Many people may be surprised to learn that despite being a singer-songwriter for many years, I’ve always struggled with Praise & Worship as a genre for several reasons:
- I never wanted to be labeled a “Christian” singer. Yes, I’m a singer who happens to be a believer, and while that’s often apparent in the songs I write, I don’t really like the idea of being boxed into a specific type of music.
- Most of the artists I like within this genre appeal to me because of the “raw” character of their lyrics. They aren’t afraid to expose their vulnerabilities. Their message are deep, honest and intimate, revealing things about their relationship with God that many people wouldn’t even tell their best human friends. If you’ve known me for any amount of time, you know I’m not one to open up to people very readily. But I also know that if you’re going to be the kind of artist that truly inspires people (something I aspire to), you’ve got to be willing to bare your soul. And the thought of doing so scares the mess out of me…
- Solomon said it best: there’s nothing new under the sun. Most of the popular worship songs out there say the same stuff that’s been said a billion and one other times to the same four chords in thousands of other songs (albeit in a slightly different way and to a different tune). Still, I don’t want to regurgitate someone else’s message, and I especially don’t want to claim it as “original.” Originality is a myth … and yet, I call myself an original artist. (See the dilemma, here?)
Just about every time I’ve sat down to try and write a song of praise to the Father, I’ve come up short. Until recently.
When I realized this was a serious struggle – despite my desire to write something – I began to pray and ask Yah to give me a song.
He did. He is faithful, and I am so thankful.
Here it is: “The Ancient Path”. Inspired by His calling on our lives to turn from the ways of the world in pursuit of His ancient path (Jeremiah 6:16).
Our prayer is that he will teach us how to truly walk in His ways.
I recorded this at home using my phone, so the sound quality is far from professional … still, I hope it blesses you as much as it has me!
