Who writes their own songs?

Hello JediMind, It really depends on the type of song I am writing. I write 3 types of songs. Praise, Worship and then Ballads. Praise songs I usually start off with the beat. How I want it to affect the congregation. Do I want them to clap or dance or meditate. Once I have the beat I will then flesh it out with words that fit that beat. All the while I pray that God will give the words to praise Him with. These lyrics usually come from my personal praise time that I spend with God by myself. While doing that I get the melody of the song. Then all that is left is to chord the song out. On a Worship song I do it a little differently. I Will begin playing the piano and using common chord progressions I begin to worship with the keyboard. Then as I a worshiping I begin to tell God what is on my heart. How I love Him and exalt Him. Perhaps things I am thankful for. Once again the lyrics come from true worship as I spend time alone with God. On ballads (which are what most would consider "regular songs") I will come up with a catch phrase. Most of the time it comes from something my kids have said or something that I have gone through. To give you a few examples "Double Love You" "I love you where the numbers stop" "She always was an angel" "He grew Me at the Cross" etc. Then I will find the melody of that catch phrase. That will often lead in to a large melody that I can hum but have no words for. Then I begin filling in the words. My songs tell a story so I try to think of how the story will go. How it will affect those listening and how I can end the song with hope. I do pray that this helps you as you begin writing your songs. IF you ever want to bounce something off of me feel free to shoot me a private message. I would love to be able to help. God Bless Pastor G

What kind of songs do you write? Do you write both the lyrics and the music?