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Expressing from a Deep and Meaningful Inner World
A prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting is the belief that by acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, one can avoid 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 Christian songwriter. It is essential to have a deep connection with God and a rich inner life to draw inspiration from. By cultivating this relationship and honing your songwriting skills, you won't need to resort to shortcuts or hacks. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be accessible to you when you feel the Spirit guiding your heart.
The picture was taken by Laura E. Part
The prevalence of our fast-paced digital culture has conditioned us to expect instant results, similar to the speed at which AI programs like CHATGPT operate. We believe that by simply providing a few prompts, we should be capable of generating a song within a matter of seconds that will 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. These writers are skilled practitioners of the art of Christian songwriting, effectively communicating profound messages through their music. They didn't simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally create masterpieces like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the prominent figures, these individuals were already dedicating their time to studying and improving their skills in their chosen art form. They consistently sought to expand their knowledge on how to skillfully combine meaningful lyrics and captivating melodies to create impactful compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners. They aimed to create something that evoked strong emotions and possessed an indescribable "WOW" factor, which could only be understood and appreciated when experienced firsthand.
Gary Player, a professional golfer, once said that the more he dedicates himself to practicing, the more fortunate he becomes.
These individuals are not seeking out free workshops or giveaways for Christian songwriting. They are dedicated songwriters who are already actively learning and honing their skills in the art of writing lyrics. These are the individuals who are committed to their craft and are willing to invest their time and effort to create at a much higher level than most aspiring writers.
We greatly appreciate individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is hard to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, it is important to remember that these songwriters have dedicated many 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 holds true for even the rising star of Centricity Music, Katy Nichole. She has been sharing her music online since she was fourteen years old, and her popular song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it gained viral success by chance, but that is not the case. Katy has been working hard at her craft for years. Congratulations to her!
Tips for Cultivating a Deep and Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous strategies you can adopt to nurture and enhance your inner spiritual journey. Consider the following three aspects while striving to expand and articulate your faith through your music.
Make taking care of your soul a top priority. Our lives are filled with busyness and chaos, which often leaves us with limited time to focus on our own well-being. While it is important to be caring and helpful towards others, it is crucial not to neglect our own need for rest and rejuvenation. Whatever self-care looks like for you, it is essential for nourishing your inner self, which in turn impacts your overall well-being and physical health.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of engaging their minds and believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential aspects of a holy life. However, the most exceptional songwriters understand the significance of reading extensively. They recognize that it is impossible to create incredible lyrics without first being filled with a wealth of knowledge and ideas. If you have not pursued reading beyond your college or even high school years, it is essential for you to pick up books again. Simply consuming fear-driven news or reinforcing your cultural biases through network or cable news does not suffice. If you aspire to write something that can truly make a lasting impact, one that will endure long after you are gone, it is crucial to feed your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on generating fear in order to attract viewers. Even channels that identify as "Christian" thrive on angering their audience to keep them engaged and watching the advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also rely on high ratings and sponsorships to maintain their jobs. However, the constant stream of negativity they promote is detrimental to your emotional well-being and creative expression. Consider refraining from consuming any news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet reflection, contemplating the love and goodness of God. You may find that your positivity begins to overflow into your artistic endeavors. Negativity not only steals your joy but also intensifies fear and anxiety. Take a break and refuel your heart and mind with the presence of Jesus' Spirit.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, are able to produce exceptional work because they draw from a deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their abilities as Christian songwriters. A quote from Australian golfer Gary Player comes to mind, where he famously stated, "The more I practice, the luckier I get." This emphasizes the importance of honing one's skills and continuously improving in order to achieve success.
While you are focusing on honing your Christian songwriting skills, it is equally important to cultivate a deep and meaningful personal journey. It is essential to offer the world something fresh, courageous, and transformative in your music, rather than simply recycling old phrases and concepts that have been heard for years.
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