music and lyrical content that I love , but which don ’ t seem to want to become a part of some larger song , I am reminded that smaller songs used to be widely-utilized by many church communities .
The small songs have a lot going for them .
They allow for one core idea to demand our entire focus and attention . They can be learned quickly . They are easier to adapt to various dynamic approaches to suit different volume and tempo needs . Or they can evolve : They can begin with quiet intimacy and build to an intense crescendo while never losing focus on the one thing they have to say . They can even be used to create a more grand statement when attached to another song as part of a medley . In front of a bigger song , they can introduce an idea that focuses attention before going into its broader set of lyrics . Behind a bigger song , they can constrict the moment down to a place of intentionality and specificity , like a meditative postscript bringing finality .
And I point all of this out because it strikes me that some of what we have relegated to the wasteland of a songwriter ’ s scrap heap may well serve the purpose of being an intentionally small song .
As it stands today , in our particular context and moment , small songs are underrated . And they ’ re underrated despite being such valuable tools in shaping and defining the big moments we seek to cultivate room for . It ’ s relatively seldom we see them included on worship albums , and yet they often represent the most resonant and transcendent peak of a live recording , encapsulating so much as they serve their moment with clarity and precision .
And yet we don ’ t really go looking for small songs .
A lot of our best ideas leave us instantly pivoting to this attitude of , “ Now I need to write more .” More of this . More to accompany it . More to surround it with . Always more . But maybe some of these simpler expressions of music and lyrics do not require more , because what they ’ re saying , or the atmosphere they create ,
is already enough .
Like Mary Poppins says , “ Enough is as good as a feast .” And in sacred music , I have seen that prove to be true so many times .
If it ’ s already enough , there ’ s no need to ignore it just because it isn ’ t brimming with multiple sections and stanzas . Instead , why not let it be as it is , and integrate it into our known catalogues ? I know it can look silly there on a lead sheet , all tiny and brief , but if what it does works , that ’ s all that matters , right ?
So publish it . Use it live . Record it . Use it to bolster other songs or to encapsulate moments .
I am convinced that it ’ s in the church ’ s best interest for its songwriters to celebrate their small songs . There are simply too many of our best ideas waiting for a “ more ” that will never come , when those ideas are already enough .
Kevin MacDougall Worship leader , published and recorded songwriter , engineer and producer . macdougall . k @ gmail . com