There are probably as many approaches to how to work on the lyrics of a song as there are teachers, coaches and artist out there, and so I thought maybe it was time I wrote down some of my thoughts on the subject. In this particular part of my musicianship and wearing my teacher hat I turn to my actor self because as an actor you deal with this thing with putting meaning into words all the time.
That approach means questions like; Who are you talking to? what would you like to change in that person(s) with these words? And what are your tactics to do it? what is the circumstance? can you relate to this circumstance? (and if not change them to circumstances you can commit to). Why is it import for you to to say this? Where are you? Is there an obstacle? And so on.....
But even when having asked yourself all these questions and hundreds more and think you are clear on it all, you might still run into the biggest trap of them all when it comes to art. You will attempt to "express" yourself and forget that its not about you and/or your pain, sorrow or joy, but about what you are trying to achieve with your song and lyrics.
The reason why I try to stay away from the word "express" is that is seems to indicate that its a one way street - that it is not about communication, but only about how YOU feel somehow. That is however not what communication is....makes me think of that Dolly Parton song...."it takes two baby....lalalala" :-) communication which art in my opinion is all about, is about you taking something in - letting it affect you - and than expressing how that somehow changed you (mind, body or soul) But it starts with taking in, not letting out, not disappearing in your own pain. No, you need a mission to fulfill with that song so it doesn't all become about you expressing how you feel, save that for therapy:-)
Don't get me wrong I want to know how you feel and hear it in the song, but only if you are on a mission to change something in someone/somebody/something - not just feeling sorry for yourself.
Those are my two cents on how to approach lyrics :-)
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