I'm not a songwriter, but I've always admired those who could combines words and music in a way that could grab me, cause an emotional response and create images and thoughts in my mind.   

I have to admit that I was one who has thought that anybody can create a song and at one point even tried to write The Song myself.  However, it quickly became painfully evident that writing a song that will have lasting (or even fleeting) value to others is really, really difficult to do.    It requires talent and skill to take concepts and moments of inspiration and then turn them into a great, enduring song.

While admitting I'm not a songwriter, I'm still fascinated by the creative process which births a song that takes on a life of it's own, whether being short-lived or a long and distinguished life-span.    Recently, I came across the New York Times, Opinion section blog, "Measure for Measure," subtitled, "How To Write A Song and Other Mysteries".   It is the thoughts of a group of songwriters that have enjoyed success and the respect of their peers throughout their careers:  Roseanne Cash, Suzanne Vega, Andrew Bird and Darrell Brown.

The first blog article I read was about Roseanne Cash's recent (April 15th) collaboration on a song concept of hers with Kris Kristofferson, Elvis Costello and her husband John Leventhal, entitled, "The Ear of the Beholder" (dated, May 22).    It was a interesting read as it exposed me for the first time to the openness, understanding, passion and intellectual depth that she brings to the songwriting process and her ability to communicate her thoughts and feelings surrounding her songwriting collaboration effort.

The "About The Blog" states that "With music now available with a single, offhand click, it's easy to forget that songs are not born whole, polished and ready to play. They are created by artists who draw on some combination of craft, skill and inspiration. In the coming weeks, the contributors to this blog -- all accomplished songwriters -- will pull back the curtain on the creative process as they write about their work on songs in the making."  

Most of the blogs entries are relatively short and so the incite they are sharing can be quickly grasped.  The first article posted to the blog, was by Andrew Bird on March 26th, 2008, "Words Will Tell".

If you are a songwriter or an aspiring songwriter, or someone like me who enjoys discovering how songs come to be, then you will want to bookmark and look-in on this blog whenever you have a chance.  Since the authors are active in the music industry and often on tour, the writings are sporadic -- so, no need to check daily... once or twice a month will be sufficient unless their posting frequency increases. 

Measure for Measure - How To Write A Song and Other Mysteries

Copyright 2008 by Lawrence Yerkes. All Rights Reserved.