I think one of the biggest things about music is its pairing with lyrics. There is truly an extra level of magic that can take place. All we need to do is look to our favorite songs, true classics, that never fail to make an emotional connection with us. This is the evidence that words and music can be profound together.
I have a belief about songwriting, and that is this: Songwriting opens us up to the forces at work within us and around us. When we are at our most receptive, we become channels, or conduits, for messages that deeply speak to the human condition. In this process and attempt at reaching a higher level of openness and connection, we the songwriters, become changed.
The more that we observe the world around us and connect to just how we are interpreting that, the more we keep digging down, to find and release the emotions and pain that has been a part of us, or of our fellow beings here on earth.
So beyond this internal process that takes place, there sits the actual framework of music, of what people like to hear. Because let’s face it, the most touching song you’ve ever written could really put people to sleep and not make a mark. This is where the art of songwriting comes in to play.
It’s not enough to just express oneself. That’s a great start, don’t get me wrong, but ultimately, if you want to get your message out there; you have to package it in a way that it can reach people best. Maybe you want to reach the youth, maybe you want to reach the middle aged, and maybe you want to reach those in the later stages of life. Regardless, there is a package that these groups will be most likely to consume.
The last thing I want to say is, ‘go put yourself in a box’…but you must define what you want to do with music. This is different for every person. You don’t have to set your sights on being a hit songwriter. I guess what I’d like to pose is that you need to find your authentic path and connection to music. It might involve writing songs, it might not, but I believe that the writing does change us, regardless of our desired outcome.
I am probably swayed slightly by my own experience. First, an angry young man just spitting out the lyrics of my pain. Next, choosing to see social injustice and political corruption, and finally to a 33% aged man wanting to connect to the human swings of emotion. To speak to the psychology and patterns of our mind, and ultimately provide a message of overcoming our obstacles and limiting beliefs and behaviors.
That journey was always backed by wanting to make music that was accessible, which despite the desire, was not. I had to go through a process of looking at songs I liked, understanding what made them so good and modeling my writing upon that. When I first started I didn’t think of making a blueprint and then placing my message within it. I just got out what was inside. The whole process and growth was necessary, but I believe that what I’ve learned can help others bypass some of the long years of trying to figure things out.
That is one reason why I love teaching songwriting, and why I make it a part of my music teaching. If the student is ready, I’m ready to teach.
I would love to hear from you and see if there is anything I could do to help you out…so please…
