Just saying...

[shnoogumz]

disclaimer: I'm not calling myself a great lyricist by any stretch, so don't go ripping on me for being "high and mighty"

after reading through some stuff in this forum, I just had to say this (no offense to anyone): poets are not songwriters. there's a huge difference between the different writing styles and they don't fit together in any way, shape, or form.

I do believe in warping the traditional way of songwriting in order to make something unique, but when you completely change the writing style you no longer have lyrics.

for example (this is something I made up off of the top of my head, if it sounds like something you've heard before it's coincidental):
I felt the pain of everlasting love boring deep into my soul
And the sun goes down with the wolves at night
So that I can dream once more

the above makes for a (very crappy) poem. not a song, and I find it strange that alot of people (not just on this board) seem to write lyrics in that style.

some people may disagree with me, but the basic fundamentals of songwriting is to make something expressive but also catchy with concise lyrics. sure, symbolism is great, but when you use it so much that it sounds like a crappy poem then you're doing something wrong

just saying...

[RunAmokRampant]

I felt the pain of everlasting love boring deep into my soul
And the sun goes down with the wolves at night
So that I can dream once more

That makes very crappy poem and a song. I'm struggling to see the differences you make. songwriting supposed to be catchy and concise? That's pretty vague. The only difference between lyrics and poetry is that music accentuates the lyrics (or vice versa depending on what the listener finds more important) and with poetry, the words themselves become musical. Those are the only differences I can find and the differences you make to be I strongly disagree with.

[shnoogumz]

If you can't read a poem, the read song lyrics and see the difference in writing styles, I feel sorry for you

[DeadReligion]

What was that about not being high and mighty?

[r1mbaud]

hi, i am the only one who knows the true definition of songwriting it has to be CATCHY and CONCISE, DUH!! Just look at Bob Dylan, one of the most influential songwriters of our time.

fabulous.

[class]

I'm not writing songs or lyrics, I'm writing poems.

[shnoogumz]

I'm sure the majority of people on this board are better lyricists than I am. I never claimed to be better than anyone. and if you're a poet, fine. but nobody can write a poem and pass it off for a song. if you think you can, go back to 9th grade English Lit.

[r1mbaud]

Uhmmmmm lets see...
Bob Dylan
Tupac
Jim Morrison
They write Poetry AND Lyrics at the same time. They aren't mutually exclusive!

[RunAmokRampant]

If you can't read a poem, the read song lyrics and see the difference in writing styles, I feel sorry for you

You are an idiot. What EXACTLY is the difference? Don't give me that 'it has to be clear and concise and catchy crap. Give me a real difference.

And you didn't even bother to vote in the lyrical challenge.