Are You A Willing Canvas for God’s Masterpiece?
Colton Dixon’s Musical Prayer
Colton Dixon, known for his powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, continues to inspire and uplift listeners with his music. When we sat down with Colton, we asked him to pick a song that would introduce his music to someone who had never heard it before, and he immediately chose “Canvas.”
He described “Canvas” as a ballad with a cinematic quality, a bit different from his usual style. “Lyrically, it just kind of hits the nail on the head for what I’m about,” Colton said, “I want to be a blank canvas, and I want God to tell a story through me in any way that He sees fit.”
Discovering “Canvas”
The inspiration for “Canvas” came from an unplanned and spontaneous moment. Colton recalled how the song emerged during a casual hangout with a friend who is also a writer. “He was staying at a townhome in Nashville. There happened to be a piano. So as we were eating pizza, I sat down at the piano, and we just started to worship.” The impromptu worship session was particularly special to Colton because his friend was a new believer, and they could feel God’s presence guiding them.
The concept of being a “blank canvas” is deeply personal for Colton. He explained, “I love words that paint a picture before you even have to explain it. And canvas is one of those words to me.”
Empty pages, I am only a pen
Waiting for You to write the story
Empty stages, I am just the instrument
In Your hands, You’re the one performing
So have Your way, put on a show
‘Cause I’m worth nothing on my own
You turn a melody into a symphony
The painter and I will be Your canvas
You’ll make a masterpiece out of the mess of me
You’re the Creator and I will be
Your canvas
Born out of a worshipful place, the song came together quickly and felt right from the beginning. Colton expressed his excitement: “So stoked that it not only made the EP, but turned into the title track for the EP as well.” (In case you’re wondering, EP stands for extended play of a musical recording that contains more tracks than a single but fewer than an album or LP—long play—record.)
Our Universal Language
In discussing the broader impact of music, Colton highlighted its unique ability to connect with people on a deep emotional level.
“Music is the only universal language that we speak.”
Colton continued, “Take out the lyrics, and I’m able to sit at the piano and communicate an emotion or a feeling, regardless of the language that you speak. And I think that’s really powerful.” He emphasized how God uses music to open hearts and minds, making it valuable tool that helps us share the message of Christ.
Colton noted that many people, including himself, are “music first” listeners. “I’ll hear a beat; I’ll be like, man, this is sick. And then I’ll hear the lyric, and I’ll go: ‘I can’t listen to that again.’” Despite personal preferences, he emphasized how easily music breaks down barriers and opens people’s hearts to receive the gospel. “As believers, our mission is to go out and make disciples of the world. And I think it’s really cool that we get to use something like music that already has this ability to open people up to what we have to say.”
Song’s Impact
Reflecting on the impact of “Canvas,” Colton shared his enthusiasm. “Yeah, I’m just really pumped about this song.”
Through “Canvas,” Colton invites listeners to join him in being open to God’s story.
Faith can inspire creativity and how music can be a powerful expression of worship.
As you listen to “Canvas,” may you find your own way to be a blank canvas for God’s story, allowing Him to paint His masterpiece through you.
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