Tonight I had a friend ask me to help him with songwriting..which for me is a bit like trying to explain who a person should marry. It’s an elusive task; it’s a personal affair; one that seems elusive, even when you feel that you’ve written a few good songs.

Just as a hint as to how MY process usually goes, I often start with a lyric (lyrics or music first? That’s another huge debate!) For instance, I’ve had the follow lines floating around for a few weeks.

Sign of the Times -
If you are a sign, a sign of the times, I must be heading the wrong way
Away from the flashing, crashing calvacade
Oh, mystery in the eyes of a neon design
eyes like slate on the interstate

Is it good? I don’t know yet. Maybe I’ll sit down with a guitar or keyboard and play around with the feeling..the idea. When I read the lines above I hear cars, see flashing lights, desperation…lonliness. Perhaps a late night escape from man-made noise and light pollution. So…that’s the key. Zero in on the feeling, then let the feeling dictate the music and the rest of the words.

That’s generally what works for me. What works for you?