I have always fancied myself to be somewhat of a writer.  I like to write, and in college I always took writing intensive courses, just so I could tell my side of things.  But as I've dived into the waters of music and playing guitar, I feel it's time for me to write some songs to tell stories my way.

Let me tell you, it's not as easy as it sounds.

Writer's block stinks.  For at least the last year, I have sat down and tried to write songs.  I've written down topics, potential song titles, and even tried writing verses and choruses.  One thing that should be easy is to write from experience, as I have all sorts of things I can sing about. 

One suggestion from anyone who gives tips on songwriting is to think about your influences.  Unfortunately for me, if I write something, it sounds too much like my favorite songs, and in this day and age I don't want to be accused by anyone of stealing music or ideas...

I think a big part of my problem is that in this day and age, music, in a word, sucks.  Everything you hear is electronic, made on a computer, and the lyrics are written down by someone who has a knack for writing hooks (catchy parts of a song that make it go through your head time and time and time and time and time again...).  Songs are written for teenagers who know nothing of music or experience, so most of the songs don't even make sense anyways...

There was a time when music meant something.  Songs came from the heart and addressed real things.  Bob Dylan, Gordon Lightfoot, Simon and Garfunkel, John Denver...Now those are songwriters.  Try selling a song like "Mr. Tambourine Man" or "Bridge Over Troubled Water" today. 

My mind is holding all sorts of stuff like that, I just haven't mastered getting it down on paper...

Who knows, though.  One day, it might hit me, and in a whirlwind I'll be onstage at the Post-Gazette Pavilion or Madison Square Garden.