A Framework for Writing Worship Songs

For a long time, I would get stumped when trying to write a worship song. I felt lost—my melodies didn't quite work, and my lyrics felt dull.

But then, I learned about a three-piece framework for crafting great congregational tunes, and it totally transformed my writing—and I'm giving that to you now, trusting that it will do the same for yours. 

Below, we'll talk about how to organize your words, melodies, and themes into a song that your church family will sing for days and days. 

Let's dive in!

Use the "Hymn" Method

The "hymn" method is a way to organize syllable patterns. Remember back to the well-worn hymnal you'd pull from the back of the pew, and you may recall seeing numbers like this at the top or bottom of the page:

• 8.6.8.6

• 6.6.8.6

• 8.8.8.8

These are technically called metrical indexes, and they tell you how many syllables are in each line of text. (For reference, the three indexes listed above are for common, short, and long meters, respectively.)

Now, you don't have to follow these verbatim, but a singer can predict the rhythm of line more accurately if it follows the same syllable pattern that occurred earlier in the song. This is where you use cognition and recall to your advantage; otherwise, you risk confusion on the part of your congregation.

Keep It Singable

Singable melodies combine rhythm, range, and contour together in a way that makes them feel as if they "sing themselves." In other words, there's an air of predictability and familiarity to them, but without the danger of sounding cliché. Here are some recommended features to keep in mind:

• Rhythms should match the natural accents of words, i.e., "EM-phasis ON the RIGHT SYL-lable," not, "em-PHA-sis on the wrong syl-LA-ble."

• Range should generally fit within an octave plus a 3rd/4th.

• Contour should follow step-wise motion or small skips/leaps. An exception would be major or minor arpeggios, or a repeated hook that spans a 4th or 5th. 

Pack It with Original Source (Scripture)

This should go without saying, but we want our songs to reflect what the Word of God directly says, not just man-made sentiments. In other words, leave out everything that comes from the "Book of Second Opinions," "First Assumptions," and the like. Keep it in the Word! (It's OK to tweak the words to fit your rhyming scheme, meter, etc. After all, adaptation is necessary.) 

The Goal

Overall, a well-written worship song encapsulates God's truth in a tune that naturally leads the singer throughout its course. In your next writing session, pick a passage of Scripture (Psalms are a great place to start), adapt a few lines into a chosen meter index, and then let the melody begin from there. It might be a bit rocky at first, but you'll soon get used to the rhythm and flow. 

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a pen and paper and get started!

Be blessed 👊✌️