A new song is a piece of music that has not yet been written down in musical notation. In classical music, a composer typically writes the melody and lyrics of a new song or composition himself or herself. In popular music, a songwriter may hire an arranger or orchestrator to help create the sounds of the song. In other styles of music, a songwriter may write the words or melodies in her mind and then play or record it with an instrument or sing it on her own voice.
In 2023, a new song is a piece of music that combines music with words or images. It can be sung, played on an instrument or recorded as a digital file on a computer.
Psalm 96, for example, instructs us to “sing to the LORD a new song.” The psalmist explains that he is singing the new song because “the LORD has done great things for me” (v. 3). It is not surprising, then, that the psalmist also calls upon us to sing with joy to the LORD and to bless his name.
Throughout the history of Christian worship, people have been encouraged to write and sing new songs. Often, the new songs are based on the experience of the singer or musicians in the past and reflect their experiences with God. In other cases, the new songs are a response to new circumstances in the world.
For example, on the new song of Revelation 5, Jesus is praised for his redemptive work. He is given the title “Son of God,” and he is said to have come to be the King of kings and Lord of lords (v. 11).
Another psalmist echoes the idea of new songs in Psalm 40:2, saying, “The Lord has put a new song in my mouth; a song of praise to our God.” David, who experienced God’s forgiveness and deliverance, recognized that the Holy Spirit had “put a new song” in his mouth, assuring him that it was time to sing again.
The Holy Spirit has also put a new song in the mouth of the apostle Paul, who has been inspired to speak to the Gentiles about God’s grace and mercy. He urges us to cling to God and trust in him (Philippians 3:8-9).
There are times when God puts a new song into our mouths so that we can share it with others, such as during revivals or special events. In these times, the song serves as an encouragement and an inspiration for those who are going through difficult times.
In a world where the new is everywhere, it is sometimes important to focus on the old. When we are feeling nostalgic about our past, we can revisit the new songs that have inspired us in the past.
A new song can also be a reflection of what we think our future holds. It could be a hope for what we will be when we grow up or a prediction of the new world that God will bring about.