1. Be Yourself
We are each created in His image. He is the Creator and we become little-creators. At the same time, we are each a unique creation. Thus, He would expect a unique creative expression to come from each of us. Your own life is packed with stories, unique perspective, and personal experience for songwriting.
2. Communicate
The best songs serve more than your personal creative expression; they communicate in ways in which others can relate. You should not have to hand out a Cliff Notes with each of your songs. Your thought process should be logical and flow well through each section. Stay with and support your theme; don’t wander. You are taking us on a journey; don’t lose us on rabbit trails. Songwriting is much like writing advertising copy; you have only a few words with which to capture attention and convey your message; so make every word count. Musical hooks help communicate because they grab peoples attention. And writing with the intent of serving others through your songs can totally change your creative flow.
3. Craftsmanship
“God gave this song to me in a revelation, I can’t change it.” Some writers feel that they should not change the way their songs first come to them. God gives the materials, inspiration, creative gifting, and your mind. Draft from your heart and then refine with your mind. Make it interesting. Try different directions melodically and lyrically, and then pick the one that works best for your song. The music and lyrics should marry. If it starts to feel stale, back-track or set it aside for awhile and come back to work on it with a fresh perspective. Practice writing in real-speak; like you would talk to someone in a conversation, not in clichés. Or read it out-loud like prose or poetry; does it read well. God and the
rest of us will appreciate your efforts at craftsmanship.
4. Be Honest
People can spot a phony a mile away. Be true to what is going on in your life and heart. Speak in your own voice. Craftsmanship will allow you to write about things you haven’t necessarily experienced. But honesty will add that extra ingredient that unveils powerful and passionate songs that people can relate too.
5. Accept the Seasons
Sometimes you just don’t have anything to say; don’t fight it. Sometimes it’s just rolling out of you and you’re writing several songs at once. Sometimes a song needs to sit on a shelf for a while and you need to experience more life in order to finish it. Be patient. Each of the seasons has something beautiful in it; look for it.
6. Don’t Box-in Creativity
Or perhaps better said, “Don’t box in God”. Just look at His creative handiwork in the world around you. It doesn’t have to sound like the current popular song or meet certain church song criteria. The more I know God, the more I see how He likes to mess with formulas. And His well-spring of creativity is endless; don’t live on old manna when there is something new and fresh for you to create today.
7. Practice
We all know it; the more you do something the better you will get at it. Work at your instrument; your writing. Do it regularly. Take notes. Journal. Stretch and try new approaches. Invest in yourself. Buy a video. Take a class. Buy a new instrument or recording gear; anything that might inspire and motivate you toward more creativity.
8. Iron Sharpens Iron
Write with, hang-out with, or observe other writers who are better than you and learn from them. Working with someone else can refresh your perspective. Ask for feedback. Disclaimer: feedback, criticism or critique is always subjective and unique to the one giving it. You should have a reason to trust what they have to say. And never throw out your song or idea based on one opinion.
9. Audience of One
Find a place of contentment in creating for God alone. He loves and enjoys what you create. Feel His joy in it. Remember Eric Liddle from the movie Chariots of Fire; “I feel God’s pleasure when I run”. Maybe you need to set aside the tape recorder and just enjoy the musical moment. When you find this place, it can relieve the performance pressure that can lock up creativity.
10. The Grass Is Not Greener
I can’t tell you how many times I have heard someone say, “If only I could do this full time.” “If only I could get a deal.” “If only....” In the words of Thoreau, “How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live.” Getting a deal can be great or it can be awful. God has a much bigger perspective for creativity and you should be aware of it. Often the greatest songs are written from the pain of our struggle. Don’t miss the sources of inspiration coming from where you are right now.
11. Connect to the Source
The noise in our life can be overwhelming, leaving us in a state of numbness and emptiness. Quiet, contemplative time to hear His voice, His words to us personally, is critical to our spiritual health. This connection will also give us the internal confidence we need to push through our fears and insecurities. Lastly, He is the Master Creator, the Source of all creativity; connection with Him positions us to walk in the fullness of our creativity.
12. Balance
It’s never just about one thing; effective songwriting is an ever changing mix of all of the above. Be yourself but make sure you communicate. Practice while you are accepting the dry season. Be honest about your doubt when you write a song about faith. While you may have found contentment with creating for an audience of One, you should still knock on doors of opportunity.
13. Beauty and Inspiration
So, it’s a Baker’s dozen; just one more thought. What compels people to listen to a piece of music? It moves them emotionally. It makes them want to cry, want to dance, makes them think, it inspires them, tells their own story, expresses their own feelings, lifts their spirit, soothes their pain or fear; or it’s just musical honey to the soul. This is where skill meets heart…and the magic of God. And, it can range from Good Night Moon to Tolstoy. Make it your aspiration to find this in your musical creation.
Remember, our ability to create is a precious gift from God. Enjoy your songwriting journeys.
Casey McGinty