[This article has been contributed by Vintage]
The purpose of this article is to promote writing songs for Christian meetings. In particular, I would like to sing a song when I attend a communion celebration. On the occasion of remembering Christ's death, we have the opportunity to sing about our appreciation of his sacrifice and of Jehovah's loving provision to save humankind. This list of Scriptural texts may provide a starting point of inspiration to Christian songwriters:
1 Corinthians 5:7, 8; 10:16, 17; 10:21; 11:26, 33
2 Corinthians 13:5
Matt 26:28
Mark 14:24
John 6:51, 53; 14:6; 17:1-26
Not all songwriters can play a musical instrument. So, they might sing the song they have composed to another person who has the skill to write the musical notation of their melody. Also, a musician may be able to read music and play an instrument well, but have no experience in composing melodies. I can play the piano, but I had no knowledge of chord progressions. I especially like this short video and found it very helpful toward learning chord progressions and how to compose a song: How To Write Chord Progressions - Songwriting Basics [Music Theory- Diatonic Chords].
The composer of a song may decide to pay for a copyright on that song before posting it online. This would give a measure of protection against having another person claim ownership of that song. In the United States, a collection of about ten songs can be copyrighted as an album for only a little more money than it costs to copyright just one song. A square picture, called an Album Cover is used online to help identify a collection of songs.
When writing the lyrics of songs of praise, those words may flow naturally from the heart, or they may require prayer and some research. Writing words that are both beautiful and scripturally accurate will ensure an enjoyable and uplifting experience for all the brothers and sisters who will, each one, be singing those words as their own sentiments. There is a responsibility to write lyrics that will honor God and his Son.
I hope that Christians will enjoy their freedom of expression to compose songs of praise to our Father and Jesus. It would be especially nice to have a selection of beautiful songs from which to choose for our communion celebrations and regular meetings.
[Please keep comments to this article limited to collaborations on musical compositions.]
Archived Comments
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Comment by BobPfohl on 2021-12-19 18:00:21
Thank you,how do you feel about taking existing melodies and writing new lyrics for these compositions? I would like to reserect so many beautiful melodies with new Lyrics that are in harmony with bible and scriptual principals!
Reply by vitisbp on 2021-12-19 23:02:09
I had in mind composing our own melodies and lyrics. And, in general, I don't like the idea of using melodies that already exist and giving them new lyrics. Though, there could be exceptions that haven't occurred to me yet. Legally, a melody that is not under copyright protection could probably be given new lyrics. Writing our own melodies and lyrics avoids a lot of legal research and lawyer expense.
Music Law 101: How Long Does Copyright Protection Last? "Once a copyright is created, protection generally lasts for 70 years after the death of the author and in some cases 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation."
https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/music-law-101-how-long-does-copyright-57301/#:~:text=Once%20a%20copyright%20is%20created,underlying%20work%20becomes%20public%20domain.
Comment by vitisbp on 2021-12-30 15:41:32
Here's software that might help in composing melodies. I haven't used this software, but it looks very good. https://www.musicradar.com/amp/how-to/songwriting-basics-music-theory-write-chord-progression-melody
Comment by vitisbp on 2022-02-12 01:23:33
This video looks good to me. The young man who made it is a good speaker and an accomplished musician. It's a pleasure to listen to him give examples of chord progressions that can help us compose new songs ourselves. If you want help and ideas, take a few minutes to watch.
Song to help you recognize chords in a progression
David Bennett Piano
Comment by Devora on 2022-02-13 21:12:49
Hello All,ever since this idea was proposed, I've been hoping to add some spiritual positives by sharing some lyrics..Here's 3 'song material' writings..hoping someone else can use+set to music to sing,hymn-wise.Love,Devora.
1."God's Kingdom"
In Christ's Kingship-be set free,
In Christ's Rulership-live eternally!
By God's Kingdom-all promises done,
For God's Kingdom-we pray It fully come.
In this Kingdom-love &
peace reigns,
New heavens,new earth-
No more death or pains!
In this Kingdom-liberty's in store,
because
God's Kingdom
rules-forevermore!
(Refrain):
So be set free!and live eternally!in the Kingdom
Comment by Devora on 2022-02-13 21:20:49
(continued):
2."Our Freedom, Christ"
In Christ we find
Our Life and peace,
In Christ
We've been set free,
In Him God saw
All goodness-dwell,
and realize Victory!
In Christ we have true
freedom--
God's grace and
Joy and love,
With Spirit and truth we
Honor them,
giving thanks to God above.Reply by Devora on 2022-02-14 07:42:19
Correction:"In Spirit"..not'with'
Comment by Devora on 2022-02-13 21:50:34
(continued):
3."In the Re-Creation"
Yes someday,
Someday-soon,
It will come to pass!
No man,woman or child
will say'Alas'..
In the shimmering Re-Creation,
Mankind set free..
All things restored-
-by Christ our Lord
& adored for Eternity!
(*Wonders never to cease..believe!*)
then someday,
Someday soon,
Christ fulfills as 'Yes'--
All creation will bow to Him
Or,Per-ish---
God's grace in this Salvation
we shall forever praise:
for Christ the Lamb,in life- Anew,
we'll walk
in endless days
(Refrain):
God's Wonders to be-always,
We'll walk in endless days,
Yes,someday,
Someday soon!