“I used to think I knew what I was doing 40 years ago, but now I have no idea how songwriting works.” – John Prine
So, take heart, aspiring songwriters! John Prine – one of America’s most respected singer/songwriters has confessed his lack of understanding. Now you have permission to ‘fess up. You can honestly (sort of) say that you know as much about songwriting as John Prine does.
That quote was taken from an interview in the May 2018 edition of American Songwriter. And so was this one:
“I was waiting and waiting until the song knocked on my door, but I had to put some sort of effort into it, finally. You’ve got to get in there at some point and pull the tooth out.” – John Prine
Songwriting, like any other endeavor, takes a combination of dedication, focus and perseverance. Sitting around waiting for inspiration to strike you isn’t going to cut it.
Keep your hook book handy
Sure, sometimes an idea does suddenly pop up, seemingly from out of nowhere. That’s why you have a hook book, to keep all the words and phrases that come to you when you least expect them. Maybe it’s something you saw on the TV news or a snatch of overheard conversation at Starbucks.
But it’s in the writers’ room when you and your co-writers take those vague ideas, words and phrases and work at turning them into songs. It’s one percent inspiration and ninety-one percent perspiration. Get in there and pull the tooth out.
As for the amazing Mr. Prine, earlier this year he released his first album of new songs in thirteen years. Titled ‘Tree of Forgiveness,’ it was produced by Dave Cobb and released on Prine’s own label, Oh Boy Records.
Read more about John Prine, his music and his upcoming tour dates (most of which sell out fast) at his website.
Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com