Writing Worth Hearing
May 26th 2008 09:08
When I first started this blog I wasn’t sure whether I should include song lyrics in The List but I have found a song that features a writer and I love it so much I can’t ignore it.
One of the main reasons I was not going to include songs is because my taste in music is rather unsophisticated. For me, as a writer, the main criterion for enjoying a song is the lyrics. I know very little about melody and rhythm and other aspects of music. I suppose I could re-phrase the old cliché by saying ‘I don’t know anything about music but I know what I like!’
Having said that, I think Missy Higgins is a genius. Scar is one of my all time favourite songs – mainly because the lyrics are seriously original and cool. I must also admit that I enjoy the quirkiness of her voice.
But my new favourite – and the song which makes it on to the Writers in Writing List - is Love Song by Sara Bareilles. I know nothing about this singer but the first time I heard this song it grabbed me by the ears and swung me around in a big, joyful circle.
I love her voice, I love the unpretentious sound of the song, I love the self-reflexivity of this writer declaring, “I’m not gonna write you a love song’
But what I probably love most of all is her kick-ass, ‘don’t give me your crap’ attitude. For women it is a lesson in not backing down to psychological manipulation and needy ultimatums.
I am reprinting some of the lyrics here just in case you don’t know how fabulous this song is:
I won't write you a love song,
'Cause you asked for it,
'Cause you need one, you see.
I'm not gonna write you a love song,
'Cause you tell me it's,
Make or breaking this.
Is that why you wanted a love song,
'Cause you asked for it,
'Cause you need one, you see.
I’m not gonna write you a love song,
'Cause you tell me it's,
Make or breaking this.
If you’re on your way,
I’m not gonna write you to stay.
If your heart is nowhere in it,
I don’t want it for a minute.
Babe, I’ll walk the seven seas when I believe that there's a reason to,
Write you a love song today.
Today.
All I can say is…where was Sarah Bareilles when I was a younger, sillier woman??
One of the main reasons I was not going to include songs is because my taste in music is rather unsophisticated. For me, as a writer, the main criterion for enjoying a song is the lyrics. I know very little about melody and rhythm and other aspects of music. I suppose I could re-phrase the old cliché by saying ‘I don’t know anything about music but I know what I like!’
Having said that, I think Missy Higgins is a genius. Scar is one of my all time favourite songs – mainly because the lyrics are seriously original and cool. I must also admit that I enjoy the quirkiness of her voice.
But my new favourite – and the song which makes it on to the Writers in Writing List - is Love Song by Sara Bareilles. I know nothing about this singer but the first time I heard this song it grabbed me by the ears and swung me around in a big, joyful circle.
I love her voice, I love the unpretentious sound of the song, I love the self-reflexivity of this writer declaring, “I’m not gonna write you a love song’
But what I probably love most of all is her kick-ass, ‘don’t give me your crap’ attitude. For women it is a lesson in not backing down to psychological manipulation and needy ultimatums.
I am reprinting some of the lyrics here just in case you don’t know how fabulous this song is:
I won't write you a love song,
'Cause you asked for it,
'Cause you need one, you see.
I'm not gonna write you a love song,
'Cause you tell me it's,
Make or breaking this.
Is that why you wanted a love song,
'Cause you need one, you see.
I’m not gonna write you a love song,
'Cause you tell me it's,
Make or breaking this.
If you’re on your way,
I’m not gonna write you to stay.
If your heart is nowhere in it,
I don’t want it for a minute.
Babe, I’ll walk the seven seas when I believe that there's a reason to,
Write you a love song today.
Today.
All I can say is…where was Sarah Bareilles when I was a younger, sillier woman??
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Comment by Joanne Fedler
I also ADORE Missy Higgins. I don't do concerts because I hate crowds but I broke this rule to see her at Centennial Park a year or so ago. Her lyrics are so smart. My favourites of hers are Special Two, Sugar Cane and The Sound of White (I wish I'd written a book with that title).
I think song lyrics are what we've substituted for every day poetry. I love Leonard Cohen's poetry 'Dance me to the End of Love' ... bliss.
Don't know this particular song of Sarah Bareilles but will listen out for it.
Thanks for reminding us how accessible poetry is in song.
Jo
Comment by Jayne Kearney
Writers In Writing (and other writing)
I also love all of those Missy songs. I also really love Where I Stood - she really is a sublime songwriter.
And your comment about songwriting and poetry is exactly what I say to my students who let out audible groans when I tell them our next topic is poetry. Once I allow them to bring in the lyrics of their favourite songs and tell them these are their poets, they engage a little more.
I love modern day poets - known as songwriters!
Jayne
Comment by Jayne Kearney
Writers In Writing (and other writing)
How could I forget this amazing simile from Missy's Steer;
'So hold this feeling like a newborn.'
Now there's a line I wish I had written.
Jayne
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