Gearslutz.com - View Single Post - Lyrics

lordmiguel · 17th May 2007

OK ill chime in. This is a natural and common thought process. Most of the time i'll let something speak to me as to what direction something takes, whether or not its a simpler more direct type of song or an abstract song. I'll be mindful of my weaknesses but not try to think about it.

If you are writing for yourself as an artist, to me it always seemed easier (or more intuitive?) to write less directly and more abstractly if that is what speaks to you. For example, i think the degree of difficulty is moderate for anyone else other than, say, Thom Yorke or Chris Martin to write the songs they sing, as melody, lyrics and the way they sing are somewhat sewn together with the writing. Not that it can't be done, certainly. Elton and Bernie had some good ones, but obviously its more rare and they knew each other. But to me it is easier when the writer is the artist, and perhaps that's reflecting my own personality tendenencies to be more direct.

If you're writing for other artists and a broader appeal it usually has to make a little more sense to more people. That's the realities of the business more than the craft, but the song should speak to you if you are not writing for a specific situation.

The obvious basic stuff a flame war will erupt on GS is that genre obviously dictates, for example urban genres key more off of beat, flow and melody and the last thing is probabaly quality of lyrics. Sometimes good lyrics aren't a good thing, and writing about bustin yo nut all over somebody is. Always exceptions, of course. Rock and alternative more abstract and pop and country more direct.

Whether its direct or abstract, it always seems to me key to avoid cliches. This is usually harder for one style/tendency of writer than another. I can avoid cliches in direct writing better than in abstract, all things being equal. So i try to work on my weaknesses more than not (for me, say that book "the artists way" is more important than for others)

In short, you should know your strengths and weaknesses as a writer and let your inspiration take you. Have you read that book by Shelia Davis that discusses personality types and writing tendencies? I forget the name, I always liked having it around. If you want the name i can dig it up.

17th May 2007	#18
lordmiguel Lives for gear Joined: Feb 2005 Location: NYC Posts: 656	OK ill chime in. This is a natural and common thought process. Most of the time i'll let something speak to me as to what direction something takes, whether or not its a simpler more direct type of song or an abstract song. I'll be mindful of my weaknesses but not try to think about it. If you are writing for yourself as an artist, to me it always seemed easier (or more intuitive?) to write less directly and more abstractly if that is what speaks to you. For example, i think the degree of difficulty is moderate for anyone else other than, say, Thom Yorke or Chris Martin to write the songs they sing, as melody, lyrics and the way they sing are somewhat sewn together with the writing. Not that it can't be done, certainly. Elton and Bernie had some good ones, but obviously its more rare and they knew each other. But to me it is easier when the writer is the artist, and perhaps that's reflecting my own personality tendenencies to be more direct. If you're writing for other artists and a broader appeal it usually has to make a little more sense to more people. That's the realities of the business more than the craft, but the song should speak to you if you are not writing for a specific situation. The obvious basic stuff a flame war will erupt on GS is that genre obviously dictates, for example urban genres key more off of beat, flow and melody and the last thing is probabaly quality of lyrics. Sometimes good lyrics aren't a good thing, and writing about bustin yo nut all over somebody is. Always exceptions, of course. Rock and alternative more abstract and pop and country more direct. Whether its direct or abstract, it always seems to me key to avoid cliches. This is usually harder for one style/tendency of writer than another. I can avoid cliches in direct writing better than in abstract, all things being equal. So i try to work on my weaknesses more than not (for me, say that book "the artists way" is more important than for others) In short, you should know your strengths and weaknesses as a writer and let your inspiration take you. Have you read that book by Shelia Davis that discusses personality types and writing tendencies? I forget the name, I always liked having it around. If you want the name i can dig it up.