"Write what you know" is about the most common advice a song writer can receive. It also happens to be the best advice one can take if you want to write songs that move people.
That's not to say great songs can't be written about all kinds of topics that one does not experience first hand. Rather, I think the trick is to spent some imagination time injecting yourself into a given situation so that your emotions about it come through with authenticity. James Keelaghan writes great songs about Canadian history. He manages to inject himself into the story in a way that makes its characters come alive. He seems to live inside the story and its characters for a while, then puts pen to paper and fingers to strings.
If you're unable to do that effectively, keep trying. In my experience, great songs come from living with the story for a while. Subconsciously, my imagination is always brewing up lines that at that time see to come out of nowhere and have no home at the moment. If that happens to you, jot them down. Many writers are collectors of words, phrases, fresh metaphors, and ideas. Much later - sometimes years later - these are pieced together into a brilliantly quilted song. Finally, don't be afraid to throw out a day's work in words. In a documentary by Lian Lunson, Leonard Cohen says,
“You have to write down what you have to abandon. You’ve got to see how it works with the whole thing and then throw it away.”
But don't throw it away physically just because it doesn't have a home in particular song. It may well find a home in another project down the road..
On a related theme, last week I performed two new pieces at the Winnipeg Folk Exchange. I expected the tune "No Going Back Can Bring You To Me Now" would go over well. Our foursome had developed a heart-rending arrangement of this break-up song (can there be a more popular theme?) - and the audience did love it. But to my surprise, the song before that ("Killin' Frost") generated more post-performance feedback than I had expected, for a song about critical illness and dying. (Both songs can be found
here.)
A minister friend requested the lyrics, and told me he quoted from it three times the next day as he met with people in uncertain health situations. I also received a request from a university student to quote from for a paper she is writing on dying. And in less than a week, a live performance video of the song received 26 views - despite less than ideal audio quality. Who'd of thought a song so weighty would be so well received?
I was anxious that writing about such a heavy topic from a second hand perspective wouldn't seem authentic. But the from the feedback I've received so far, it seems I've written something that resonates with listeners. To me, that's an indication of authenticity in song writing. A rough count immediately brings to mind over a dozen people I personally know who have died from, survived, or are currently living with a life threatening illness - some for the second time. Living with such an uncertain future for yourself or someone dear to you is such a common experience, despite the fact that we all just want it to go away.
While I'm grateful for my good health, it didn't take a huge leap to myself in their shoes - and then capture what it must feel like in a song. So - go forth and write what you know! Whether it's joy or sorrow or humourous or love - it'll shine through in your song when you allow yourself to be vulnerable.
Disclaimer: This post is simply a reflection on my 20 year journey as a songwriter. In no way should it be construed as advice from a professional song writer on how to write a marketable song
