JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Songwriter Message Forum Why are there so many lyric-only folks?

What a response! It seems to me that some of you musical minds forget that not every one is honestly capable of actually "making" beautiful music. If they were, none of us would have anything more to do than self entertain!

I can play, a little, I can pluck on the guitar and plink away on the piano, but coming up with a solid musical melody isn't my talent.

Just as I can drive my car, but not change the oil, can I learn? Sure, I certainly can, but I don't because there are people out there who are interested in that, when I'd take long enough to ruin my car, they make a living doing that, and it's relatively cheap (not to say, so much easier) for me to allow one of these folks, already in the know, to take on this task. I've been involved in some under the hood trials, it's not a place I should be, let me tell ya! Yes, just as with my guitar, I know the basics, enough to get me by if I chose to take on the task, but I'd never perform this task as well as those who make it look as easy as brushing their teeth.

Yes, I'm still working on learning more, playing more, but my comfort zone, and confidence, when actually playing, is almost nonexistant.

I agree, every writer should learn to play something, even if it's a tambourine, just to keep time, but please, please, PLEASE!!! don't ever assume that we, who don't play, haven't tried. You guys (and gals) for the most part, seem to have your instruments of choice, attatched to your bodies, it's an extension, and it shows that you have a natural gift.

Talent, any talent, is a gift. I'm amazed when I see someone play a guitar as easily as they walk. I'm also impressed when I see a beautiful cake decorated, knowing that it would have been all but impossible for me to decorate such a work of art. I'm struck by the beauty of architecture, yet I'll never draw, nor build such a monument. I'm in awe of a wedding gown, with all the intricate detail that I'd never have the patience to create. With all of the many things I admire (and the list goes on) does it mean, I should learn to decorate a cake before I eat another slice? Should I learn to draw a blueprint, or build before I enter another structure that makes my mind wonder where the idea came from? Do I have to learn to sew before I can wear a pretty dress again? Do I have to learn to play a full song, before I take part in creating a song others will enjoy?

Yeah, I know, off track, a little dramatic, but really when you think about it, if you had to learn to cook before you could eat, you'd starve.

Ok, I'm done, off to pluck some strings and plink some keys. Happy now???
(kidding)