by Stephen Roberts

Created on: October 12, 2008

A poet need not know how to write a poem, or sing a song, but feel a word. It's the songwriter's best friend and the lyricist's truth. In idolizing songs of others, reading and listening to the stories of exploration by both people close to us, and distant, we gain a better understanding of the world. It's done through memories, and history, through friends and strangers; but it's always done listening.

There's a quote which goes, "God gave us two ears and one mouth so we could listen twice as much as we say". There's no better truth to this phrase and if we listen as much as we speak, we find there's a true meaning to words, when used correctly. I've always fancied Bartlett's book of quotes, because so many brilliant people who have preceded us have given us those few words we learn to live by. Although we can't often quote directly or don't even know the person from which a famed quote may come, we find comfort in reading and finding we're not alone. So, often we're alone.

The purpose of writing lyrics is to express one's intimate feelings within. It's to open the deep dark secrets and expose oneself to the criticisms of others. More often than not, it's a will to be courageous and rely on your ability to be truthful to yourself, without the consideration of others. Perhaps it's selfish, but necessary to reveal the soul's yearning for a higher existence. It's with this thought that a true song is written. More often it's about self preservation.

I've always admired those who play instruments and can express themselves through melody. I've worked with musicians who speak through their instruments, as much as I speak through words. They express exactly the same way I do, but with music. It's not to say I'm not a musician, I simply compose differently. I like to think of myself as a form of energy whose excitement jumps from one state to another based on whatever the musician puts in. I'm a translator of the person's instrument transforming it into something universal, everyone relates to. I'm no better than anyone else; I simply speak another language; translate meanings.

It's a little intuitive, but always respectful. Sometimes I'm on in the translation, sometimes I'm completely off. There's an art to music and lyrics, and one has to look at the bigger picture. Yes, there are egos involved and there are feelings which you must carefully walk between, but when you find the balance to your tightrope, you'll find the confidence to express what you need to.

Writing lyrics is an art form everyone is capable of. Always be respectful; listen, then feel. It doesn't always come immediately, so the best thing I'd suggest as a lyricist is to bring a varied assortment of poetry when you meet with other musicians. If you're lucky, you'll find instrumentalists who see the same way as you do, and are as willing to listen to you as you are to them. Adapting to another's point of view is critical, but keeping to your guns is also. The best songs come from tension between head strong musicians, ones which will give, but at the same time won't. Writing lyrics is a negotiation between players. You must have the right frame of mind to constantly move forward. When you relate to others, they relate to you, and with the right people, every lyricist has the possibility of success.

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