"We Came to Rattle the Building" and Sculpting in the Key of D

Recently a friend asked me via message, "What has God done in your life through your music? How has He inspired you to write what you write?"

This is akin to busting open a can-of-worms. There's been many books written about this. This question resonated with me, and after a few minutes of thinking, I wrote a response. After a few days, reflecting on it, I think it will make a good blog post: a detailed account of how I(Phillip), at least, go about writing a song. Maybe I can get another band member to jot down their unique way of going about it for another time. And, of course, I had help from Luke choosing words and structuring the layout (just a side-note).

The music came from a simple progression in the key of D Luke played on the piano, to which I made up a lead guitar line for. From there, we made verse music, then the bridge, all the while working on the words as we went.

But, as far as the main idea and thought process behind the lyrics, and the original question, my answer was this:

"Wow, that is a big question. Just curious? Or have a more meaningful reason for asking? None-the-less, I'll see if I can articulate this to the extent it deserves. This may be more than you asked for.

First off, you should know I'm in a love affair with music.

God put a passion for music in my life before I really knew what was going on. It's no mystery now why He's lead me into this ministry, and continues to give me opportunities to serve in it. He gave me this love so I could one day use it to further His kingdom. And He's worked in so many ways through music I could hardly write it all. But, I'll try.

Music is my therapy. It's my true voice. It's how I work through things. When things are rough with the family (even in a great family like mine, things happen), I find refuge in the music God gives me. When tragic things happen, I let out all the things I bottle up inside through music. And when He chooses to bless me with fortune and joyous times, I rejoice through song.

As to how He inspires me to write, usually the songs I write are the same things He's teaching me, and having me work through at the moment. If He's bringing me through tough times, they tend to lean heavily on dependence and perseverance. If He's getting me to study a certain topic, my song reflects that pursuit.

Case-in-point, on the E.P., I wrote the song "Strong as Death". At that time I was reading and re-reading Song of Songs, looking at the intimate nature of God's love. I knew God as my Lord, and as a Father. And, even as a friend. But, not a lover. And I realized a need for that. A desperate need for that. So, the first part of the chorus of that song came from a passage of Song of Songs, talking about the strength of that intimate love, "Love as strong as death, it's jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like a raging fire, Illuminates like a mighty flame. Waters cannot quench, rivers cannot wash it away."

The last two line of the chorus I added. "Walk with me until the break of dawn, I need You to stay, I need You to stay." I wanted it to sound desperate, like I felt. With the verses, I wrote them to play off of that, and show God's willingness to be intimate too. Lines talking about holding hands, being in His embrace, etc.

The bridge/outro, "The grave can't hold me now, death can't hold me down" is a response to what I find in that closeness with God; the more I rely on Him, the closer I draw to Him, the stronger and more free I become. How I was dead without His extravagant love, yet, with it, I will conquer the grave one day. That love brings me to life.

The issues He places in my heart for me to learn/work on/contemplate on are the things I write about. And by writing them, turning them into music, its like the fruit finally blooming on a tree. Its the last step in realizing and giving these things a tangible feel, and a permanent place in my heart.

You can listen to the songs (and even download them) here: https://www.noisetrade.com/somethingpersonal#

Hope that wasn't overkill. Lol. Just an actually quick answer to your potentially huge subject."

Random S.P. Fact

Super Fans, now is the time to distinguish yourselves from, and above, other "mere fans". So, if you are what is known as a Super Fan, take note.

I'm proud of the fact that on our new E.P. it wasn't just one person's work that the rest of the band just played along for; each band member made huge contributions . The first three songs were written by three different members. At least four different members wrote the main musical progressions.

And, this last Sunday, at least three different, completely new songs were started. Let's just say we're still branching out, still growing. It may come to a point where none of our songs sound the same. From the evidence I see and hear, that may be the case. Get excited. We are on a precipice of awesome, and it will not belong before we stumble over the edge into pure awesome.

As always,

JPP