I was able to attend a conference last fall with guest speaker Keith Getty. I was encouraged then again to take a look at the lyrics we are singing, and pursue after songs with more "meat" on the bones. This is an old argument in many ways, because the contempory worship scene does bring more emotion to our worship services which is a very healthy addition. But many of the most popular songs lack depth.
With that in mind, our worship band worked together to help me with some lyrics and a melody I had put together a few years back to create an original new worship song with "deep" lyrics. These words are taken almost in entirety from the 108th Psalm.
Psalm 108 (New International Version)
1 My heart, O God, is steadfast; I will sing and make music with all my soul.
2 Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn.
3 I will praise you, LORD, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.
4 For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
6 Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.
I am happy with the song, and although I am aware some of it's hymn-like characteristics, it appears to work in the contemporary setting. The melody line of the music also moves with the lyrical content, moving up with lines like "higher than the heavens," and "faithfulness reaches to the skies."
We are new at this song writing thing, but I am really enjoying the process!
Good song Milo but be careful with comments like "hymn-like characteristics", you make them sound bad. Without hymns where would we be today? It doesn't matter what people say, styles of music will not keep them out or ultimately bring them back to a church. Not to sound like what you are doing isn't important because it is very important and leads people in worshiping God. The thing that does bring people back is a true relationship with the creator. I am a "halfer" I love hymns yet also love contemporary songs and believe there is a place for both. God's word will be spread-- one way or another.
ReplyDeleteFINALLY! I was wondering how many years it would take you to figure out how well written the song was (both by the Psalmist and you Milo). I like the changes you made. Good stuff!
ReplyDeleteIf it's not a lot of trouble and you have it - could you send me the sheet music?