What are the keys to writing successful gospel songs?

Understanding who and what you are singing about. The world is under attack on so many levels and this is the time to sing about the one whom so many are afraid to speak his name, JESUS, his message need to be heard today now more than ever. The worst thing you could do is try and fit in this music industry the way it is today. Be set apart and sing the truth.

Understanding the genre makes sense. I’ll give you a couple of country gospel songs. “When God Paints”, “God Gave Me You” and “What A Friend We Have In Jesus”. Listen to the lyrics of each. Look for the meaning also. As you start to write your own songs your tendency is to emulate the style of the artist who performed or wrote it. I started to put out original material a year ago

Personally, I believe that Gospel has to be different! I prefer Gospel songs that have twinge of country in them They contain words or advice that stray from the norm. They are not predictable, or have King James's contain verbiage! The wording tends to fly off the handle and you can immediately associate it with the reality of life. For example instead of writing lyrics that state, Now He cometh 10 thousand Angels, I would write "He came with a bunch of Angels or He came with a bunch of Angels. Or better yet, 10 Thousands Angels were at the party, and Jesus was dancing on the head of a Pin"

To make a gospel song successful, make your message bring glory, or fame to God. You will bring good news, or the gospel, to the ears who are willing to hear.

Exactly! Gospel songs are lived spiritual experiences shared in singing. You need this to evoke the emotion and mood. It comes from deep down - the soul.

I’ll give you an example of a song I wrote. I read an article in the New Jersey Herald. Josh Ritter had a melody for a song called “I Carried The Flame” but needed lyrics. It was originally intended for Joan Baez. I suggested putting it in the present tense. So I wrote “I Carry The Flame”. I do so now. I love the work you do. I have a passion for it. I wanted to have a religious connotation to it. Here’s the chorus. I carry the flame, a torch in my hand Accepting God’s call, I’m ready to make a stand I’ll sing with all my might, my heart so true For I am called to carry the flame for you The song took me a year to write. Find what inspires you. It may be a place, story, or an event in your life good or otherwise.

Be sincere is the most important factor At least it is for me. And draw upon life experiences. Draw upon experiences from past jobs, and associates. And it might sound like an old cliche but study the word and go to church and soak in the pastors' sermons. Take notes, and at the same time take in the sights and sounds around you! Don't try to embellish or try to sound fancy. If God wants the song to be fancy, it will end up being fancy! As more myself. I start with the title of a song. I don't know how many people do this. I have been doing it for years. The title gives you a better picture I believe. I also believe the title alerts the listener as what is to come!

I don’t write songs as much as I used to however when I did I would always start with guitar, then I’d add melody & harmony. Lyrics were always the last. Or when I was really in the flow: guitar, lyrics, and melody simultaneously