From the Back Porch to Songs of Praise By Larry G. Truitt

For more than twenty-five years, I have enjoyed singing and playing bluegrass music. For the past eleven years, I have had the privilege of being part of the Back Porch Pickers—a group of talented musicians who have brought me much enjoyment. These folks are more than fine pickers and singers. Several are gifted songwriters, and I have enjoyed listening as they shared songs they had written.

For a long time, I was content to sing and play what others had composed. Writing a song of my own had hardly crossed my mind. I appreciated a good song, but I had never given much thought to whether I might have something to say through one.

About two years ago, that began to change.

I decided to try writing a song I called "What a Wonderful Day." It took several attempts to bring the words together. I discovered that having something on your heart and putting it into verses and a chorus are two different things! But I kept working until I finally finished it.

That first effort stirred a desire to learn more. I began searching the internet for songwriting advice, reading suggestions, and ways to study how songs are put together. Little by little, I started writing more lyrics.

As a country preacher, I have spent many years sharing the gospel through sermons, Bible lessons, and the written word. Songwriting offered another way to express the truths that have sustained me: God's mercy, the forgiveness of sins, the faithfulness of Jesus Christ, and the hope we have in Him. Sometimes a song gives us words for something we have carried quietly in our hearts.

However, I soon ran into a difficulty. I could write the lyrics, but I did not know how to write a musical score. I had words I believed were ready for music, yet I couldn't seem to take that next step. I knew the feeling I wanted a song to convey, but putting the musical parts on paper was beyond my ability.

Then our oldest son told me about a program called SongGenerator.

That opened a door for me. For about two years now, I have been using SongGenerator to help bring my lyrics to life. I choose the musical style, mood, voices, tempo, and format. The program generates the musical arrangement and vocal performance according to the direction I provide.

The lyrics are my own, and SongGenerator arranges and performs the music. I hold licenses for the songs I produce through the program. This has given me a way to share words that might otherwise have remained on the pages of a notebook.

I especially enjoy the sound of a cappella country gospel. Something about voices blending in harmony suits the message I want to share. I want the words to be understood and the gospel message to reach the listener's heart.

These songs grow out of Scripture and my personal walk with Christ. Some speak of joy and thanksgiving. Others speak of trials, questions, weariness, and the grace that carries us through. Through them all runs the same testimony: the Lord has been faithful.

Psalm 40:3 says, "And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God."

After all these years of preaching, singing, and playing music, I am thankful to have another way to tell of His goodness. I still have a message to share, a reason to sing, and someone who may still need a word of encouragement.

My prayer is that these songs will encourage the weary, comfort the troubled, and point someone toward the Savior. If they help you remember a promise of God, lift your heart in praise, or find strength for another day, then I am grateful.

Thank you for listening and allowing me to share this part of my journey. I hope you enjoy the songs, but more than that, I hope you are blessed by the message.

There is still a song in this old country preacher's heart, and I am happy to share it. Find me at: https://www.youtube.com/@lgt1044

Or go to youtube.com and search for LARRY G TRUITT