Before I was a songwriter, I studied poetry in a pretty hardcore fashion. I workshopped with some very well known poets, filled notebook after notebook over a period of about five years.
I was encouraged by one poet in particular to get an MFA - she really like my work.
During that time I was also a musician, more of a player and somewhat composer but a totally lousy songwriter. I regarded most song lyrics as trite, cliche garbage most of the time, crap for the masses turned out by barely literate hacks... funny how at the time I coudn't songwrite out of a paper bag.
For years after that I struggled with my notions of good writing and applying them to a songwriting context. Musical considerations always seemed to compromise my verbal aims, and my poeticism always seems out of place in the musical realm.
I have recently been able to produce results that satisfy both my musical and poetic senses, but it has been a long struggle.
Do any of you out there pursue writing or poetry by itself? Has it helped or hindered your songwriting?
peace.
I was encouraged by one poet in particular to get an MFA - she really like my work.
During that time I was also a musician, more of a player and somewhat composer but a totally lousy songwriter. I regarded most song lyrics as trite, cliche garbage most of the time, crap for the masses turned out by barely literate hacks... funny how at the time I coudn't songwrite out of a paper bag.
For years after that I struggled with my notions of good writing and applying them to a songwriting context. Musical considerations always seemed to compromise my verbal aims, and my poeticism always seems out of place in the musical realm.
I have recently been able to produce results that satisfy both my musical and poetic senses, but it has been a long struggle.
Do any of you out there pursue writing or poetry by itself? Has it helped or hindered your songwriting?
peace.