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Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 6
Casual Observer
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OP
Casual Observer
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 6 |
I got to thinking about why we write songs and came up with these 7 reasons:
We have something to say. We are moved by something or someone (a cause, an event, or a situation) and we have something to say. It maybe political, environmental, pro-peace, about an injustice or a take on love.
We are inspired. A song just comes to us and we catch it as it floats by, we feel compelled or somehow it’s our duty to get it down.
We want other artists to record our songs and make money. Some of us might be want to write songs for other artists to perform, and are aiming at becoming the voice of the artist(s).
It feels good. Writing songs, composing melodies, playing with chord progressions, simply feels good. The process is enjoyable and we have created something at the end of it.
Getting it out of our system (writing as therapy). Sometimes we might just want to get something or someone out of our system. We don’t necessarily want the song to go anywhere (although, if its really its really brilliant it might…. ‘Somebody that I used to know’ by Goyte was a massive hit I remember).
Its human nature to be creative. We happen to express this universal human characteristic through lyrics and music.
Spiritual – connecting at a deeper level. Maybe sometimes we just want to connect with people at a deeper more meaningful level.
Why do you write?
We’ve probably written for most of the above reasons at one stage or another. Although, I think knowing what really motivates us helps us to reveal our true identity as songwriters, and do what’s best for us and our songs.
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831
Top 30 Poster
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Top 30 Poster
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,831 |
Hi Joanne8:
Welcome to JPF. Most of us have asked ourselves this question before... and I suspect the answer lies somewhere in a strand of DNA. Possibly coiled around our feeble brains, LOL! I believe you have touched all the bases very well. Here's hoping you find the gold associated with that "hit song" you will be remembered for.
Reason number three was my original inspiration/motivation... and while it is still valid... it is nearly impossible. Now, I write because I am addicted to the entire process. I am grateful I didn't pick up some of those terrible temptations that drive humans down the road to nowhere.
Lets hope you find some inspiration and assistance from your new friends at Brian's Place.
All the best, ----Dave
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,044 Likes: 16
Top 40 Poster
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Top 40 Poster
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 7,044 Likes: 16 |
When an idea comes to me, I just feel I have to try to turn it into a song. Most times it works to different degrees of satisfaction, sometimes it fizzles. I'm not one that forces myself to try writing everyday. Most songs will never be heard outside your own home, which is a shame if it was meant to be a comfort to someone.
A songwriter is a creator of something that never existed before, good or bad. A carpenter who builds a house, created that house. An author writes and creates a book. You can go all down the line and find creators. We all have gifts and talents for different works, often we do not realize we have a certain talent till late in life. If you like doing something, that could very well be your talent. Some will force themselves to do things because it is cool and romantic, if it is not your talent, you will be like a square peg in a round hole, never quite fitting properly. I'll never be a painter artist, I can't draw a straight line with a ruler, LOL. I don't have the right body to be an athlete, only on a low level. I'll never be a topnotch singer or musician, just enough to get by as a songwriter.
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,259
Top 100 Poster
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Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,259 |
NO MORE but for most of my life I JUST COULDN'T HELP MYSELF. I Saw a Story everywhere I Looked and the Melodies came easy...
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Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 6
Casual Observer
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OP
Casual Observer
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 6 |
Sometimes I write because I feel compelled to, almost like an obsession (or addiction like Dave says) but in a very positive way. It's like I'm making up for lost time, I've come to writing songs a bit later in life. I used to write poems as a teenager but never got any feedback or encouragement, so I assumed they were shite (which they probably were). But now I don't really care. I just enjoy the process, it's by far the most enjoyable thing I've ever done. I love tinkering with images and words. The music part is more challenging as I'm very much a novice, with a lot to learn. But its amazing what you can do with a little knowledge of keys, chord progressions and lots of enthusiasm!
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 10,190 Likes: 30
Top 20 Poster
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Top 20 Poster
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 10,190 Likes: 30 |
It gives me purpose. And I love doing it. Btw, welcome aboard Joanne! Best, John
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,256
Top 100 Poster
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Top 100 Poster
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,256 |
I always wanted to see my name in parentheses on a record label. And all the reasons Joanne8 mentioned.
(Greg C. Brown)
If you don't eat your meat, you can't have any pudding.
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,403
Top 40 Poster
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Top 40 Poster
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,403 |
I quote Bob Dylan: "You got it all wrong. I don't write the songs. I just write 'em *down*."
Joe
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,652
Top 200 Poster
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Top 200 Poster
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,652 |
Because it’s cheaper than a psychiatrist.
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 10,190 Likes: 30
Top 20 Poster
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Top 20 Poster
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 10,190 Likes: 30 |
Because it’s cheaper than a psychiatrist. That's debatable Iggy! John
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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 239 Likes: 3
Serious Contributor
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Serious Contributor
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 239 Likes: 3 |
Can a song change the world? Steve Gibb wrote of the desire to do so in a song recorded by Kenny Rogers (She Believes in Me):
"I told her someday, If she was my girl, l could change the world With my little songs, I was wrong".
Two agendas coming to naught. But disillusionment does not stop her from loving him and does not stop him from continuing to write his songs.
In retrospect, I think I have been writing about the experiences that changed ME. From the feedback I get,I think the likes come mainly from others who have had similar experiences and can relate to them. Perhaps we influence others as well, as some say they can pinpoint the "song that changed my life". I can name songs that were playing during experiences that changed mine in some way, and they still evoke those memories.
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,761
Top 100 Poster
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Top 100 Poster
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 2,761 |
I quote Bob Dylan: "You got it all wrong. I don't write the songs. I just write 'em *down*."
Joe Hey Joe:-) I'll see your Bob Dylan and raise you a Keith Richards: "I don't create. I leave creating to God. I just try to capture what's already there." Oh, and hi Joanne! A belated welcome to JPF! Thanks for a very thought-provoking post! Midnite
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"If one man can do it, any man can do it. It is true. But the real question is, if one man did it, are you willing to do what it takes to do it as well?" –Brian Austin Whitney
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