I am often asked where the inspiration comes for my lyrics.
It could be from anywhere, a newspaper article, a remembered encounter, a timeless regret, or someone else's story.
I might get 1 verse that seemingly flies in out of nowhere while I'm driving or walking. Then spend the next 4 months trying to finish, when I wrote Unsteady for my mum, it took a long time to get that last verse.( you can watch the lyric video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMSXJjFGajE )
The walking helps, I think it helps find and set a meter for the rhyme, and the pace of the song. At times, I strive for the rhyme and at others, I turn away.
I might embrace a common turn of phrase or reach for a different image. I might write a concept or fragment down and not use it for years.
I wrote this: " a room for/of objects, souvenirs, mental souvenirs" and it became " souvenirs, on a shelf, collecting dust and tears" for Living Large, a song we've just finished recording.
Mostly, I try to listen, to watch, to look for the meaning or the feeling behind a thought, a phrase, a picture, a sunrise, ( man, those are really worth watching), two people talking, airport reunions.
I look for the meaning for myself and I imagine what it could be for someone else.
I try to remember we, humans, are fragile and strong beyond measure, and that hope is always present.
I try to write about it, and with the help of my talented co-writers, we make songs.
See you soon.
Love,
M