I think we can all agree that music is a form of therapy. Some emotion that defies words can be dismantled and reassembled into something melodic and pretty, regardless of what the emotion is. That is one of the delightful curiosities of songwriting.
But I'm wondering... and maybe this is a unique affliction... but has anyone else found that their ability to talk about a problem in prose has suffered because of a compulsion to convert it to poetry? More accurately, has anyone found themselves at a loss for words in the moment, because you feel like you have to rewrite and rewrite to get a version you like?
I often find this to be the case. In a heated discussion, words escape me; yet, when writing about it later, I can pin down exactly what I wanted to say, and the perfect way to say it. How does one begin to overcome such an obstacle? And how can you balance it out without your songwriting beginning to suffer? Does this make any sense, or is it just the incoherent rambling of a sleepless mind?
If anyone shares this sentiment, let me know; it'll be a relief to find that I'm not alone.
Often I would "censure" myself in an effort to be more accessible, or at least not to offend anyone. But in writing poetry, that's something that few will every read of mine so I just got that censure drunk, rolled him, and pushed him out the door of a fast moving vehicle. Hell, learning poetry structure was more then I wanted to put time into:)
Myself, I approach songwriting much like I hit life. Sometimes it flows and I just enjoy the ride. If I think about it too much the flow will stop. Even if a word or phrase looks odd, I write it, damn the spelling too.
As much as I dislike re-writes I know that they will be there to clean up the mess that I have make.We each write for just a few reasons, ego, personal clarification or an effort to explain our oneness with others.
The curse, for me, is that I believe it (my work) has more value then others give it and if my attempts are thwarted I become the misunderstood person I may have been trying to tell you about.
I agree that writing lyrics that are novel, rhyme properly and fit the music can be really difficult. If you have a stronger voice, it is easier to get away with poor prosidy, although some people can only relate to a song if they can sing it reasonably well themselves.
Writing a song is a bit like doing a difficult mathematical problem, where you're not sure if there is a satisfactory solution. I think most people, who haven't tried it, think writing songs is relatively easy to do to a high standard. However if it was, everybody would be doing it and retiring on the royalties. Basically the general public want songs with a strong unique melody and powerful memorable lyrics - that's the daunting challenge we all face, but we can enjoy ourselves trying.
I try to do a lot of reading. Usually classic dudes like F. Scott Fitzgerald (he can be a real snooze, but his writing style and word-choice are amazing). It tends to help with my vocabulary and I'm usually able to find the right words at the right time.
Believe me, you are not alone. I am often frustrated when trying to express a convincing argument verbally. While doing so I am thinking something like, 'if I could write down what I am trying to say it would be SO much easier.' Since you already have the same affliction, I know you know exactly what I am talking about. Unfortunately I am short of time at the moment so I can't elaborate more. I mainly wanted to let you know that you are not alone, and I am quite glad to find out that I am not the only one either. Have a care.
