Johns book is a must read for the Christian songwriter. He understands both the craft and the inspiration behind powerful songs. In this book, he puts practical tools together with spiritual insights which are incredibly useful. I have known John for over thirty years and am honored to call him friend. I trust his heart and his skill. Do yourself a favor and read it.
Michael W. Smith
Award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist
When I need a solid word from God, I listen to John G. Elliott.
Max Lucado
Pastor and author
I dont know anyone who has the heart of Christian songwriting more than John G. Elliott. He not only knows how to craft a song but, most importantly, he knows the Holy Spirit, the source of all creativity and truth. Johns songs have a lasting effect on the listener. One of Johns creations, Somebodys Prayin, is one of my most requested recordings. Its a song that brings hope and healing to everyone who hears it. I have known John and his precious family for over thirty years. Ive watched John teach his own children how to love and respect the great songs of the past and how to write their own. I have never seen a more natural-born worship leader than John G. Elliott. He brings forth the treasures found in the old blood songs of the cross and the life of Jesussongs that take you to your knees and then into the presence of the Lord. If you are a songwriter looking for encouragement, you would do well to read Johns book. It will be a blessing and a source of inspiration to you. Did I tell you what a great piano player he is? Amazing!
Ricky Skaggs
2018 inductee, Country Music Hall of Fame
The music of John G. Elliott has been used by the Holy Spirit to bring the people of God into worship and into a life of taking up the cross and living in the resurrection reality. John seeks to put the Lords word into every song he writes. John knows that the power is in the living Word. His book, The Heart of Songwriting, will be a true guide and inspiration to any who seek to move the heart of God and bless the people of God through song. Johns passion is to bring together the diligence of the craft of songwriting with the nearness and presence of the Lord and His love and power. John is an amazing songwriter because he seeks to live close to the Holy Spirit and draws on Him as his source of creativity and understanding. John is the real deal.
Mike Bickle
Director, International House of Prayer, Kansas City
The Heart of SongwritingA Comprehensive Guide to Writing Memorable Songs
by John G. Elliott
Published by Forerunner Publishing
International House of Prayer
3535 E. Red Bridge Road
Kansas City, Missouri 64137
ihopkc.org/books
Copyright 2019 by Forerunner Publishing
All rights reserved. Published 2019
This book or any parts of this book may not be reproduced in any form, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any meanselectronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwisewithout prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.
Forerunner Publishing is the book-publishing division of the International House of Prayer of Kansas City, an evangelical missions organization that exists to partner in the Great Commission by advancing 24/7 prayer and proclaiming the beauty of Jesus and His glorious return.
ISBN: 978-1-938060-44-1
eBook ISBN: 978-1-938060-45-8
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org. Scripture quotations marked (NKJV) are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.
All emphasis in Scripture quotations is the authors.
I Live to Worship You by John G. Elliott. Galestorm Music Inc., 2011. Used by permission.
Long Hard Valley by John G. Elliott. Galestorm Music Inc., 2011. Used by permission.
Cover design by Jared Smith
Interior design by Dale Jimmo
Cover photo: Michaella McClendon, Tay & Mckay Photography,
www.tayandmckay.com
Printed in the United States of America
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Contents
Foreword
Theres nothing on earth that affects the entire human quite like a song. It touches our mind, spirit, and physical body at the same time. Songs are powerfulunique in the way they imprint our memory. Even as adults, we remember songs we learned as children. They write themselves onto the deepest parts of the brain and soul.
There has never been a more important time in history to write songs that affect peoples view of God, themselves, and humanity. They see the shaking of the earth, and they are looking for answers, for transcendence, and for truth. Songwriting is one of the best ways to write that truth on the heart. I believe many of the prophetic voices throughout history have been those of songwriters. A well-written, powerful song can change the way people think. Now, more than ever, we need songs that say something of depth and importance, songs that carry a message and the presence of God. We need songs that bring people into holy conversation with God and His truth so that they are changed. I believe it will be one of the most effective ways to tenderize hearts, give clarity, and keep people unoffended at God in the hour of crisis. The skill to write these songs is vital in this hour of the worship movement.
Many of my first songs were birthed in spontaneity; only when I used the right tools to craft that moment into a song did it become a moment of truth that lives on in others as they sing and re-sing it. My songs have also been born out of deep emotion, thought, and Scripture meditation, but only when crafted into a written song can others not only hear, but also sing and feel their impact. In some cases, a song can have more power than a sermon to write truth on the heart and get it on peoples lips. If our teachers and preachers spend so much time and effort preparing to teach, how much more should we, as songwriters, take ourselves seriously and learn the skill of songwriting.
John G. Elliott is one of the most skilled songwriters I know. I wish Id had this book, with the tools in it, to learn the craft many years ago. He has long been a part of the worship movementa worship leader and songwriter with a front row seat to the music that has impacted this generation. His songs are timeless, and hes passing us the tools to also write songs that will endure. Theres no one better to learn from.
I deeply appreciate Johns excellent spirit and desire to see that excellence in this generation of songwriters. He has a way of making songwriting accessible, even while he challenges us to a higher standardto not be satisfied with a song that is good enough, but rather to press the limits of skill. I believe we need to seek not only the prophetic gift in song, but also the skill that is necessary to connect the heart of people to the heart of God through melody, rhythms, and lyrics that will be sung by Gods entire family, young to old. Songs can create unity in a room like nothing else can, and that unity will bring about the oil of anointing. Many prophetic scriptures highlight songs importance during the years leading to the Lords return, and I believe the world has never heard the kind of songs that are going to come from our generation. Weve only heard a whisperwe are about to hear the thunder!