Songwriting for Worship - Do They Have to Sing Every Word?
We’ve discussed at some length many of the concrete criteria that make a worship song not only worth writing, but also singing. We’ve discussed some of the technical aspects that make worship music work in a congregational setting, and we spent a lot of time establishing what I referred to as a “Singability Quotient.” Now that I’ve established that idea, I’d like to step back, take a look at it, and smash it into little bitty pieces.
As worship leaders, we strive to get our congregations to sing and lift praises with as much exhuberance as they can muster, but I’ve begun to really reconsider the idea that I want the congregation to sing every word of every song. Sometimes, I wonder if it is necessary for the leader to simply sing a few lines so that the “audience” can simply listen to those lines and let them sink in.
If that is the case, then it is entirely ok to break the Singability Quotient. With one voice singing the lyrics, the songwriter can craft a much more intricate melodic and narrative structure. I feel that David Crowder is a master of this technique; he constructs big, powerful, and singable choruses while crafting the verses in a way that might not be easy for the average worshipper to sing, but add melodic variety to his brand of worship music.
It is important that the worship leader set up these phrases or lines of the song, however, and not let the congregants fend for themselves. A simple, “Listen to the words of this next verse,” in the interlude between chorus and verse cues the crowd that it is ok not to sing, but instead they should worship by focusing their hearts on the message of the lead vocalist. As an example of this kind of technique, consider my worship song “My Light and My Salvation.” Clearly, the chorus is easy for every one to hold on to, and they should sing it with gusto and power, but the verses are not nearly as melodic or catchy, and it would be a great time for me to simply encourage the audience to dwell on the words. Then, they can join on the “In the House of the Lord, line.” Every time that we play this song in church, I am shocked at how the audience intuitively knows when to sing and when not to.
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June 18th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Great thoughts! I really enjoyed this post. It can be helpful to even have some text on the screen that indicates “worship leader:” or “worship team:” to let the congregation know they can take a break.
June 18th, 2008 at 11:04 am
This is an interesting though, no doubt. But this also limits the congregation’s participation. Its almost like telling them when to clap, when to raise their hands, when to start worshipping, etc …
The congregation will not sing a line if they find it hard to follow a line. If somebody wants to sing the whole song, then they should not be restricted. After all, this is not a performance and the congregation are not merely “audience”, they are participants in worship.
June 18th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
I certainly don’t want to discourage anyone from singing the whole song if they want to. I just don’t want them to feel that they have to sing every single word and note, because sometimes the vocal lines are very hard to sing!
June 21st, 2008 at 5:57 pm
I’d love to invite you to upload any original songs that are well produced to worshipsong.com. It’s a place for your songs to be heard and for you to be able to sell downloadable mp3’s rhythm charts, etc.
Blessings…
Holland Davis
June 22nd, 2008 at 5:17 pm
” . . . but I’ve begun to really reconsider the idea that I want the congregation to sing every word of every song”
and in the next paragraph you go on to say:
“With one voice singing the lyrics, the songwriter can craft a much more intricate melodic and narrative structure”
It sounds like the focus in this idea is to make the music sound better and more complex. I have no problem with good music. But shouldn’t worship be more about creating an environment that promotes worship by playing music that is easy to sing along with?
I agree with rhoy — if people find it hard to follow along with something, they’re not going to sing it. And I really doubt people feel like they have to sing every word especially if they’re having a hard time with the song. (obviously I can’t speak for everyone — I just find that scenario unlikely)
I will even go a step further here: I think there is enough good music out there that is easy to sing along with that there should be few instances where people aren’t singing because they can’t follow along.
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Worship isn’t just about singing, questions, rather it is about the making God glorious in our minds and hearts. Sometimes, it is good for the congregants to sit back and reflect on a few theologically sound points that might just be too complicated to pronounce, much less sing. In that case, the songwriter can craft lines that are a bit above the average singer’s learning curve.
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:38 pm
i guess people really differs in their view of worship and what worship should be. As I see it, we do not have to make God glorious in our minds & hearts. HE IS Glorious! This is a fact that we cannot change, modify or create. It is an absolute truth that cannot be altered by singing or not singing.
Also, I believe that our worship is and should be a respone to His glory and everything that He is. Singing praises to God means that we confess and re-affirm God’s many many attributes.
That’s just what I believe …
June 23rd, 2008 at 12:42 pm
You’re right, God is glorious, regardless whether I recognize it or not. However, often I, and you, and every follower of Christ, don’t recognize that. That is what worship is all about, recognizing God’s glory.
June 24th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Excellent point (and question). When leading worship, we are often at a place where I wish people would just listen. I like to do this when listen to music as well, just close my eyes and let the words flow. We try to encourage this when introducing a new song… just listen to it.
I think the David Crowder example is perfect. “Open Skies” is certainly such a song.