What can the Psalms teach about songwriting?
WHAT CAN SONGWRITERS LEARN FROM THE PSALMS?
INTRO
Did you know the Psalms can teach us so much about songwriting? These collections of songs, prayers, poems have been used over 2,000 years for singing as well as to make sense out of the complexities of life. They are just as relevant today as they were when they were written. The Psalms contain valuable insights that today’s songwriters can study and reflect on as a way to further develop songwriting skills. They help us understand how the writers faced similar issues we continue to face today.
Over the past few months, I’ve been hosting a daily Facebook Live called Songs of Psalms. The goal of the live was to study the Psalms from a songwriting perspective.
The Psalms are a collection of songs, prayers, poems and more. They are considered sacred songs or hymns during times of worship in the House of God.
Collectively, they tell the story of life and faith. For me personally, it is certainly an eye-opening learning journey as I read through each Psalm and sought to understand not just its message but the purpose of the writer who wrote it.
WHAT I LEARNED!
As a songwriter, I wanted to understand the structure and the essence of the songs found in Psalms. Did the songs contain similar messages to songs we hear today? Did the songs relate to the masses? Were they sung widely for entertainment?
As I’ve gone through my study, I’ve learned so much more than anticipated.
To answer the last question first, I found that the Songs of Psalms were not written for entertainment. Unlike the songs of today, the Songs of Psalms were not written with an ulterior motive. They didn’t write with the intent to have a number one hit on the Billboard Top 100 or to achieve musical awards.
Granted, those accolades were not around then, but, it’s clear that the songs had a higher purpose.
In fact, there were no publishing or performance royalties gained for the Psalms. There wasn’t a monetary benefit for writing a song that everyone could sing or listen to.
The songwriters wrote because it was their responsibility to write music. The people of ancient biblical times were devoted to the study and practice of music. Music was a very important part of daily living. Music played constantly and continually. We know this because in 1 Chronicles 25:7 it tells us that King David employed 288 musicians and singers to offer daily music in the temple.
David appointed 3 Chief Musicians: Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman. These men were responsible for leading the respective choirs in varying capacities. The Chief Musicians were directed by David to sing praises and give thanks to God in sung, they also used music to educate and instruct the people and prophesy (speak on behalf of God).
The people had music they could listen and apply to their lives.
The psalmists wrote the songs that would not only instruct but also provide an outlet, if you will for things that collectively they were going through. The songs of Psalms, gave expression to the circumstances that the writer or its people were experiencing.
For example, King David wrote approximately 75 Psalms; making up the 50% of the Psalms in the Collection. Some of his Psalms were prayers that questioned God about His deliverance and protection. While other Psalms were songs of jubilation to thank God for His deliverance and protection.
“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
David wrote two of the most famous Psalms that most people are very familiar with. Psalm 23, which is often read during memorial services, it offers peace and comfort during the loss of a loved one. It essentially encourages us not to fear death because God the loving Father has given us eternal life through His Son, Jesus.
“If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent”
Psalm 91 is also a beloved Psalm that people read during times of uncertainty and fear. When covid-19 broke out around the world in March 2020, one would often see Psalm 91 quoted on social media pages.
There’s something extremely comforting in the lyrics of this Psalm. As you read, through it, you sense incredible peace and comfort because it points to the protection God gives us as a Loving Father.
We are inspired to have hope that no terror or fear can overwhelm us because God’s love brings us protection from the dangers that surround us. He is with us during the danger before us.
SONGWRITING FROM THE PSALMS!
For songwriters, there’s so many lessons we can learn about life and truth that can be discovered by reading the Psalms. The songwriters of the Psalms held a place of influence. They knew this! They walked in this influence.
They were excellent musicians, they were creatives and they were also educators. Their songs encouraged its listeners to turn to God.
They moved their listeners from a place of uncertainty, fear, hopelessness to a place of peace, comfort, strength, hope, and faith. They also shed light on the eternal perspective we all must face.
They pointed their listeners back to God, they educated their listeners on how to respond to life’s circumstances by putting their hope in God.
Songs of Psalms!
Songwriting from the Psalms can teach us how to create songs that last and can relate to listeners from every walk of life!
Songwriting is creativity and expression at its finest but it also comes with a tremendous responsibility. Our songs will outlive us and will influence our listeners for years to come!
In the end, will we be known for songs that help others for the good; or for songs that promote selfishness, greed, and harmful emotional negativity?
Don’t forget to check out our video blog on Songs of Psalms, where we go through each Psalm. Click on the link below.
Songs of Psalms
A Songwriting Study on the Psalms.
Over the next few weeks, we’re going to share a bit more about the Songs of Psalms! Join us as we discuss insights that will help us become better songwriters!
Until then, keep being amazing,
~MRJ