What I found most valuable....it was a revelation to me that there are actually "tools" available to use for writing songs. I had always had the idea that songs just kind of materialized in one's head. And some heads were blessed with better songs than others.
Using Pat's "three boxes", the sound loops they provided, and a rhyming dictionary; making lists of probable words to fit my theme; understanding various aspects of prosody--these were all immensely helpful. And revolutionary for me.
I don't actually remember anything about "feet", but learning about how to fit strong and weak beats into a rhythm that flows with them instead of fighting them--yes, that helped. I've discovered there is always (or maybe I should say "nearly always", just in case) a way to make the strong (and weak) syllables and beats match. And even concepts I wouldn't have thought of, like rising pitches if I'm saying something about being higher, and vice versa. Brings to mind the song with the line "I've got friends in low places" in which the prosody is perfect.
Ultimately, the most valuable result of Pat Pattison's songwriting course, is that it got me writing more, and more consistently. I've long wanted very much to be a songwriter, and I always thought I never really could be. I may never be as good as I would like, but I can write and I like my songs. Sometimes other people like them too. It's very rewarding. And inspirational. In my religion (I'm a Bahá'í), there's a quote that says something like: Music is a ladder to Heaven. I like that idea.
I'm going to go looking for some of your lyrics now....
Vicki