Tips on Song Wring is
This is an excerpt from my book: Sing a New Song
I will share my song experience—ideas that will help any
songwriter or aspiring songwriter.
Introduction to Song writing—
As the title suggests, this is just an introduction to song writing. The ideas
espoused here stem primarily from my experience as a singer/ songwriter
and worship leader both here in the UK and Ireland. It is also based on my
intimacy with God who has deemed it fit to equip me with this gifting to
use to build up His Body before He reappears. I am therefore not writing
as a sage. Songwriting is a vast and intricate subject. However, I have no
doubt that this work can provide a good spring-board for any aspiring
songwriter.
Poetry and songwriting are very closely linked. That is why I would
recommend poetry to any songwriter. My poetry writing has no doubt
enhanced my songwriting. Whereas I shall touch a bit on poetry here
but poetry writing is not the purpose of this book. For a fuller study on
how to write poems, see
Anthology of Living Poems where I have laid
the foundation for good poetry writing and given many poems under the
different themes.
Few people are gifted with writing the lyrics—words of a song. They then
look for some musician to put music to it. It then becomes a song. At other
times there is a piece of music that is looking for a lyric that matches it.
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For instance, an instrumentalist could be a good composer of music but
bereft of the skills of a lyricist. He/she could collaborate with a lyricist and
become a formidable alliance. Even fewer people are gifted with the ability
to write good songs—lyrics and music and be able to sing it and make a
huge success of it. This is why we have those who are specialists at singing;
they have trained their voices very well over the years and are able to carry
a song to the utmost height. Every songwriter needs such a singer, who can
interpret the song and lift it “beyond the veil”. There are of course some
mega stars who can write the song—music and lyrics—and can sing and
they perform it with the same degree of virtuoso as the singing specialist.
Obviously these are also very few indeed. Often two or more songwriters
can collaborate to make a great hit. Examples are Tim Rice and Lord Lloyd
Webber in the circular world and Gerald Coates and Noel Richards in the
Christian music scene.
Whereas I do not consider myself to be a mega star, by the grace of God I am
a singer /songwriter and have written 100s of songs mainly in the Christian/
Gospel genre; many of which were inspired by the Holy Spirit and the
Bible. In fact some of them are Scriptures set to music like the Psalms. See
Sing the Psalms (
Psalms Set To Music) or Scriptures in Songs.
1. PURPOSE: Why am I writing? This is the motive for writing.
Without purpose any gift or talent will be either abused or misused. God
made you for a purpose and gave you a gift for a purpose. You need first of
all to find your purpose and then discover the gift inside of you designed
for the fulfillment of your purpose.
28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are the called
according to His purpose. Rom8:28 NKJV
Some people are commissioned to write a song for a particular occasion
and are remunerated for getting the job done. In this case there is a specific
goal—film, wedding, anniversary, celebration etc. This goal determines the
theme of the song. Every song should have a theme. I will develop this idea
later. Songwriting could also be a career, in which case the writer is open to
any one and would write on any theme irrespective of his/her principles.
The main preoccupation here could be to make a living. On the other hand,
there will be others who would believe that their talent is God—given and
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therefore to be used to glorify Him. They may or may not make a living
out of it, but would seek to put principle and godliness above profit? Such
people would therefore not write songs that contradict their beliefs.
Christians are enjoined to do whatever they do “as unto Him”. Whatever
talents we have, come from Him. We belong to Him. He should take first
place in my writing, singing and performing. It is wrong to sacrifice one’s
principles just to make a few bob, even worse not to have principles at all.
That said, if your main calling is songwriting then God will provide for
you through that channel as people will commission you to write for them
for various occasions.
Provision is in the vision. Where the Lord presides,
He provides
.
17
And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord
Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
23 And whatever you
do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, Col3: 17, 23
8
And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a
burnt offering.” So the two of them went together. Gen22:8 NKJV
2 METHOD
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.
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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.
3. THEME
—The Message In the Song
What do I write?
Every song should have a message. This message is the theme or the subject of
the song. It is also true that some songs could have more than one or even
multiple themes and could be used for various purposes. For instance, a
song about the birth of a baby could also be used of the birth of a vision
and those for outreach could be used for commissioning a ministry.
Theme ‘a subject or topic of discourse or of artistic representation.’ This is
your distinctive message in a song. It must not be confused or jumbled.
Your theme gives the song its focus. Generally, it is better to keep to one
theme than having many themes in one song. However there is no hard
and fast rule about this. Experience is the best teacher in this respect.
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4. Ignite your creative genius
.
Fire your songwriting passion. If you like a song others have written, try
creating an additional verse for that song. If it is easy to do, try creating two
and then three. Before you know it another song is in the making. Make sure
the theme is the same. Now try a different melody line for your new creation.
If you succeed you have a brand new song. Know that there are some melodies
which match different lyrics. This will boost your confidence. To excel in this
area, you have to stretch yourself, give yourself a challenge from time to time.
The song ‘Now the day is far spent’ below came through that exercise.
You can also draw inspiration from the work of others such as book or film
titles, even names of shops, advertisements etc
An example of a song I wrote stemmed from a book called ‘Don’t Date
Devils. ‘ Based on a sermon I heard I was inspired to write this song
with the same
title as shown below:
Don’t Date Devils
Gen.3, Matt.4 1Pet 2:22, 1Pet.5:8
Stand, you’ll survive on single street.
Wait for Boaz, shun Bozo.
Ditch Delilah, damn the devil.
Don’t date devils.
He’ll use you, abuse you and dishonour you.
Woo, wine dine you and then dump you.
Wound, whack, waylay and wind you up. (come on!)
Don’t date devils.
He’s violent, insolent, devil-sent. (a deviant)
Has no vision, brings division.
Childish, hellish or a dictator (Idi Amin)
Don’t date devils.
Has no regard for God or man.
Rebellious, licentious, flippant, arrogant.
With a sugar-coated tongue but a dog.
Don’t date devils.
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Like Delilah, she’ll dance around you.
She likes your feature, not your future.
Don’t let her kiss the life out of you.
Don’t Date Devils.
She’s cool, luscious but not virtuous.
Flirts and darts from man to man.
Watch! She’ll snuff the light out of you.
Don’t date devils.
She’s slick, slippery, slithery, full of sin.
With a vile mission, shuns submission.
Wild, wayward, whorish, wordless woman.
Don’t date devils.
The song below was inspired by a well-know welsh hymn: ‘Here is Love’
NOW THE DAY IS FAR SPENT
Now the day is far spent
Night is creeping upon us.
Soon we’ll see the Day of the Lord,
Coming, rushing upon us.
O that we would see the rainbow
On the cloud, a sign to us.
Faithful God who keeps His promise,
Coming even as He said.
Amy we work while it is day, Lord.
In the night no man can work.
Always doing what You say, Lord.
Standing always on the Rock.
That we would see the good field,
Vast and plenteous with harvest.
That we would join hand to hand,
Reaping precious souls for God.
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Now we’ll raise the banner of praise,
For our God who is the Most High;
Regardless of what the world says,
Until our eyes greet Your eyes.
Fill us O Holy Spirit.
Ignite us Refiner’s Fire.
Renew us, revive us O Lord.
Here we come, Lord here we come.
This is the song that inspired ‘Now the Day is Far Spent’
Here is love, vast as the ocean,
Lovingkindness as the flood,
When the Prince of Life, our Ransom,
Shed for us His precious blood.
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten,
Throughout Heav’n’s eternal days.
On the mount of crucifixion,
Fountains opened deep and wide;
Through the floodgates of God’s mercy
Flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love, like mighty rivers,
Poured incessant from above,
And Heav’n’s peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love.
Let me all Thy love accepting,
Love Thee, ever all my days;
Let me seek Thy kingdom only
And my life be to Thy praise;
Thou alone shalt be my glory,
Nothing in the world I see.
Thou hast cleansed and sanctified me,
Thou Thyself hast set me free.
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In Thy truth Thou dost direct me
By Thy Spirit through Thy Word;
And Thy grace my need is meeting,
As I trust in Thee, my Lord.
Of Thy fullness Thou art pouring
Thy great love and power on me,
Without measure, full and boundless,
Drawing out my heart to Thee.
Words: William Rees (1802-1883)
Music: Robert Lowry ( 1876)
This is another song derived from a song I know. I have added three more
verses but it still shares the music of the original song.
There gonna be a revival
There’s gonna be a revival in my life
There’s gonna be a revival in my life
From the crown of my head
to the soles of my feet
There’s gonna be a revival in my life
There’s gonna be a revival in this land
There’s gonna be a revival in this land
From the East to the West
From the North to the South
There’s gonna be a revival in this land.
These dry bones shall live again
These dry bones shall live again
Because you are the
Resurrection and the Life
These dry bones shall live again.
You Take my Breath Away
I stand in awe of You,
O Faithful and True
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I gaze upon your beauty
Brightness and majesty.
You take my breath away,
I bow to you this day,
Offering to you a sacrifice of praise.
I don’t know how to start
So I come with all my heart
May everything within me
Give You honour and glory
I come just as I am
To You the Great I Am
Offering to You a sacrifice of Praise.
In You I live and move
Most High, You are my love
I love to be in Your presence
I come without pretense
Laying all at Your feet
Trusting You to complete
Offering to you a sacrifice of praise.
You can also create a different rendition of other songs.
For instance I have a few renditions and arrangements of the well-known
song:
Amazing Grace with very catchy tunes. If these are well-recorded I
have no doubt that they will go a long way. Don’t be afraid to experiment.
This is one of them:
Amazing Grace
CH: Amazing grace,
how sweet the sound
I was once lost but now am found
was blind but now I see.
V1 Amazing grace how sweet the sound
that saved a wretch like me
I was once lost but now am found
was blind but now I see.
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Ch:
T’was grace that thought my heart to fear
and grace my fears relieved
How precious did that grace appear
the hour I first believed
Ch
Through many dangers, toils and snares . . .
we have already come.
T’was Grace that brought us safe thus far . . .
and Grace will lead us home
.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years . . .
bright shining as the sun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise . . .
than when we’ve first begun
Amazing grace . . .
To end . . .
I was once lost . . .
(I was once lost
but now am found
was blind but now I see)
repeated many times.
years
That is how you create new songs.
Give me that old time religion
Give me that old time religion
Give me that old time religion
Give me that old time religion
It’s good enough for me
X2
It was good for Paul and Silas
It was good for Paul and Silas
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It was good for Paul and Silas
It’s good enough for me.
It was good for Mary and Martha
It was good for Mary and Martha
It was good for Mary and Martha
It’s good enough for me
It was good for Paul and Peter
It was good for Paul and Peter
It was good for Paul and Peter
It’s good enough for me.
I have added the last two verses in this song
Try creating your own using bible characters that can be matched and
alliterate.
5. Be ready with your spiritual antennae
Apart from being inspired through other songwriters or songs, inspirations
can come directly from the Holy Spirit where you receive a tune you have
not heard before and you capture it and flow with it. Some may come
ready whilst others may come rough and you have to find time and polish
them. This is where diligence comes into play.
Without You
came on the road as I was going to visit. I happened to have
a recorder on me, so I hummed it in and recorded immediately when I got
back home I recorded it again using different rhythms and different keys on
the keyboard as many as four times. It amazing how different rhythms can
transform a song if you can play along with the preset rhythms in a keyboard.
That has also been one skills that has buttressed my songwriting.
Some inspirations have come at the early hours of the morning and I have
had to creep out of bed and hum it into a recorded to be developed later.
Where I have been lazy, I have lost the tune. However partnering with the
Holy Spirit, I have acknowledged Him in prayer and recovered some lost
music to songs composed. Often a completely new music emerges. This
make s you dependent on the Holy Spirit, which is good. However it also
shows you that there is a human element to it. You have to do your part
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and then God will help you . It shows that the grace of God is sufficient for
us so if we fail, we can ask for forgiveness and help.
It is vital as a Christian songwriter to learn to hear from the Holy Spirit. “As many
as are led by the Spirit of God they are the children of God.” (Rom.8:14)
Some songs I have written were inspired whilst listening to sermons
examples are:
KEEP YOUR DREAM ALIVE!
CH: Keep your dream alive
Go fulfill purpose.
Go now to your God
And let Him tell you your purpose;
And life will have a new meaning.
Every one has an assignment.
Each one has a purpose.
Everyone has a God-ordained dream.
Life has no meaning
If you don’t know its reason.
So keep your dream alive!
Fight the good fight of faith.
Fight for God-given dream.
Fight in the power of His might.
You’re a light, take your rightful place.
Shine Saint, in the night
So keep your dream alive.
Don’t Date Devils
This is a song for singles.
Stand, you’ll survive on single street.
Wait for Boaz, shun Bozo.
Ditch Delilah, damn the devil.
Don
’t date devils.
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He’ll use you, abuse you and dishonour you.
Woo, wine dine you and then dump you.
Wound, whack, waylay and wind you up. (come on)
Don
’t date devils.
He’s violent, insolent, devil-sent. (a deviant)
Has no vision, brings division.
Childish, hellish, a dictator (Idi Amin)
Don
’t date devils.
Has no regard for God or man.
Rebellious, licentious, flippant, arrogant.
With a sugar-coated tongue but a dog.
Don
’t date devils.
Like Delilah, she’ll dance around you.
She likes your feature, not your future.
Don
’t let her kiss the life out of you.
Don
’t Date Devils.
She’s cool, luscious but not virtuous.
Flirts and darts from man to man.
Watch! She’ll snuff the light out of you.
Don
’t date devils.
She’s slick, slippery, slithery, full of sin.
With a vile mission, shuns submission.
Wild, wayward, wordless woman.
Don
’t date devils.
(Gen.3, Matt.4, 1Pet 2:22, 1Pet.5:8, John10:10, Ps1:1-3, Prov4:18, Prov.
3:5-6,Ps37:23,25, Ruth2, Gen.24,Jud. 14,16)
A literary device called alliteration has been used here. This is where the
consonant sound of phrases in the song have been repeated e,g Don’t Date
Devils
Wild wayward, wordless, woman,
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There are other literary devices that should additionally be considered in
songwriting such as imagery, assonance. For details of these see
Anthology
of Living Poems or LivingPoems4dailyLiving
NOTHING CAN STOP YOU!
Nothing can stop you
’Cause your God is faithful and true
he will bring you through
completing the good work begun in you
Nothing can stop you’
’cause the Most High is for you
He is with you and he is in you
To complete the good work begun in you.
Nothing can stop you
The angels of God are around you
They’ve been given charge over you
Your God will see you through
Nothing can stop you
Your setback is a set up
A set up for a lift up
A set up for a great come back
Nothing can stop you
Your upset is a setup
A setup for a lift up
A lift up, so saint look up
Your setback is a setup
A set up for a lift up
a set up for a comeback
yes for a great, great, great comeback
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6. Intro/ending
You only have one chance of making the first impression. Make it count.
Just like the interview for a job. You need to think of the first lines or the
introduction of your song.. I often use scriptures or communicate with the
audience, especially if there is a part where they will have to participate.
Such songs are more effective because you are not doing it alone and people
usually like getting into the ‘act’, so I like to write with that in mind Hence
where a song lends itself to audience participation the intro should be in
quickly telling them where they come in. This should be done in a seamless
fashion and not long-drawn out otherwise you would lose them. I am now
going into performance of the song which may not be what you are into. I
am speaking here to those who write and perform. Besides even if you only
write you need to think of those who will perform the song and make life
easy for them by including ideas for introducing a song to make its impact
lasting. I know you cannot be over precise or be too prescriptive. And you
may not be able to do that with every song you write, but it is worth noting
and attempting from time to time as you write songs.
7. QUALITIES OF A GOOD SONG, the hit song, intros
and endings
Opinions may differ in this regard. Generally good songs would include
one or more of these qualities or attributes imagery, rhymes, metaphors,
similes,
It should be well structured with verse, chorus, bridge etc but there are
songs that may be very simple and yet very powerful and effective.
Without You (John 15:5, James3:3-4, Mark5:1-5, John11:39-44
Jer.29:10, Jonah 2,)
Without You am like a ship
Without a rudder bound for wreckage
Without You am like a plane
With no clear destination.
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CH: Without You, without You
Life has no purpose or meaning
But with You at the helm
I am bound a safe haven
Without You am like a car
With a drunken driver behind the wheel
Without You am like a horse
With no bridle, let lose, going astray.
Without You am like a mad man
In the graveyard cutting himself
Without You am like Lazarus
Dead, buried and stank
This song has no rhymes but full of powerful imagery which lends to its quality
Another song with some imagery is You must be Born Again
You Must Be Born Again!
(Jn.3:3; Ro.3:23; Acts 9:1-18; Jn.1:12)
Intro:
Except a man be born again,
He cannot see the Kingdom of God.
Jesus said,” Marvel not I say unto you,
you must be born again.
Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh.
And what ever is born of the Spirit is spirit. Jn3:3
I remember that day,
that glorious light,
of the Gospel dawned on my spirit
And that which was separated,
was joined to God again.
Alleluia! I was born again.
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Ch:
I say
You, You must be born again.
It’s not by might not by power,
but through the Spirit of God.
I say
You, You must be born again.
It’s not by works but by grace
through
faith, in the Lord Jesus Christ.
I remember that day,
that I was forgiven
of my sins and delivered from darkness.
And he who was going blind began to see again,
translated into the Kingdom of Light.
CH
The song below is different as it has rhymes and also a chorus.
May Your Glory Be Seen
Mtt. 3:15-17, Col.2:10
May Your majesty
Be seen in my life;
May Your beauty
Be seen in me.
May Your excellency
Be seen in my life.
May Your glory
Be seen in me.
CH:
In You I live.
In You I move.
In You I have my being.
May Your majesty
Be seen in my life.
May Your beauty
Be seen in me.
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May Your wisdom
Be seen in my life;
May Your kingdom
Be seen in me.
May Your matchless grace
Be seen in my life;
May your praise
Be seen in me..
CH:
In You I live.
In You I move.
In You I have my being.
May Your majesty
Be seen in my life.
May your glory
Be seen me.
(May Your glory)
May your glory
Be seen in me
.
The song below is structured differently with rhymes but with no chorus.
Saints of God, let us celebrate;
Celebrate this new life in Christ;
Sing to the Lord and jubilate-
Jubilate in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Saints of God, let us clap and sing-
Clap and sing to God our Father;
Give glory to the Lord of lords our King;
The Most High God our Maker.
Saints of God, let’s dance and rejoice-
Rejoice because the Lord, He is good;
So good to us that He made us His choice,
His people, His royal priesthood.
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Saints of God, let His praises ring;
From sunrise until sunset;
Let all that is within us sing-
Sing every one who has breath
What makes a song a hit?
Like it or not most of the songs that have made it are poetic. This is why if
you want to be successful as a songwriter you must learn the art of poetry..
It is fundamental. However you don’t have to be a Shakespeare to write
a good poetic song. Rhymes are an important element of poetry. There
are also similes, word pictures, metaphors, allegories, alliteration assonance
etc. that can be incorporated into a song to give it the added punch or
hook-factor or X-factor.
That said, there some powerful songs that are not necessarily poetic
but have made tremendous impact nonetheless. The songwriter who is
accomplished can pull it off with a none poetic song. Some other songs
make it because of their hook—that part of a song that is often repeated to
hold the singer on tender hooks.
Patterns of rhymes
These could take the following patterns at the end of the lines: aabb or
abab for a quartet . Other patterns can be adopted depending on the skill
of the songwriter.
God of Creation! ( Rev4:11,Ps8, Gen1)
God of Creation, strength of my life.
Great Revelation, source of my life.
My devotion I give to You.
Adoration I give to You.
Ch: God of Creation, Great Revelation.
To You I give adoration.
God of Creation, strength of my life.
To You I give adoration
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O king of Glory, song of my life.
O Lord of Glory, love of my life.
My devotion I give to You.
Adoration I give to You.
O God of Abraham, life of my life.
O Great I Am, key to my life.
My devotion I give to You.
Adoration I give to You.
Can you identify the rhyme pattern in this songs? Is it abab or aabb or a
variation?
Use of Alliteration—
This is a repetition of words starting with consonant sounds next to each
other or in close proximity.
When used for your title it lends itself to quick remembrance.
You often find it used for naming products films, songs messages, business
names etc like:
.Stand, You’ll Survive on Single Street.
.Don’t Date Devils
.Poor preparation precedes poor performance
Don’t Date Devils
(Gen.3, Matt.4, 1Pet 2:22, 1Pet.5:8, John10:10, Ps1:1-3, Prov4:18, Prov.
3:5-6,Ps37:23,25, Gen.24,Jud. 14,16,16 Ruth2,4, )
Stand, you’ll survive on single street.
Wait for Boaz, shun Bozo.
Ditch Delilah, damn the devil.
Don
’t date devils.
He’ll use you, abuse you and dishonour you.
Woo, wine dine you and then dump you.
Wound, whack, waylay and wind you up. (come on)
Don
’t date devils.
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He’s violent, insolent, devil-sent. ( a deviant)
Has no vision, brings division.
Childish, hellish or a dictator ( Idi Amin)
Don
’t date devils.
Has no regard for God or man.
Rebellious, licentious, flippant, arrogant.
With a sugar-coated tongue but a dog.
Don
’t date devils.
Like Delilah, she’ll dance around you.
She likes your feature, not your future.
Don
’t let her kiss the life out of you.
Don
’t Date Devils.
She’s cool, luscious but not virtuous.
Flirts and darts from man to man.
Watch! She’ll snuff the light out of you.
Don
’t date devils.
She’s slick, slippery, slithery, full of sin.
With a vile mission, shuns submission.
Wild, wayward, wordless woman.
Don
’t date devils.
The Song and the Sound
Different songs gel with different sounds. Just as each instrument has its
own special sound, you need to discern which combination of instrument
will give you the best result in any recording. Yet again there are no hard
and fast rules about this as we see over the years with different renditions of
certain songs turning out to be hits. There is no end to experimentation in
the music business. I have various versions of some songs in my repertoire
or compositions and they are good in their own right. It depends on the
audience I am singing it to. The songs that come to mind here are ‘
All
Things are Possible’
and ‘Without You.’
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Expression
Every song has its own unique energy otherwise it is dead. The energy
of a song is often released through contrasts in the combination and
volume in the instruments and that of the singer (s).
The more acquainted you are with the basics of music the better you will
be at song writing.
8. THE QUALITIES OF A GOOD SONGWRITER
• DISCIPLINE and PERSEVERANCE
• ‘TEACHABILITY’
• ‘INTEGRITY
• EXCELLENCE / PERFECTING YOUR SONG
• Ability to use LITERARY DEVICES good songs use imagery,
alliteration, assonance, rhetorical questions, dialogue, repetition,
anaphora, apart from rhyme patterns. These are explored n detail
in
Living Poems4Daily Living
• SIMPLICITY
• READINESS—
• ORGANISATION
DICIPLINE AND PERSEVERANCE—what does it take? (may be part
of the qualities of a good songwriter indicated below)
It requires discipline and perseverance and practice to writing a song
that is enduring—a test of time. For the beginner you have to accept
the reality that you will write many songs that you cannot write home
about before you write a hit. And that is, if you persevere. No matter
how talented one is, there is a need to polish and hone that talent to
such a degree that it becomes a rose among thorns. As a songwriter for
over ten years now, I admit I have written many none-songs than songs.
But it does not discourage me. How else do you learn to write unless you
write? As a songwriter and a beginner at that, you must be prepared for
many rejections and be able to soldier on regardless. Also, only very few
people make a living out of songwriting. So do something else whilst you
work at your songwriting on the side until the breakthrough comes. I did
accountancy, education and some menial work on the side while waiting
for the breakthrough.
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I have had to rework some songs several times before recording them in a
studio. Even after publishing some songs I know that they can be improved.
They are not set in stone and there could be many variants of the same
song with different effects.
24
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives
the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain
it. 25 And everyone who
competes
for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain
a perishable crown, but we
for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run
thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as
one who beats the air. 27
But I discipline my body and bring
it into subjection, lest, when I have
preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.1 Cor.8:24-27
He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the
diligent
makes rich. Prov.10:4 NKJV
Seest thou a man
diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he
shall not stand before mean men.Prov.22:29KJV
As Jesus endured the cross and so must we in any endeavour to obtain the
crown. Heb.12:1-3
Rivers and Hurdles
As indicated, music industry is not an easy road. There are many rivers and
hurdles to cross. The songwriting business requires a lot of perseverance.
You may be a talented pianist but you need a good singer who needs your
services. You may be a good singer but you need good songs that you like to
sing. There are many discouragements and giants that have to be confronted
and defeated. It is not a profession for the faint hearted. You need to believe
in yourself and the talent you have and be determined to make it. Better
still if you know God in a personal way and know that your talent has come
from Him. You must continually go to Him for guidance and inspiration
and encouragement because without Him, you can do nothing.
You must be prepared to start small and grow. Be prepared for
disappointments and learn from them. Your balloon may be deflated many
times but you have to believe in yourself and the One Who gave you the
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vision to bring to fruition what He had begun. In Him all things work
together for our good. You must be prepared to sing to yourself alone in
your bedroom or on the road for along time before you do it before a
group.
‘TEACHABILITY’
As in any profession, those who excel are those who are hungry to do better
each day. They never see themselves as having arrived. To become a
good songwriter, you must be willing to learn from others and open to
correction. They have mentors – people they admire and respect from
whom they learn. This could be by direct contact or through their works
or books. I have learned from singer/songwriters such as Ian Whyte,
Don Franscisco, Graham Kendrick and Noel Richards, to mention a
few. Ian Whyte inspired me to start setting the Psalms to music.
Paul after writing 13 best-sellers was aware of his inadequacy and wanted
to know more of God, This is the attitude very good songwriter
should have: ‘Study to show yourself approved . . . ‘ ‘That I may know
Him
. . .
Read other books on songwriting
.
I know I am just scratching the surface of songwriting in this book it is good
to read about songwriting but it is better to practice writing frequently,
recording and trying them out when you have the opportunity. You may
have to sing the songs to you self, family or friends as captive audience and
see their reaction before you take it out. And as they say, ‘if it does not work
at home don’t export it.’ Even if you’re criticised, use the critique to your
advantage. Learn to encourage your self like David did. One day your day
will come. ‘Readers are leaders.’
Playing a musical instrument
Being able to play a musical instrument will enhance you r songwriting
greatly. It will make you more independent and versatile. Playing
the guitar, harmonica and a bit of the keyboard have helped me
tremendously to choose keys for the songs I write and to change them
I feel another key would suit my voice better.
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203
INTEGRITY
Integrity is ‘firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values’
or honesty. Every songwriter needs it. It means you must not arrogate
to your self the work belonging to another.
You must be faithful to the truth and its application in your songs. Sources
need to be acknowledged. Of course this does not prevent you from
using work that is not under copyright control and substantially
improving it. This differentiates it from the previous work. That is
why you can have hundreds of versions of Amazing Grace and each
can have a copyright in its own right. Without honesty, you cannot be
trusted and if you cannot be trusted, you have nothing to offer.
Integrity means you will not sell other peoples work to enrich yourself. I t
also means you will use other peoples work with permission if they are
still alive and their copyright has not expired.
EXCELLENCE
Excellence means being innovative, having a desire to reach all those God
has given to you. It includes versatility. Often you may be inspired to
cross styles to reach a different audience whilst keeping your message
pure and unadulterated.
To improve in your songwriting you must realize that every song can be
improved. Besides, you can have different renditions of a song which
could have different effects on your audience. The use of different
instruments and rhythms can also give your songs different flavours
and unexpected cutting edge. These possibilities should be explored
continually to improve your songwriting.
Excellence comes at a price—no price, no prize.’ You must be dedicated to
your chosen field to excel.
This means hard work and prayer practicing to make perfect. As a
songwriter, you must be prepared to write, rewrite, review, re-review
etc. That is why I have joined a Critique Circle where I can submit my
lyrics and get feedbacks and amendments where need be. And there
have been many occasions where I have had to make amendments
to some songs. Two heads are better than one. Like I said earlier on,
learn from accomplished writers. Have a look at acclaimed songs and
ask yourself why they are so acclaimed. Also remember that different
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arrangements can produce different results and the same goes for the
interpretation by different singers. Look for singers that can interpret
your song to its utmost.
Perfecting Your Song
To perfect your song you need to test it out to see what needs perfecting.
You can also have the privilege of seeing peoples’ reaction to it. This
can be done by playing it at home for members of your family and
soliciting their opinion. You also have the opportunity being able to
share it in a small cell group setting and taking a reading. I have been
privileged to do just that for some of my songs. And it’s been very
helpful.
USING LITERARY DEVICES
It is imperative that as a songwriter you develop and improve the quality of
your writing by employing various literary devices as earlier indicated
such as alliterations or assonance for titles or groups of words in your
song to make it stand out and easy to remember. It is important that
your title ‘speaks.’
Alpha and Omega
Author and the Finisher
Give Glory to the King
You are a faithful God
Heaven Hear my voice
Again you can use metaphors and similes to paint pictures in the mind of
your audience. The Bible is full of such devices. I would recommend
that you learn these and then apply them in your songwriting. You can
even go further by creating your own based on your experience and
every day occurrence. Quality songs often use imagery, alliteration,
assonance, rhetorical questions, dialogue, repetition, anaphora,
apart from rhyme patterns. These are explored n detail in
Living
Poems4Daily Living
Without You
Without You am like a ship
Without a rudder bound for wreckage
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205
Without You am like a plane
With no clear destination.
CH: Without You, without You
Life has no purpose or meaning
But with You at the helm
I am bound a safe haven
Without You am like a car
With a drunken driver behind the wheel
Without You am like a horse
With no bridle, let lose, going astray.
Without You am like a mad man
In the graveyard cutting himself
Without You am like Lazarus
Dead, buried and stank
Many images have been used in this song which gives it its quality.
SIMPLICITY
Often some songwriters make things complicated to form a stumbling
block. There are many great songs that are very simple. We need to
learn a lesson from this. It is wise to make a song easy to sing. Avoid
making your song complex otherwise it will remain on the shelf. Make
it accessible to all. There is often virtue in simplicity.
You are the Lord (
Ex.34:6)
You are the Lord,
The Lord God,
merciful and gracious,
longsuffering and abundant
in goodness and truth.
This is a simple song but because it is inspired by the Holy Spirit and
espouses the greatness, goodness, and integrity of God, it is short,
sweet and catchy.
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Sweet Rose of Sharon ( SoS 2:1 Rev.22:16, Isa9:6,—7:14)
Sweet Rose of Sharon, Lilly of the Valley,
The Bright Morning Star, the Prince of Peace,
Jesus, (that’s what You are)X7
The Root of Jesse, the Seed of David, the Lion of Judah, the Mighty God,
Messiah, the Everlasting Father, My intercessor, Emmanuel,
Lord Jesus, (that’s what You are) X7
Interlude Harmonica
The Good Shepherd, my Healer, my Saviour, You are my Lord, the King of
Glory, the Lord of Glory, the King of kings and the Lord of Lords
Jesus, (that’s what You are) X7
This is another song made up of the Names of Jesus, which is simple but
powerful.
Another is Pre-eminent One, which focuses on Jesus, His personality, deity
and centrality and pre-eminence. It is composed in a minor key and
does not need many chords to lift it ‘beyond the veil.’
Pre-eminent One
(Col.1:15-18;Rev.1:8,Heb.1:3)
Intro:
Speak/Sing
😦Excellent One!
The most High!
Number One in my life.
The Head of the Church.
The first and the Last.
The Alpha and the Omega.)
Pre-eminent One.
First Born from the dead.
First Born of all creation.
Head of the Church.
You are in every thing.
And through You
all things hold together.
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Ch:
Pre-eminent one.
You take first place,
You are all and in all.
(Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty).X2
through You all things were made-
In heaven and earth below;
Be they thrones dominions or rulers.
Before all things You were,
The Beginning and the End;
The Alpha and the Omega.
Ch:
You’re number One.
You’re number One.
In my life
Pre-eminent One.
You take first place.
You are all and in all.
X2
Ch:
READINESS—
Every good songwriter needs to be very sensitive and ready to capture
inspirations as they come. Be ready to write down reminders that you will
develop later into songs. This may mean waking up in the middle of the
night to hum a tune into a recorder or humming a tune on the road until
you get home to record.
Inspiration often comes like a flash and you must be in a state of readiness
for it. It can be during your prayer time, in Church during a sermon, on
the road as you are walking home or any other setting. Just be prepared
to capture it by any means. Write it down in an Ideas Book, or put it on
a tape where you can pick it up later to develop. I have discovered that
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I capture more inspirations when I m ready and expectant. The earth
in all its fullness belongs to my Father. He is the Only Wise God—the
fountain of wisdom. He said he has made us partakers of His divine
nature. He said we have the mind of Christ. He said it His desire that
my mind be renewed to think His thoughts. He said I should ask Him
for wisdom if I so desire and that He will give it to me generously, so I
am expectant of His inspiration, insight, counsel, godly ideas to propel
me in the direction of fulfilling my ministry. Those who put their trust
in Him shall not be put to shame. He is my help and I will lift up my
eye to Him, my Helper. My pen shall be like that of a ready writer.
ORGANISATION
You must also be well-organised so that you know where to locate new
songs that you need to work on are and be diligent to work on them
When you are able to write many songs it would be wise to classify your titles
thematically as shown below. Also see my thematic index later in this book.
These are some of the themes I have covered in my song writing odyssey.
Thematic Guide
EVANGELISM(REACH OUT)
CONSECRATION/ Worship &
RESURRECTION/EASTER
PRAISE ( Most of the Psalms)
NEW CREATION REALITIES
DIVINE DIRECTION
FAITH/COMFORT
CHILDREN SONGS
SECOND COMING
PRAYER SONGS
COMMUNION
A NEW YEAR
HOLY SPIRIT
WEDDING
ETERNITY
THE WORD
Sing a New Song
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REVIVAL
PROPHETIC
STORY SONGS
CELEBRATION
SPIRITUAL WARFARE
HOME WITH THE LORD
CLOSING THE CURTAIN
Some song titles within the themes are shown below
EVANGELISM (REACH OUT)
• You must be born again
• Jesus turned it All around
• Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
CONSECRATION/ Worship &
• Undivided Heart
• Pre-eminent One
• Holy Father, My God
• You are Holy
• I will Come To You
RESURRECTION/EASTER
• Look not for the Living Among the dead
• Christ is Alive
!
•
PRAISE (Most of the Psalms)
• Great and Marvellous
• Praise the Lord
• God of Creation
• You are the Lord
New Creation Realities
• In Him
DIVINE DIRECTION
• Come, Holy Wind
• My Child, Pay Attention
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FAITH/COMFORT
• The Just shall live by faith
• I believe to See
• Oaks of Righteousness Shall Stand
CHILDREN SONGS
• Jesus, is my Friend
SECOND COMING
• He’s Coming!
PRAYER SONGS
• Fill me from Top to bottom
• I will call on Your /name
COMMUNION
• Remember me
A NEW YEAR
• He Crowns the Year
HOLY SPIRIT
• Come Comforter
• Pour On Us a New Anointing
• The Spirit o f the Lord
WEDDING
• I’ve found you
• And the two shall be One
ETERNITY
• The City of God
• In the World but Not of The World
THE WORD
• I Delight in your Word
REVIVAL
• There gonna be a revival
• If My People
..
Sing a New Song
211
PROPHETIC
• Peace be Still!
• There is a Friend
• Be Strong and courageous
STORY SONGS
• I was born clappy
CELEBRATION
• Saints of God, let us Celebrate
SPIRITUAL WARFARE
• Under Your Feet
• Sleeping Giant Awake!
• Summon Your power, O Lord
CLOSING THE CURTAIN
• May the peace
9. METERING OF A SONG
Metering of songs has to do with the length of the lines in a stanza. This is
usually determined by the number of syllables in a line. A good songwriter
will keep the difference if any to a minimum as it will affect the flow of the
song. You can elongate short lines by adding a few words, without altering
the meaning or the thought implied. And the same goes with long lines
.
In the song below there are 8 syllables to each line, on the average. You can
say it has a metre if 8.
Saints of God, let us celebrate; ( Ps47,—148, 149, 150)
Celebrate this new life in Christ;
Sing to the Lord and jubilate-
Jubilate in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Saints of God, let us clap and sing-
Clap and sing to God our Father;
Give glory to the Lord of lords our King;
The Most High God our Maker.
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Saints of God, let’s dance and rejoice-
Rejoice because the Lord, He is good;
So good to us that He made us His choice,
His people, His royal priesthood.
Saints of God, let His praises ring;
From sunrise until sunset;
Let all that is within us sing-
Sing every one who has breath
10. TYPES OF SONGS
There
are many genres to choose from or identify with depending on where
you ‘re coming from.
There are different types of songs such as Pop, jazz, folk, Rock n’roll ,
musicals, gospel, praise and worship, hip hop, rap , R& B, Reggae, Country,
Contemporary Christian songs, Country Gospel etc. As a songwriter or
prospective songwriter,. you need to be exposed to different types of songs
to increase your versatility. This need for versatility is however no excuse to
exposing your mind and spirit to the junk of the world that will pollute the
pure stream of God in you. To this end I have composed some songs with
Country Gospel, African, Pop, and Reggae flavour.
I Can Do All Things—Country
Heaven is My Home—Country
Jesus Turned It All Around
. Country
(Mtt.9:27-30; Mk.8:22-26)
Once upon a time,
I was going
blind.
Once upon a time,
I had no
hope.
Once upon a time,
I groped in the
dark.
But the Lord Jesus came
and turned it all around.
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213
Jesus, Jesus,
Son of the Living God.
You gave
sight to me.
You gave
hope to me.
And turned my darkness into
light. (XXX to End)
All Things are Possible—Reggae rendition
We Need Each Other—Pop
Keep Your Dream Alive!—Pop
Trust and Be Happy—African
Something Happened Inside—African
1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God,
which is
your reasonable service.
2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what
is
that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Rom12:1-2
1
Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
Ps1:1-3
11.
WORD BASIS-FOR THE COMMITTED
CHRISTIAN,
The word of God is spirit and it is life. It transforms, it counsels, it is a
light to our path and a lamp to our feet. That is why most of the songs
I write are base on the scriptures. Even when we come to Christian
songwriters, some are specialist in worship, or praise and worship
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others are more inclined to Pop Gospel or Contemporary Gospel or
even Country Gospel. You must know your area of specialty.
54
Your statutes have been my songs
In the house of my pilgrimage.Ps119:54
For example the song below is very much the word of God from the
following scriptures:
M’t:19:26: But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is
impossible; but with God all things are possible.
M’r:9:23: Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible
to him that believeth.
M’r:10:27: And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible,
but not with God: for with God all things are possible.
Psalms:119:89: For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
Isa:55:11: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall
not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please,
and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
M’r:11:23: For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this
mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall
not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he
saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
M’r:11:24: Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye
pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Heb:6:17: Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs
of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
Heb:6:18: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for
God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for
refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
2 Cor.1:20 For all the
promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen,
unto the glory of God by us.
All Things Are Possible (Matt 19:26, Mark 9:23, Ps119, Isa55:11, Matt
24:11, Mark11:23, Heb6:18)
All things are possible
to those who believe
I have prayed the word of God
I know I’ll receive
The Word of God is so sure
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215
Settled in heaven
It will accomplish
that which pleases Him
CH:I believe so I will see
I believe so I will receive
I believe and so I speak
My confession will bring a manifestation xxxxx
If God says, ‘Yes!’
Tell me who can say, ‘No’
By two unchangeable things
It is impossible for God to lie.
His promises are, Yes and amen
in Christ Jesus
The Word gone out from His mouth
will not return to Him empty
I have no doubt that it is the word of God in a song that gives it life to
refresh, revive, motivate, heal deliver and transform the listener. So if you
are a Christian songwriter I counsel you to saturate your songs with God’s
word to give it a cutting edge.
12 RESOURCES
The Songwriter’s Kit
Every songwriter should have a songwriting kit. This will include a dictionary,
thesaurus, rhyming dictionary, digital recorder, pen and paper. For a Christian
the Bible is an indispensable fountain of resource. Meditating on and studying
the word of God on a regular basis enables you to renew your mind and equips
you to saturate the songs you write with the word of God as indicated above. (
Rom12:1-2) It has been my launching pad for most songs I have written and
it cannot be compared to any other resource. A Christian songwriter should
in addition to these have different translations of the bible and different
Christian songbooks to feed from. Also it would be advisable to have the cds
or dvds of artists that you consider as mentors to you. No matter what rhythm
or rhyme you choose, it is paramount that your lyric should be informed by
the mind of Christ which is His word. The Word of God is light, life, living,
durable, dynamic, instructive, inspirational, incomparable, meaty, medicine,
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wisdom, comfort, compass, spiritual food. It is better than gold. It revives,
recreates, restores, recharges, reignites, challenges, charges and changes.
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It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I
speak to you are spirit, and
they are life. John6:53
12
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any
two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and
of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of
the heart.
Heb4:4
20
My son, give attention to my words;
Incline your ear to my sayings.
21
Do not let them depart from your eyes;
Keep them in the midst of your heart;
22
For they are life to those who find them,
And health to all their flesh.
23
Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it
spring the issues of life.
Prov4:20-23
(See I delight in your Word, Lord your Word is a Light, I will listen)
A good computer will also be handy for processing songs in a dedicated file
for easy access.
13. R
ECORDING YOUR SONG
A small home – digital recording studio would be ideal to record your songs
on in various arrangements before you choose the one you consider
best for the studio. You can also make demos from such machines for
producers or other musicians you work with. If you cannot sing, you
may hum your tune and look for a good singer to back you up.
If you can play an instrument, it would be a big bonus, as you will give
the song the right melody. Every song can be transformed depending
on the instruments and singers and the arrangement chosen by the
producer. However you can always partner with instrumentalists who
are looking for songwriters.
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217
You must take into consideration the beat or pulse—that part of the song
that people clap along to. Another important consideration is the
pattern of long and short a sounds and pauses that fit around the beat.
This is the rhythm. The melody or tune is the part people whistle to
or sing which is usually made up of notes of different pitches. The
pitch describes how high or low a musical tone is. Another important
note is the Structure of a song. It tells us how the song is organised
some structures are based on a variation of verse, chorus, and verse and
verse. There are other songs that may not have a chorus, like, ‘Don’t
Date Devil ‘but it has a repeated line’ Don’t Date Devils all through
the song. Also note that this song is alliterated for effect.
14.
THE RECORDING BUSINESS
If you happen to make progress to the point of recording in a studio, you
need a lot of preparation before going there as most studios charge per
hour or per day. The expenses involved is mammoth and this means you
need to plan well in advance and have a budget for it. You need to decide
who will back you up, their skill, availability, the types of instruments
you want for your songs etc. You need to do a lot of homework before
venturing out otherwise you will discourage yourself.
Do a lot of experimenting at home and be clear of what you want before you
go into the studio before. Of course you should be open to reasonable
suggestions but you cannot afford to go without a structure I mind.
You will pay dearly if you go unprepared.
15. MARKETING AND PUBLISHING YOUR SONG
It is one thing to write a song, it is quite another to have it marketed. You
should think of your market before recording. In this age of Information
Highway you would need a web presence where you can distribute your
song to make ends meet. Consider having a website or joining with others
to give you a forum to reach your audience. Consider songs you can give
away freely and websites that you can link to and who can link to you.. It is
important to have a system whereby samples of your songs can be accessed
on your website and online purchases made possible. If you want your song
to go places you must look for outlets for it. If you are not a good singer,
then look for a good singer who is looking for your kind of material. Also
consider looking for producers who can put a group together. It is easier to
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work in a group than to work in isolation. However that is easier said than
done. You need to pray for divine connection otherwise it can be a very
lonely road as I discovered. Some people are called to be Solo artistes and
they do better single solos. That said, there are always people behind the
scene who would assist in other capacities.
If you are able to produce demos at home, that can also help you in your
marketing. It is also possible to come into an agreement with someone who
can write the music such that anyone can play it in your absence.
With the wide use of the information Super-Highway, you can now self
publish your work on your website or publish on a website where you can
seek critique/review from other members. One example is faithwriters.com
to which I belong,
16. STEWARDSHIP—COPYRIGHT
There is wisdom in protecting your work so as to maximise the resources
derived from it to further its multiplication and leaving a legacy for
generations. Besides your prosperity would enable you to reach out to others
by your ability to sponsor worthy good causes. None of this is possible if
you are careless about your talent and leave it to those who are just on the
look out for ‘free lunch.’ You woe it to the next generation to and to God
to be a good steward of the gift s and talent bestowed on you.
Provided you are the owner of a work you have copy right for 50 years from
the date of the initial copyright., unless the copyright is lodged in a trust
in which case it can be enforced so long as the trust exists for the purposes
it was set up.
Copyright can be initiated by registering your work with the agency
responsible for copyright in which you affirm that you are the original
owner of the work. Any infringement will entitle you to damages if you
successfully sue. You must append to such work your name the copyright
sign and the date the copyright originated. You can also avoid undue costs
and legal technicalities by putting the work in an envelope and post it
to your self by recoded delivery to establish the date the copyright was
initiated. The envelope must only be opened in a court where there is a
dispute of ownership of work.
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Apply yourself (Self-assessment exercise)
For each of theses songs:
Jesus, Jesus, I Come
(Jn.14:6; Isa.1:18,-55:1-3; Mtt11:28-30)
Jesus, Jesus
You are the Way,
You are the Truth,
The Way, the Truth and the Life.
Jesus, Jesus,
I come this day,
I come this day
I come this day to You
Undivided Heart
(Ps. 42:1-2)
As the dear pants for water,
So my soul longs for You.
As the dry land is thirsty for water,
So my soul thirsts for You.
CH: Give me O Lord,
an undivided heart
a heart after Your own heart X2
As a faithful dog
looks to his master
so my soul looks to You.
As a faithful wife
looks to her husband,
so my soul looks to You.
CH
Holy Father, My God
Holy Father my God
Righteous Father my all.
Great I Am my Maker,
I worship You.
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For You are my God.
For the are my all.
Holy Father my God
I worship.
O Lord Jesus, my Saviour.
Lamb of God my Ransom.
Prince of Peace my peace.
I worship You.
For You are my God.
For You are my all.
O Lord Jesus my Saviour.
I worship You.
Holy Spirit, Comforter.
Counsellor, Strengthener.
My Standby, my Guide.
I worship You.
For You are my God.
For You are my all.
Holy Spirit, Comforter.
I worship You.
Pre-eminent One
(Col.1:15-18;Rev.1:8,Heb.1:3)
Intro:
Speak/Sing
:(Excellent One!
The most High!
Number One in my life.
The Head of the Church.
The first and the Last.
The Alpha and the Omega.)
Pre-eminent One.
First Born from the dead.
First Born of all creation.
Head of the Church.
You are in every thing.
And through You
all things hold together.
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Ch:
Pre-eminent one.
You take first place,
You are all and in all.
(Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty).X2
Through You all things were made-
In heaven and earth below;
Be they thrones dominions or rulers.
Before all things You were,
The Beginning and the End;
The Alpha and the Omega.
You’re number One.
You’re number One.
In my life
Pre-eminent One.
You take first place.
You are all and in all
You Are Worthy
You are worthy
You are holy
Glory be to You my God.
You are worthy
You are holy
Glory be to You my God
Ch: You are my all;
My all in all.
You are the centre of my life.
Nothing compares to You my dear.
You are my all in all.
You are gracious
You are precious
Righteous in all Your ways
You are glorious
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And victorious
Bounteous in all Your ways.
You are faithful
and merciful
Powerful are You my God.
You are wonderful
And beautiful
Fearful in praises my God.
You are awesome
My ransom
Whole are in all your ways
I Will Come To You
(Worshipfully)
I will come to You, O Holy One.
I will come to You my love.
I will come to You, O Righteous One.
I will soar to You like a dove.
I will lift my voice in worship.
I will lift my hands in praise.
O Lord, I love this fellowship.
I will praise You all my days.
Christ is Alive!
(Lk.24:1-7; Jn.20:1-10; Mk16:1-8; Rev.1:18)
Intro:
Exhort:
“Behold he that was dead, is alive forever! Jesus Christ—the Son of
the Living God
!”
Christ is alive!
He’s risen!
Christ is alive,
alive for ever more
Death could not hold the king,
the king of kings.
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Christ is alive,
He’s risen
As he’s alive,
so we’ll live.
As he’s alive,
we’ll live for ever more.
We were raised with Him to live for ever more.
As He’s alive.
So we’ll live.
Exhort
:
He’ alive! alive forever more.
Jesus Christ of Nazareth!—the resurrection and the life.! He rose up
triumphant—truly the Lord of Glory.
The grave could no hold my King, your King. The stone was rolled away
and the King of kings came forth. Mtt.28:1-6
The angel said,” Look not for the living among the dead. He is not there
He’s is risen just as He said.” He is now seated at the right hand of the
Father as my attorney, and advocate, interceding for you and I.(1Jn2:1;
Luke24:5-6
And because He’s alive, you and I can live also. For when He was crucified,
we were crucified with Him, when He died, we died with Him buried
Him, and raised together with Him. We are now seated with Him inn
heavenly places—far above principalities and powers and dominions.
Alleluia! (Gal:2:20,Ephe.2:6)
Great and Marvelous
Great and marvelous are Your works.
O Lord, God Almighty.
Just and true are Your ways, O Lord.
Who shall not fear You,
and glorify Your holy Name
Great and marvelous are Your works O Lord.
Ch: For You only are holy.
For all nations shall come
and worship before You.
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Great and marvelous are your works,
O Lord God Almighty,
Just and true are Your ways O Lord.
For Yours alone is the greatness,
The dominion, majesty
Even wisdom, and power forever.
You spoke the word and the heavens were made
You spoke the word and the earth was made.
For Yours alone, O Lord is the greatness.
Who’s like unto You O Lord?
What god is like our God?
Who is the same forever and ever
So long as I have my breath,
I shall declare the works of my God.
Who’s like unto You O Lord.
1Praise the Lord
(1) Ps.150
Praise the Lord
Praise God in His sanctuary,
Praise Him in His mighty heavens,
Praise Him in for His acts of power.
Praise Him for His greatness,
Surpassing greatness,
Praise Him with a loud trumpet,
Praise Him with a harp and lyre.
Praise him with the tambourine,
Praise Him with a dance,
Praise Him with the string,
Praise Him with the flute.
Praise Him with the cymbal,
Resounding cymbal,
Let everything that has breath,
Praise the Lord.
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God of Creation!
God of Creation, strength of my life.
Great Revelation, source of my life.
My devotion I give to You.
Adoration I give to You.
Ch: God of Creation, Great Revelation.
To You I give adoration.
God of Creation, strength of my life.
To You I give adoration.
O king of Glory, song of my life.
O Lord of Glory, love of my life.
My devotion I give to You.
Adoration I give to You.
O God of Abraham, life of my life.
O Great I Am, key to my life.
My devotion I give to You.
Adoration I give to You.
You are the Lord (
Ex.34:6)
You are the Lord,
The Lord God,
merciful and gracious,
longsuffering and abundant
in goodness and truth.
In Him, in Him I am a conqueror
In Him, in Him I ‘m an overcomer
In Him, in Him I am a winner
In him I am well-covered
In him I am well-supplied
In him I am well-equipped
In him, in him , in Him I’m blessed and not cursed
. . . my weakness is made perfect
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Come Holy Wind
Come Holy Wind.
I want to know Your Mind.
Keep me from chasing the wind.
Help me Your truth to find.
Come Holy Wind.
Bind my mind to Your Mind.
Make me the Jesus-kind.
Please never leave me behind.
Come Holy Wind
Teach me faith the God-kind.
Teach me to follow Your Wind.
O make my feet like the Hind’s
Come Holy Wind
With You I want to dine.
I thirst for the Holy Wine.
Holy Wine from the Vine.
Come Holy Wind.
Teach me to mind my mind
Teach me to guard my mind.
May Your good You find in my mind.
Come Holy Wind.
Keep me from a froward mind.
May Your glory in me You find;
Your word my mind fully lined.
Come Holy Wind.
Teach me Your treasure to mine.
Teach me Your glorious mind
in no good lacking behind.
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. MY CHILD PAY ATTENTION Prov.4
Sm118
Speak V1 & 2
My Child pay attention to what I say.
Listen closely to My word.
Dot not let them out of your sight.
Keep them within your heart;
They are life to those who find them.
And health to ones whole body.
Above all else, guard, guard well your heart.
For it is the well, (well) spring of life.
Put away perversity from your mouth;
Keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
Let your eyes look, look straight ahead.
(Fix your gaze directly before you.)
Harm. interlude
The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn ,
Shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
The way of the wicked is like deep darkness.
They do not know what makes them stumble.
Fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet.
V1& V2
To end
My Child pay attention to what I say
(Make Level Paths for your feet) xx after each line
my child, my child, my child . . . .
harm to end
FAITH/COMFORT
The Just shall live by faith
The just shall live by faith
The just shall live by faith
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For the things that are seen
Are passing away
The just shall live by faith.
We walk by faith, not sight
We walk by faith, not sight
For the things that are seen
Are fleeting, transient
The just shall live by faith.
The unseen shaped the seen
The unseen shaped the seen
For the things that are see
Are temporary
The just shall live by faith.
I Believe to See
(1Cor.1:26-2:5)
The world sees to believe,
But I believe to see.
Ch:
For my faith does not rest in the wisdom of men,
But in the power of God
For I know whom I believe,
So I receive to see.
My title deed is God’s word
And He stands by His word.
My God is all-powerful,
And He’s ever faithful.
The unseen shaped the seen,
And more real than the seen.
The seen is transient,
But the unseen permanent.
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Oaks of Righteousness Will Stand
The oaks of righteousness,
Shall stand in the fierce wind.
Through His great faithfulness,
Abounding grace they will find.
They will grow tall and strong,
Like cedars of Lebanon.
At night they’ll have a song,
To cheer those that mourn.
His Word their nourishment;
His Spirit their comfort;
His love so permanent;
Fiery darts come to naught.
They are the trees of the Lord;
His treasured possession.
They are watered by the Lord.
In famine or recession.
They will always flourish
Bearing fruit abundant.
They will never perish.
But have life abundant.
Jesus, is my Friend
Jesus is my Friend
My Friend to the end.
Jesus is my Friend,
And I love Him.
I will obey what He says;
To watch and pray come what may;
I will obey what He says,
’Cos I love Him.
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He’s Coming!
He is Coming!
(1Thes.4:16-18, Rev.4:1,10,11,-3:10; 1Cor.15:50-58)
The Lord Himself
Will come down
From heaven
With a loud command;
With voice of an arch-angel
With the trumpet call of God.
And the dead in Christ
Will rise first
And those still alive in Him
Will be caught up with them
In the air
So we will be forever.
In a twinkling of an eye,
We’ll all be changed
At the last trumpet.
It will happen in a flash.
The dead will be
raise imperishable
mortality clothe
with immortality
that sown in dishonour
raised in glory
that sown in weakness
raised in power
that sown in the natural body
(will be) in the spiritual body.
Alleluia!
Then the saying will come true:
“Death has been swallowed up in victory.X2 In victory!
Where O death is your victory,
Where O grave is your sting?”
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The King is coming-
The King of kings.
Are your ready for Him?
(He’s coming in power,
Coming in glory ) X2
Great glory.
Great power.
Interlude
He’s coming,
Coming in power,
Coming in great glory.
Are you ready for Him?
He’s coming,
For His own,
For His Body;
Are you ready for Him?.
Fill Me From Top to Bottom
Key D-E
Fill me from top to bottom
with all of You. X2
That my mouth will speak Your words;
and my mind think Your thoughts.
Fill me from top to bottom
With all of You.
Ch:
That my hands will reach out as Yours;
And feet going where You please.
Fill me . . . .
Change of Key to E
That my eyes will see as You see.
And my ears hear what you hear.
Fill me..
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That my will, will be to do Your will.
And my heart longing after You .Fill me
I Will Call On Your Name
I will call on Your Name,
The name above all names.
I will call on You Name
The Name ever the same.
Ch:
I will call on Your Name,
I will call on Your Name,
I will call on Your Name O Lord.
I will a call on Your Name,
Name stronger the grave.
I will call on Your Name,
The Name that You gave.
Ch
I will call on Your Name
The Name that lifted me.
I will call on Your Name,
The Name that sets free.
Ch:
I will call on Your name the greatest Name of all.
I will call on Your Name,
The sweetest Name of all.
Ch:
Come Comforter
Acts 2:1-4,
Joel2:28-32, Eph.5:18, Jn.7:37-39
Exhort
: “And it shall come to pass, afterwards that I will pour out My Spirit
upon all people;
And your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions,
your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon your hand maidens shall I pour
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out My Spirit. The sun will be darkened and the moon turned into blood. There
shall be billows of smoke before that great and majestic Day of the Lord.
Jesus said,
“If you love Me , keep My commandments and I will pray the
Father , and He shall give you another Comfort—The Holy Spirit and He shall
remain with you for ever”.
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)
Lord, we are up against
The principalities and powers;
But Lord through Your Holy Ghost,
We’ll surely overcome.
(Come Holy Spirit)
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Pour On us a New Anointing
CH:
Pour on us a new anointing,
The power of the Holy Ghost O Lord.
Pour on us a new anointing,
To finish the work You gave to us.
Ignite your fire in us,
Burn off the dross in us, O Lord.
Pour on us a new anointing,
To finish the work You gave to us.
Lord make our feet like the hind’s
To thread on high places, O Lord.
Pour on us a new anointing ,
to finish the work You gave to us.
Renew our strength like the eagle’s
To mount up to surmount, O Lord.
Pour on us a new anointing,
To finish the work You gave to us.
Revive Your Body afresh
To do great exploits for You.
Pour..
Renew our vision, O Lord
to reach out for the lost, O Lord.
Pour on . . .
Increase that we might decrease,
Be Almighty in us, O Lord.
Pour on us..
The Spirit of the Lord is On
Me (1)
(Lk4:18-19)
The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
Because He has anointed me;
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To preach Good News to the poor
He has sent me to proclaim freedom,
Freedom for the prisoners,
And recovery of sight for the blind,
To release the oppressed
To proclaim the year,
The year of the Lord’s favour.
I’VE FOUND YOU
I’ve found you.
Bone of my bones
flesh of my flesh
You are my helper from God.
Darling, I’ve found you
My love, I’ve found you
Bone of my bones
Flesh of my flesh
You are my other half from God.
Father, I thank You.
Jesus, I thank You.
You have supplied
all that I need,
a fitting help—mate this day.
I thank you
Holy Spirit I thank You.
You have supplied
all that I need
a fitting help-mate this day.
Gen.2:23-24,Phil4:19
And the two shall be One
There is a City
(Rev.21:1-8,10,21,23;
Heb.11:10
There is a City
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Whose Builder and Maker is God’
The City of God.
There is a City
Whose streets are paved with gold’
The City of God.
Ch:
Although the Way
is a narrow Way
but it is the true Way
to perfect peace.
Come follow Him,
Who is the Way,
Jesus, the Prince of Peace.
There is a City
Where love will never grow cold;
The City of God
There a City
Whose treasures are more than gold
The City of God.
There is a City
Where tears, pains sorrows will end
The City of God.
There is a city
Where joy will never end;
The City of God.
There is a City
Whose light is not the sun light,
The City of God.
There is a City
Whose light—the glory of God
The City of God.
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In the World, but Not of the World
. Jn17:14, Ro.12:1-2 Key E
Ch:
E
Although I am in this world,
A E
I am not of this world;
B7
Heaven is my home,
Heaven is my home.
Although I am in this world,
A E
I am not of this world;
A B7 E
Heaven is my home.
X2
E
Born into this world;
But not of this world;
B7
I am born of Love
A E
Born from above
Bought with a price,
Am
And so great a sacrifice,
A F#m
Although I am in this world,
B7 E
I am not of this world.
Ch:
I am a stranger;
I am a traveller,
I am an alien
Citizen of heaven
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I’m an Ambassador;
And a Visitor
Although I am in this world,
I am not of this world.
Ch:
Mth Org
My King will soon come;
His Kingdom will come;
We’ll soon go away
To His Seat far away
And there to rejoice,
All who made Him their choice;
Although I am in this world,
I am not of this world.
I Delight in Your Word.
(Ps.119:9,15-16,105; Ps.1:1-3; Jos.1:8)
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.
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
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If My People
(2Chr. 7:14)
If my people,
who are called by My Name,
shall humble themselves and pray,
and seek My Face,
and turn from their wicked ways,
then will I hear from heaven,
and forgive their sins
and will heal their land.
O Lord Your people
Who are called by Your Name
Do humble themselves and pray;
We seek Your face and turn from our wicked ways;
O Lord hear from heaven;
O Lord forgive our sins;
And Lord come heal our land.
O Lord God
Revive Your Church again;
Come Spirit like a rain;
Come refill our lives,
And overflow into our land.
Come Lord with Your power.
Shine in this dark hour.
Come Lord through Your Church tower
Peace! Be Still!
(Jn14:27, Mt14:22-27)
My peace I give to you
Not as the world gives
I give unto you.
X2
Ch:
My child peace be still,
My child peace be still,
My child peace be still,
And know that I am God. XXX . . . .
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Exhort along with Running Chorus (Alternative scriptures can be used
as the Spirit leads)
Peace I leave with you.
My peace I now give to you.
Do not let your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.(Jn 14:27)
For I am your Maker the lord of Hosts is my Name, the Holy One of Israel
is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth, I am called. Peace be still
and know that I am God. (Isa.57:5)
No weapon that is formed against you will prosper. And every tongue that
rises against you in judgement, you shall show to be in the wrong. Peace be
still and know that I am God. (Isa57:17)
You are the redeemed of the lord .
And if God is for you, who can be against you. You are the righteousness of
God and if I have accepted you , who can condemn you?
Don’t you know that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.
Don’t you that you are more than a conqueror through Christ.(Ro.8:37)
Be not anxious about anything. But in everything by prayer and petition with
thanks giving continue to make your wants known to God. And I will flood your
mind with my peace, which knows no bounds, transcends all understanding.
It would garrison your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. (Phil4:6-7)
You are redeemed from the curse of the law. Abraham’s blessing s are yours
(Gal.3:13)
For I know the thoughts and plans I have for you. Thoughts and plans for
welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.
(Jer.29:11)
Fear not. For I am with you; and do not look around in terror and be
dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen harden you; Yes! I will help
you. Yes! I will hold you up and retain you with My victorious right Hand
of rightness and justice. (Isa.41:10)
Know that those who wait for the Lord, who expect, look for and hope in
Him shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their
wings and mount up as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall
walk and not faint or become tired. (Isa.40:31)
Fear not! For I am your shield and your abundant compensation; and your
reward shall be exceedingly great. (Gen.15:1)
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Be persuaded beyond doubt that neither death nor life nor angels nor
principalities, nor things impending or threatening, nor things to come,
nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will
be able to separate you from the love of god which is in Christ Jesus, our
Lord. (Ro:38-39)
Peace be still and know that I am God. Fear not! I am your shield and your
exceeding great reward, says God.
There is a Friend Who Sticks
(Prov:18:24)
There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother
One with you in the
In the raging sea.
There is a Friend
who sticks closer than a brother
One with you
in the red hot furnace.
“Though your mother and your Father may forsake you,
I’ll pick you up “
Says the Lord, your God.
“For I have carved you on the palm of My Hand.
(And I will never, I will never, I will never forsake you”). X2
()XXX to end.
Be Strong and Courageous
(2Chro. 32:7-8)
Be strong and courageous;
Do not be afraid.
Do not be discouraged,
because of the foes
In spite of their vastness
Think of the Lord’s greatness
With them is the arm of the flesh,
But with us the Lord of Hosts.
The Lord is on our side.
He will not forsake us.
Those who’ve come in one way
will flee in seven ways.
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Mighty angels are around those,
those who fear the Lord.
Weeping may endure for the night,
But in the mourning joy will come.
I was Born Clappy Nic’ O’Demus
I was born clappy
Into a family,
In the West African region.
We loved religion,
We were in religion,
But religion was not in us.
We sang those songs
Though we were so wrong,
We thought we had it made.
With one eye we prayed,
With the other we strayed,
Fooling that God did not see.
I remember that day that that Nic’ O demus
Went knocking on that door at night.
He asked the Way, Master Jesus: “How come You’re different from all”
That day he heard the truth
From Jesus—the Truth,
And his problem was cured from the root.
He knew “Churchianity” was not Christianity,
Religion was not life in Christ.
I was in a mess;
Enmeshed in a mess,
Yet I thought I enjoyed my life.
Yet no life in my life’
Till Christ gave me His life;
So I sing this song of life.
I was going blind;
No good in my mind;
Yet I thought I had good sight
But for the love Jesus-the Light,
I would have been dead in the night.
Sing a New Song
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Now I have life,
From Christ, New Life.
I have passed from death to life
I have a home above;
Purchased by love,
I’m a citizen of heaven above.
Saints of God, ..Celebrate
Saints of God, let us celebrate;
Celebrate this new life in Christ;
Sing to the Lord and jubilate;
Jubilate in the lord Jesus Christ.
Saints of God, let us clap and sing.
Clap and sing to God our Father;
Give glory to the Lord of lords our King;
The Most High God our Maker.
Saints of God, let us dance and rejoice;
Rejoice because the Lord, He is good;
So good to us that He made us His choice,
His people, His royal priest hood.
Saints of God, let His praises ring;
From sunrise until sunset;
Let all that is within us sing;
Sing every one who has breath.
In a Desert Land ..Found Me.
(Deut.32:10-13)
In a desert land You found me
In a barren and howling waste You found me
You shielded me and cared for me.
As the apple of Your eyes cared for me.
Like an eagle that stirs up its nest,
Hovers over its young in a test,
Spreads its wings to catch them,
And on its pinions carried them.
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So Lord You stirred up my nest’
And hovered over me in my test,
Spread Your Wings to catch me,
And on Your Pinions carried me.
You made me ride me ride on the heights;
On the heights of the land in Your might;
From the fruit of the field, Lord You fed me’
With cords, oil, milk and honey.
Sing to the Lord a New Song
(Ps.97:1-9)
Ch : sing to the Lord a new song ‘
For he has done marvelous things;
His right Hand and His holy Arm,
Have worked salvation for Him.
The Lord has made known His salvation,
To the house of Israel . . .
IT’S A SPIRITUAL WARFARE
It’s a spiritual warfare ( Spiritual warfare)
It’s a spiritual warfare ( Spiritual warfare)
It’s a spiritual warfare ( Spiritual warfare)
It’s a spiritual warfare ( Spiritual warfare)
Put the enemy (in his proper place)
Put the enemy (in his proper place)
And his proper place is (under your feet)
His proper place is (under your feet)
Put on the helmet of salvation (it’s a spiritual warfare) (
The belt of truth (it’s a spiritual warfare)
The shoes of the Gospel (it’s a spiritual warfare)
The breast plate of righteousness (it’s a spiritual warfare)
Take the shield of faith (it’s a spiritual warfare)
The Sword of the Spirit (it’s a spiritual warfare)
Sing a New Song
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Thank God, Jesus has won (the victory)
Jesus has won (the victory)
The victory (at Calvary)
The victory (at Calvary)
Having done all Saint, (stand your ground)
Having done all Saint, (stand your ground)
Having done all Saint, (stand your ground)
Having done all Saint, (stand your ground)
©Fenny West
12
And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven
suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. Matt.11:12
10
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.
11
Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against
the wiles of the devil.
12For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but
against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of
against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
13Therefore
take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in
the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on
the breastplate of righteousness,
15and having shod your feet with the
preparation of the gospel of peace;
16above all, taking the shield of faith
with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is
the word of God;
18praying always with all prayer and supplication in the
Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for
all the saints—(Ephe.6:10-18)
15
Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle
of them, triumphing over them in it.Col.2:15
1
The LORD said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”Ps110:1
14
Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ,
and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.
2Cor.2:14
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Sleeping Giant Awake!
(Ephe.5:14,27; Luke 19:13,Eph.2:6)
Sleeping Giant awake!
(Awake, awake!)
The Lord is coming soon awake, (Awake, awake)!
He ‘s coming for a glorious Bride.
(Awake, awake!)
A Bride without spot or wrinkles.
(Awake, awake!)
Sleeping Giant awake! Come on!
(Awake, awake!)
It’s battle time awake!
Awake, awake!
The lord is on our side.
Awake, awake !
Through Him we’re more than conquerors.
Awake, awake!
Sleeping Giant awake.
Awake, awake.
The Lord is coming soon awake.
Awake, awake.
He’s coming for a pow’rful Church.
Awake, awake.
He’s coming for an overcoming Church.
Awake, awake.
Summon Your Pow’r O Lord.Ps68:28
Summon Your pow’r O Lord.
Show me Your strength
As You have done before
O Lord, O Lord.
Path the heavens and come down;
Touch the mountains and let them smoke
O Lord, O Lord.
Sing a New Song
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Ch:
Flash Your lightning O Lord
and confuse all Your enemies.
Shoot Your arrows O Lord
And scatter, scatter, scatter every foe.
Summon Your pow’r O Lord.
Show me Your strength
As You have done before
O Lord, O Lord.
Summon Your Pow’r O Lord
Show me Your strength
As You have done before
O Lord, O Lord
Let a fire go before You
To burn up all Your enemies
O Lord, O Lord.
May the zeal of the Lord of Host.
Bring this to pass to His glory.
Amen.
1. Describe the structure
2. Write down the rhyme pattern e.g abab,—a-a etc, or indicate ‘ no
rhyme pattern’ as the case may be
3. What do you think was the justification for using the title used.
4. If you were allowed to give the song a title, what would you choose
and why?
5. Whilst keeping within the same theme, compose a verse or two for
each song
6. Choose a theme for each of the songs from the themes given below
or an alternative theme.
• Evangelism
• Praise and Worship
• Easter/ Resurrection
• New Creation Realities
• Divine Direction
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• Story Songs (ballad)
• Holy Spirit
• Spiritual warfare
• Second Coming
• Revival
• Faith
• Prayer
• Wedding
• Eternity
• Word
7. Find some relevant scriptures for:
• Holy Father, My God
• You are worthy
• I Will Come To You
• Great and Marvellous
• God of Creation
• Come Holy Wind
• The Just shall live by
• Oaks of righteousness
Websites—
inspiration4generations 