I was recently asked by an individual formerly on our worship team what resources I would suggest for songwriters. And I thought it would be a good opportunity to share a couple that have been very helpful for me.
1. God-Songs - by Paul Baloche
This is a great resource for songwriters. Not only does Paul give us some very useful music theory for worship tunes, but he also puts it in terms that anyone with a basic understanding of how music works can understand. He deals alot with song selection in worship, and then moves on to devote much of the book to song-writing. He calls it a craft. An art. He deals with rhyming. Melodies. Chord structures and patterns. Adequate keys for congregational singing. The whole 9.
Baloche argues that, to some extent, the songs we write must be able to hold their own on a level consistent with the other songs that we are singing in our churches--a point to which I have become fully invested over the past few years. So, Paul is a big fan of the re-write. If you think rewriting is unspiritual, think again. It could actually be one of the most spiritual things you do with your song. All in all, this is a great resource for new or advanced songwriters.
You can get it here on amazon.
2. Inhale | Exhale
In talking with Matt Redman briefly a few years ago at an Integrity conference, I asked him what his formula was for songwriting. And he told me about the inhale/exhale principle. Simply meaning that the verses we write need to be full of rich and deep theology. Something for us to chew on. Still very singable, but full of things to really think about--the inhale. Then the chorus should be something that is a very simple response to the depth that we have just been singing--the exhale. Just a simple chorus that allows our hearts to pour out a simple melody and lyric in response to the truth we have been exposed to in the verses. I love this paradigm, and it's something I really strive for, and our team of writers strives for, when it comes to congregational worship tunes.
3. Stay in the Word
This should probably go without saying, but our songs must be birthed out of and bathed in the Word of God. If they are just our own clever ideas, they will lack the authority that only comes from God's Word. It's His Word that God has promised will not return void, (Isaiah 55:11) so our songs must contain, be wrapped up in, and be completely encompassed by Scripture.
4. A few practical online helps
When I write, I keep several tabs open on my web browser.
- dictionary.com - sometimes I just need that one synonym or antonym that works best.
- rhymezone.com - usually a last resort, but sometimes you just need a word that fits best with another. Maybe even something with internal rhyme, which rhymezone does a pretty good job with
- biblegateway.com - always open. The keyword search is an excellent tool.
- video chat - usually when I'm working on something, I'll check my google chat list and see which of my friends are currently online so that I can immediately begin bouncing ideas off of them. Don't be so married to your material that you don't allow others to critique it. You've gotta have a strong backbone if you're gonna put material out there that you expect people to sing. Bottom line.
What other resources have you found out there? Or whatever tips might you have?
