An Interview with Songwriter John Pape

There is a very strong connection in regards to my faith and song creation. As a Christ follower every thought and decision is centered around the life and example of Jesus. The message in the songs I create is to point to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. I want to convey that there is hope in the Gospel. That to live a godly life is one to pursue with passion. Hopefully the songs will send that message and encourage believers in the faith. For those outside of the faith and are nonbelievers the message for them is to call on the name of the Lord and find salvation.

Music as a medium is very powerful. The combination of words and music help bring a message to the listener. The musical part of the song will bring a person into the song. Once engaged the lyrics bring a message that point to the Christian lifestyle. In a church congregation setting, as a person listens and sings the words it provides a better connection to God.

The role of the song is to help the worshiper speak to God in adoration and praise. In today’s world there are literally thousand of different genre of music. Each genre appeals to different people in unique ways. A well crafted song in the genre of the listener can attract people though the music.

Sure I can talk about that. Inspiration is something that sort of hits you suddenly. There are many triggers that will create that experience. It could be a beautiful sunset or a tragic event. Inspiration can be both a positive or negative experience. For me as a songwriter, there are times where these events will turn in my mind. It could be a phrase or a thought that creates a song idea.

One event that inspired a song was a visit to a convalescent hospital. I was speak to a woman that was very ill and close to death. I ask what she wanted. Her answer was simply one word. “Satisfaction” That moment stuck with me. Then a few month later my wife was having a surgical procedure. As I was waiting the thought returned. Then I wrote regarding God ” Only you can satisfy this yearning deep inside” Which is the opening line to the song Praise and Honor. The song was further developed as I open the scripture and did a deep dive on this thought.

That is an interesting question. Let think about that. There is a balance between artistic creativity and faith. As you know, not all art honors God. I keep that in mind when creating a song. My desire is to create art that honors God. Music is merely organized sounds. If you listen to nature it noises can be a symphony. Of course there are some in the church that downplay the use of certain instruments.

But, if you look into the scriptures there is an abundance of time musical instruments are used in worship. Both percussive as well as melodic instruments. Music is a non verbal expression that will convey emotion. On the other side there are the lyrics and this is where the message of the song is contained. Therefore it is vital that the words are in alignment with the Word of God. Now, I know that sometimes artist will push the boundaries and sometimes those ideas can cause controversy. Everyone has a opinion but in the end the question needs to be asked. Who does the song glorify? It it God or the world? And that is the balancing act of an artist.

This is a difficult one to answer as nearly all of the songs have some meaningfulness in regards to faith. If I had to choose one I would start with “Cascading River of Love“. Although some of the songs like “Everlasting Light” , “God Has Come” or “Almighty Reigns” are strictly scripture songs and there is a great amount of that faith element, Cascading River of Love is more a testimonial song. It song sets the stage of a listen who is in this dry desert place.

It is a very difficult place to be. As the song progresses, there is hope and refreshment. The lyrics are written in such a way that they create a visual of a cascading river, which is a metaphor for the love of God that is always flowing and never-ending. The imagery in the lyrics is very strong and evocative, making it easy for listeners to connect with the message of the song.

The song has a very positive and uplifting message that is sure to bring hope and inspiration to those who need it most. The song’s message is one of love and acceptance, reminding listeners that no matter what they may be going through, they are loved and accepted by God.

This song is also related to sever bible verses which include

When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away
Through my groaning all day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer.
Psalm 32:3-4

May God’s mercy, peace and love cascade over you
Jude 1:2

but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.
John 4:14

If I were to choose a second song I believe it would be Living By Grace. Which speak to the hope we have in Jesus and the longing to fellowship with him.

I first and foremost someone who desires to honor God with my time, talent and treasure. To that end I would say my primary goal is a songwriter. That is what I do write songs. I believe that the song is the message. The message I hope to send out into the world is the goodness of God and the proper response in worship to him.

Songs as a message of hope act like an evangelism tool to be used by music artist and worship leaders to reach not only the church but those outside the church. Song also are tools in the Christian faith as conduits of teaching. Every worship song must have the message of Christ at its core. When people sing the lyrics they not only bless the singer it must also bless and honor God. It is a way to speak to God.

These songs I write are first for the church to educate and edify them in their faith journey. It is my desire that the songs I write go way beyond me and are used to minister to people. I don’t want to be the only one who performs and sings these songs I would like them to be used by the church all over the world. I know that is high expectation but by the will of God that is my heart.