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Tapping into an Abundant Inner World
A prevalent misconception surrounding Christian songwriting is the belief that acquiring a sufficient amount of tips, tricks, and shortcuts can enable individuals to skip 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 connection with God and cultivate a rich inner life. By doing so, along with possessing strong songwriting skills, one does not need to resort to shortcuts. The clarity and confidence to write well will always be accessible when one feels the Holy Spirit inspiring them.
The picture was taken by Laura E. Part
Our modern society, heavily influenced by technology and quick consumption, has ingrained in us a mindset that resembles a fast-food approach. We have been led to believe that we can possess the same capabilities as advanced language models like CHATGPT or AI. Consequently, we start expecting that by simply inputting a few prompts, we should be able to generate a song in less than three seconds that will amaze everyone.
However, based on what I have witnessed, the songs that have a lasting impact on the world are not created by writers who rely on shortcuts or easy methods. Instead, these songs are crafted by skilled Christian songwriters who have honed their abilities and express their messages at a profound level through their art. They do not 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 dedicating themselves to studying and striving for greatness in their field. They consistently immersed themselves in learning how to skillfully create impactful lyrics and melodies, constructing captivating compositions that could deeply resonate with listeners on an emotional level. These compositions possessed an indescribable "WOW" factor that was undeniably captivating, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who heard them.
According to professional golfer Gary Player, the more time and effort he puts into practicing, the more fortunate he becomes in his performance.
These individuals are not actively seeking out free Christian songwriting workshops or giveaways. They are dedicated and determined songwriters who are already immersed in their craft, constantly studying and honing their skills in order to achieve the utmost quality in their poetic and lyrical approaches. Unlike many aspiring writers who may not be willing to invest the same amount of effort, these individuals are committed to paying their dues and dedicating substantial time to take their creations to a higher level.
We greatly appreciate the talent and impact of individuals such as Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Lauren Daigle, and the Gettys when it comes to creating Christian worship songs. It is difficult to imagine the absence of songs like Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone." However, we tend to overlook the fact that these songwriters have dedicated years to perfecting their skills and have faced numerous challenges in order to improve their songs and ministries.
No one becomes a master at creating catchy song titles or "hooks" overnight, and this applies to even the rising star in Centricity Music, Katy Nichole. Katy has been sharing her music since she was fourteen years old, and her popular song "In Jesus' Name (God of Possible)" may seem like it was a lucky viral hit, but that's not the case. Katy has been working hard at her music for years. (Congratulations, Katy!)
Tips for Cultivating a Fulfilling Inner Life as a Christian Songwriter
As a Christian songwriter, there are numerous approaches to nourish and enhance your inner life. Here are three essential factors to consider while striving to expand and convey your faith through your music.
Make your own well-being a priority. In today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves overwhelmed and unable to make time for self-care. While it is important to be caring and helpful towards others, neglecting our own need for rest and rejuvenation will eventually lead to burnout. Taking care of ourselves is crucial for maintaining a healthy inner life, which is closely connected to our overall well-being and physical health.
Nurturing your intellect is crucial. Many Christian songwriters tend to overlook the importance of engaging their minds and mistakenly believe that solely focusing on Bible study, prayer, and singing worship songs is sufficient for a holy life. However, the most exceptional songwriters understand the significance of delving into profound knowledge. They recognize that it is impossible to create remarkable lyrics unless they themselves are enriched with a wide range of words and ideas. If you have stopped reading extensively after college or even high school, it is essential for you to revisit books. Merely consuming fear-driven and culturally biased news from network or cable sources does not fulfill this need. If you aspire to write something impactful that will endure beyond your lifetime, it is imperative to nourish your mind with exceptional literature, poetry, and other sources of inspiration.
Disconnect from negativity. Cable news is driven by the desire for higher ratings and uses fear to capture viewers' attention. Even supposedly "Christian" stations rely on anger-inducing content to keep people watching and expose them to sponsored advertisements. Talk radio hosts, shock jocks, and conservative pundits maintain their jobs by generating ratings and securing sponsorships for their shareholders. However, the constant stream of negativity they promote is detrimental to your soul and creativity. Consider taking a break from consuming any form of news for a few weeks. Instead, spend that time in quiet reflection, contemplating the love and goodness of God. You may find that this leads to a newfound sense of positivity that permeates your music. Negativity steals your joy and increases feelings of fear and anxiety. Take a pause and allow your heart and mind to be filled with the spirit of Jesus once again.
Christian artists and songwriters such as Nichole, Tomlin, Redman, Maher, and many more, create their music by drawing inspiration from their deep connection with God. However, their achievements can also be attributed, to some extent, to their talent and proficiency in writing Christian songs. It reminds me of a famous quote by Australian golfer Gary Player, who once said, "The harder I work, the more fortunate I become."
While you are focusing on improving your skills in Christian songwriting, it is important to also prioritize the growth of your personal spiritual life. It is essential to offer something fresh, courageous, and freeing to the world through your music, rather than simply reiterating clichéd lyrics and concepts that have been heard for years.
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