How do I write?

This is not an easy question to answer. However, it is a key question. Various

songwriters approach songwriting differently depending on how gifted

they are. Some people have also trained themselves and approach it in a

regimental way. For those who are able to play some musical instruments,

the task is made easier. Inspiration can come any time. A good song—writer

should be prepared at all times to capture the inspiration. Usually they

come as skeletons that you need to put flesh on, may be at a later stage. For

some writers, the approach will differ from time to time. My approach has

varied over the years and it depends on how I am led or how the inspiration

comes. It is important to be ready , flexible and diligent. An inspiration

ignored may not come back.

‘Of hooks’ in the book of songwriting

Any song that is popular will have what is called a hook. This is that part of

the song that arrests the listener and is often triggered when they think of

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the song. Someone defined it as “the sweet part of the song that’s repeated

over and over.”

I will use a few examples of the songs I have composed.

Peace be still

This is a song that is simple but very powerful because there is not only

audience participation but also that all through the song the lyric is totally

the word of God and it is prophetic. It is as if you are hearing God sing His

back to you.

The hook here is the Chorus:

My child peace be still

My child peace be still

My child peace be still

And know that I am God

The hook here is the chorus: Peace be still.

I delight in your Word

(Ps.119:9,15-16,105; Ps.1:1-3; Jos.1:8)

(Sing the Psalms)

I delight in Your word.

Lord Your word lights my path.

I meditate in Your word,

So to be on the right path. X2

How can one keep pure his ways? (Leader)

By keeping to Your word (congr.)

How can one not go astray? (Leader)

By living by Your word.(congr.)

I delight in Your word

Lord, Your word lights my path.

I meditate in Your word,

So to be on the right path.

Sing a New Song 181

How can one do all Your will? (Leader)

By keeping to Your word. (congr.)

How can one Your plan fulfil? (Leader)

By living by Your word. (congr.)

I delight in your word . . . X2

(also a Psalm)

The hook here is the first line:

‘I delight in your word’, married to that rhythm

Come Comforter

Lord Jesus, when You were leaving,

We felt we’ll be so lonely,

And we prayed that You stay behind,

But You promised the Holy Ghost.

(Come Holy Spirit)

CH:

Come Holy Spirit;

Come Comforter.

Come Holy Spirit;

Come Comforter.

On the day of Pentecost,

You came in might and power.

O Lord let the fires burn again,

Come Comforter.

(Come Holy Spirit)

CH:

Lord Jesus, as the days get darker,

The more we need the Holy Ghost.

Lord in these closing days of time,

Let the Holy Ghost come pouring.

(Come Holy Spirit)

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Lord, we are up against

The principalities and powers;

But Lord through Your Holy Ghost,

We’ll surely overcome.

(Come Holy Spirit)

For this Song

The hook is again the chorus

Come Holy Spirit come comforter

Come Holy Spirit come comforter

Once you begin to sing it is difficult to let go. You could forget other parts

of the song but this part remains and hunts you for a long time.

Once again, opinions may differ in that some people may be hooked by

something else in the song other than the chorus.

However, be that as it may, as a songwriter it is good to bear hooks in your

mind. Often they come naturally and before you know it, the hook is there

and you know it. With experience and the power of the Holy Spirit it will

happen effortlessly.