Songs for a Writer’s Heart

Do you have songs that break down your defenses and speak straight to your heart? I think we all do. Today, I heard David Crowder’s “Wholly Yours” on the radio. It tickles my imagination. I’ve never heard another song writer work in the word “antonym.” I mean, come on–who does that? And to play with the difference between “holy” and “wholly?” It’s awesome.

I am full of earth, you are heaven’s worth. I am stained with dirt, prone to depravity. And You are everything that is bright and clean. The antonym of me, You are divinity.

Another favorite is MercyMe’s “Word of God, Speak.” I used to listen to this song every time I sat down to write, praying through the words before I opened my computer. Eventually I had to stop, because it began to feel like a ritual–sort of like the baseball player who refuses to change their lucky socks even though flies are buzzing in their general vicinity. Even after listening to it all those times, it still says everything that I hope for my writing.

I’m finding myself at a loss for words, but the funny thing is–it’s okay. The last thing I need is to be heard, but to hear what You would say. Word of God, speak. Would You pour down like rain? Washing my eyes to see Your majesty. To be still and know that You’re in this place. Please let me stay and rest in Your holiness…Word of God, speak. 

Our worship band recently sang the song “Take My Life” by Chris Tomlin. Its lyrics re-affirm the call I feel toward both worship and writing:

Take my voice and let me sing, always, only for my King. Take my lips and let them be filled with messages from Thee. Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold. Take my intellect and use every power as You choose. Here am I, all of me. Take my life, it’s all for Thee.

I always look forward to hearing pianist Dave Talbot lead “Be Thou My Vision” at the Mount Hermon Christian Writer’s Conference. His skills on the piano raise my spirits, but the words are a gentle reminder for those of us pursuing the writing life:

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise. Thou mine inheritance, now and always.
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart, High King of Heaven, my treasure Thou art. 

Those are all songs that speak to a writer’s heart. But some songs are just plain fun, right?

I am filled with joy when songwriters use clever turns of phrases and imagery to tell their stories. It inspires me to do better in my own writing. My vote for most creative lyricist would have to be Owl City.

For all my pals who live in the oceans and the seas. With fronds like these well, who needs anemones? (from “The Bird and the Worm”) 

Then we’ll take a long walk through the cornfield
And I’ll kiss you between the ears (also “Bird and the Worm”)

and…

I’ve been to the dentist a thousand times so I know the drill (from “Dental Care”)

and…

Met a girl in the parking lot, and all I did was say hello.Her pepper spray made it rather hard for me to walk her home,But I guess that’s the way it goes. (From “Deer in the Headlights”)

I could probably name dozens of others. What song is speaking to your heart and mind these days?

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