your turning point

[hotpants_67]

post that piece of literature that changed your approach to songwriting. in other words, what book or poem have you read that helped you become a better songwriter?

[Surf]

[discussion thread]

Roger Waters made me want to write, but I was still pretty crap back then (more crap than I am now =/).

In terms of a poetry, probably Eliot's the Hollow Men

[/discussion thread]

[hotpants_67]

ok any more suggestions?

[CofDdrums12]

I've found that there isn't a better lyricist out there than Britney Spears.

I mean, really.

[Amphetamine]

While Britney Spears truly is a lyrical genius such that all songs hereafter should be written according to her words, nay, scripture, what really got me realizing "Hey the stuff I write sucks! How I maek better?" was the first Tom Waits song I've heard, and my favorite to this day, Alice. Say what you will about his music (even though I love it for all its brilliant melodies), the man knows how to write, and knows well.

Also, Tom Gabel of Against Me! has really turned me around lyrically as well. Brutal honesty like that is hard to come by.

I've also signed a pact with myself a few months ago never to use the words "pain" "darkness" or "my tears" in ways that would make them seem generically angsty in any of my songs ever again. Pain is just out, actually.

[Seeders]

I dont know about "turning point", but my favorite lyrics I think are:

I'm so happy. Cause today I found my friends.
They're in my head. I'm so ugly. But that's ok,
'Cause so are you. We've broke our mirrors.
Sunday morning is everyday for all I care,
And I'm not scared. Light my candles, in a daze cause I've found god.

I'm so lonely, Cause today
I shaved my head. And I'm not sad, and just maybe
I'm to blame for all I've heard. And I'm not sure.
I'm so excited. I can't wait to meet you there.
And I don't care. I'm so horny. But that's ok, my will is good.

by nirvana and, from the song "After the Gold Rush" by neil young:

I was lying in a burned out basement
With the full moon in my eyes.
I was hoping for replacement
When the sun burst thru the sky.
There was a band playing in my head
And I felt like getting high.
I was thinking about what a
Friend had said
I was hoping it was a lie.
Thinking about what a
Friend had said
I was hoping it was a lie.

[TojesDolan]

most Nietzche and Dostoievsky

[Discussion thread]