• M.B.
  • M.B.
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  • Registered: 2012-03-12
  • Posts: 186

Topic: You know what my problem is?

My problem, well one of them, is that when I'm writing lyrics I have a tendency to be too literal, if that's the right word. What I mean is, that I try to make everything too clear, insofar as trying to get my meaning as clear as possible.

See, one thing I've noticed about song writers I admire is that there's also some ambiguity to their lyrics . . . and sometimes, it's like they aren't really saying anything very profound, but the words they use are just weird enough to make it SEEM really profound. I think Bob Dylan is the MASTER of this (not that he hasn't written some awesomely profound things). Sometimes he just seems to be playing around with language . . . John Lennon seemed to do this too.

Has anyone else noticed this??? I don't have anyone to talk to about guitar because no one in my family is a musician and I just started about playing guitar a year ago, and all my friends would rather play Guitar Hero than a real guitar. Plus, I live outside of town on a farm, so I'VE GOT NO ONE to talk to too, and so I think about things alot when I'm doing chores, but I don't know if it's just me or if other people might think about this too.

Thanks!
Mary Beth

  • From: Hendersonville, NC USA
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 2,521

Re: You know what my problem is?

Hey Mary Beth,

I think some of the best songs, whether they are profound are not, are about simple things that I can relate to. Life, fear, love, growing up ...stuff that everyone experiences, but simple stuff too. I love dog songs, songs about family, story songs or songs about just getting by in life. I am always on the look out for a song, any great song I've never heard, so I search for it out here on the web. I've found many wonderful obscure songs like that. There is probably a great song about doing chores in your head just itching to get out if you let it. I sure would enjoy reading and hearing what you come up with.

Good luck,

Jets60 / Jeff G

J  E  T  S
...and yet a Washington Commanders fan (unless they change their name again) ...long story...HTT...C

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  • From: The Land Of Song
  • Registered: 2007-12-10
  • Posts: 5,704

Re: You know what my problem is?

hi mary beth, writing songs is about what you feel and the way you think about what you feel. the words you use to describe that feeling can make or break the song? no, not really! songs have so many elements, fine words are just a part of the whole thing. a good melody line and a commercial sounding tune, then add a strong chorus with sing-a-long ability. easy....no. some of the best songs ever written have never been committed to record. they may still be in your head. dont worry about all that stuff. write what's in your mind.

phill

ps. as far as bob dylan is concerned, my favorite track by him is on the travelling wilberys album, it's called "tweeter and the monkey man" great story, great melody and performed by some of the biggest names in music history

Ask not what Chordie can do for you, but what you can do for Chordie.

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  • arkady
  • arkady
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  • From: England
  • Registered: 2006-11-23
  • Posts: 2,147

Re: You know what my problem is?

M.B. wrote:

My problem, well one of them, is that when I'm writing lyrics I have a tendency to be too literal, if that's the right word. What I mean is, that I try to make everything too clear, insofar as trying to get my meaning as clear as possible.

Hi Marybeth
Welcome to Chordie.
You don't have to be a poet to be a songwriter clear to the point lyrics are just as good as lyrics couched in metaphoric ambiguity.
Sometimes it's best to play to our strengths in our songwriting at first and develop as we go on and see where it takes us.
Dylan is a master poetical song writing but also written great music to go with them if only we all could....
Good luck with songwriting.
ark

  • From: Tooele Ut
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 4,049

Re: You know what my problem is?

I think a good point here, and what amazes me is that some songs present a lifetime in just a few lyrics.  I guess you have to cut to the chase in songs sometimes.

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.
  • From: Salmon Arm, B.C. Canada
  • Registered: 2011-10-19
  • Posts: 22

Re: You know what my problem is?

Hey Mary Beth,
I tend to use too many words when trying to express a thought (there's probably a clinical psychiatric term for why, but I digress). I usually start writing on a theme/feeling/thought then put it away. Later I'll look at what I wrote and try to see if I can reduce the lyrics to as few words as possible but still have the listener develop an image. OR if I'm using metaphor purposely I'll try the same thing but carrying on the metaphor bent.
eg:" My sails are old the riggin's frayed I'm alone without a crew
       I often meet the break of day with just a brace or two
       I've barnacle upon my keel I'm something to behold......"
I guess I could have said I'm old, alone,ragged looking, crusty and probably drink too much but then it would have to be a country song! haha

Welcome to Chordie. Keep writing. wink
Mike

There's nothing right in my left brain and there's nothing left in my right brain.
author unknown

7 Reply by dino48 (edited by dino48 2012-03-14 00:56:29)

  • dino48
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  • From: los banos,california
  • Registered: 2007-04-06
  • Posts: 6,801

Re: You know what my problem is?

Hi mary beth, I think most of the literal song are country and western. Also alot of the blues.

my papy said son your going too drive me too drinking if you dont stop driving that   Hot  Rod  Lincoln!! Cmdr cody and his lost planet airman
  • M.B.
  • M.B.
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  • Registered: 2012-03-12
  • Posts: 186

Re: You know what my problem is?

Thanks everyone for your responses!  You gave me a lot to think about.

  • From: derbyshire
  • Registered: 2007-05-17
  • Posts: 2,844

Re: You know what my problem is?

hi mary beth i bet if you look out of your bedroom window there is a song in the picturesque view around your farm,the grass,the trees,the birds,the animals and flowers,my dad worked on farms all his life so i was brought up around them hay making and suchlike,just write what you see and enjoy doing it,eg the grass is growing in the fields,the trees are in bloom, my dad is mil-king the cows and mothers cooking tea,you could'nt be in a better place for writing songs,just let it flow.....stay cool

love is life ,life is for love,keep a true heart and live life to the full....stay cool

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