So here is a question I have. I know there are several schools of thought of lyrics. I think it depends on the song and the audience.

I mean, in pop, there are songs that have been HUGE hits (and not from 1 hit wonders) that don't even make sense!

Anyway, I think this may be where the craft side comes in a bit as well. Knowing when to use what.

Imagery, as with the examples he gave can be fantastic!

You can also loose relatability to your audience! You have to know what you are trying to do, no doubt.

As an example (very simple without very much imaginary), if you had lyrics that say...

"Do you remember when I held your hand down by the Duckabush River"

It is specific but may take the listener a bit out of the song because they lost you on the river having a specific name.

It would relate to people who maybe had the experience by that river. Pretty specific!

If you were to say instead...

"Do you remember when I held your hand down by the river"

It relates to anyone who held hands down by ANY river!

If you were to say instead...

"Do you remember when I held your hand down by the water"

It relates to anyone who held hands by a river, lake, ocean, lagoon, puddle...you name it.

It relates to A LOT more people!

And the thing is, people tend to fill in THEIR own imagery and really make the song their own. When the singer sings "Do you remember when I held your hand down by the water" the audience more than likely isn't think of the singer and their significant other down by the water. They are thinking of themselves! That can be very powerful!

If you are telling a story, imagery can be whatever you want it to be.

If you are trying to relate, sometimes "vague specifics" work well.

If you are writing pop, sometimes the right vowel sound is enough! Sad, but true!

So which is "right?" It all depends.

Just my thoughts, I would be curious every one else?

To be clear, I'm not disagreeing with Floyd or the video. I am agreeing! There are also other techniques.

Man, I feel I'm going to get jumped on for this post! eek

Last edited by HearToLearn; 02/02/16 06:53 AM.
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)

TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.