Songwriter’s memo
From an encounter to a song…
Songwriters are usually inspired by something, someone or an event. Some start with a song in mind, others stumble on it. The lyrics of the song (Behold the Lamb) is an exposition from an encounter, Revelation 5 and a deep desire to see Him show up through all seasons of every listener. Below, I recounts my journey to writing this song.
How did it all start?
Over a period (around 3+ years ago), I heard the Lord saying come away with me. Although my schedule was really tight, I reluctantly obeyed and decided to go on a personally retreat.
I booked a 2-night stay at a prayer place and upon getting to my room, I felt a strangle weight of sleep. Can’t sleep – I came here to be with the Lord, I declared to myself! But the sleep prevailed despite my wrestle – and I really wrestled.
Deep sleep
Falling into such a deep sleep, strangely I was very conscious at the same time. Initially I attributed the consciousness to my wrestling power. But just as I was about to force off the sleep, I felt the presence of someone in the room. Couldn’t see the person but the room I was in came alive. I was sure it was divine (an angel or perhaps Jesus himself) based on the purity of the atmosphere – this I can’t explain.
Now, I began to really fight the sleep, desperate to open my eyes and see who it was but the sleep was too great, yet I was too alive. All I recalled was a white robed person in the room, I wasn’t granted a facial view.
Songwriter’s memo – The awakening
When I did wake up, I searched the room but couldn’t see anyone with my physical eyes but I knew someone was still there. So, I began to pray diverse kinds of prayers. Then the Lord began to speak clearly to me on many matters. This experience birth in me a desire to see the Lord face to face. A couple of weeks afterwards, I began to read “Revelation 5” and the words came alive to me. This by God’s grace was when I began to draft the song “Behold the Lamb”.
Songwriter’s memo – Many have asked me, why classical?
Firstly, I confess that I’m most inexperienced with classical music. I just believed the Lord wanted it so and I just followed through.
Secondly, to answer this question is to remind us that God has already made a provision to everything, for any situation or need. Research have shown that classical music has deep rooted benefits for mankind. From aiding mental strength to pain relief, improved sleep to lowering blood pressure and from brain development in babies to many more benefits known & unknown.
Classical music – The benefits
Classical isn’t that popular today because of what we’ve made of it. To many, it’s a genre that belongs only in the theatre, on TV/film sets where suspense and mystical narration are needed. Some just theme it an expensive experience – rarely accessed in our local churches. It shouldn’t be so. You see, classical music is in fact God’s gift to man.
I submit to you that the music in heaven is rich. To experience it for me is enough reason to make heaven. In most scriptural accounts, there are no limitations of musical instruments or lack of harmonies in heaven. There’s simply always a symphony, an expression of absolute worship.
And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people. Revelation 5:8
Please click here to read more on the benefits of classical music
BEHOLD THE LAMB
This song speaks to the seasons of life. Whether during this time of pandemic, the forthcoming years of plenty, the celebrations of Christmas & Easter or pure worship.
The focus must remain on Jesus. The lamb slain before the foundations of this world was done!
Songwriting is a beautiful experience and as a songwriter, it is a great honour & huge grace to pen this song. I believe that this song will indeed bless you in many ways. This is my songwriter’s memo.
Comment
Dear Minister Yemi, I pray for you: The bowel of worship and praise in you, shall continually experience God’s dimension of the overflow.
Amen! Thank you MOG!