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So many songwriters today seem to recycle the same ideas over and over, but you manage to keep some fresh perspective with every album. How intentional is that?

Chapman I've never analyzed that—and it would probably be deadly for me if I did—so I'll answer with what people have told me about what makes my music special to them: that I've put words to what their heart wishes it could say. And I'd say that probably stems from my desire to be honest and open with my songs. If I'm completely honest about dealing with insecurities, brokenness, and other things I'm wrestling with, then people discover we're all in the same boat. From day one, it's been about being open with myself, but also putting myself beside someone listening to my music, wondering, Does this apply to them and can they connect?

One of the greatest songs to me is "The Living Years" by Mike & the Mechanics, which kills me every time I hear it. It's about a guy wrestling over his relationship with his dad, and it's crafted with so much heart that you can't help but find yourself in that song. To me, that's the amazing thing about music, because in the same way, I deliberately wrote "I Will Be Here" to honor my wife, but then I hear from single people who tell me that God ministers to them through that song.

Your new song "Cinderella" kind of works in that way, talking about your daughters growing up so fast.

Chapman "Cinderella" was the first song I wrote on this journey. I went to give my youngest girls a bath one night, and it was right around the time of big meetings with the record label where I have to play them what I had written up to that point. I was really stressed and needed to get back to writing, but also needed to spend time with the girls, so I was frustrated and irritated. I told them to take the bath quickly, but of course they wanted to play and I didn't have much time. I finally got them into bed and told them to pray … fast: "Just pray for the immediate family and no orphans tonight!" (laughing)

So finally they got to bed, and once I was alone [in my writing room], it's like God had just two words for me: "Emily Chapman," my 21-year-old daughter who's getting ready to graduate college. And my heart turned straight to guilt because I didn't want to rush through these moments any more. I sat down that night and it was the easiest song I've ever written. The next morning, I brought it to the record company meeting, even though I didn't think it was quite done. But after I played it and looked up, everyone was crying and sobbing. I guess it connected! I recorded the song just as I played it that day.

What about the inspiration behind "One Heartbeat at a Time," which is your tribute to motherhood?

Chapman When we first adopted our daughter Shaohannah, she was having night terrors during the adjustment process. I remember just kneeling by her bedside praying while my wife cried with her during those really intense times. I went on a Christmas tour shortly after and as I was talking to my wife from the road, she kept saying how the episodes were continuing. She kept thinking her life was pointless because all she was doing was cleaning up after an eight-month-old and trying to keep the other kids on track at school, rather than getting anything else done around the house.

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