I am writing a monthly column on songwriting.
As of today, I am writing a monthly column on songwriting called The Crafty Songwriter. The column will focus on writing lyrics, though I will also address song structure and dynamics, and the relationship between voice and instrument.
As I will detail in the column, I assume that lyric writing is a craft. While the current proliferation of indie-famous singer-songwriters is a testament to the fact that one does not need crafted lyrics to succeed, my column is intended to offer an alternative vision of the song-one wherein success involves a fine-tuning of the use of one’s words. I appreciate improved music and sometimes, lyrics spring from the head fully formed. But for the most part, substantial lyrics require a working-over. As songwriters, we have the opportunity to make each verse, each line, each word reflect the underlying meaning(s) we ascribe to our songs. How do we approach such a burden? Check out my tips.
Thanks to Nancy Waldman for hosting my tips. Check out her fun, thoughtful, and instructive collection of reflections on creative process at The Practically Creative Quarterly.
Carson Metzger


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