Songwriter Forum > The Writing Process

Writer's Block (Lyrics) Any tips?

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adamfarr:
Welcome MB!

When I'm in a dry patch, I really like object writing (as recommended by Pat Pattison). Basically you take a random word and write for 10 minutes whatever it inspires (trying to use all senses).

It doesn't always lead to usable ideas but if you do it for a week or so it seems to really get your observation and creativity functioning.

You can also use it purposefully - if you need a verse about, say, a rose, then you can use rose as the object and dig up images using all senses around that concept.

The other thing to try especially if you are writing a story song is to always have one theme per verse and use those as headings. So e.g.:
V1: what is our hero's current (interesting) situation;
V2: how does this play out in his life?;
V3: flashback to why he turned out like this...
(just examples)
This way you can start already with a structure that you can organize different ideas around and hang them on the different themes.

The main thing is to always be open to ideas - so when watching a film, jot down a key line, or when reading a book look for an interesting or unique take or idea...

I am a lyrics guy so I am always glad when someone wants to do more than the minimum. And great ideas don't always fall from the sky - though they are more likely to if you are primed to see them.

Go for it - even if your next song is a terrible 12 bar blues that everyone's heard before, it might warm you up for the next much better one!

Wicked Deeds:
@Magic Bones, I'm happy to say that I never experience writer's block.  I am tempted to say that I'm fortunate but when I think about it, I believe that I can write with ease simply because I have worked incredibly hard at songwriting for 39 years.  The only obstacle for me is time.  I first began to write with an acoustic guitar and thas was when I honed my writing skills.  Now that I have a good studio set up, writing has become so much easier but I learned to write the hard way many, many years ago.   I  always engage my emotions when writing and believe that I know myself inside out. That is in my opinion essential for a writer.  If like me you write about your life experiences, including events and people that you know and care for then you have to. This can be arich well of sources to call upon for inspiration.

In my opinion, you have to leave mundane thoughts behind when beginning to write. You could be in a crowded room but you have to transport yourself to your own space, away from the every day events around you.  Think about a subject and let your thoughts take you on a journey. A word or phrase should suggest other words. Explore all of the avenues that's your mind is drawn too. music suggests emotion. You have got to engage with that emotion in order to let your mind roam freely so that's it can produce something that is extraordinary.

It's not the only approach but it is the one that's I employ.  Read novels, watch stimulating tv programs, experience life.  Embrace and understand your feelings or at least try to understand them. Anything that engages your creative thoughts and helps to  develop your creative voice can be a source of inspiration.   Be meticulous!  Jimmy Webb once wrote that songwriters are the Swiss watch makers of literacy. What he meant by that,  was a songwriter has a limited time, (approximately 3-4 minutes), a rigid framework, rhythmic and melodic constraints, rhyming schemes, a precise number of syllables to express his or her thoughts in.  Practice, as much as you possibly can.  If you are devoted to this discipline, you will become the best writer that's you are able to be.  Time and practice is what makes us master a skill. Most, if not all people develop skills through hard work.  I now think of writing, playing and producing as complimentary skills that go hand in hand.  Yet I know how hard I have worked at achieving my current level.  I know think of writing, including all of the aforementioned skills as a puzzle. It's like a mental work out out that I have to engage in to  present a song that communicates exactly what I am thinking but it doesn't magically appear. it is all down to hard but enjoyable work. Sorry that I am unable to reveal an immediate answer to your question. This is in my opinion the journey that a writer must take in order to achieve this goal.

Welcome my friend!

Magic Bones:
@MonnoDB @adamfarr @Wicked Deeds
Thank you all for your comments and the welcome.
Sorry, I'm late replying, had a bit of family stuff going on.

There are some really helpful suggestions on this thread, so thank you all again.

David Kalosound:
When I encounter writer's block it's often because my expectations for the song have been set before I've started writing. A good way to counter this is to commit to finishing a song regardless of how 'good' it is. I believe that every effort you make in songwriting is rewarded in some way further down the line, so even abortive attempts or completed songs that don't cut the mustard for whatever reason still count and will help you become a better writer.

Getting the critical, judging mind out of the way as you are writing (especially when you first start something) is really key. It allows for those little 'mistakes' or erroneous inspirations to strike and once that happens you're off to the races!

Hope that helps
David

cowparsleyman:
@Magic Bones - Hmm, don't force it, wait for it to come to you, otherwise you'll be chasing fairies, also put you phone by your bed to catch ideas as the come to you.

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