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May 05, 2009
Songwriting: A Demanding Art
Folks will gaze at Michelangelo’s “David” and marvel at the tremendous talent and ability that went in to creating such a masterpiece.
They will stare in awe and wonder at a Leonardo da Vinci painting, and consider how long and hard he must have worked to perfect his Mona Lisa.
They will watch a Shakespeare play, and wonder how the man could write all those classic lines that are still being read today.
Then they will hear a hit song and think, “I could do that.”
It always surprises me how many people believe that they can be songwriters. “After all,” they reason, “I’ve heard enough songs on the radio; I know what a hit song is supposed to sound like. What’s so hard about it? Just throw together some lyrics, add a tune, and presto! When do I get my royalty check?”
So, these would-be songwriters try their hand at writing a song. They learn a few guitar chords, figure out how to play a chord progression, add a melody and some lyrics, and they have a song. Unfortunately, it’s usually not very good.
Although songwriting has yet to be considered on the same level as painting, sculpting, or playwriting, it is in fact a difficult form to master, and just as demanding.
Those who come to realize the feebleness of their initial attempts at songwriting, and work hard to actually learn the craft, have my undying respect.
Posted by leonolguin at May 5, 2009 10:33 AM