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Expressing Thoughts from a Deep Inner World
A prevalent misconception regarding Christian songwriting is that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, one can avoid the arduous 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 crucial to have a deep connection with God and a flourishing inner life, as this will provide endless inspiration and guidance. With a strong foundation in songwriting skills and a close relationship with God, there is no need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be accessible, especially when you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit stirring within your heart.
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The fast-paced nature of our digital society has influenced us to adopt a mindset that resembles the speed and convenience of microwave cooking. It has convinced us that we have the ability to emulate the capabilities of CHATGPT or AI. We believe that with just a few prompts, we should be able to effortlessly generate a song in less than three seconds, which will instantly captivate and impress everyone.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by those who rely on shortcuts or unoriginal ideas. Instead, they are crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who effectively communicate their message through their art. These writers do not simply attempt to write a song and accidentally create a masterpiece like "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the big ones, these individuals were already dedicated to studying and improving their skills in their chosen art form. They consistently worked on honing their ability to create impactful lyrics and melodies, constructing captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners on an emotional level. These artists strived to create something indescribably powerful and captivating, a "WOW" factor that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who hears it.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the better I become at practicing, the more fortunate circumstances seem to come my way.
These individuals are not actively seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated and determined songwriters who are already committed to their craft, constantly improving their skills and knowledge in the art of writing lyrics. These individuals are investing their time and effort to create music at a much higher level than most aspiring writers are willing to commit to.
We have great admiration for musicians such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It's hard to imagine where we would be without Chris Tomlin's powerful rendition of "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we tend to overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated many years to perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges in order to refine their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or "hooks" overnight, and this is especially true for the rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. She has been sharing her songs since the age of fourteen, and although her hit "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like a lucky viral success, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy for her achievements!
Ways to Cultivate a Deep and Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are several approaches you can take to nurture and enhance your inner life. Here are three important considerations to bear in mind as you aim to expand and articulate your faith through your music.
Make taking care of your soul a top priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves leading busy and overwhelming lives, leaving very little time for self-care. Although it is important to care for and help others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. It is crucial to recognize that taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. This inner well-being is interconnected with the care we give to our external life and physical health.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of engaging their minds and assume that focusing solely on Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs is sufficient for a holy life. However, the most talented songwriters recognize the value of extensive reading. They understand that without immersing themselves in remarkable words, they cannot create extraordinary lyrics. If you have ceased reading after college or even high school, it is crucial for you to pick up books again. Merely consuming fear-inducing news from network or cable channels does not contribute to your intellectual growth. If you aspire to write something impactful and timeless, it is essential to feed your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect yourself from negativity. Cable news solely focuses on fearmongering in order to increase their ratings. Even channels that identify as "Christian" thrive on provoking anger in order to keep viewers engaged and exposed to their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also rely on building ratings and sponsorships to maintain their positions. However, the constant stream of negativity that they spew is detrimental to your soul and inhibits your creativity. I suggest abstaining from consuming any form of news for a few weeks and instead taking that time to sit quietly and reflect on the love and goodness of God. You will notice that your positivity will begin to overflow into your music. Negativity drains you of joy and amplifies fear and anxiety. Take a break and replenish your heart and mind with the Spirit of Jesus.
Christian artists and songwriters, such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, create their music from a place of abundance in their connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their proficiency as Christian songwriters. I am reminded of the renowned quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who stated, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While focusing on improving your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also nurture a profound inner life. It is crucial to bring something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, rather than simply rehashing the same phrases and concepts that have been heard for many years.
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