The Inspiration Solution

Last week we talked about the motivation problem. Today, we look at the inspiration solution. Inspiration is the universe's gift to the songwriter, but you have to be open to its influence to receive it.

If you find yourself saying "I wouldn't write a song about that" more often than not, then it may be time to reevaluate the way you see the world. There is a song to be sung about everything, no matter how small and unassuming the "thing" may be. Poets tend to be naturally better at this than lyricists. The poet's eye catches the most minute of details, deconstructs it, and communicates it to the reader in a mind altering way. The amount of poetic ink that has been spilled over simple plants still astounds me to this day. So, if a poet can write about a ficus then you can write about a chair.

This argument for lyrical freedom is a radical position in a world where the majority of what we hear on the radio pendulum swings between breakup songs and party anthems. Try to avoid imposing limiting beliefs on your craft for now, unless it helps you.

My relationship with the near infinite nature of songwriting has changed over time. Now, I feel particularly inspired when I think about the limitless opportunity though I once felt paralyzed by it. Remember, if you can write about something then you can write about anything.

Consider this week as Thanksgiving. I want you to see your world through the eyes of a poet. Every day take note of three things that you encounter in your daily life and explore their potential as tools of inspiration. In front of me, I can see two bunches of bananas on the kitchen table. I think to myself that I would most definitely not write a song about them - but what if I did? Wouldn’t I be better off with a song about bananas than without? One bunch is browning, the other is bright green. There’s a metaphor for the life cycle right there on the surface. A little deeper I can see the genetic continuum of family. I’m reaching for things, sure, but that’s kind of my job.

I want to leave you with these closing thoughts. While motivation and inspiration should not be confused with one another, we would do well to remember that they work in tandem. The more motivated you are towards songwriting, the more open you will be to receiving the inspirational message around you. Alternatively, the more you are inspired, the more you will feel motivated to continue. The blank page shall forever be overcome.