I have been thinking a lot about what makes songs last in people's hearts and minds. I DJed a wedding last night and had a unique opportunity to pick music for a couple who is just starting on the journey of their lives together. I can't even remember the last wedding reception that I went to but it has been awhile. Anyways, I think that the reception was the catalyst for my thought process over the last day or so. I want to write lyrics that matter. So I am gonna start a running list that people are more than welcome to add to if they like. So here we go...
Wow, I was going to delete this whole post after trying to make these lists. I really thought that I felt strongly about what content the lyrics of my songs should contain. Then, looking back at the lists of things NOT to write about, I could think of situations in which I should write about all of them.
I guess the conclusion that I come to on this one is the same one that I have been using all along. Songs are snapshots of my life. If the song is sad, or about heartbreak and loss, that's how I was feeling when I wrote it. If they are full of hope and clarity, that's how I felt when I wrote it. I want to make sure that I don't accidentally pigeon hole myself by creating too many rules. I will just keep riding life's wave and use whatever material she leaves available for me.
So, I guess that my thoughts on topic...
Songs evoke memories for me. I like alot of different music, but the songs that take me back to a time or a place are what I remember. I can't listen to Real World without thinking of you. If I hear certain U2 songs or Sarah Mclachlan's I Will Remember You, I go back to when I was dating Chad. Brushfire Fairytales puts me right with Luke. Your rough first recording brings memories as well. I listened to it alot.
ReplyDeleteSo lyrically speaking, I think you're right on. Don't ever limit yourself. You aren't going to be the same person 10 years from now. You'll have had experiences and emotions that you maybe didn't think you'd ever have.
You're a great songwriter. So roll with it :)
:) Thanks Sarah. I survive on that kind of support.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Sarah.
ReplyDeleteMusic is so emotional. Certain genres play on emotions and feelings more than others and some is just generic. Lyrics however have an effect that is unique. I can listen to a song a dozen times and just hear words. However, there is that one time I hear it and it all just clicks. I seem to be going through that a lot lately with Mumford & Sons. I think when someone writes a song it comes from just what you said, snapshots of peoples lives and emotions. On that level though, we are all the same. We(as in the world) have felt every type of emotion. That is our common ground. We have all felt sorrow, all felt hope, all felt love. Thats why music is so influential. Ever heard that song you swear was written just for you? I'd love to hear how similar the actual story is to mine.. Probably not even close..yet the emotion is the same.
So back to my original point, I agree with Sarah. Don't give yourself rules of what to not write about. Instead write about it all! Because I bet you there is someone out there who will be able to relate.