The question of where to begin when we write a song is a difficult one. The starting point is different for each of us. It can be anything from a vibe on an instrument, to a tune, to a completed lyric from a lyricist; as in the case of Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Songwriters like Bob Dylan would sometimes sit and type reams of pages before writing any music. He said that the “like a rolling stone” lyric was buried many pages into a 20-page document.
Channeling the Mystical
Dylan and other artists have spoken of channeling entire songs which appear to them from some mysterious place. Stravinsky said about The Rite of Spring: “I was just the vessel through which it passed.” The feeling of wonder at the found ideas presented from some other realm is at the heart of songwriting. But the process to get there involves first culling information and ideas, transforming them in your own way, and then producing an expression which takes on a life of its own.
Resonating Wavelengths
Start by finding the songwriters who resonate on your wavelength. Absorb the work of a mentor. Figure out their method, their process and their tools until you have internalized them. Remember, all the greats were first great students. Clearly, Beethoven’s early work shows his study of Mozart. Bach sounded like Buxtehude before becoming the ultimate baroque master. But who’s heard of Buxtehude? Study the idols of your idol. What is it your mentor took from the old master, and how did he/she mold and transform it into the present?
The Trinity of Creation
The trinity is in this formula: old technology, new technology, new product; or thesis, antithesis, synthesis; past, present, future; or in religion, Father, Son, Holy Ghost. The spiritual element is in taking the past and transforming it through a moment of inspired conscious realization into a thing of value in the present. What we do as composers is collect waves of energy and arrange them into a ball of our making which we then throw into the fabric of time. At that point, this new wave has an energy of its own which lives or dies somewhat irrespective of its creator. This inspired realization comes through work, study, and perseverance.
Aim at a Target
Where is your aim? What is your goal? Is this a commission? Are you trying to write a hit song? Are you trying to express something specific to someone? Is there something you need to get off your chest? Or, are you just compelled to write?
Mechanics of the Craft
Analyze the mechanics of the craft. Learn the theory. Do your own song analysis. What are the typical forms and how do you view them? Are you writing in a formula of Intro, Verse, Pre-chorus, Chorus; or Stanza, Refrain, Stanza Refrain? Are you reinventing an old form? What are the chord progressions and the language of the harmony? Are you remaking the progression I, V, vi, IV as in so many hits? Do you want to use the mediant chord as Freddy Mercury so often did? Study your theory. Which are the most frequent chord patterns used? Which are your favorites? How is this or that vibe attained through chord progressions, through modes, etc? What is the harmonic rhythm of the sections and how does this become the fabric and structure of the storytelling?
Words Matter
The poet is a rare person and the marriage of words and music is where the magic happens. Good lyricists are exceptionally rare and mastery of songwriting is truly one of the most difficult human endeavors. Do you need lyrics to start a song as Elton does? Do you want someone like Roger Waters to write words to your cool tune as David Gilmour did on Comfortably Numb and so many other tunes? After all, knowing what you need is the first battle.
The Mark of Greatness
The art and craft of songwriting is in combining all these elements into a unique expression of value. But we must begin by writing many things, and by remaining unafraid to throw them away. The long work must first be done for the realization to have a lasting impact. A person’s musical expression cannot be deeper than their soul; and the soul is fed by exploring, understanding and assimilating the thoughts, feelings and expressions of those we admire. It’s only through this work that we can then envision songs in the present which have meaning. The true mark of great work is found in the lasting influence that it has on future generations of artists.
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