Originality
As songwriters, we don't have to re-invent the wheel; we just need to spin it our own way.
A composer fails to be original when he or she does not listen to her own musical voice.
Composers frequently re-create melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic tapestries that are in their
sub-consciousness. Initially this is not a problem. Since all music takes off from somewhere.We then hope it goes to a NEW place . . . one that it is original to our "take" on the style.Marty Nystrom, who used to be in charge of song selection for Hosanna! Integrity Music, speaks of receiving a demo from a woman that had put the lyrics "Lord of lords, He is Lord of lords" to the tune of "Here she is, Miss America".Sometimes a composer is successful with a song only to find it has already been written.
This happened to George Harrison in 1972 with his hit "My Sweet Lord". (A direct - though unintentional - lift of the Shirelles' 60's hit "He's So Fine".) He had to pay millions of dollars in back royalties.Conclusion
Once you have a song that you think is ready for the group, run it past a few objective and
spiritually mature friends for an honest critique. Don't be afraid to refine it, taking into consideration their input.Focus on the process, not the outcome. It's good to have a goal. It's more important to spend your days doing what pleases you. Years of deprivation and sacrifice to reach a place, equals years of deprivation and sacrifice. The place is never enough compensation. Ask anyone who is in the place you want to be.
your days doing what pleases you. Years of deprivation and sacrifice to reach a place, equals years of deprivation and sacrifice. The place is never enough compensation. Ask anyone who is in the place you want to be.And finally . . . and most importantly . . .if you want to be truly used of God in a powerful way through your songwriting, then give your heart to Christ and give that gift to God. Find your identity in Christ, not the songs you write.
