WorshipCentral

Simplicity - Song Writing

There has been a wonderful focus of late to see a greater depth of theology expressed in our songs. Something that I’m passionate to see grow and develop. Many churches throughout the world are spending significant amounts of time each week responding to God through song. In many ways the songs we sing are shaping and forming our theology. This is a responsibility that must not be taken lightly. We must pursue a greater understanding of God’s Word and communicate more effectively the fullness of God’s character and nature. This will fuel our worship.

However in the midst of seeking greater substance in our songs we must be keen to keep things simple and accessible. I’ve heard some songs recently with brilliantly crafted lyrics, that really challenge the intellect, but the song has so much content that there is no space for it to breath. If a song doesn’t have a great hook or a powerful melody, it’s never going to work. The dream is to marry articulate and insightful lyrics with haunting and memorable melodies. In the pursuit of substance let’s not lose the all-important element of simplicity. Chris Tomlin offers wise advice, “A song for a congregation is a unique type. I always try to keep it simple with a very singable melody. Don’t leave them frustrated because they couldn’t catch the song.”

Arguably the most successful band of recent times has been the Beatles. Listening to their records it’s amazing to hear how simple and catchy the songs they have written are. Hit after hit that sticks in your mind. You hear the song and instantly you want to sing along. Brian Doerkson says, “The most enduring songs are virtually without exception the simple ones.” In terms of worship songs, the most effective ones will always have really strong melodies that inspire people to join in. There’s an effortlessness about great songs that makes you think that you could have easily written it yourself. I love what Bono says on the subject, “What’s the difference between a very good song and a great song? Answer: I think, very good songs, you can take credit for. But great songs, you can’t. They feel like you stumble upon them.”

Does that mean we just wait around for that moment of inspiration? Do great songs involve hard work? Of course they do. There’s the explosion of creativity - a great hook, a beautiful image, a great line - but then comes the crucial editing process. To write these ‘enduring songs,’ we need to be ruthless with how we edit them. It might mean cutting out lyrics. It might involve scrapping the bridge. We might need to tighten the melody. The novelist Truman Capote once sat at his typewriter all day long and ended up only writing one word. A friend found him there and said, “Truman, you’ve been here all day and you’ve only written one word?” To which Truman replied, “Yes, but it’s the right word!” Are we willing to spend a day pouring over lyrics to find the right phrase? Will we play the song over and over again to capture the right chorus? It’s not always a fun process, but it is one that is essential to make a song as strong as it can be. As we pursue a greater depth to our songs, let’s not throw simplicity out of the window. Remember less is more! 

Tim Hughes