Q&A - How do I implement OLD songs?

Q: How can I implement some older songs into my rotation?

A: I like old songs. But I like to be current too. Over the years, those thoughts have been a source of frustration for me. So I began trying to figure out how to use old songs in my services where I typically use new ones. And it's super simple. There are two ways that I generally do this:

1.    Tag it.

I will often tag older songs or hymns at the end of new ones. And most of the time I'll do it with just acoustic guitar or keys. For instance, many times at the end of Great Are You Lord I'll let the music die down to just an acoustic guitar and a background pad and shut off the click. From there, I'll go into a chorus of How Great is Our God. The key hear is lining up themes. I want it to make sense to go into that older song.

Side note: This example may be a little difficult, because I'm changing time signatures to go from the first song to the next, but I think you get the point. That's why I bring it down to acoustic and turn off the click. It makes the process easier.

2. Go ahead and just play the old song.

Yep. It's that easy. Just sing it. When I do this, I may be singing the older song, but I'm usually changing up the music a little bit. I don't want the music to sound cheesy or old or anything else that may be distracting. So I'll change the music up a little bit. Likely, the chord progression will stay the same, but a drum beat or particular guitar riff might change. The trick is to keep it simple. Another trick to this is to see who has already "updated" the song. YouTube it and see if there is a newer version you haven't heard of. That makes life even easier!

Here’s an extra:

Q: Why are old songs important?

A: I've been asked this question a few times. I've also been asked why we're doing a 10 or 20 year old song, even if the music has been updated. The reason is simple - it takes people back. Sometimes they remind someone of going to church with grandma or going to their youth group or experiencing God for the first time.

Songs have a way of sticking with you. They have a way of building musical altars in someone's mind. An altar is a place you can go to reflect on the faithfulness of God. When we sing old songs, people go to that place, they reflect on the faithfulness of God, and they encounter Him again. Songs are powerful tools. That's why we use them!

What's your experience with older songs? How do you like to implement them?