The Divine Harmony
I’ve been writing songs since the sunset of shredding guitars and whammy bars, right in the heart of Seattle’s grunge explosion. Since I was raised by semi-pro jazz musicians and guided by my mom through classical piano, it’s no surprise that my Spotify playlists and songwriting reflect a rich tapestry of musical influences. After decades and hundreds of compositions, my passion for writing and recording music remains vibrant, intricately woven with my love for Jesus, Scripture, and the kingdom of God.
As my songwriting journey has evolved, one element has been a steadfast companion: the Bible. Since picking it up as a sophomore in high school, Scripture has been my daily bread. I resonate deeply with the great theologian and hymn writer Martin Luther who proclaimed, “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.” As I share about the beautiful interplay between these two passions of mine, I hope to inspire others who are seeking to deepen and share their faith through songwriting. Perhaps that’s you, and if so, I hope something I’ve learned along the way can help you in your own creative and spiritual process.
Setting the Stage
Before diving deeper, let’s set the stage by examining two common expressions of Christian music—hymns and contemporary praise. Regardless of your stance on the genre, the theological richness of hymn lyrics is undeniable. Take the line, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.” This simple phrase is packed with scriptural references—it speaks of salvation through grace (Ephesians 2:8) and our wretched state apart from Christ (Romans 7:24). Time and again, I’m struck not just by the truths in hymns but also by the expansive vocabulary that elevates the lyrical experience.
Conversely, modern worship songs offer something uniquely sweet and emotionally connecting. The first song I co-wrote in high school reflected the passionate, newfound love of two teens discovering God for the first time: “Let me be a light in the darkness. Let me be the sun in the rain. Let me be a friend to the friendless. I want to be the one for Thee.”
The chorus was bare-bones simple: “I love you more than anything. I love you more than everything. I love you more than anything and I want to praise you.” It didn’t rhyme or feature strong imagery, yet it resonated with listeners because it conveyed the very presence of the Almighty God.
My experiences with the rich vocabulary and theology of hymnody, along with the simple, soulful connection with the Spirit through contemporary worship music have shaped my songwriting expressions over the years. It’s easy to criticize others for being shallow or boring, but one day, the Spirit nudged me: “What if that’s God’s favorite song? Who are you to judge?” So, I strive to be an advocate for any songwriter who dares to take up pen and paper, guitar or ukulele to glorify God over themselves.
As I honed my craft, I yearned to stretch both my lyrical and theological muscles. Growing in faith made it crucial for me to ensure my lyrics conveyed robust theology—a lesson ingrained by early mentors who emphasized clarity and truth in song. Our Father seeks worshipers who will worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Music shapes culture, and I hope my lyrics lead people closer to God. Yet words alone often fail to express the soul’s desires. I’m passionate about marrying deep lyrics with emotional music, creating experiences that usher listeners into God’s presence. As Franz Liszt said, “The church composer is also a preacher and priest, and where words cannot suffice to convey the feeling, music gives them wings and transfigures them.”
The Songwriting Process
While I’m far from the brilliance of composers like Liszt, I know that everyone has their role to play, however great or small. My songwriting process often begins with me belting out a melody, mumbling gibberish, or crafting a basic phrase—sometimes at the top of my lungs as I zip around town on my road bike. As I explore, the chorus or hook may emerge; other times, it’s a slow burn. A musical motif resonates with me, and I’ll add chord progressions and instrumentation, allowing the theme and lyrics to gradually surface. I’ve trained myself not to rely solely on memory; most lyrical ideas live on my phone’s recording app, some hilariously captured as a half-asleep whisper at two in the morning when a fresh melody strikes. Today’s bike ride featured a hip-hop jam and visions of kidney-rocking bass.
From there, Scripture I’ve memorized or encountered pops in my mind, shaping my lyrics. While writing the song “Overflow,” I cried out to God amid the chaos of our world—especially over the past few years of upheaval—“How we need You, God, pour Your Spirit.” Instantly, Acts 2 came to mind: “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people” (Acts 2:17a). Yes and amen!
And let’s not overlook the power of a simple Google search. I explore verses that resonate with my theme. For one song, using phrases like “Holy Spirit” or “Filling with the Spirit,” I came across John 7:37-39: “On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.’” My spirit leaped at these connections, and I found myself wrestling with how to incorporate them into my lyrics—“It’s gotta be in there!” Ultimately, I landed on “Fill these empty souls till we overflow,” beautifully encapsulating the verse’s essence.
My regular practice of immersing myself in the Word pays dividends; the Bible is truly a treasure trove, and its verses come alive as I seek to convey profound truths through song. I can’t stress enough the importance of engaging with Scripture. It is indeed our daily bread.
Collaboration and Community
Once I’ve shaped my song structure and lyrics, I reach out to a community of wise and creative songwriters and poets. Using Google Docs, I share the lyrics and a rough mix so they can hear how the words and melodies interact. This group provides invaluable feedback, ensuring I stay rooted in truth and clarity. If anything feels theologically off, they’re quick to point it out!
Songwriting can feel isolating, and I often get stuck with a half-baked song, unable to envision new lyrics or let go of a stubborn rhyme. I’m grateful for the insights they bring. Even if their ideas don’t make the final cut, they spark my thinking and open new avenues. They also affirm what’s working, bolstering my efforts to bring the song to completion. I wish I’d embraced this creative community sooner.
One of my first collaborative experiences arose after the death of George Floyd and the ensuing civil unrest. I felt compelled to write a song that could resonate with the multiethnic church, honoring the diverse experiences within my community and beyond. My collaborators—chosen in part for their diverse backgrounds—were instrumental in navigating this sensitive terrain while keeping the lyrics rooted in truth. The final verse is a testament to our shared effort, rich with scriptural references:
Into eternity Your reign shall be (Daniel 7:14)
All of dominion will bend the knee (Philippians 2:10)
Sacred assembly, each tribe and tongue (Revelation 5:9)
Finds full expression there within Your love (1 John 4:19 & Revelation 5:9)
See, in our diversity, there shall Your glory be (Genesis 1:27 & Revelation 21:3-4)
One through our Christ & King, Lord of all (Ephesians 4:4-6).
An Invitation to Explore
Speaking of Ephesians, I recently stumbled into opera. Having learned several Italian pieces, I became intrigued by the idea of composing my own opera-style work—entirely in Italian! Not knowing much Italian, I turned to Ephesians 3:16-19 and began playing with melodies derived from the Italian translation. What emerged was a pop-opera fusion reminiscent of “The Prayer,” as performed by Andrea Bocelli and Celine Dion. What a joy to explore Scripture set to music! Artists have been doing this for centuries. If you’re struggling with your own lyrics, I highly recommend starting with straight Scripture as a launching point.
I could go on and on about the connections I strive to make with my original creations and the Word of God, but it is time for you to pick up your instrument and do some good work. And don’t worry if your next song doesn’t turn out to be a masterpiece. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10) My hope is to inspire you to delve deeply into the Bible, which truly is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. I invite you to check out a few of the songs I referenced through the links below. As you listen to and participate in worship—whether through my songs or those of other artists—may you be drawn closer to the truth of who God is. And may your path grow ever brighter, illuminated by His Word and Spirit.
Overflow: https://ditto.fm/overflow-carlo-furlan
God of Humanity: https://ditto.fm/god-of-humanity
L’Amore di Cristo: https://ditto.fm/lamore-di-cristo
