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quietdrive · 17th May 2007

I've been getting worked up over writing too simple lyrics lately. I somehow felt the need to write more "abstract", incorporate more images (= metaphors, similes) into my songs, but eventually decided to ditch the whole concept since to me, it comes off as forced. There is just a fine line, once you cross it, you just write clever/abstract lyrics for the sake of doing things differently, and I definitely dont want to go there. I am still under the impression that lyrics should be simple. Sure, you can throw in a clever metaphor or simile every now and then, but for the most part, it should almost be as if you're just having a conversation with somebody. If you wouldnt say something in everyday life, why put it in a song? It just comes off weird. It makes no sense IMO.

Can anybody relate? What are your general thoughts on those different styles of lyric writing?

17th May 2007	#1
quietdrive Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2006 Posts: 614 Thread Starter	Lyrics - Simple vs Abstract I've been getting worked up over writing too simple lyrics lately. I somehow felt the need to write more "abstract", incorporate more images (= metaphors, similes) into my songs, but eventually decided to ditch the whole concept since to me, it comes off as forced. There is just a fine line, once you cross it, you just write clever/abstract lyrics for the sake of doing things differently, and I definitely dont want to go there. I am still under the impression that lyrics should be simple. Sure, you can throw in a clever metaphor or simile every now and then, but for the most part, it should almost be as if you're just having a conversation with somebody. If you wouldnt say something in everyday life, why put it in a song? It just comes off weird. It makes no sense IMO. Can anybody relate? What are your general thoughts on those different styles of lyric writing?