Three Ways Writing Songs Makes Us Original and Bold
While there is certainly a form of safety in blending in to the crowd, it has been my experience that this isn’t where happiness and fulfillment lies. As humans we’re, each and every one of us, unique in our own ways and this, I believe, is something to be embraced and celebrated. There are so many different forms of self-expression but the one I know best - since I’ve built a career and a life around it - is songwriting. Writing songs is more than a form of musical expression, it’s a way to take what’s most important to us and put it in a form that allows us to move not only others but also ourselves. It’s good to be reminded from time to time how original we are and, in doing so, to become a bit bolder in the process. Below are a few ways that writing songs makes this happen.
Songwriting is Problem-Solving Through a Creative Lens
There’s a difference between thinking through problems the way we’ve always done it and approaching problems through the creative lens of an artist. Songwriting teaches us to examine mundane concepts via metaphor which can serve as a cognitive shortcut to adding both humanity and emotion. Once we’ve developed this particular skill, we’re capable of using our new problem-solving strategy for much more than writing songs. It’s a way of seeing the world that reminds us of what’s truly important which is a great way to approach any challenge.
Turning Life into Lyrics Fosters Radical Self-Expression
Any time we take a moment to express ourselves in written form, we’re exploring our vulnerability. The courage that this develops is cumulative and carries over into all that we do. By engaging personal storytelling in the pursuit of answers, we’re opening up brand new areas of self-expression. This reinforces our originality and, because not everyone does it, sets us apart in the best, most admirable way.
Writing and Performing Songs Gives Us a “Voice”
It’s one thing to have ideas rattling around in our heads and another thing entirely to get those ideas down on paper and out into the world. The beauty of songs is that they’re not just meant to be written but they’re also meant to be performed. When we or someone else performs a song we’ve written, it strengthens our belief that what we’re creating has value and impact. Feeling like we have a voice and a way of expressing ourselves is a powerful thing and carries over into both our personal relationships and, equally, to our working lives.
Conclusion
Writing songs can be a both a little and an impossibly large thing. When we take the time to express ourselves, it can reinforce our originality and bolster our self-confidence. This is not to be underestimated. In fact, giving voice to our feelings has the potential to change not only ourselves but also the world. It’s happened many times before and will happen many times again. Being a part of this creative continuum is a worthy goal and one I’m proud to recommend and support in the work that I do.
Bio
Cliff Goldmacher is a GRAMMY-recognized, #1 hit songwriter, music producer and author with recording studios in Nashville, TN and Middle River, MD. Through his studios, Cliff provides songwriters outside of Nashville with virtual, live access to Nashville’s best session musicians and studio vocalists for their songwriting demos. Find out more. You can also download Cliff’s FREE tip sheet “A Dozen Quick Fixes To Instantly Improve Your Songs.”
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