JPF Home Page Forums General Messages Songwriter Message Forum Why Did You Start Writing Songs? What Made You Think You Could?

I started writing songs when I realized that I would never be a guitar hero.
And then I heard a band called Uncle Tupelo and was turned on to The Replacements at right around the same time (1989).

It was then that I knew that The Song was the thing.

Didn't know if I would be any good, but I wanted to write; so I did. And when I did, it felt good. Then I started getting positive feedback, I knew that this was my thing.

swainja,

Thanks for looking in. Real nice story! Does your daughter still perform at all?

I, too, am a very eclectic writer, although it is not specifically intentional. I write whatever comes to me. I've written Bluegrass, Country Stnadards, Contemporary Country, Blues, Adult Contemporary, Southern rock, Swing, Smooth Jazz and Jazz Fusion. As you said, when you write in so many different genres's, it is hard to establish yourself in just one. I guess that's a burden I will have to endure for a while! I am working on 3 or4 right now...three different genres!

Seems like a lot of songwriters, lyricists in particular, were fiurst drawn to writing by Bob Dylan. That has been mentioned several times. I wonder how many people he has influenced top start writing? Quite a few, I would guess.

Hope all is well with your wife and that the illness you referred to is not apermanent issue. Take care. have a really good 2007!

Alan

Well, I guess that I started writing poems. The first poem I wrote was the night of my best friends' rehearsal dinner for her wedding about 4 years ago. I used it as my toast. It was basically telling that I knew that even though she was marrying someone, I knew that I would still be a part of her life. She cried (but she is a bit of a crier!)
She told me too bad you can't sing or play an instrument because she would have loved to have heard it as a song.
Never though much about it.
I met my husband soon after that. He played in a cover band (mostly rock and country) and I loved to hear the music and wanted to be able to learn an instrument. To make a long story short, I found out that I have no rhythm. No matter how hard I tried, my husband could not help me play the drums (I had both hands and my foot going at the same time) and I could not grasp guitar either.
So here I am just trying to write lyrics. I am sure that nothing spectacular will ever come of it, but I am lovin' it.
Anyway,I know that I am still a newbie, but I am enjoying every minute of this. And I want to say thanks to everybody that has helped me out on these boards. This is truly an amazing site with some amazing people.

Best of luck to all!
Melissa

Hi TINK!

You may think now, as you look back on it, that the poem you wrote when you and your first love broke up was really cheesy. But, think back on your age at the time. Compared to what others might have been writing at that age and at that time, is it really all that cheesy? I doubt it! Compared to waht you are writing these days, probably subpar...but for then...maybe not.

I can see why you consider the poem you did for your brother's friend as the crowning moment of your writing endeavors. I doubt that there is a higher honor that can be bestowed upon someone than to have their writing inscribed on a headstone at the request of the deceased's loved ones. Those words are how he will be remembered. They will be there for hundrerds of years...long after you are gone. But, that part of your generosity and compassion will be there for the rest of the world to share. I am glad you are proud of that accomplishement.

We have known each other for a long time and have become great friends. But, I am still in awe of your writing. Anytime I talk to you about writing lyrics, I feel like the rookie batter going up to the plate for the first time and facing the toughest pitcher in the league.

That's quite a story about how you got to JPF!. And we are certainly happy that you did. Thanks so much for telling everyone your story. Also, hope your career as a Bongette has proven to be rewarding!!

Will talk atcha later. Hope all is smooth and mellow in 2007!

Alan

Kaley,

I am glad that you and a few other folks are enjoying these discussions. they are so entertaining and incredibly educational!

Well, kaley, you are the first one, so far, to blame your initial lyric/songwriting beginning on anger! Remind me to never get you mad at me...you might write a somng about me!

You have become quite an accomplished pianist. I enjoy listening to you tremendously. And watching you play with your eyes closed, as you usually do, tells me how much you are feeling what you are playing. And yeah, that hubby of yours...he a pretty nice guy, isn't her!!?? And for their ages, your children are also very engaging. BTW, has your son learned anything on that guitar he acquired in Nashville last August?

Thanks for the great stroy. Hope you and your family fins everything you are looking for in 2007!

Alan

Bree,

Hi! And thanks for dropping in on this discussion. Ya never told us you were so pretty!

It seems quite a few people started out as poets of one ilk or another. And then the poetry migrated over into the realm of lyrics. I never did write poetry...never.

You say that your father probably saw something in you that even you did not see. At that age, I think many of us don't WANT to see what our parents see. That's almost like buying into their point of view. Gosh...we could never allow that to happen, could we??!!

We are delighted that you came back to JPF. As you said, maybe it was in God's plan for you to wait until now. Maybe He will guide ya over to the corner where that guitar is sitting!

Thabnks for your delightful comments. Hope 2007 is the bag of goodies you would like it to be.

Alan

I'll get back to answering everyone else in just a bit. Need to take a break...my keyboard is smoking!

Alan

Another Awesome topic! I didn't skim through the other postings so I'm probably repeating what others have posted. I started writing when I was a teenager. When I was looking for myself and trying to make sense of life. My mother was a writer of sorts but never published. I had never shared my lyrics with anyone because I felt they were sacred and private-my thoughts that I was too afraid to share. It wasn't until I became involved with a musician for a time that I finally shared my lyrics. He said that I "ought to do something with them". I joined a songwriting association and was told about JPF where I began my real writing. As far as knowing how I knew I could write-when I started getting feedback from JPF friends and local friends that my hook is a good idea and that the flow makes sense..that's when I knew I was on the road to being a real lyricist. I think most anyone can write! The feedback a writer gets depends on the reader, listener and whether or not they can relate so that it touches them somehow. Good Evening!

PopTodd looks like Adam Sandler

Alan,

My daughter Rachel is not performing right now, but she will be putting a band together soon. She is about to start at Columbia College where she wants to double-major including music (performance). She has been performing off and on since she was about five years old. She sang in the children's choir in the opera "Carmen" at the Lyric Opera (the operahouse in Chicago) when she was twelve performing before thousands of people, where the lead role was performed by Denise Graves.

There is no doubt she will sing throughout her life. She had been in a class that kept her busy every evening, but her evenings are free now. I love singing with her and she will occasionally join me on a song or two, but we are not doing it regularly anymore. Her mother was also really good singer who studied opera at one time, so she comes by it honestly. My wife Carla and I met when we were both in a band many years ago. She was the lead singer and I was the lead guitar/saxophone player.

Jack

You have no idea how often I get that.
Not really a fan, though.

Alan,

You are too kind. <blushing>

You're right...couldn't let Dad know I agreed with him on anything.

I'm getting more familier with that 6 string ... no doubt about it!

One more thing I forgot to add in my first post...you asked what made me think I COULD write songs...the answer - Nothing! I wasn't sure I could at all...I just wrote & sang. Now it's a matter of survival. I don't know that I could truly function if I couldn't write.


Bree

I started playing the piano at 8 and my grandmother and I wrote a song called "Give Me Five." She wrote the lyrics and I wrote the melody. And somewhere I still have it. The next song I wrote was when I was 16. I made up a chord progression and a melody and so I thought I'd better have some words to go with it. So I wrote some words and they were absolutely terrible. But the melody was pretty decent. And I thought, "I kinda suck at this now, but if I keep writing, eventually I'll improve." I kept at it and by the time I was 21 I was writing songs that did not embarrass me. Now, twenty years later, I'm still writing songs and I'd like to think that I've made progress. But I have to say it was my grandmother who first put the idea into my head.

Great thread - really enjoyed reading other people's stories.

Joe,

Let's see now...your history as a lyricist goes from "The Wreck Of the Old 97" to Tokyo, Japan to Portland, Oregon, right? Ya didn't make it easy on yourself, did ya??!! Interesting story! But, you're a pretty interesting guy, so I shouldn't be suprised! Thanks for the story. Hope 2007 is a monster year for ya!

Alan

Don,

Hey, having a name in the Bay Area is nothing to sneeze at! Good luck finding a new band and getting back in the groove of things. Maybe 2007 will bring all of that together for ya!

Alan

Tricia,

It's always so nice to hear from you! So, what you're telling us, essentially, is that as you moved into a new step in your life, you went about rediscovering who you were/are and finding a way to express all of that. Am I close?

Ya know, I've never been sad about being an empty nester. Sure, i miss the kids at one time or another. But it sure is nice not having to plam your entire life around everybody else's needs and wants. Might be selfish, but that's okay. Kelly will be 35 next month and Scott is 37. They both have a college education and are doing very well for themselves. Their mother (my ex-wife) and I gave them the tools they needed. They have used those tools well. And I have used all that extra time and new found energy quite well, also! ASs you said...pretty good trade-off!

Just wanted to add that you do a remarkably good job of expressing yourself in lyric. Hope 2007 is as good to you as 2006 was rotten to you. It was a tough haul for you last year. You deserve a really grteat one this year. Let's go 2007!!

Alan

Lynn,

Nicely done! Love your epiphany/unexpectedly rhyme...that's pretty awesome! Anytimne you can rhyme a 5 syllable word in a lyric, you've done good as far as I am concerned! Also like the "song fairy" reference in that line.

From having read many of your lyrics and critques of others, it's hard to believe that you've been doing this...songwriting per se...for little more than a year. I'm impressed!

Thanks for your great poem and sharing your story so originally. Good Show! Hope that 2007 moves your songwriting in all the right directions.

Alan

John,

I don't see one thing wrong with your post that I think would suggest it is politicaslly incorrect. As TINK said, it is powerful and exceptional writing. You are a very intuitive person and have a very straightforward but mesmerizing way of stating your message. Thank you for posting it. I have made a copy of it. I love it! Thanks again!

Alan

Todd,

Nice simple, but well-stated story. If it makes ya feel good, then why not!!?? We're glad you have jpined us at JPF. It's nice having you here. Have a really good 2007!


Alan

Bree,

it's easy to be kind when your kindness speaks the truth. i think it's just great thast you decided to simple sit down and start writing, not knowing if you had any talent or not. You obviously do! But, it takes courage to do that. Good for you!

I lived in VA for a couple of years...up close to DC...Woodbridge. That was back in the middle '60s. Yep, I'm an old fart! But I don't mind. Every day is a blessing. Bye for now. Thanks for comiong back to finish your thoughts.

Alan

Richard,

welcome to JPF. This is a great place to hone your musical skills, no matter what they are. My songwriting skills have improved tremendoudly in the 6 years I have been a memeber of JPF. Happy to have ya with us!

I think yours is the first story I read that credits a grandparent. That great! My father and I (he died in 1968) are the only two people in my family that hasve any musical talent what-so-ever. The rest of my family can't even play the radio with getting static!

Thanks for letting us hear your story. best of everything to you in 2007!

Alan

Wow! Think I caught up at last. Thanks to all who have participated. There's still room for more stories, though! This thread isn't closed until the last person who wants to has posted his/her story. Later, folks.

Alan

Hi, Alan,

I just want to say thst this topic has been my favorite of ANY topic on the JPF boards; it really is amazing to read everyone's stories...makes me reflect on my own creative journey, as well as giving me a great way to get to know other JPF members.
I have found that knowing about an artist's beginnings makes me appreciate their work even more.

By the way..I just checked out your web site - the "Fresh Ink" link...I LOVE the lyric "I'm Taking A Liking To Love." !!

Thanks again for bringing people together here

Emily

Nope, not caught up yet! I just noticed that I failed to answer Linda and Melissa. Sorry, ladies!


Linda,

Sounds to me like there were two marriages that night: (1) Your friend and her husband (2) You and the Muse! It is so incredibly interesting how everyone got interested in songwriting. Your story is just as great! And you never know what may come of it. But, you said you're having fun, regardless. That's not a bad thing! Stick with it. Your lyrcis here have been just fine! Best of all things good in 2007!

Alan

________________________________________

Linda,

Thanks for your story! I agree with the assesment that your hooks are good and the flow to your words is smooth. Sounds like a lyricist to me! It's nice to know that JPF has beena part of the process. Glad you have enjoyed this thread. Here's hioping for all things good to come your way this year!

Alan

Emily,

You are so kind with your praise. I will admit that I have found each and every story to be fascinating. And, as you mentioned, we beginning to know each other a little better...building a more tightly-knit family and community. Again, thank you for taking the time to offer your generous comments. Glad you ike "I'm Taking A Liking To Love". Appreciate you checking out my personal website. there is a rough work tape of it on my Soundclick site. Thanks, Emily!

Alan

Well gee gosh Alan,
that is flattering. If I'd thought anyone woulda wanted a copy I'da spoke up right away and say Tink's post (thanks Tink) prompted me to change the title to "The Proclamation". I think I'll enjoy redoing the plaque when I get around to it.
Thanks,
John

John,

Flattery is a nice feeling when it's true, isn't it! I will reiterate...that is a very powerful and compelling read. That should be hanging on a lot of walls in a lot of places.

BTW, getting ready to start a new songwriter thread today with a new question. Check it out later if ya want to. Best of everything, John!



Alan

I was 17 and had recently fallen in love, still am after 30 some odd years. MY then girl friend inspired two love song/poetry that I believe she still has and that I remember only one. (Part of it at least.)

Around that time a friend of mine had created a compliation of songs at the time, 1975 to be exact, and one of the lyrics was John Denver's "Sunshine on My Shoulders". I was hooked.

Soon afterwards we, my cousin, said friend, and myself started learning guitar from my cousins father. My uncle Dave was a fan of country and western and he and my aunt use to perform locally and was a great inspitration.

Met my girl, Dianna, during that time and she asked me what I wanted for, I believe it was Christmas, a present. She bought me John Denver's "An Evening With" and if the one song hooked me the album caught me.

Started almost right away. Wrote my first real song, "Early In the Morning" in '75 and began performing covers and my own locally and at times abroad about two years later.

I have always enjoyed the process of writing, still do, and felt that some of my lyrics are right up there with what is playing today. Believe that the craft only improves with time and I am here for the long ride.

Great question and interesting posts.

Thanks.

Douglas

Doug,

Great story. And you're right...there are a bunch of really good stories in this thread. So, you have to blame all of this on John Denver, huh? Actually, I like a lot of what he did. My favorite of his is "It's Good To Be Back Home Again".

I can't remember ANYTHING that I wrote back in high school! But, for me, that was 1961-1965. The biggest thing in technology back then, for the average person, was hand held calculators for under $50.00! Heck, not only could they ad, subtract, multiply and divide...they could square roots, sines, cosines and tangents! Wow! By the way, what kind of a plant does a square root come from? Just wondering!

Thanks for letting all of us know how it happened for you, Doug. Appreciate the nice story! Here's hoping for bigger and better things in 2007.

Alan

I recently found a handful of songs that I wrote in High School. I don't remember them or how they went. Probably for the good. I've almost always been writing my little ditties. When I played in a group, nobody was interested in doing originals. I would still write em for myself though. That lasted for 30 + years. Bailed out of the band and started doing a solo gig with my originals and covers. I've never had a more rewarding experience. At work folks would come up to me and sing a line or two from one of my songs, and once at the supermarket a guy came up behind me singing one of my tunes. I didn't even know him...Thats why I do it...Makes me feel good.

lionhart,

Nice to meet ya! I don't recall our paths having crossed before. Thanks for contributing to this thread. We appreciate your time and interest.

Nothing sweeter than someone you don't know walking up behind you and singing one of your original songs! That's really cool! Thanks for sharing that great story with us. Hope 2007 brings you lots more of those kinds of good things.

Alan

Lionhearts comment reminded me of two occassions that told me I was on the right track musically.

Years ago wrote a song called "Mabel's". It is a light hearted melody with a twisted ending (meaning something you'd not expect, not sick or something like that). Anywho I was going to meet my father at his place of work, found the floor but couldn't find him. Off into the distance I heard a melody being whistled, I listened and recognized it. It was my song being whistled by my father. (I never even realized he had been listening.)

The other is more recent but still honors me. My sons listen to and do I dare say, download songs from sites. They included a couple of mine on their selections. Not only that a friend of theirs is in a working band and they got the band interested in it. They did a cover. (I haven't heard it but whow. My 22 year old and 19 year old both listen to and like what I do.)

Those experiences make it all worth while.

Douglas

Douglas,

Yep...when your 19 and 22 year-old kids are tuning into ya, as well as your father, you're doing something right! That means you have written something that appeals to at least 3 generations...that's NOT an easy task! Those kinds of songs, if they ever get significant public exposure, usually become classics! Thanks for the really great story. It's a nice way to start the morning!

Alan

You are welcome Alan and thank you again for an interesting thread.

In your signature you mention something about dawg. What happen to him?

Douglas

Boy Howdy Sideman!

Great question!

My first song was written at age 11. I loved those slick silly little love songs playing on CKLW. I also intensely loved commercial jingles.

This is why I wanted to do it. Emmulating things I had heard and loved. I had a vision that I could write jingles for stuff on TV,
The first song was titled " I Love My Tootsie Roll"

I can still hum the chorus.

Besides, I had to play the guitar and copy what my Dad was doing!

Blessings,



Johnboy

Douglas,

Thanks for asking about Dawg. I am going to assume that you know, or that you are familiar with, our beloved Bobbie Gallup here at JPF. Bobbie and Dawg (Corky Bernard) were married. Dawg (screen name "greydog") passed away in July of 1995. He was a master storyteller and songwriter. And he was so full of wit and compassion that it is almiost impossible to describe. he was truly one of a kind. In my mind, and in the mind of many others I am told, he could tell a story in a song as good as Tom T. Hall. If you are interested in reading any of his works, just go the Songrwriters' Forums 1 and 2 and search for his posts. he was amazing. I put music to several of his lyrics. I still miss him everyday. He was a wonderful man.

Alan

Johnboy,

Don't think we've met before. Nice to meet ya! And if we have and I don't remember, keep in mind that I am an old fart!

I truly appreciate you jumping in thus discussion. And that is what it has truly become...a very interesting discussion. Your great story just adds to the seasoning. Most pleasded that you found this to be an interesting thread.

You probably know that a lot of very successful folks got their start by writing product jingles for radio and TV. There's a good amount of money to be made in that arena...and I think that is an arena that is often overlooked. Would love to hear your Tootsie Roll jingle!

Best of everything to ya in 2007!

Alan

I do remember dawg and his lyrics. I fall out of touch at times and forget those who had meant alot to me. He always had great lyric and a kind word, directing me in many directions.

I knew in my heart that there was someone missing. I am truly sorry to hear the news. Late as it is.

Connor D Smith was another great writer who inspired me and help me along in the early stages of posting et al. He once took one of my songs, "Little and Green" and put music to it. We never met, talked on the phone and when the technology caught up to use and we could post our recored songs up his version and mine were so close in arrangements that you would have to believe the muse was working with us. The melodies were almost identical.

Makes me feel humble and honored to have touched these individuals then and the ones that I am getting to know here even if it were and is through cyber space.

Take care.

Douglas

After hearing the clash and getting into punk rock in the late 70's I decided I wanted to write songs so I took guitar lessons for about 6 months and learned how to play 12 bar blues tunes all the basic stuff of how a simple song is structured...a little sight reading and classical - learned a few cover tunes the standards pretty much everyone learns a few beatles tunes -house of the rising sun stairway to heaven all the normal cover stuff then some metal riffs etc - then I just went off on my own thing writng poetry and strange music.

Steve,

Pretty interesting path you've taken in your musical career! What is and isn't strange is in the ear of the listener.

By the way, welcome to JPF. We have some pretty cool people hanging out here! Thanks for your input in this discussion!

Alan

I get my writing while I'm sleeping. I dream the words. I always say its my poem people that make a visit every night.I wake up with words in my head and write them down. It usually takes me 5 minutes to write a song. I gave one of my poems to an artist one day who told me I should put music to it and I did. My first two songs ever have been played on Smokey Mountain Church program and was filtered to radio and internet. I've had a good response and have sold a few demos with just two songs on them. Now I'm trying to figure out my next step to take. I've always known I could write but I waited until I got to an ripe old age to do anything with my writing. I'm new on these boards and trying to get to know a few people and see how they got started writing. Teresa

Hi Teresa,

Welcome to JPF. Nice to have ya with us. You commented that you wanted to find out how other folks got started writing. If you go back through all the posts on this particular thread, you will read some very interesting stories on that subject. And your story is one of the more intriquing ones I have read so far!

You are the first person I have "met" who has told me that all or most of their lyrics come to them in their sleep. And then to write a song based upon those dreams in just a few minutes...that's pretty darned incredible!

Congratulations on the success you have had so far. Hope the business continues to get better for you. You said that you were "a ripe old age". From your post here, that would be hard to believe...not that I don't. You just "sound" like a youthful and energetic person with a lot of ambition and talent. I'm no longer ripe...I'm just old and rotten!

Again, welcome to JPF. Hope you stick around for a while. we have several other lyricists who write in the style that you have indicated you write in. Good luck to you!

Alan

Post deleted by hicks-banda

Teresa,

Thanks for the comeback. Will check out your MySpace link tomorrow evening. Looking forward to it! Take care,

Alan

Hey Alan I think I gave you the wrong link. I don't believe I look like that or write that kind of music. Here is the right link. www.myspace.com/teresa3696 Teresa

Thanks Teresea!

Well.....
I was sitting around playing the three chords I knew, and watching the news, when this congressman from New York(I think) came on and started whining about us invading Iraq and how our soldiers were over there killing babies and innocent civilians. Now I wasn't upset cause he was whining about the war, I was upset he said that stuff about our troops. So I started singing words and playing the guitar(Those three chord I knew) and pretty soon I had a song. I called it "Congressman". Since I had a computer with a sound card I decided to record it.
Well, I played it for a few relatives and they told me how great I was and I should write songs. Heck, if a redneck from Texas called Willie could do it, I should be able to. Why, record labels would be knockin' down my door just begging me for more.

So I went home and wrote another song. This one about my Dad. I recorded it and played it for my neighbor. He cried when he heard it. Imagine that. One of my songs making a grown man cry.
He said I should write songs and send them to the radio. They would be begging me to let them play them.

I believed them. So here I am....little did I know, LOL.

Why do I keep writing?........hmmmmm. I got something to say.
And I love saying it with song.

Bill,

Your statement "...I got something to say", now that is one of the most simply understated but powerful quotes from this entire thread. Is there a more compelling reason to write? I doubt it. Yiou said so much in so few words. But, that's kinda your style.

Regarding your grown friend crying over your song...doesn't surprise me in the least. I've heard you sing it. It has powerful emotions all the way through. And ya know, Bill...you made a wise decision when you believed your friends and family. So, as you said here and TrumanCoyote said another thread..."keep writing."

Thanks for putting your typical simple but powerful touch to ur discussion.

Alan

You're in good company with Sir Paul, as he dreamt "Yesterday", (but the melody, not the lyrics). He had it as "Scrambled Eggs" for the working title and had similar silly words to it, for months, before reaizing it was his tune! He actually thought he dreamt of song already written, for he said it was just too familiar to him, as if known. Guess that's what happens to you, only in reverse, with the lyrics being there.

Keep sleeping! 12 on 12 off.

Thanks, I am writing. I fell asleep in my chair today and wrote a Christmas song that going to be on a cd being made for Christmas next year, I was asked to write it and was getting excited because nothing had came to me. But not only did I get that one wrote but I was asked to write two country songs and one of them came to me also. I love it when my poem people pay me a visit but I always get a headache afterwards. I don't think that my mind ever sleeps. If I get forgetful before I'm old enough to have dementia at least Ill have an excuse. My brain used up all it's millage. Teresa

Frankly, I began writing (or at least try to) because I felt like crap about myself, and it is less foolish than what else I could have done.
I wanted to be in a hard rock cover band.
I found out that they like people for their PA system.
I did'nt need attention that badly and I oppose covers.
I would like to do covers maybe as a tribute to acts I love.
But only after I establish myself in my writing.
If that happens.
I guess there is a certain part of me that is out for redemption.

But I guess one of the other big reasons I wanted to record is that I could only listen for so long and not want to do it myself.
My father was only 3 years older than my mother and liked classical music and country.
Outside of Loius Armstrong.
He liked his voice and requested "What A Wonderful World" being played ay his funeral.
Strangely, for about the next month, pratically every store I walked into was playing that song.

My mom liked Roy Orbison, Elvis, and The Beatles.
She thinks Chris Isaak is the best musician that has come along since.
He is one hell of a singer and composer.

I also grew up listening to what my older sister liked, like The Eagles and Kansas.
Music has been my life.
I wanted to contribute something.
Even if it will never go down in the annals of great songs.

Matt