Songwriting can be a very rewarding, satisfying, lucrative, therapeutic undertaking. However, many consider songwriting to be esoteric and inaccessible. With enigmatic notions such as Muses and the volatile guiding light of inspiration, there is a curious shroud of mystery surrounding songwriting. However, just like any pursuit, songwriting is a craft that can be perfected by a process of hard work and consistent practice. Here are a few thoughts about getting inspired for lyrical writing.
1. Think of Creativity as a Muscle
We all know that if we don't exercise our muscles they will waste away. Try to start thinking of creativity and inspiration as more of a muscle and less of an elusive quality. Put yourself in a position to become inspired by inspiring yourself. What are things that will, without fail, fill you with feeling and emotion? Maybe it's a beautiful view, pictures, colors, a person, or a place. Whatever it may be, come back to it often and try to pinpoint exactly how you feel and why you feel it. Challenge yourself to put the feeling into words. Chances are you'll be describing an emotion many people have felt, which is key in connecting with people via your writing. The more you practice this, the easier it will be for you to describe your own emotions, and you'll be ready when inspiration hits. Exercise those creative muscles!
2. Study People and Their Emotions
Building a believable story is key in any writing venture: be it a short story, novel, poem, or lyric. Having an understanding of the universal human emotions will give you a leg up in building a believable, identifiable lyric that your listeners can buy into. Pay attention to not only your own emotions and actions, but the emotions and actions of others. Why do people do the things they do? Why do they say the things they say? Why do they feel the things they feel? In the same way that an author performs in depth research to insure the accuracy of their writing -whether fiction or nonfiction-, our stories in lyrical writing should be as authentic as possible. The key here is to be aware and take note of how we, as people, interact with one another. How do we respond to situations? What do these situations make us feel? We've all felt love, happiness, sadness, and loneliness, ect. Play off these universal emotions in your lyrics with sincerity and you'll be able to connect with many, many people.
3. Recognize the Importance of Reading
Read, read, read! Writing well is knowing how to turn a phrase. If you read works often by authors who can write with fluidity, ingenuity, and cleverness you'll find it easier to think in a similar fashion. Read classics, read poetry, read novels, autobiographies, and humor. You probably won't even realize how effectively frequent reading helps to align your thoughts and phrases. Reading will lubricate the wheels of your mind and get your synapses firing.
4. Keep a Lyric Journal
It's essential to keep a lyric journal. When practicing self-awareness, use this journal to jot down descriptions of your feelings. Listen to what other people are saying and write down phrases that strike you. Copy your favorite passages from books and poetry. This journal is your own personal book of inspiration and you'll find it an invaluable source for putting together songs.
5. Tools
Make good use of tools such as rhyming dictionaries (my favorite is rhymezone.com), but don't use them as a crutch. Sure, your lyrics should flow and rhyme, but don't use a phrase solely because it rhymes with the previous one.
6. BE CONSISTENT (The Most Important)
Becoming a proficient writer requires consistency and self motivation. Write daily; lots of practice is the only way to make real progress. Challenge yourself to be fresh and inventive. Trial and error will take you far.
I hope these thoughts help. I'll be publishing more on melody writing and putting melodies and lyrics together. I'd love to hear from you and get feedback. Good luck with your endeavors!
--Megan
Yes, please help with melody-writing too!
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ReplyDeleteNumbers three and four are especially beneficial. The best songwriting advice I've heard is, "write everything down."
ReplyDeleteStill, I don't think the mystical aspect of songwriting can be downplayed so quickly. The idea is so pervasive among creative persons that it is at least worth considering, if not accepting. I do agree with you that many make that aspect seem inaccessible, but I think our friend Ralph W. Emerson would argue that the mystical source of inspiration (which he might call The Over-soul) is accessible, and is indeed the natural right of all men. Inspiration comes by no longer viewing the high and lofty as inaccessible, with the view of a spectator, but appropriately as something accessible from within; "for they are poets by the free course which they allow to the informing soul, which through their eyes beholds again, and blesses the things which it has made."
I will admit that songs can be written without this kind of inspiration and do very well, but I, with Emerson, feel that "when I watch that flowing river, which, out of regions I see not, pours for a season is streams into me, I see that I am a pensioner; not a cause, but a surprised spectator of the ethereal water; that I desire and look up, and put myself in the attitude of reception, but from some alien energy the visions come."
Your tip on practicing self-awareness is very good and quite related to my (Emerson's) argument, as an old proverb says, "God comes to see us without bell." There is also no doubt that practice is in order if these emotions and perceptions is to be captured accurately.
Now, just one more quote from Emerson about the mystical source (all quotes from his essay The Over-soul) .
"Only itself can inspire whom it will, and behold! their speech shall be lyrical, and sweet, and universal as the rising of the wind.
(you asked for feedback! :)