Did you know that a lot of the greatest story tellers and songwriters were illiterate? They could make stories up on the spot that would blow most modern songwriters away. Before our time, books were expensive. In fact, minstrels were cheaper than books. Not everyone knew how to read, sadly, even some minstrels. Or worse, they were enslaved and kept from reading as a form of torture. But, they grew up singing the songs their parents or friends sang to them. They would add a verse, cut a verse, then make it their own. Much like Darwinism, some of these tunes have survived the additions and carving to be popular for all time. We call these tunes a lot of things. Some call them “traditionals.” If they get religious, we can even call them “Spirituals.” There’s loads of them on YouTube. Some even veer into the Folk territory. Many of them are free and can be yours to take up the mantle to ensure their survival. If that’s your thing.
There’s a difference between a song you hear and a song you read unless you are very good at sight reading. Most of us aren’t. Most of us aren’t writers either. So how is it that we think we can write lyrics to songs without ever hearing words spoken? Isn’t that what we want as songwriters? To write lyrics that sink in? How would we learn that skill if we avoid conversations that go deep? Most of the lyrics today tell me people aren’t talking, they’re just making shit up in their heads. Just like jamming, you partake in conversation kinda’ like playing your instrument. Very rarely if ever do you get a solo, but listening pays off a great session. You learned something, and sometimes you hardly even know you’re playing when you’re listening intently.
Conversation is an important part of an extrovert’s life. Half the population out there will identify with your lyrics inspired from conversation, not your imaginary situations you have to roll around in your brain like dice to land on a jackpot number. Unfortunately, it’s harder. It’s work. And it’s sometimes a little uncomfortable. But, getting together and talking makes lyrics better.
I think there’s one over-arching reason for this. People think they get enough of “people” when they spend time on social media. So the effort to go to bowling, or band practice, or writing circles, or bridge clubs, or volunteer for gawds sakes, gets wasted on something someone typed. Those people in the computer only receive the “digital” you. No matter how much blood you pour out on the keyboard, the connection is wireless and the blood is just there for you to clean up. The people in your life get the “analogue” you. They can actually put a band-aid on your cuts. They can help feed you and put you to sleep soundly. Or they can also kick you out on the street. They deserve effort because your life is literally affected by them, not just your thoughts. There is a pervasive sense that you are alone if you are a musician and I find this to be self-fulfilling because thinking you’re alone means you don’t have anyone to talk to. Or you aren’t listening. It’s a horrible place to be.
Part of being a great performer is reading a room. Doesn’t mean you have to be a great reader. It simply means, have you had practice sensing what people are feeling and can you utilize that in song? Just like with any instrument, try practicing conversation. Lyrics might pop up too. I was talking to a trucker in the Pilot Truck Stop in Joplin, Missouri one time and he told me something I have yet to write a song about. I think I’ll get to it. K
Songwriting 101
Very investing take, never quite thought about lyric writing in this way before