Do you know what an outstanding lyric does? It grabs your listener by the mind. Your listener is stimulated by the mechanics of the language he/she speaks to daydream a picture in the mind’s eye that is the experience of your song. This is powerful, and whether you use that picture to make a point, to set a scene, or to convince and convert to make a difference in the world, the bottom line is a lyric grabs a listener by the mind and makes the mind’s eye see whatever you paint for them. Some paintings are better than others, just like some books are better than others.
Tag Archive: songwriting
The Songwriter’s Shopping List – The Tools of the Trade
A mechanic cannot work on a car without a set of tools. A surgeon cannot perform an operation without a set of tools. A songwriter cannot properly craft songs that grab attention and demand interest without the proper set of tools. The following is what I suggest every songwriter have in their toolbox. Songwriters, these are the tools of your trade. I actually own every single tool in this list (except the hardcover alternative mentioned below). Grow your toolbox. Learn to use your tools properly. Hone your craft. Let’s dig in…