Principles for choosing new songs part 3

Principles for choosing new songs 2 Principles for choosing new songs New song - Mighty to save 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

23rd January 2009
Last time we considered briefly some principles that might guide us as we choose songs. This time, we'll take a look at how we might put them into practice.

1. First consider the lyrics

Do the lyrics reflect biblical truth accurately?
• Is correct theology being expressed? Is the picture of God and/or humanity that is painted true to scripture?
• Theologically accurate songs do not have to be weighty, content heavy songs; but even the simpler songs must not contradict the truth of scripture.
• Do the lyrics reflect the emphasis of scripture? For example, what potential misunderstandings might the line ‘like a rose, trampled on the ground’ present? What image does this present? Is it biblical to suggest that Jesus was a helpless victim (cf. John 19:11)? Does this simile convey that? Does it matter that this is a possible interpretation?

Are the lyrics clear?
• The clarity and objective meaning of the songs matter. How do people interpret words like: ‘Did you feel the mountains tremble … when the people rose to sing of Jesus Christ the risen one’? What is affecting people in this lyric: a deep truth from scripture, or merely the effect of exciting sounding words set to a driving beat?
• What metaphors and imagery are being used? Are they good poetry or do they just unnecessarily obscure the truth? (For an example of how to use simile powerfully to illustrate a point, check out Jeremiah 17:-5-8)

Are the lyrics fresh and written in accessible language?
• Good new songs will tell the same old truths in new ways. Do the lyrics have an interesting turn of phrase, or an engaging metaphor, or fresh angle on a theme to help give a new perspective on God?
• Are the lyrics full of religious sounding clichés that actually don’t really connect with people? Are they in accessible, relevant language?

Is this song adding variety to our song repertoire or simply repeating themes already covered?
• Of course it’s good to have new songs covering old themes in fresh ways. But let’s consider how the introduction of new songs might expand the topics of songs we sing about.
• What topic areas do you think we’re deficient on at the moment? In what subject areas do we need to be actively looking for songs?

Nick page says this: "The idea of a servant-lyric is not a fashionable one. We are in an artistic culture which promotes the ‘master-lyric’. Much modern art and culture is deliberately confusing, opaque or subjective, expressed in a language that only the artist truly understands. And if we the public don’t understand … well, then that’s our fault. We’re just not artistic enough. We must not allow this attitude to seep into the worship song."

2. Then consider the music

No matter how great the words are, if the music is poor, or maybe even just average, then the song will not be connect with people in a significant way. But when strong words are combined with powerful tunes, then the effect can be electric. So what are we looking for in a good tune?

Is it singable?
• Is the range of the melody comfortable (low A to high D)?
• Is it too heavily syncopated & inaccessible? Is it in a style that is singable for the congregation as a whole?
• Is the melody fresh without being too complex and ornate for people to get?
• Is the melody good?!8 Is it interesting, dynamic and exciting? Does it rise when you want it to? Is there a strong melodic hook? Does it inspire?

Does the music complement the lyrics?
• Does the music serve the lyrics and subject of the song or is it distracting? We want people to be inspired by truth and for the music to aid in that, not merely for people to be caught up in a driving rhythm and engaging riffs.

3. Rate the song

(I borrow this classification from Bob Kauflin) In light of the above, in which of these categories would you place the song:

1. We shouldn’t use this song

2. I could use personally (Maybe there are lyrics that could be open to misunderstanding that I’m aware of but might prove unhelpful to others. Maybe the tune is not sufficiently accessible for congregational use.)

3. We could use in congregational worship

4. We should use this song congregationally

While there will always be a dimension of personal taste when choosing songs, the primary determining factor in deciding whether or not I do a song can't be whether or not I personally like it nor not. We should celebrate our God-given diversity in the church of Christ, but that doesn't mean there is no room for some guiding principles that help us base out choices on something more objective thyan our own personal tastes.

Something to think about - what would the effect be on our church if we could honestly say that all the songs we do fitted into category 4 above?

May God guide us as we seek to choose songs that both honour him and serve and help those who are singing them with us.

Alistair Hamill

BTW, a handy A5 booklet version of the material covered in the last three blogs is available for free download from here.