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Songwriter Everyman here to offer you 12 tips for
your songwriting. What qualifies me to have anything constructive to
say to you about songwriting?
 Two things:
First, I've been writing songs for almost 30 years, but::
- I don't have any significant cuts
- I don't have any hits
- I never got a real songwriter deal.
Sound familiar? That's because most songwriters fall into this category. And I'm one of them. Yes, Songwriter Everyman. And I'm content here; well, most of the time. And I'm still a songwriter. And so are you!
Second, I've lived among the songwriting community in Nashville for 20 years and worked professionally in music publishing for 15 years. After you listen to a gazillion songs you start to get a feel for what works and what doesn't.
From my own experience, struggle, observations and contemplation, I offer you the following 12 thoughts for songwriting:
1. Be Yourself - We are each created in His image. He is the Creator and we become "little creators" (thanks to Charlie Peacock for this insight). At the same time, we are each a unique creation. Thus, He would expect a unique creative expression to come from each of us. Your own life is packed with stories and personal experience for songwriting.
2. Communicate - The best songs are more than just "my personal creative expression"; they should communicate in ways in which others can relate. They should be easy to understand. When I was a young writer, the joke was that I had to hand out a Cliff Notes with each of my songs. Your thought process should flow well from verse to chorus to the second verse, etc. Stay with and support your theme; don't wander lyrically. The music and lyrics should match, for example, a song about joy in a minor key does not support your message. Songwriting is much like writing marketing or advertising copy; you only have a few words to capture attention and convey your message. Make every word count.
3. Craftsmanship - It came as a revelation - I can't change it! Some writers feel that they should not change the way their songs first come to them. God gives you the materials, some inspiration, creative gifting, and your mind. Draft from your heart, and then add your mind to refine. Obviously, avoid clich's. Try different directions melodically and lyrically, then pick the one that works best for your song. If it starts to feel stale, you can always go back to earlier versions. Set it aside for awhile and come back to work on it with a fresh perspective. God and the rest of us will appreciate your craftsmanship efforts.
4. Be Honest - People can spot a phony a mile away. Be true to what is going on in your life and heart. It generates much more powerful and passionate songs.
5. Accept the Seasons - Sometimes you just don't have anything to say; don't fight it. Sometimes a song needs to sit on a shelf for a while and you need to experience something else in order to finish it. Be patient. Sometimes God just wants you to sit quietly.
6. Don't Box-in Creativity - Or perhaps better said - "Don't box God in". He is the source of all creativity and His supply is endless. Just look around you. It doesn't have to sound like the current popular song or meet certain church criteria. And don't live on old manna when there is something new and fresh for you to create today. Further to the old manna hang-up, some writers have assigned publishing on past songs and live in great regret and resentment that they can't get their songs back. In short, let it go. You don't have to get trapped in regret when you have all this great new material yet to create.
7. Practice - Obviously, the more you do something the better you will get at it. Work at your instrument; your writing. Do it regularly. Take notes. Journal. Stretch and try new approaches. Buy a video, take a class.
8. Iron Sharpens Iron - Write with or hang-out with other writers who are better than you and learn from them. Working with someone else can refresh your perspective. Ask for feedback. A note on feedback, criticism or critique; it is always subjective and unique to the one giving it. You should have a reason to trust what they have to say.
9. Audience of One - Find contentment with creating for God alone. He loves and enjoys what you create. Feel His joy in it. If there is a larger purpose for a song, God will help it find its way. Creating from this perspective will make it more enjoyable and unbiased.
10. The Grass Is Not Greener - I can't tell you how many times I have heard, "If only I could do this full time." "If only I could get a deal." "If only the Church would support me." "If only something could be more perfect, like..." In the words of Thoreau, "How vain it is to sit down to write when you have not stood up to live." I certainly don't say this to demean anyone who works or wants to work full-time in the entertainment business or ministry; God has a valid place for both (uh, I work in one). It's just that God has a much bigger perspective for creativity and you should be aware of it. Often the greatest songs are written from the pain of our struggle. Don't miss the beauty of where you are at right now.
11. Revelation - So simple and obvious that we forget. Invite God into the process. He is the Master Creator and He really enjoys helping us. But remember, He's creative. There is no telling where He might take you, so be flexible.
12. Balance - Be Yourself but make sure you Communicate. Practice while you are Accepting the dry Season. Feeling faithless but want to write a song about faith? Perhaps through writing about your struggle with faith, God will help you find it, just be Honest about the struggle. While you may have found contentment with creating for an Audience of One, you can still knock on doors of opportunity.
In closing, remember - the sheer fact that we are each able to create is a precious gift from God. Enjoy your songwriting journeys. Casey is the Vice President of EMI CMG Publishing in Nashville TN. |
