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Expressing from a Deep Inner World
A prevalent misconception about Christian songwriting is that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, techniques, and shortcuts, one can avoid the diligent effort required to master the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people.
I am of the opinion that relying solely on tips and tricks is not enough for a dedicated Christian songwriter. Instead, one should have a deep spiritual connection with God, which serves as a wellspring of inspiration. With a strong foundation in songwriting skills and this inner connection, there is no need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write effectively with clarity and confidence is always accessible whenever one feels the guidance of the Holy Spirit within their hearts.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The fast-paced nature of our digital society has influenced our thinking, making us believe that we can achieve the same level of productivity and creativity as advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We have come to expect that by simply providing a few prompts, we should be able to effortlessly generate a song within a matter of seconds, one that will amaze and impress 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 or quick fixes. Instead, these songs are crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who excel in their art and effectively communicate their message. They do not simply attempt to write a song and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Prior to the arrival of the prominent figures, they were already dedicated to studying and striving for greatness in their artistic field. They consistently pursued knowledge on how to skillfully create impactful words and melodies, constructing captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners. Their aim was to produce something emotionally stirring, possessing an elusive yet undeniable quality that evokes a profound sense of awe, which can only be understood through firsthand experience.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the higher amount of practice I put in, the more fortunate I become in my endeavors. Therefore, continuous practice leads to increased luck.
These individuals are not seeking out opportunities to attend Christian songwriting workshops or receive freebies. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, constantly improving their skills and exploring the most sophisticated techniques in poetry and lyrics. Unlike many aspiring writers who are not willing to invest the same level of effort, these men and women are committed to paying their dues and devoting ample time to their creative process.
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 hard to imagine a world without Chris Tomlin's powerful rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we frequently overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated years to improving 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, and this is true for the talented musician Katy Nichole as well. Katy has been sharing her music online since she was just fourteen years old. While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may appear to have gained viral success by luck, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her accomplishments!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are various ways you can enhance and nourish your inner life. Consider these three principles to help you expand your spirituality and convey your faith through your musical creations.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and overwhelming lives, it is often difficult to find time to take care of our souls. Although it is important to be caring and helpful to others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. It is crucial to recognize the significance of self-care in maintaining our inner well-being, as it is interconnected with the care of our external life 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 key components of a holy life. However, the most successful songwriters understand the importance of deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to create exceptional lyrics without first immersing themselves in rich and profound content. If you have not engaged in serious reading since college, or even high school, it is crucial for you to pick up books again. Merely consuming fear-inducing news or reinforcing your existing biases through network or cable news is not sufficient. 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 from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating fear and anxiety to increase their ratings. Even stations that claim to be Christian are motivated by anger-inducing content to keep viewers engaged and watch their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and conservative pundits maintain their positions by attracting high ratings and securing sponsorships. However, their constant stream of negativity is detrimental to your soul and stifles your creativity. Take a break from consuming any kind of news for a few weeks and use that time to reflect quietly on God's love and goodness. You will notice a shift towards more positivity and an overflow of it in your music. Negativity steals your joy and intensifies fear and anxiety. Take a pause and allow yourself to reconnect with the spirit of Jesus, filling your heart and mind with it once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, create their music based on their deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their abilities as Christian songwriters. This reminds me of a famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who stated that the more he practiced, the more fortunate he became.
While you are honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to consistently nurture your spiritual life. It is crucial to offer something fresh, courageous, and liberating to the world through your music, rather than simply regurgitating clichéd phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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