Category: Jam Session
I have always loved music from a very young age. From the time I was little I loved what my parents listened to, mainly classic rock and some soul. As I got older, my tastes expanded to the point where I'll practically listen to anything except country. My music collection, at almost 600gb and steadily growing, is overwhelming to most people. Throughout my life I've played several instruments, including the piano, guitar, drums, and harmonica. I struggled with all of them, however. I'm not quite sure why this is, but I have one true passion: singing.
The problem, as the title of this topic suggests, is that writing lyrics has always eluded me. I can write in free verse, saying whatever comes to mind, but when it comes to rhymes and structures, I'm totally stumped. Everything I come up with is so forced it's pathetic. I'm wondering if this is something that can be learned, though, because I would love to be in a band. Not for luxury and fame and all that dumb stuff, but because I have a story to tell and I'm a bit of an unorthodox person. Getting signed would be the absolute last thing on my agenda. I like the DIY ethic, and am very much into the hardcore and punk scene at present. I think this would satisfy my need to take a slightly different path. I would be able to have a day job where I'm normal and good, but show my true colors on stage. I guess you could say I never got the rebellious spirit out of my system, even if I've bypassed my teens by a few years. I sometimes think I should have grown up during the 60's, but that's a whole other story...
So anyway, I'm wondering if anyone has any tips or suggestions on how I can learn the fine art of poetry. I know that sounds really stupid, and I'm sorry, and if I deserve a bunch of angry responses about how I'm a poser and how you can't learn these things, you just do them, so be it.
Some people have a natural talent toward a task, but skill is what hones it and makes it great. You can improve lyrical skills by listening to all genres of music, looking at the lyrics online or in print, studying poetry and spoken word throughout history, and general experimentation. The tools are out there for anyone to grasp but dedication to them is what hones a skill.
Interesting topic, but I'm afraid I can't give any advice.
I'd say it's gotta be natural talent. Music was always a passion of mine, and I am always coming up with cool tunes, by my own standards anyway, but no matter how I try I can't write lyrics.
Natural talant s innate. But like anything, it needs to be used to be steadily maintained. If you lack innate talent, you can certainly still learn, however There are many people who discover untapped potential wihin themselves after a period of study and implimentation, but there are those who also realize that no matter how much they practce, their abilities lie elsewhere. If you are not a lyricist, you can still use your voice. it is a matter of finding someone who IS a lyrisist, who you trust and work well with.
I'd definitely say it's a natural talent. certainly work at it if you want, but don't get down if you ultimately decide it isn't your cup of tea.
as has been said, there's no harm in finding someone to write for you. as long as you sit down with them and get to know them in different settings, you can still make sure your story is told the way you want it to be.
I agree with everything that's been said, particularly post two; there are plenty of musicians who's songs were written by someone other than them. Also, I'm pretty sure there are a select few talented lyricists who should concentrate more on writing than singing. Having said that, I can write, but if I were in your shues, I personally would prefer to either try to work up some lyrical skills, or get lyrics from someone who could write better than they can sing. That may not be the best advice, but that's just what I would do if I were you.
I definitely agree that sitting down with an established song writer will help. it might even help you to tap into your own abilities. But as others have said, don't be ashamed if you just can't write songs. Plenty of very tallented singers just don't have the same tallent for writing. I, too, have been trying to write songs for a long time, but I've never been able to come up with anything where the lyrics and melody just fit together like pieces to a puzzle. I've come up with a few decent melodies, and a few decent poems, but nothing that actually fits together. I'll definitely keep trying, though, and I would definitely encourage anyone else who wants to be able to write songs to do the same.
How about this: you sing and I'll write your lyrics. :d
Seriously, I think writing of any kind is a talent. Sometimes, you have to learn more about a style of writing to bring out your true talent.
Writing is something I have always been good at, but I strive to learn more and more about different techniques. I want to nourish my ability and make it grow and flourish.
Maybe you do have a talent for writing and you just haven't learned enough about poetry and it's elements to write proper lyrics.
Also, lyrics, just like poems, do not have to rhyme. But if rhyme is what you want to do, I suggest you examine some poetry and song lyrics.