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Expressing the Depths of Your Inner World
A prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting is the belief that by acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and techniques, 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 dedicated Christian songwriter. It is important to have a deep and meaningful connection with God, as well as strong songwriting abilities. With these qualities, there is no need to search for shortcuts or quick fixes. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be accessible when one feels the guidance of the Holy Spirit within their heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The way we consume digital content quickly and impulsively has influenced our thinking to expect instant results, similar to the capabilities of CHATGPT or AI. We believe that we should be able to input a few prompts and generate a song in less than three seconds, which would 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 tricks. Instead, these songs are created by individuals who are skilled and dedicated to the craft of Christian songwriting. They effectively communicate profound messages through their art. They do not simply attempt to write a song one day and accidentally create something as powerful as "Amazing Grace," "In Christ Alone," or "10,000 Reasons."
Before the arrival of the prominent figures, these individuals were already deeply engaged in their art, putting in effort to improve and stand out. Continuously, they dedicated themselves to learning how to skillfully combine impactful words and melodies into captivating arrangements that could deeply resonate with listeners, evoking strong emotions. Their goal was to create something that possessed an indescribable "WOW" factor, which could be recognized and appreciated when heard.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more effort and time I dedicate to practicing, the more fortunate I become in my endeavors.
These individuals are not seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in order to gain something without putting in any effort. These are dedicated songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, constantly learning and practicing advanced techniques and approaches to poetry and lyrics. These are the individuals who are committed to paying their dues and investing a significant amount of time in order to create music at a much higher level than the majority of aspiring writers, who often seem unwilling to put in the same level of commitment and effort.
We have great respect for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys, who have made remarkable contributions to Christian worship songwriting. It's hard to imagine the absence of Chris Tomlin's "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 improving their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles or hooks overnight, and this applies to everyone, including the rising star Katy Nichole from Centricity Music. 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 a fortunate viral success, it is important to note that Katy has been working on her craft for many years. Congratulations to Katy for her dedication and achievements!
There are numerous approaches to cultivating a fulfilling and abundant inner life as a songwriter who follows the Christian faith. Here are three aspects to consider while striving to enhance and convey your belief through your musical creations.
Make soul care a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we all have jam-packed schedules that often leave us with very little time to take care of ourselves. While it is important to prioritize our responsibilities and obligations towards others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. It is crucial to recognize the significance of taking care of our inner selves, as this is closely intertwined with our overall well-being and physical health. Therefore, no matter how you choose to practice self-care, it should be viewed as an essential aspect of maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life.
Nourish your intellect. Songwriters who follow the Christian faith often overlook the importance of intellectual growth and mistakenly believe that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only significant aspects of a holy life. However, the most skilled songwriters understand the significance of reading extensively. They recognize that it is impossible to create exceptional lyrics without first immersing themselves in profound and thought-provoking material. If you ceased reading after college or even high school, it is crucial for you to prioritize reengaging with books. Merely consuming fear-inducing narratives and reinforcing cultural biases through network or cable news does not suffice. If your goal is to write something that can have a lasting impact, surpassing your own lifetime, it is imperative to nourish your mind by delving into exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely focused on increasing ratings by instilling fear in its viewers. Even channels that claim to be "Christian" thrive on angering you so that you continue watching and tolerate their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio, shock jocks, and conservative pundits maintain their jobs by attracting high ratings and securing sponsorships for their shareholders. However, the constant flow of negativity they spread is detrimental to your spiritual well-being and creative abilities. Consider abstaining from consuming any form of news for a few weeks and instead, spend that time in quiet contemplation, reflecting on God's love and goodness. You'll likely find that your positivity will start to overflow into your music. Negativity steals your joy and increases feelings of fear and anxiety. Take a break and allow Jesus' Spirit to fill your heart and mind once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, create their music from a place of deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their talent and expertise in composing Christian songs. A quote from Australian golfer Gary Player comes to mind, where he famously expressed, "The more I practice, the luckier I get."
While you are working on advancing your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing your inner self. It is necessary to offer something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing through your music, rather than simply repeating the same phrases and concepts that have been around for years.
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