the hungry. When he arrived, rather than being bedside, and keep an eye on the people imagination and the ability to communicate
assigned the task of serving food, was given and places around you. Anything can feelings. These are things that you must always
the responsibility of greeting all those arriving, inspire new and creative ideas for poems. develop.
and placing name tags on them. Although this You might not necessarily write about function was not what Tommy “signed up for”, what you see, but ideas, or melodies, may Finally, imagine and write outside of your
it was a powerful experience for him that day. come to you in different settings. Keep all comfort zone. Another friend, Brenton Brown
Every person that Tommy greeted that day had of these ideas in a file. co-wrote a Gospel song with Tasha Cobbs
If collaborating, there is no place for you to Leonard. Brenton has been a prolific writer
their eyes, and it moved him to write a song have pride. Leave your ego outside of the and contributor to worship music over the
about the hope he has. Inspiration can come room. You must be completely vulnerable past 20 years, initially via Vineyard Records
during this process. UK, including "Lord Reign in Me", "All Who Are
Use potential song titles as a starting Thirsty", "Humble King", and "Hallelujah [Your
place. Love is Amazing]". But writing a Gospel song
one thing in common – there was no hope in
3.
from the least expected places.
4.
Inspiration can also come at the most un-
expected times! Who hasn’t awakened in 5. Practice writing poetry. is completely out of Brenton’s bailiwick. What a
the middle-of-the-night with a thought that 6. Read (and listen to) lyricists’ work. Gain wonderful opportunity!
they believed would be remembered the next
inspiration from others’ work, and from all
morning?
musical genres. I will leave you with this video story from
Read your Bible, read good books, watch Christian artist Tauren Wells and his writing
Here are a few helpful ways to solve this great movies, visit inspiring places, and of the song, “Hills and Valleys”. God Bless
problem, and a few others: read the stories behind great songs. your creative expressions. Keep writing! Keep
7.
1.
2.
Look around you. Anything at all can be
recognizing, collecting, and sharing your
the subject of a poem or lyric. All subject matter is worthy. A good lyricist
Keep a notebook (or cellphone, or digital hasn’t necessarily traveled the world or lived
recorder) with you at all times, even by your an incredible life. However, you must have an
experiences in song!
Alexander MacDougall
A former member of Daniel Amos (DA), the Larry
Norman Band, and the Richie Furay Band. He has
toured and recorded with all of the above, as well
as Andrae Crouch, Bob Bennett, Phil Keaggy, and
hundreds of additional artists and projects. He has
served and serves as an Adjunct Professor, teaching
in Music Business at Dallas Baptist University and
Trevecca Nazarene University’s National Praise and
Worship Institute, in Nashville, TN. Alex is available
for lecture, teaching, and conference workshops.
[email protected]
“You Know My Name” // Tasha Cobbs
“Hills And Valleys” (Story Behind The Song) //
Tauren Wells
May 2019
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