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Right now I'm in the middle of a lyric, that is taking a ton of research. I had the idea about the song, thought I knew plenty, then found out just how little I did know about it. It's became a little daunting at this points, so I'm wondering just how far some of you guys go.

Thanks,
David

________________________________________________________________

7/30/2014

Wow guys! This is the response I was hoping for. I think it's great when writers share the knowledge. I hope a lot of newer writers read this post! This is really good stuff, and I hope to hear from more of you.

As far as the song I'm researching for right now, it's coming along good. I have learned a lot about a local landmark in my own backyard, so to speak! smile

____________________________________________________________

8/16/2014

This thread I started has become seriously hijacked, by those wanting to discuss religion. Why? I don't know for the life of me. If you want to discuss religion, please start your own thread I ask. There are correct times and PLACES for everything to be discussed.

Thanks,
David

Last edited by David Fontaine; 08/16/14 05:45 PM.
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I do if it's about something factual like a news item or a historical moment.
I learned more history writing songs than I learned in school.
Don't be put off by it. The more you learn the more confident your writing will be.
Vic


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I never even considered doing research for a song lyric. I guess that it's because most of my songs come from personal experience than from a desire to tell an outside story.
I do have a couple of exceptions, but those songs were inspired directly by stories that I heard from elsewhere, and I just created a fiction around them. Historical accuracies are not what I am generally going for.

But it's a fascinating idea. And I could probably gain a lot of inspiration by going out and researching a topic with the idea of writing a song about it.

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So far, I've only googled synonyms and rhymes for individual words.

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Springsteen was an avid researcher for his songs. He called various people for his Ghost of Tom Joad album, and interviewed many victims of the 9/11 attacks for their takes, one such woman inspired this beautiful song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2Hayn1tNpE

I know he also called a buddy of his to ask if he had his parts right about a car in Racing In the Streets.

When you look for authenicity, doing research is very valuable, if you are the type of writer who makes stuff up, it dont really matter, so long as you can be a good bser.

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You can research anything from home now, but you still can't replace the library. I wrote a song about steamboats a few years ago and found everything I needed to know on the Internet. I don't know a thing about steamboats but wanted to write a song about my local area in Florida in the days before the railroad came through. Everything was transported by river to the nearest railroad. I learned some new terms like "roustabout", "bustle stern", "pilot house" and "boiler deck". Here's the song.
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=8465539

Another thing to research is the song its self. If you think you have a unique title, check to see if there is another song with the same title. If there is, listen to it for other similarity's. You may have to make some changes.

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like Vic said,when i need to get some facts right on certain subjects like history.Other than that,the usual english stuff though it doesn't show much in my songs.

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I research everything, but end up using a mixture of fact and fiction that may be believable! After all the only difference between non-fiction and fiction is: Non-fiction has to be true; fiction can be either true or false--

Harlan Howard always said, every song needs a little truth!

I guess it depends a lot on the type of songs you write!

Mackie

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Absolutely, I'll research certain "terms" in regards to subject matter......either to check to see if my understanding of it is correct, or find terms I didn't know about prior.

an example of what I mean would be a song I wrote a few weeks back called "diving bell"........I had heard the term "moon pool" before, but my understanding of what it was, was a bit off........so I researched it and corrected how I used it in context. smile

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If there is something mentioned in the song that I am unsure off, yes, definitely. But if a song requires a lot of research, it is probably starting to get too preachy and is probably not conversational enough. Or maybe I'm writing about something I'm too unfamiliar with and probably shouldn't be writing about.


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Remember facts are subject to interpretation. So if a character in your song thinks Mexico is an American state, thats what he thinks.
he's wrong, but thats what he thinks. And he is the one you are writing about.

I think if you are trying to write about something that really happened, then it's important to get the facts, then again, if somebody gets ticked off by your lack of knowledge, thats good publicity...damn somebody's listening, what do I care!

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I agree research is important for authenticity. I do it to get a better understanding of the subject\person\topic\incident (spawns ideas, images etc) and to get the vernacular down (terms etc)

Having said that, I have also let a lyric flows from personal experience and research is not necessary, just some kind of inner awareness.

Each have their place, and it all depends on what you want to write about.


If writing ever becomes work I think I'm going to have to stop

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Hi David,

I do research for songs. I did one song about the dirt cookies poor people in Haiti eat and researched to get accurate information about the ingredients, etc.

I'm guessing at this point, you have enough information. Remember you're writing a lyric, not a book. There was something about the idea that moved you, reattach that to all the facts you have learned. Choose a viewpoint of someone who is personally affected by the situation you have been researching. I don't know if any of these suggestions apply but I hope they pull you back into the lyric.

Good luck!

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Ill bet Billy did some research for this one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDPnsTRAvIM

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dirt cookies = 2 cups dirt,3 cups water

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Michael,

You forgot the salt and shortening (or vegetable oil)...and I think that's too much water. They actually pay for the dirt because what they buy is more nutritious then what is at their feet.

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Being a Brit and writing in the main for a North American market I usually research as some words with an everyday usage here can have folks on this side of the pond scratching their heads.
Historical facts of course need to be correct or it makes nonsense of the lyric.
Travis


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When writing a Christian song I will check with the bible to make sure I have my facts right.

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I bet that can be quite a chore.
The bible has so many contradictory themes.

I would eventually like to do a theme based on the books Job and Malachi. But there is the issue of the context for that.
Writing lyrics based on the bible seems to be a complex theory in itself.

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David:

If you are writing something historical or geographical... even political... ya better do the research. Otherwise, the "know it alls" will crawl out of the woodwork and do their best to shoot you down. R&M is correct about contradictions in things like the Bible. Revelations by itself can generate more blind alleys or easily misinterpreted themes. When it comes to writing songs with religious overtones and messages... I try to keep it simple, sweet/good if possible and stay away from controversy.

Thankfully, I suspect there was not a great deal of research when "Achy Breaky Heart" was put to paper.

All the best,

Dave

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I disagree,there are no contridictions in the bible,God is not a God of confusion.The bible is not a simple book that is easy to understand,it must be read(studied) with an open mind and open heart and let the Holy Spirit reveal its meaning to you a little at a time.

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Well,
I do not want to write the same thing that has already been written so may do some research. If you are attempting to wite something with some historical ingrained you may want to look up as much as you can find and read.

Can of worms here.

I had a preacher stop by my house several years ago. I had a cabinet made by a woodworking shop. The guy that made it or delivered it was also pushing religion. No problem, I talk to anybody, even those practicing the faith. Since I had already cleared up religion many years before I exclaimed to him, he had nothing to worry about, neither his or my salvation was ever in doubt. BUT, he must have went back to his pastor and told him whai I said. So his pastor stopped by!

Among other things the pastor exclaimed was He didn't interpert the Bible. OK. And then he and the guy left.

Now on to Contridictions in the bible. In one place in the Bible it says we are all sinners and have fallen short of the glory of God. In another place it says judge not that ye shall be judged.
Now, you have to come down on one side of that issue or the other ! Organized Religion has come down on the side that we are all sinners and need to get in somebody's program and get saved! So they do have to interpert the Bible.

Clue: The Bible, every word was written by, who? Sinners, according to some. So, if Sinners wrote every word in the Bible, how could they ever get anything right?? And of course we have Noah, who supposedly built the Arc, with only righteous people aboard. But, things weny ary! Then we have Moses, who aquired the 10 commandents, again, it didn't take, according to organized religion, but later we had Jesus, who died for our sins! So we are all saved, right? Not so fast, my fine feathered friend, you have to do something to get saved! So, well, if I have to do it all myself, Jesus might as well stayed home.

Now why do you ask, why did this perfect God make us all imperfect but expect us to know exactly how to fix the problem??? As I said, hell I talk to anybody, even christians!

Last edited by Ray E. Strode; 08/10/14 03:58 PM.

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Ray, we ARE all sinners because of Adam's original sin and we all descended from Adam.We are born in sin.As humans we are not suppose to judge,that is God's job.Through the first Adam we are all lost but through the second Adam (Jesus Christ,God's sinless Son) we can all be saved.We can all be saved because Jesus paid the penalty for our sin,which is death, but we all have free will and choice, we must choose one or the other,we must choose to believe in Jesus as being the Son of God and therefore be saved,or believe He was not the Son of God and be lost in sin and pay the penalty for ones self.

Men wrote the bible but every word was dictated by the Holy Spirit.Men wrote down what was told to them,even though they did not always understand what they were writing.Daniel questioned some things he was writing but he was told to write and close the book as it would be revealed in the last days.

The ten commandments were given to us as a guideline of God's perfect law,but in an imperfect world God knew we could not keep every one,and if you break one you've broken them all, therefor He had a plan for man's salvation,it was Jesus Christ,He never broke any of God's laws, He was perfect,yet He became sin for us by taking our sins upon Him to the cross,He died for our sins and paid the penalty of death,but He rose again and over came death,if we accept and believe that He paid for our sins,then we are saved, if we don't believe that, then we are still in our sins and will pay the penalty, which is the second death.

Noah and his family were righteous but still had the sin nature and some succumbed to the god of this world, which is the Devil.We don't fight against flesh and blood that we can see but against evil spirits we can't see,an unfair battle and God's knows it is unfair,that is why He sent Jesus to fight and die for us and give us eternal life,but we must by faith believe and accept.The only thing we must do is believe and accept, Jesus did all the rest.Your fate is in your hands,choose now whom you will serve,God or the Devil.He who is not for me is against me.

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Everett,
Why are there so many different brands of Religion out there? What do you do when you hear something you know is dead wrong? Martin Luther heard things he knew were dead wrong and investigated. What do you do?


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There are contradictions in every religion, in every book.

The only reason we feel comfortable with our religion, is because we were born into it.

There are many cases of people turning Protestant from Catholic, or from Baptist to Born again, but it;s not that big of a leap.

You dont see many conversations say from Baptist to Hindu.

As long as Jesus is in there, people dont feel too bad about moving around.

In Christianity, Jesus is God, So God sent Himself, to die on the cross, to protect us from the damage of sin, which would be judged by Himself?

You have to ask WHY? Why He created a world, that he already knew would turn to sin, but did it anyway, so that he could save us from the very thing he created to begin with.

It doesnt make alot of sense on a logical level.

Jesus said "Seek and ye shall find" "Know that I will be with you, even until the end of time"

What if I seek another religion, and I find it?

We are expected to believe a book written 2000 years ago, when we dont even know who wrote it, or if we have all of it, other parts of that same Bible were thrown out.

Having said that, im not arrogant enough to dismiss God, I was born into a pretty religious household, I went to catholic school, I knew my religion pretty well, and I can never completely shake it, I wont let myself not believe.

I do believe in a higher power, I dont believe that any human, has all the answers, or that any Religion is "right"

And I find it stupid that God would punish somebody for not believing, when they are raised into different religions with the same ties, that i have.

If the Hindu's told me it's there way, or no way, id laugh, i really would, because that is not where I come from.

I think there is some science to back the "spirit" and it does seem like an unlikely accident that we came into being.

I think all of us hope there is something more, but it's still a big mystery to everyone, even The Pope



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Originally Posted by Ray E. Strode
Everett,
Why are there so many different brands of Religion out there? What do you do when you hear something you know is dead wrong? Martin Luther heard things he knew were dead wrong and investigated. What do you do?


Ray,they say there are 1000 different Christian denominations, let alone other religions and cults.Jesus said "Many will come in my name,saying I am the Christ,but will lead many astray, even fooling the very elect". Some will start a new church because they have a falling out with their church,for what ever reason.Some see it as a way to make money.I myself have been a member of three Christian denominations,I left the first one because I was not being fed the whole gospel,I left the second one because they were bringing in policies that were not lining up with the bible,actually going against the bible,I am still with the third one,sofar they are true to the word,if that changes I will leave. That is why it is a good idea to know your bible,many Christians rarely read their bible so they can easily be led astray.

The bible is our only guide from God,written by Holy men of God as dictated to them by the Holy Spirit or angels.In the last days,evils done in darkness be brought to the light of day,starting first with the church.Many things done in the church for evil over the years are being brought out now,evil done in governments are now being revealed,as it is in business, police forces,armed forces,etc.We see it all the time on the news.These are just a few of the signs that are suppose to take place near the end of time.

I can't change the establishment but I can change myself and follow the bible the best I can.There are even churches now changing the bible to suit the errors they preach,so be careful what bible you read.The Devil, who knows the bible well,knows his time is getting short,so he is trying to destroy as many people as he can,while he can.

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Well Everett,
Now I am confused. You say you left the first Church because you were not being fed the whole Gospel! Sounds like you and Martin Luther have a lot in common! 2 Things. First, the Jury is still out on Organized Religion. Second, the Bible was never meant to be used like it is being used today.

Oh, one more thing, in Matthew 2:2 it says the Wise Men were looking for a new born babe to be King of the Jews, not savior of the Universe. So how did that get lost in the shffle over the last 2000 years? Most likely all the facts are in the Bible, but many just ignore them, or pass the buck. And so, people will finally leave a church because they finally figure it out. Write a Hit !!


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There's also other Gospels that were not included in the package.

I think all religion is for having a leader, some folder to organize all our thoughts. But like in every business, their are corrupt people.

It is a big leap of faith to just say ok "these four books" are all there is.

It's odd that miracles of the Bible happened every day from Adam and Eve to the Resurrection. Now, nothing happens. No seas being parted, no people being raised from the dead.

it's clear the Bible was about a time period, outdated from 2014.

Matthew 6:26 "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they"

He feeds the birds but doesnt feed the starving children In Africa?

There's alot of contradictions.

We need Jesus to come again, and write a new book, store it in digital form, have him appear via Sattelite!

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Hi Everett:

Sorry I'm late in responding. I admire your zeal. It has always been my understanding that the Bible was written by mortals who claimed to be inspired by the Almighty. There are numerous passages in the New Testament attributed to have been said by Jesus. There is little room for interpretation in those as far as I'm concerned.

My opinion only regards what I believe to be a contradiction. To me, there are many and I am unqualified to lecture about them. When Revelations is finally reached... I must express a great deal of curiosity and lingering doubt about parts of it. Many of my friends accept every line as unwavering truth. Who am I to say?

My doubt grew stronger when I visited the Plain of Meggido... (the theoretical site of the battle of Armageddon) and how it would relate to a modern battlefield. Surely, the writer had no understanding of the scope of modern warfare and how large a battlefield becomes when air combat, tank warfare and atomic weapons are employed.

None of this denies my belief in the Lord and my gratitude that he endured the cross for humankind.

All my best,

Dave

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No church organized by man is perfect,far from it,but the true believers in Jesus Christ are(is) the true church.We are told in the word to gather together with fellow believers for strengthening. There are true Christians scattered throughout many denomanations,God know who they are and where they are.Ray,the jews are still looking for their Messiah to be their king.They didn't recognize Jesus when He came because they were looking for strong king that would defeat their enemies.In the old testement it is mentioned that He would come as just that, but it was also mentioned that the first time He would come as a child,a saviour of the world. They missed that, and are still looking for their king.

Bugsey,many Christians do help feed children in Africa,we are God's hands extended on earth.Africa has some of the best farmland in the world,but because of wars much of it don't get planted or harvested.Africa, spiritually,is very dark and worship many false gods,even though many are now coming to Christ as their saviour.

Dave, my friend,I know people will say there are contradictions in the bible, but they are not contradictions,just appear to be because they may be referring to different times and happenings.First when I started reading the bible I was confused about certain things, but the more I studied, the more my eyes were opened to the meanings.I don't pretend to be an expert on the bible,but I have explained away some of the misunderstandings that some people have.I've never been to Meggido but I've heard tell it is a perfect battlefield and can accommodate 200,000,000 soldiers.I know modern war is all about bombing the enemy into submission,but I think the enemies of Israel don't want the country destroyed by bombs to the point no one can live there for hundreds of years after. They just want to destroy the people of Israel and posses their land.So they will come at them with millions of soldiers to run them out and kill them.But that is not going to happen,God will defend Israel, His chosen people,and destroy 5/6 of the enemy before they reach Jerusalem.It's in the bible and I believe it.

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Um, Well,
I would say if you want to write Gospel Songs I would recommend you read the Bible. Sit down and read it thru. Writing songs that sell has to be good. Even better than good. Gospel is no different. Every subject under the Sun has been written, re-written and written again! Write a hit!!


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Originally Posted by Everett Adams


Bugsey,many Christians do help feed children in Africa,we are God's hands extended on earth.Africa has some of the best farmland in the world,but because of wars much of it don't get planted or harvested.Africa, spiritually,is very dark and worship many false gods,even though many are now coming to Christ as their saviour.

But that is not the point. the point is what JESUS said. He said God feeds the birds, so arent we better than they? He didn't say WE feed the birds, or WE feed starving children, he says GOD does.

God bats .1000 when you want him to. Anything can be twisted and mangled into truth, but I go by what HE said. A clear contradiction.


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Ew, Well,
A lot of years ago my mother, who has since passed got involved in the 7th Advenst Church. Now that church, had a J. L. Tucker as it's founder. After much investigation J.L. decided the Sabbath was on Saturday. My oldest brother got involved with the Calvery Babtist Church. My mother who lived out on the family farm needed her grass cut. So, my oldest brother was nominated to cut her grass. However since Saturday was the only day he could cut the grass, she didn't want it cut on Saturday! However, my brother who celebrated the Sabbeth on Sunday, couldn't cut it on Sunday! So you see the problem! An older sister, got involved with the 7Th Adventests! I guess she and my mother went around and around about being converted!
My father's people came to the U.S. under the banner of the Quakers probably before the Revolution. So, the pot boils, the Gods speak and we......try to figure it all out. Now that I think of it. I am sorry I wrote that book!!! I will try to do better next time !


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Like I said,some churches get formed over the silliest things.The Devil likes it that way,divide and conquer.I've often said that denominations is the greatest tool that the Devil has to work with. While we are fighting each other over silly details, we are not doing the work God put us here to do.

Bugsey,God provides everything we need to feed ourselves,the soil,the rain, the sun.Do you want Him to make us lazy bums.He does provide us with fish, animals, berries,etc all in the wild,but we should at least catch,hunt and pick them.The birds have to pick the berries,etc that God provides.Even people on welfare has to go to the store and buy food there,it's not delivered to them and cooked for them.This is a silly arguement you are using,playing with words,but then you are known for that.

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I am not sure how this thread became so sidetracked! laugh Though Everett, I am glad you stand for your beliefs! Not an easy thing for Christians to be able to do in this day and time.

anyways...back to the question at hand..

I agree with what John V. said
Quote
I agree research is important for authenticity. I do it to get a better understanding of the subject\person\topic\incident (spawns ideas, images etc) and to get the vernacular down (terms etc)


David, yes when I am writing about something I am not as familiar with, I will research. I wrote one song called A Man Like Me. It was a collaboration between myself and "Daddio" from the muses muse and it was to be based on a true story about murder. I wrote it about a local man who I had heard about for many years who spent 19 years in prison for a rape and murder he never committed. DNA saved him but I researched that subject for like 5 weeks every day to make sure I got the details right and to even quote one line he said...I'm innocent, is anybody listening"..
in case you wanna hear the song it is below
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10499261

I have since talked with him and his attorney and to know the song touched him greatly meant a lot to me.

I also did one about Appalachia and watched a documentary and studied about Kentucky, what their lifestyle is like etc...I have had several songs that went that route.

I find it necessary when writing about things that are true and often that research can lead to other song ideas and also add a ring of truth to the song. I admire that you take your songwriting seriously enough to do that. Some people playing guessing games when writing about true events and what is sad is usually, though dramatic licence can be taken, the songs, if heard enough, are the ones that our children come to believe as factual.

Have fun in your creating this one!


Kimberly


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Originally Posted by KimberlyinNC
I am not sure how this thread became so sidetracked! laugh Though Everett, I am glad you stand for your beliefs! Not an easy thing for Christians to be able to do in this day and time.

anyways...back to the question at hand..

I agree with what John V. said
Quote
I agree research is important for authenticity. I do it to get a better understanding of the subject\person\topic\incident (spawns ideas, images etc) and to get the vernacular down (terms etc)


David, yes when I am writing about something I am not as familiar with, I will research. I wrote one song called A Man Like Me. It was a collaboration between myself and "Daddio" from the muses muse and it was to be based on a true story about murder. I wrote it about a local man who I had heard about for many years who spent 19 years in prison for a rape and murder he never committed. DNA saved him but I researched that subject for like 5 weeks every day to make sure I got the details right and to even quote one line he said...I'm innocent, is anybody listening"..
in case you wanna hear the song it is below
http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10499261

I have since talked with him and his attorney and to know the song touched him greatly meant a lot to me.

I also did one about Appalachia and watched a documentary and studied about Kentucky, what their lifestyle is like etc...I have had several songs that went that route.

I find it necessary when writing about things that are true and often that research can lead to other song ideas and also add a ring of truth to the song. I admire that you take your songwriting seriously enough to do that. Some people playing guessing games when writing about true events and what is sad is usually, though dramatic licence can be taken, the songs, if heard enough, are the ones that our children come to believe as factual.

Have fun in your creating this one!


Kimberly


Thank you so much Kimberly! I can't believe how hijacked this topic I started has become. Wow! Unbelievable!

David

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Yes...they should not have hijacked your thread. And yes, you sometimes have the need to research. Also you should always read. And then, if you do those things, ideas and words and structure and facts, and proof...all come easier. Then also, change things up every once in a while...and always always proofread...

http://www.reverbnation.com/thedifferenz/song/19981428-canopy


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Sorry,I did not mean to hijack the thread.I followed the thread and said I checked with the bible to make sure my facts were right in my songs.But the bible was questioned as being relevant, so I felt I had to defend it or be seen as a fair weather Christian.

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Yes, I'd often do some research when writing lyrics.
It depends on each idea.
Each lyric and song has its own journey.
It just depends.

Sometimes I'd google the title phrase
sometimes I'd google to find similar stories


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I research anything that I am presenting as factual...but like PopTodd, I rarely write lyrics that require much researchthey're usually about feelings and observations and experiences. When I think about my favorite songs of all time, I don't know too many that would have required much research. And the great artists who have written about historical events more often than not will bend the facts to fit the song (or the rhyme).

I do Google my titles these days...it doesn't always change my mind about using it (I've got a "Mr. Blue" and a "Better Days" and a "The Glory of Love"), but it's good to know when your title is already attached to a popular song.

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My issue is with the form in which to write lyrics.

I am used to trying to take what is in my head and put that on the instrument. Lyrical structure has been a bit secondary to me. But looking at the lyrical part of it seems to bring a certain sense of structure. Even if everything might not be in a rhyme or the syllables can be out of sync.
Straight forms often seem too plaintive for what I would like to do.
I like everything rock, pop, and alternative and some things outside of that.
How often do songwriters get grounded with their lyrics because of how what they want to say can't fit in to that structure?
That is also what I have been looking at.
Sometimes the themes can cut that deep.

Part of the research seems to be incapsulating what I say. I am certain of what I am saying, but it is how that is said to make that understood.

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David,
I'm thinking you need to listen to some Scott Campbell songs. I'm limited to writing what I know so I don't even start until I know what I'm talking about. Most songs revolve around a relationship so your research is observing people.

John




Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword never had an editor.

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