Often the "I" is not me but a character who I "get" and let speak. Other times the "I" is much closer to home. And still other times it's a bit of both.
Howdy....
Of the 27 songs I have on my s/c page I only have about (3) or (4) that come from the "I" standpoint.
Most of the others reflect my take on various aspects/attitudes toward life in general and others are written out of mere creative interest.
There's countless subjects to write about and I take my song writing and choice of subject matter pretty seriously.
Guess it's a 'bit of both' for me also.
A good day to all....carry on.