Based on the research I started in the previous week, I feel confident starting the actual writing process with the lyrics. I feel least comfortable with the lyrical piece, and starting outside of your comfort zone is one of the best ways to get the most creative!

To start off my process, I thought it would be a good exercise to consider my top three favourite artists (currently, that is, they change a lot!) and determine what about their musical and lyrical choices resonated with me, and why. To illustrate these ideas, I created a mind-map, which I have included for you below!

I realized a common theme that connects all three of these (very different) artists together lyrically is that they write about things they are passionate about, things that are relatable to others, things that are meaningful to them and their own values and things that matter on a macro scale even if they are uncomfortable or challenging.

Switchfoot has lyrics tied to many facets of empathy. In songs such as “if i were you” and “i need you (to be wrong)” from their album Interrobang, they ask questions about our motivations for relationships. They ask us if we can consider how another person feels by standing in their shoes, rather than forcing them to conform to our idea or opinion of them. They also imply that we need diversity to be the best society we can be, and that everyone’s experiences are valuable. They also write songs that encourage us to be the best we can be, with moving tunes such as “Dare you to Move” and “Hello Hurricane” encouraging the listener to get up and try again when they fall, and “Love Alone is Worth the Fight” reminding us the importance of showing people in our life that we care about them and value them.

Meant to Live is another song that is super powerful from Switchfoot, and there is a beautifully moving music video done of a cover of this song by Jon Bellion, linked below. I highly encourage you watch it, it made me cry. It shows the struggle of family baggage being passed from father to son, and the son working to overcome and break the chain, forgive his father, and create a new hope and future for the future generations of his family.

Needtobreathe and Dayglow write songs about more day to day things involving strong emotions such as love, fear, hate, and joy. One song that sticks out from Needtobreathe to me is called “When you forgive someone” from their latest album Caves. This song reminds us of the importance of learning to forgive as it sets us free from past pain and hurts, AND that it is a lifelong process to do so. A Dayglow song that resonates with me is called “Can I Call You Tonight?” This song is seriously my mantra as an overthinker. I value in person conversation, and working through difficult things with people when they come up rather than shoving it under the rug and pretending it doesn’t bother me. Actually doing this is very hard though, and that push-and-pull in your own mind is highlighted in this song.

I feel very strongly about writing songs that have a similar depth to them and reflect real world struggles or conflicts I see in my daily life or lives of those close to me.

That said the broad themes I have come up with that I want to explore in the coming weeks are the following:

-Empathy

-True community oriented care and friendship

-Active listening, not creating arguments but making discussion

-Freedom to be yourself and not box yourself into a category to fit in

I know these themes are challenging to write from (not as typical as a love song!) but I hope that the song I produce will authentically represent me, and be a platform for me to express my feelings on these things in a way someone else can connect and relate to.

Cover Photo by Michael Maasen on Unsplash