7 Things... Part Three: Write for my Church

When finishing a song or choosing which of my songs to use I definitely think a lot about my church; where it's at; what it can cope with; what would be helpful...

But when I'm writing, when I'm creating the song, I don't write for my church. I write for my King.

That sounds very holy of me, doesn't it? But I'm not trying to get a semantical one-up against other song writers, I've just noticed that other writers can be so consumed with trying to write what will work for their church that they can lose sight of what will bless their God.

And all good worship songs, and I mean ALL of them, are written to worship Him. Getting it to work at church...? That comes later.

dg

7 Things... Part Two: Consult a Theologian

If journalling is the first rule then this is heralded as perhaps the most important.

Give your songs to a 'Theologian' to critique.

I've never done that. Not once. Not even for a line. And I think I've managed to avoid serious heresy and half truth.

In fact I've always preferred the approach of becoming a theologian, rather than 'consulting' one. I've preferred to do the reading myself; forming an orthodox theology, with a solid Christology at its centre. And that is without being a natural academic myself- I never much enjoyed academic study (I don't even have a degree!) - but when it comes to personal theological development I've always tried to take the initiative.

Which is why I've never felt the need to get a Theologian to tidy up my songs - I try to write songs that don't need tidying!

And that is what I encourage other writers to do - read; study; do a course; become a good theologian

dg

Playlist - January 2.0

A Rat's Nest by Thom Yorke - Analyse Single (B Side)

Hey, Johnny Park! by Foo Fighters - The Colour & The Shape

String Quartet No. 8 in C minor Op.110: I Largo by The Brodsky Quartet - Shostakovich: String Quartet No.8

I Love Paris by Ella Fitzgerald - Ella Sings the Cole Porter Songbook

Waters of Nazareth by Justice - †

Kick, Push by Lupe Fiasco - Lupe Fiasco's Food & Liquor

New Terrain by Mew - No More Stories.......

Hush Now by Maia Hirasawa - GBGVSSTHLM

Some Of Your Lovin' by Dusty Sprinfield - Greatest Hits

We're No Here by Mogwai - Mr. Beast

Spotify Link Right Here

dg

7 Things... Part One: Journalling

KEEP A JOURNAL!

Rule number one of being a Worship Song Writer.

Keeping a journal or diary can have many benefits... if you are that way inclined. Recording your thoughts and prayers (and answers to prayers) is something many people enjoy and some even find it invaluable.

I've never really gotten into it. At my house there are a number of nice books with notebooks which have the first and second pages (perhaps third, if you're lucky) with journal entries but then just blank pages. I guess then I just forgot, or didn't have anything to say or couldn't be bothered.

So I've never done journalling well. What I have done though, is song writing.

Rather than record my ideas in a book I naturally try to write songs out of those experiences and ideas that inspire me - even if the song does not end up being a 'congregational' one... perhaps this is one of the reasons why I apparently write 'a lot' - in a conversation about how frequently I write another writer was astounded to find out I wrote (conservatively) 'a couple of month'... I've never thought that was a lot!

One of the reasons my journals stayed empty is that it all ended up in songs... so if you want to write more songs maybe try journalling less and song writing more... what's the worst that can happen? (cue Dr.Pepper music)

dg

7 Things Worship Song Writers Do That I Don't (& Why)

I am starting a new mini-series: '7 Things Worship Song Writers Do That I Don't (& Why)'

After talking to a lot of writers over last couple of years and really thinking about how I write songs I've noticed that I do things a little differently - not necessarily better, but different. Mostly they are things you are told to do in song writing seminars that I don't do... for various reasons...

Hopefully this will be helpful to other writers or want-to-be-writers...

Here goes!

dg

Playlist - January 1.0

Dayvan Cowboy by Boards of Canada - In The Air

A Shot in the Arm by Wilco - Summerteeth

Wonderful/Song for Children by Rufus Wainwright - War Child - Heroes Vol 1.

Altibzz by Autechre - Quaristice

Galang by M.I.A. - Arular

2/1 by Brian Eno - Ambient 1: Music for Airports

Only Shallow by My Bloody Valentine - Loveless

Strange Fruit by Nina Simone - Classic Nina Simone

Country Darkness by Elvis Costello - The Delivery Man

Black & Gold by Sam Sparro - Sam Sparro

SPOTIFY link!

enjoy

dg

Oh Lord, You're Beautiful