break and reconnect with the spirit of Jesus to replenish your heart and mind.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more are able to create their music because they draw inspiration from their deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed to their talent as Christian songwriters. I am reminded of a famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who said, "The more I practice, the luckier I get." This emphasizes the importance of honing one's skills in order to achieve success.
While you work on honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing a vibrant inner life. It is crucial to offer something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, rather than simply regurgitating old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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