Songwriting - music or lyrics?

[Phil O'Keefe]

But lyrics are so much more difficult for me. I tend to procrastinate' date=' or get overly picky about them. [/quote']

 

I think that's one of the issues I have when it comes to writing lyrics - I tend to put on the producer hat way too early in the process. Producers are supposed to have a critical ear, and should find the flaws and fix them... but if you switch to that "mode" too early on in the creative process, you can stifle your efforts and discourage yourself.

 

For me, it helps to consciously try to order the producer out of the room when I'm writing. Anything goes - just write whatever comes to you and get it down first. I'll decide if it's any good later on, but not while I'm actively writing. If I don't approach it in that way, I get far too critical of things too early and don't give ideas a chance to develop or inspire different / better ideas, and nothing I come up with is good enough; therefore, I never get anything written...

 

[Luke17]

Thats’s a valid point regarding hooks...W.

Sometimes doing something as simple as changing the traditional structure of a song can be catchy and innovative.

To wit; The Beatles opening ‘She Loves You’ with the chorus.

I remember how that grabbed me first time I heard the song.