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Nonsense
Hi
Just wanted to share a book I read recently. It's only a short one, but as the blurb on the back says, "every worship leader and songwriter should read it"
It's called:
"And now let's move into a time of nonsense - why worship songs are failing the church" by Nick Page.
As a songwriter, I almost dreaded opening it. I was expecting it to be a blinkered view which labelled modern worship songs as trivial and insubtantial, all focussed on playing on our emotions to fool us into thinking we're experiencing God....
And I was right. Or at least partly...
All of the above issues are raised, but it was by no means a blinkered look.
In the book we're taken through the importance of the meaningful lyric, the simple (or at least accessible) tune, all grounded in the lessons learned from the great hymn writers. He reminds us that countless hymns were written, but only a select few have stood the test of time.
He makes many well argued points about how to make sure you write songs that are singable, understandable, relevent, and will last. He draws our attention to the danger of writing "pop" worship songs that are lacking in substance, and challenges us to make sure our lyrics, while based in scripture aren't so full of bizarre references that only you fully appreciate them.
I'm missing out so many of the best bits by summarising it like this - I guess if this has at all interested you, you should try and get hold of a copy. I think it's availble on amazon marketplace.
I'd thoroughly recommend it.
Kiers
Just wanted to share a book I read recently. It's only a short one, but as the blurb on the back says, "every worship leader and songwriter should read it"
It's called:
"And now let's move into a time of nonsense - why worship songs are failing the church" by Nick Page.
As a songwriter, I almost dreaded opening it. I was expecting it to be a blinkered view which labelled modern worship songs as trivial and insubtantial, all focussed on playing on our emotions to fool us into thinking we're experiencing God....
And I was right. Or at least partly...
All of the above issues are raised, but it was by no means a blinkered look.
In the book we're taken through the importance of the meaningful lyric, the simple (or at least accessible) tune, all grounded in the lessons learned from the great hymn writers. He reminds us that countless hymns were written, but only a select few have stood the test of time.
He makes many well argued points about how to make sure you write songs that are singable, understandable, relevent, and will last. He draws our attention to the danger of writing "pop" worship songs that are lacking in substance, and challenges us to make sure our lyrics, while based in scripture aren't so full of bizarre references that only you fully appreciate them.
I'm missing out so many of the best bits by summarising it like this - I guess if this has at all interested you, you should try and get hold of a copy. I think it's availble on amazon marketplace.
I'd thoroughly recommend it.
Kiers
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Dave Clemo on -
Sounds great. I must get a copy. It's about time someone came out and said what many of us are thinking.
That's another book I'm not going to get to write! Drat!
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Permalink Reply by Jonathan Knight on -
I agree with your comments, Kiers, but I would add that Nick Page's style is easy to read and, in places, VERY FUNNY. His spoof letters from the aspiring song-writer/worship leader are in the Adrian Plass mold and several made me laught out loud (esp the jokes about the drummer).
His serious points are well made and have merit, and have been helpful in making me think/re-evaluate my own songs as well as what songs I choose for services. Engaging brain about what (and why) we sing is no bad thing.
I would recomend this book for any worship leader or song writer.
It's other merit is that it's short and easy to read!
Jonathan
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Permalink Reply by Al Hamill on -
Totally great book! Page uses his humour to make some huge points about our worship song diets. Every worship leader can read this book (it's short and very, very funny) and must read this book (it'll challenge and stretch your thinking).
If there were suitable icons, I'd add five of those lovely wee star thingies...
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Permalink Reply by Peter Debney on -
This is such a good book. In fact it was stolen by our Reader and I haven't seen it since.
For me the most important point was the direction of praise: away from self and towards God. Obvious you may say, but just read with a critical eye so many recent worship songs and especially Hillsong: "I'm not ashamed", "You saw me", "Here in my life", etc.
Just remember that there is no "i" in worship (or was it "me" in team, I forget)
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