The TGCA Music Podcast

Christian Songwriting: A Conversation with Greg Cooper

This extended interview is in two parts. First, Mikey discusses general principles with Greg about congregational songwriting, personal songwriting and the place of art and beauty in the Christian life. Second, Greg breaks down the composition and recording of one song—'The Same God'—in detail, drawing out general songwriting principles along the way.'
Time Stamps
Part 1: Discussion About Songwriting and Art
1:40: Songwriting for church compared to songwriting for self-expression.6:23: Why might a Christian spend time on personal songwriting?8:06: The place of beauty and creativity in the everyday Christian life.9:21: The value of Christian music outside of congregational singing.11:39: The consolation of art in times of suffering.13:12: A Christian musician or an artist who happens to be a Christian?16:13: The legitimacy of making art part time or in your spare time.19:17: It is healthy to have some structure in your life outside of music.21:13: A word of encouragement to Christian artists.26:25: The courage of your convictions vs imposter syndrome.28:09: Art doesn’t have an easy career pathway and the industry keeps changing.
Part 2: The Making of ‘The Same God’(from 30:26)
Section A: Composition
31:10: The initial idea for the song.32:32: Early demos: verse and chorus.35:00: Theme of lyrics—“In any other time…”36:00: Change in rhythm.36:36: Six months of iterations.38:30: Preserve ‘bad ideas’ which may be useful for another song.38:52: Drawing inspiration from other people’s songs.40:04: Structure: three verses before chorus.40:27: Structure: pre-chorus.42:45: “Don’t bore us, get to the chorus.”44:18: Structure: the function of the bridge.45:35: Structure: final line.46:46: The bridge originally a different song by Luke Woodhouse.48:37: The bridge modulates to a different key.50:50: Song structure moves from dark to hopeful.51:30: “Don’t give up, don’t give in”—perseverance in the Christian life.52:42: Take your time.52:54: Different types of collaboration.54:09: The value of writing congregational songs collaboratively.
Section B: Recording
55:40: Steps from composition to recording.56:28: The value of recording with other musicians.57:08: The sense of occasion of recording day.57:27: Funding recording an EP or album.58:43: Trusting the instincts of those you work with.59:55: Process—Writing, Demoing, Pre-production, Recording, Mixing, Mastering.1:02:50: Sending demos and reference tracks to other musicians.1:03:05: Keith Urban, The Speed of Now.1:03:45: “Do what serves the song”—welcome suggestions and questions from other musicians.1:05:00: Recording; record guide track and adding backing loop.1:06:00 Record bass and drumming for 1 or 2 days.1:07:44: Record acoustic and rhythm electric guitars.1:08:10: Record across sound spectrum—bottom, mid and high.1:08:30: High electric guitar part—recorded at home afterwards.1:09:17: Guitar solo.1:09:45: Backing vocals added.1:10:50: Synth and piano added.1:11:12: “Room to breathe”—being willing to take stuff out.1:11:50: Acoustic version and live version of the song after recording.1:16:34: ‘The Same God’ full final EP version.
Greg Cooper is a songwriter and speaker who is passionate about music's ability to open up our minds and hearts, and to bring comfort. His latest EP South of the River was released in late 2022, reflecting on the difficult pandemic years and the stories of hope that emerged in adversity.
Having recently served as Music & Gatherings Pastor at St Jude's Carlton (and similar roles in Sydney), Greg is currently completing theological study at Ridley College and loves attending City on a Hill in the heart of Melbourne. He was a member of worship band Garage Hymnal and has written extensively for churches, with songs such as ‘Hear Our Prayer’ being sung at churches across the nation.
Having previously worked as a lawyer in areas of social justice, Greg also enjoys sharing of the life-transforming work of Compassion with churches throughout Australia.
 
 

He Stood in My Place by Matt and Kaylee Cartwright

This song is the title track of our recently released debut Christian album, ‘He Stood in My Place’. We wanted to write a song that explained the gospel without compromising on the severity of sin or the glories of Christ’s substitutionary death. The song’s lyrics are substantially drawn from the book of Romans, beginning as Paul does with the plight of humanity and then moving to the good news that Christ took our condemnation upon himself (Rom 8:3) so that we could be redeemed and set free from sin. You can access the sheet music here.
No one is good, not even one;we’ve fallen short of the glory of God.We had condemned ourselves, brought on ourselves, God’s holy righteous wrath.There was no hope unless our God himself would save
 
He stood in my place on Calvary’s tree,he was condemned so I could go free.I am forgiven, I am redeemed,redeemed by the blood of the Lamb slain for me.
 
While we were dead you made us alive.While we were lost Christ ransomed his bride.While we were sinners still God sent his Son to rescue and to save.Now he’s no longer dead, he’s risen from the grave.
 
What could we sayto thank you enoughfor grace so complete,your blood shed for us?We lift our voiceto honour your name,to worship the Lamb,the Lamb who slain.
 
You stood in my place on Calvary’s tree,you were condemned so I could go free.I am forgiven, I am redeemed,redeemed by the blood of the Lamb slain for me.
 
Performed by Matthew and Kaylee Cartwright.Music and lyrics by Matthew and Kaylee Cartwright.Mixed and mastered by Matthew Cartwright.© 2024 Hope Assured Music.
 
Matt and Kaylee Cartwright are a husband-and-wife songwriting duo who have been writing original Christian music for many years, culminating in the release of their debut album He Stood in My Place in 2024. They share a passion for seeing people grow in their theological understanding by writing congregational Christian songs that compromise neither on theological depth nor musical substance. You can listen to more of their music on YouTube or Spotify.

Child by Greg Cooper

‘Child’ was written on a trying day in the depths of the pandemic. As an effort to recite God’s words of comfort to myself, it felt like a lullaby from our Father to his children. And an invitation to trust him with each moment, little by little.
Watch the music video.
Child, you don’t have to worry todayor any dayfor I am your God.
 
Child, you don’t have to worry todayor any dayfor I am your God.
 
Let the day unfoldas it will, little by little.Let your heart find comfortin the smallest gifts that I give.You are safe forever with me.
 
Child, if I feed the birds of the air,look everywhereand know I’ll feed you.
 
Child, if I clothe the grass of the fields,see everythingand know I’ll clothe you.
Let the night dissolveas it will, little by little.Let your heart find comfortin the kindest friends that I give.You are safe forever with me.
 
Let your heart find comfortin the warming sunshine I give.Let the clouds fly over,there’s a new sky waiting to shine.Worry will add nothing,you are safe forever,I love you no matter what, my child.
 
Lyrics and music © 2022 Greg Cooper.Produced by Greg Cooper & Sean Carey.Recorded & mixed by Sean Carey at Church St Studios, Sydney.Mastered by Steve Smart at Studios 301, Sydney.Acoustic guitar, vocals: Greg Cooper.Bass: Trent Prees.Piano, synth: Andy Judd.
Video directed and animated by Veronika Belcheva.
 

King of Grace by Tenielle Neda

The song was written to be sung at a local women's conference earlier this year. The conference was focused on the book of John, which inspired the lyrics. While I have songs based on catechisms and prayers and Psalms, many of my songs are more devotional in nature. This song was written for congregational worship. It is my prayer that it would strengthen and encourage the faith of God's people, and orient our hearts, minds and affections toward the triune God of grace! You can download the charts and lead sheet for free from here.
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,present at creation,spoke the breath of life.
 
Jesus, living word became flesh,brought to us his kingdom,breaking in the light.
 
Oh what love is this?The King of Grace he giveshis one and only Sonfor those he loves.
 
See what love this is!The King of Grace he giveshis life for those he loves,that we might becomechildren of God.
 
From his fullness we have receivedgrace upon grace, freelyreconciled, redeemed.
 
Blessed are those who have not seen,yet in his name believe—find everlasting life!
 
We see the glory of the oneThe one and only Sonfull of grace and truthfrom the Father.
 
He is Messiah and the Christ,the way, the truth, the life.Behold the Lamb has come!The wait is over! Over!
 
Performed by Tenielle Neda, additional vocals by Joshua Leventhal.Produced & Mixed by Jackson Barclay.Mastered by Trent Dobson.

Jesus Christ Our Lord (Colossians Catechism) by Noble Berans

A song from the new album "Taste the New Testament" by Noble Bereans
Editor's Note: Kingsley works as bookkeeper for TGCA.
Lyrics
Who is the one we proclaim?Jesus Christ our LordThe mystery of God – what’s His name?Jesus Christ our Lord
Who is within us, at work, sanctifying?He who was once on the cross, for us dying,Now resurrected, His church unifying,Jesus Christ our Lord
Who makes our faith so secure?Jesus Christ our LordWho makes us fully mature?Jesus Christ our Lord
Who is within us, at work, sanctifying?He who was once on the cross, for us dying,Now resurrected, His church unifying,Jesus Christ our Lord
Who reveals wisdom from God?Jesus Christ our LordAnd who gives us courage of heart?It’s Jesus Christ our Lord
Who is within us, at work, sanctifying?He who was once on the cross, for us dying,Now resurrected, His church unifying,Jesus Christ our LordJesus Christ our Lord
 
Artist’s note
If you’re working through Colossians, consider introducing your church to this song when nearing the end of chapter 1. The inspiration is Colossians 1:27–2:5 (with a quick visit to Col. 2:14–15 for part of the chorus).One effective method for discipling children is a good old catechism brought with a bit of energy. What better answer could you have to a series of catechism questions than “Jesus Christ our Lord”!
It certainly isn’t a comprehensive treatment of the person of Christ—not even close. But we hope you can use it as an anthem to proclaim the glorious riches of Jesus Christ our Lord and His atoning, rising, sanctifying and unifying work on our behalf.
May he strengthen you for the task of proclaiming Him, “admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ.”
Taste the New Testament by Noble Bereans
Songwriter: Kingsley Davidson
Producer: Spike Avery