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Expressing the Depths of Your Inner World
A prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting is the belief that by simply acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts, one can avoid the diligent process of learning how to create 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 connection with God to draw inspiration from. With a strong inner life and proficient songwriting abilities, there is no need to search for shortcuts. The ability to write well with clarity and confidence is always accessible when you feel the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your heart.
The photograph was taken by Laura E. Part
The rapid and convenient nature of our online culture has influenced our thinking patterns, making us believe that we can mimic the abilities of advanced AI systems like CHATGPT. We have developed an expectation that we should be able to generate a song within seconds by simply providing a few prompts, and that this song will impress everyone.
However, based on what I have observed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world have been created by songwriters who did not rely on shortcuts. These individuals are skilled practitioners of Christian songwriting, effectively communicating their message through their artistic talent. They didn'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 honing their skills and striving for greatness in their field. They consistently worked on improving their ability to create impactful lyrics and melodies that could captivate listeners and evoke strong emotions. Their goal was to create a sound that had an indescribable "WOW" factor, which is difficult to define but instantly recognizable when encountered.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the greater amount of practice one engages in, the more fortunate they become.
These individuals are not searching for free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways in a disrespectful manner. They are dedicated and passionate songwriters who are already actively engaged in their craft, continuously improving their skills and exploring advanced poetic and lyrical techniques. These men and women are committed to their craft, investing their time and effort to create music at a much higher standard than most aspiring writers are willing to commit to.
We hold great respect for individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys due to their remarkable impact on Christian worship songwriting. It is difficult to imagine the absence of Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone" in our lives. However, we frequently overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated countless years to perfecting their craft and have faced numerous challenges in order to enhance 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. 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 musical career for many years. (Congratulations, Katy!)
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
If you're looking to enhance and nourish your inner self as a Christian songwriter, there are several strategies you can employ. Here are three key considerations to bear in mind as you strive to expand your spiritual depth and convey your faith through your musical compositions.
Make self-care a priority. In our fast-paced and demanding lives, it can be easy to neglect our own well-being. However, it is important to remember that while we should always strive to help and support others, we cannot ignore our own need for rest and rejuvenation. Taking care of ourselves is essential for maintaining a healthy inner life, which is closely connected to our overall well-being and physical health.
Nourish your mind. Christian songwriters often prioritize Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs, overlooking the importance of nurturing their intellects. However, the most accomplished songwriters understand the significance of engaging in deep reading. They recognize that it is impossible to create remarkable lyrics without first immersing themselves in a wealth of knowledge. Merely relying on news from network or cable channels to fuel your fears and reinforce your cultural biases is insufficient. If you aspire to produce meaningful work that transcends time, it is essential to enrich your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is solely driven by the desire for high ratings and instilling fear in its viewers. Even channels labeled as "Christian" are focused on provoking anger in order to keep you watching and exposed to their sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits also rely on building ratings and securing sponsorships for their shareholders to maintain their jobs. However, the constant stream of negativity they propagate is detrimental to your soul and creativity. I suggest taking a break from consuming any type of news for a few weeks and instead spend that time in quiet reflection, contemplating the love and goodness of God. You will notice a significant increase in positivity that will overflow into your music. Negativity steals your joy and intensifies fear and anxiety. Allow yourself a respite and replenish your heart and mind with the spirit of Jesus once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, create their music from a place of abundant connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, at least partially, to their proficiency as Christian songwriters. I greatly appreciate the words of Australian golfer Gary Player, who famously stated, "The more I dedicate myself to practice, the more fortunate I become."
While you focus on honing your skills in Christian songwriting, it's important to also nurture a deep and meaningful personal life. It's essential to offer something fresh, daring, courageous, and freeing to the world, rather than simply rehashing old phrases and ideas that have been heard for years.
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