Lyrics of My Writing Process

Like a songwriter, I use only words to tell a story. But I’m not ashamed of not being able to illustrate too. Words, whether text or lyrics, stand alone. Yes, music helps to tell the songwriter’s story and illustrations help to tell the storyteller’s story, but even in without those the words which tell the story stay with me for a long time.

I often find my self singing song lyrics prompted by a conversation or an experience.  Can you even say the words “imagine” or “thriller” with out singing them in your head?

Given this, it’s not surprising that I associate lyrics with my daily living. So something struck me as “ironic” as I listened to Mick Jagger belt out “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” (Rolling Stones), I was motivated to send out three more query submissions. Having done that, I went on to think of other lyrics which vocalize my writing process and I came up with a few obvious one right away.

Of course there’s  Paperback Writer (preformed by The Beatles, John Lennon and Paul McCartney songwriters). Send in the Clowns (Judy Collins, songwriter) after the first, second, third, and more drafts, and sometimes even Respect (Arthea Franklin, songwriter) if I’m feeling particularly confident. Then there’s I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends (later preformed by Joe Cocker, John Lennon and Paul McCartney songwriters) for my critique partners and, On The Road Again (Willie Nelson, songwriter) for the multiple writing conferences I’ve attended near and far. And, You Can Call Me Al (Paul Simon, songwriter) for a prospective editor, because really at that point I don’t care what name they call me!  Finally, We Are the Champions (preformed by Queen, Freddie Mercury songwriter) for when I finally make it.

 

 

So now I’m wondering… What lyrics speak to you?