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DontRunMeOver · 09-21-2005, 03:46 AM

Hi everybody,

I'm currently songwriting with a band. The music is going extremely well but when it comes to lyrics we've had some disagreement. The other band member who contributes to the lyrics is adamant that we should write lyrics which just revolve around a general theme, so that they're open to interpretation, whereas I'm equally firm that the lyrics should tell a story (with a beginning, development and conclusion if possible).

His argument is that if you write around a common, everyday theme then everybody will be able to relate to it. My view is that this approach usually produces lyrics which are so boring and directionless that nobody will listen to the lyrics in the first place - at least with a story it gives the listener something to think about, even if its badly written.

Now to the crux of this post - which side do you fall on? Do you think that lyrics should tell a story or should they be vague and open to interpretation? If you write vague lyrics can they end up accidentally saying more than you intended? When a story is told, does everybody find the same meaning in it?

Also, do you prefer simple words in songs or overextended expositions of the wordsmith's thesaurus inspired verbosity?

I promise not to use any of your comments for the purpose of band arguments!

09-21-2005, 03:46 AM	#1 (permalink)
DontRunMeOver They call me Tundra Boy Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: In your linen cupboard. Posts: 1,157	Arty Ambiguity or Specific Storytelling? Hi everybody, I'm currently songwriting with a band. The music is going extremely well but when it comes to lyrics we've had some disagreement. The other band member who contributes to the lyrics is adamant that we should write lyrics which just revolve around a general theme, so that they're open to interpretation, whereas I'm equally firm that the lyrics should tell a story (with a beginning, development and conclusion if possible). His argument is that if you write around a common, everyday theme then everybody will be able to relate to it. My view is that this approach usually produces lyrics which are so boring and directionless that nobody will listen to the lyrics in the first place - at least with a story it gives the listener something to think about, even if its badly written. Now to the crux of this post - which side do you fall on? Do you think that lyrics should tell a story or should they be vague and open to interpretation? If you write vague lyrics can they end up accidentally saying more than you intended? When a story is told, does everybody find the same meaning in it? Also, do you prefer simple words in songs or overextended expositions of the wordsmith's thesaurus inspired verbosity? I promise not to use any of your comments for the purpose of band arguments!