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Expressing Thoughts from a Deep Inner World
A prevalent misconception about Christian songwriting is that by acquiring a sufficient amount of advice, shortcuts, and strategies, one can avoid the substantial effort required to master the art of creating impactful songs that resonate with people.
In my opinion, relying on tips and tricks alone is not enough for a Christian songwriter. It is essential to have a deep connection with God and a wealth of emotions and experiences to draw inspiration from. When you possess a strong bond with God and have honed your songwriting skills, you don't need to resort to shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence will always be available to you, especially when you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The image was taken by Laura E. Part
The prevalence of our fast-paced digital culture has ingrained in us a mindset that resembles the quickness of a microwave. It has led us to believe that we can emulate the capabilities of CHATGPT or AI. We mistakenly assume that by providing a few prompts, we can effortlessly generate a song within three seconds that will astonish 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 superficial techniques. These songwriters are skilled practitioners of the art of Christian songwriting, effectively communicating deep messages through their music. They did not 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 more experienced individuals, they were already dedicating themselves to their art and striving to become better. They consistently sought knowledge on how to skillfully combine impactful words and melodies to create captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners. They aimed to create something emotionally powerful, something that had that indescribable "WOW" factor that can only be recognized when heard.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the greater amount of time and effort I dedicate to practicing, the more fortunate I become in my endeavors.
These individuals are not seeking free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a deceitful manner. They are dedicated and passionate songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, constantly striving to improve their skills and explore the most sophisticated poetic and lyrical techniques. Unlike many aspiring writers who are not willing to invest the same level of effort, these women and men are diligently working, putting in the necessary time and effort to create at a remarkably higher standard.
We greatly appreciate individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys for their exceptional impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is difficult to imagine a world without Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we frequently overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated numerous years to perfecting their skills and have faced various challenges in order to improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes skilled at creating catchy song titles, also known as "hooks," overnight. This applies to everyone, including up-and-coming artist Katy Nichole, who has been sharing her songs since she was just fourteen years old. Although her hit, "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)," may seem like it gained popularity overnight, it is actually the result of years of hard work and dedication. Congratulations to Katy on her success!
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
When it comes to nurturing a deep and fulfilling inner life as a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches to consider. Here are three essential factors to bear in mind as you strive to expand your spirituality and convey your faith through your music.
Make soul care a priority. In our fast-paced and busy lives, it is easy to overlook the importance of taking care of our own souls. Although it is important to care for and serve others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation can lead to burnout. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize self-care and view it as crucial for maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life, where the well-being of our inner selves is inseparable from the care of our external lives and physical bodies.
Nourish your intellect. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of intellectual growth and assume that Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs are the only essential elements of a holy life. However, the most talented songwriters understand the significance of reading extensively. They recognize that it is impossible to write remarkable lyrics if they have not immersed themselves in profound words beforehand. If you have not pursued any reading beyond college or high school, it is crucial for you to pick up books once again. Merely relying on network or cable news to satisfy your curiosity and reinforce your cultural biases is insufficient. If you aspire to create something impactful that will endure even after you are gone, it is necessary to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negative influences. Cable news is driven by the desire for high ratings and often uses fear to captivate viewers. Even channels that claim to be Christian sometimes rely on anger-inducing content to keep people engaged and watch the advertisements they sponsor. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits maintain their positions by attracting viewers and securing sponsorships. However, the constant stream of negativity they promote can have a detrimental effect on your emotional well-being and creativity. Consider taking a break from consuming any form of news for a few weeks and instead, spend that time in quiet contemplation, reflecting on the love and goodness of God. You might find that this helps to cultivate a more positive mindset, which can then be expressed in your artistic endeavors. Negativity not only steals your joy but also fuels fear and anxiety. Give yourself a rest and reconnect with the spirit of Jesus, allowing your heart and mind to be filled with positivity once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many others are able to create their music because of their deep connection with God. However, their success is not solely based on their spiritual relationship, but also on their talent and abilities as Christian songwriters. A famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player resonates with this idea, stating that success is not just a matter of luck, but rather a result of continuous practice and improvement.
While you are working on improving your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also focus on nurturing a deep and meaningful inner life. It is crucial to offer something fresh, courageous, and freeing to the world, rather than simply regurgitating familiar phrases and concepts that have been around for years.
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