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Expressing from an Abundant Inner World
A widespread misconception regarding Christian songwriting suggests that acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts can enable individuals to sidestep the diligent process of mastering the art of creating compelling songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, relying solely on tips and tricks is not enough for a dedicated Christian songwriter. It is essential 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, there is no need to find shortcuts or hacks. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible whenever you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The picture was taken by Laura E. Part
The modern era of easily accessible and quick digital content has influenced our thinking patterns, making us believe that we can possess the same abilities as CHATGPT or AI. We have the idea that we should be capable of generating a complete song within a matter of seconds simply by providing a few prompts, and that this song will instantly amaze and captivate everyone.
However, from what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who rely on cheap tricks. Instead, these songs are the result of skilled Christian songwriters who excel in their craft and effectively communicate through their art. They don't simply attempt to write a song on a whim and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the prominent figures arrived, these individuals were already dedicated to perfecting their skills and achieving greatness in their artistic field. They consistently pursued knowledge and expertise in the creation of impactful lyrics and melodies, transforming them into captivating compositions that could deeply touch the emotions and captivate the attention of listeners. Their creations possessed an indescribable "WOW" factor that was undeniably powerful and unforgettable.
Gary Player, a professional golfer, believes that the more he dedicates himself to practicing, the more fortunate he becomes in his sport. He emphasizes the importance of continuous practice in improving one's luck or success.
These individuals are not actively seeking free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated songwriters who are already committed to their craft, constantly learning and honing their skills in poetic and lyrical techniques. These are the individuals who are willing to invest their time and effort to create music at a much higher caliber than most aspiring writers.
We have great respect for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys because of their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It's hard to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, it's important to remember that these songwriters have dedicated many years to perfecting their craft and have faced various challenges while refining their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles, or "hooks," overnight. This is true for everyone, including the rising star in Centricity Music, Katy Nichole. Katy has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old. While her hit song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained viral success by luck, that is not the case. Katy has been working hard at her music for years. (Congratulations, Katy!)
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches to nurturing and enhancing your spiritual journey through music. Here are three essential aspects to consider while endeavoring to expand and communicate your faith through your musical compositions.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves overwhelmed with busy schedules and little time for self-care. While it is important to show compassion and help others, we must not neglect our own need for rest and rejuvenation. Taking care of ourselves is crucial for maintaining our inner well-being, which in turn impacts our overall physical and emotional health.
Nurture 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 skilled songwriters understand the importance of reading extensively. They recognize that it is impossible to create remarkable lyrics without first immersing themselves in profound written works. If you have not engaged in reading since college or even high school, it is essential for you to revisit books. Merely consuming fear-inducing and culturally biased content from network or cable news does not suffice. If you aspire to write something impactful that will endure beyond your lifetime, it is crucial to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating fear to attract more viewers. Even the "Christian" channels thrive on angering you to keep you engaged and watch their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and even conservative pundits maintain their positions by increasing ratings and gaining sponsorships for their shareholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they emit is detrimental to your well-being and creativity. Consider refraining from consuming any kind of news for a few weeks and instead, take the time to sit quietly and reflect on the love and goodness of God. You will be amazed at how this shift in focus can lead to a greater sense of positivity and inspiration in your music. Negativity steals away your joy and amplifies fear and anxiety. Take a break and allow Jesus' Spirit to replenish your heart and mind.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more derive their creative inspiration from their deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their expertise in crafting Christian songs. This reminds me of a famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who emphasized the importance of practice in increasing one's chances of success.
While you are honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing a deep and meaningful spiritual life. It is essential to bring forth something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing through your songs, rather than simply recycling clichéd phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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