I was watching a program on Netflix the other night . . . “Springsteen on Broadway” . . . I think that was the name of it. Anyway, it was basically a one-man show, Bruce Springsteen, taking us on a journey through his life and explaining how many of his songs were inspired by things that happened in his life. It was a fascinating look inside the creative process.
At one point he stated that song writers need to be ANGRY in order for their lyrics to truly be meaningful and touch thousands. He then modified that statement by saying PAIN of any sort will do, the point being that true lyrical genius comes from a deep well of emotions. In order to make people feel your words, it is necessary for you to feel them.
I heard, basically, the same thing on a show called “The Voice.” One of the coaches was telling her protégé to feel the lyrics of the song . . . that only by feeling those lyrics can you make the audience feel them as well. She went on to say that songs become powerful messages when they are born from angst or from a deep well of love.
I tend to agree with that. I’m not going to go so far as to say one cannot be a creative writer, or a poet, without angst, or anger, or pain, but I do think that those emotions fuel the truly great writers and poets. I know for a fact that my best writing has erupted forth from a vault of emotions I keep tucked away just below the surface of my persona.
Just something to think about as you go about your day.
By golly, it is Christmas! I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, or a very Happy Holidays, or simply the Finest Day of Love you can imagine!
Bill
“Helping writers to spread their wings and fly.”
Billybuc
Artistry With Words 
I’ll agree with that, Bill. I know from experience that the poems of mine people most respond to are the ones I wrote when feeling something strongly. Only I’d say it doesn’t always have to be pain or anger.
I know you don’t celebrate with fanfare, but have a good day, whatever you do!
Thanks Shannon! We did our gift giving dinner last night with the family, so today is a chill day of relaxation. I hope your Christmas is brilliantly fun.
I agree and I tend to agree with most of what you say. The spiritual writing I actually ‘feel’ as they simply come to me. The creative writing springs from years of reading and practice. I don’t need to practice anymore. Peace and good will, my brother.
No practice necessary, Manatita…I like that! 🙂 Blessings always, my friend.
Hello Bill – I agree no pain, no fame, As a writer or song writer, or an artist. Merry Christmas.
And Merry Christmas to you, Mike! Thank you!
I agree! I started writing when I was going through a low phase in my career to give vent to my frustrations and give myself hope for the future.
Good to know I’m not the only on, Shaloo..thank you for sharing!
Just checking in after a long, but wonderful Christmas here today. And just want to wish you a very, Merry Christmas and hope you and your family had the best day together today 🙂
Thank you Janine, and Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family.
Stopping by to wish you the merriest of Christmases. 🙂 I hope it’s been a great day for you and yours. And writing, art, music, poetry…creative endeavors do so much better when yes, people have a well of emotions to draw from.
That said…I think we all have a story. The trick is getting good at telling that story so that others would listen. 🙂
This time next week will be 2019. Wow! It’s amazing…this concept of time… hehe I hope you have a great New Year, too!
Thanks LIl Sis….always short on time this time of year. 🙂 Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your husband.
I agree. The only way that emotions can be transferred to a reader is for the author to convey those same feelings through the character. If the author doesn’t feel it, neither will the reader.
Thank you Donna, and I wish you a very Happy New Year to you.
When there is a stir up for a timely sentiment to be transmitted for someone who is i need of, a “bird” (writer) in the absence of angst begins spontaneously singing it into the air for those who understand, – not expecting an answer nor glorification. (”You have a great reward in heaven”)
“Just something to think about” are your final words my friend, and I did…
I almost missed this, Michael my friend. Thank you for your thoughts…always welcomed. Happy New Year to you!
Bill
I went to see Bohemian Rhapsody recently, and the biggest thing I understood from the movie was their greatest hits came to be written because of ‘friction’ between members of the band who still managed to stay friends for all those years.
Great post here, I can so identify with it.
Great point about that movie, Lawrence. I saw it too and noticed that as well. Thanks for pointing that out. Happy New Year buddy!
We had a conversation about this when I wrote my first love poem. I commented that I much prefer the dark stuff and that it was really hard to write this sappy kind of poem. It didn’t feel true to who I am because I am so not sappy. I came to realize, it was true to who I am but came from a place within me from which I don’t usually derive creative power. I am someone who writes best under pressure, does most things up against a deadline, and thrives on “get it done”. But I am learning, slowly, to enjoy also creating from the place of rest, relaxation, and plenty of time. It’s very different and probably not a place many of us know well, but I feel like there could be some good that comes from it as I learn to harness the positive to talk about the dark. Does that make sense? Using the relaxation and freedom space from which to create while pulling from the feelings I felt in the dark and lonely moments instead of only being able to create from the sense of rush and hurry – which feels a lot like the dark often.
Oh God, I’m with you all the way, my friend. I write dark; I am comfortable with it because of so many moments in my life shadowed by pain….I am not comfortable writing love stories or waxing positive platitudes….and that needs to be my challenge in order to grow as a writer, I think. I need to occasionally leave the darkness and attempt to portray, with words, the good times in my life.
Thank you for a great comment!