New song - Mighty to save

Principles for choosing new songs part 3 Principles for choosing new songs 2 Principles for choosing new songs New Song - My soul finds rest (Ps 62) New song - Mystery by Charlie Hall New Song - O precious sight New songs - Keith & Kristyn Getty leading in Glenabbey

13th January 2009

Here's Mighty to save, the new song we did last Sunday, along with some thoughts as to why we've introduced it to our song reportoire.

Musically, I think this is very strong. The melody is interesting and it builds in all the right places. It has a good feel to it too, with a strong mid-tempo groove. But that's not the main reason to introduce the song. In fact, the fact that music by itself can be so powerful means that we need to be careful that the words that are joined with it are worth singing. And, in this song, they are!

I like the contrasts in the theme of the lyrics between the verses and the chorus. The verses are honest about our need of a Saviour who is strong enough to save; the chorus reminds us just how able God is to save us. As choruses tend to be the parts of songs we tend to remember, what the chorus is about tends to dominate our minds thematically when we're singing or recalling a song. As a result of this, the main focus of this song is not on us, but on God. It acknowledges our need of him but sends us away with a bigger view of how he is able to save us. But it's not just us that need saving. The bridge of this song pushes our vision outwards. As we receive God's salvation, so we should be those who share this salvation with others.



Next time I'll share some broader principles on picking new songs and building the kind of song reportoire that will serve poeple well and give due glory to God.

Al Hamill