[This post is part of a series on Your Guide to Selecting and Leading Songs for Worship. Check out the rest here.]
We all know that certain songs stand out above the rest. But what makes them so unique? As a worship leader who picks songs each weekend and a songwriter who wants to write engaging songs, what are the qualities I should look for?
What should you be looking for?
Here’s my take, which I call the SEAT method:
SIMPLE
The best songs communicate ONE IDEA with as few words as possible. Great songwriters edit and edit and edit. They ask questions like, “Is this melody singable? Is it pleasing to the ear? Does the music match the lyric?” Don’t write for Josh Groban’s next album. Choose songs and write songs with the common man/women in mind. Some great modern examples are Our God, How Great is Our God, Everlasting God, and Your Name.
ENGAGING
Great songs are not only simple, they engage people in an experience. They express what others want to say to God. They need to be God-centered and declarative. You know what it’s like when the Biblical truth of a song resonates with the heart of the worshiper. There’s nothing like it! Our songs need to be primarily about God and directed to God. I think too often we are more impressed with our own worship than we are with God. Instead of singing about worship, declare God! Now, let me clarify: I’m not against songs that express our longing for God. I just think they should be the minority. Otherwise worship can become a self-centered, “I hope I feel better” experience. Let’s exalt God.
AUTHENTIC
The best worship songs are not filled with cliches. We need to be looking for fresh ways to declare age-old truths. That’s what creates authenticity in a song. If you’re a writer, make the song your heartfelt prayer, express honesty, be raw. A great example I’ve found is Elevation Worship’s “Give Me Faith”. It is simple, engaging, authentic, and true. Check it out here.
TRUE
A song can have a great melody, incredible accompaniment, and be as catchy as ever, but if it’s not true than we’ve missed it. Here’s the big difference between writing worship songs and simply “singer-songwriter” songs. The singer-songwriter writes to be true to HIMSELF. The worship songwriter writes to be true to GOD’S WORD. We are facilitating other people’s declaration of truth. Quite a responsibility. So just because a song is popular doesn’t necessarily make it right. Don’t just choose a song based on its melody. Internalize it. Declare it. Live it.
What do you look for in songs you choose? What do you focus on in your songwriting?
[…] I see songs everywhere. Which ones should I choose? […]