Songwriters

[sdg475]

Hey all, sorry if this has been discussed before.

I'm just curious to know who everyone's favorite songwriters are, and possibly if any of you are songwriters yourselves? Lately I've been messing around with some songs myself, and know it's a great release for built up feelings, even if the lyrics turn out to be aweful. :tongue:

Personally, I really enjoy more folk rock oriented songwriters. Dylan is up there, but I would have to say that my absolute favorite is Sam Beam (Iron & Wine). The man can really write the most subtle yet hard-hitting lyrics I've ever come across.

Any feedback is appreciated!

 

[_avg_]

My band just released our 2nd CD (third, personally). Altogether I've written about 10-12 songs. To me, songwriting is about the music -- lyrics are an afterthought. I'm always surprised at how completely opposite it is for most people.

That said, one of the songs I wrote is definitely lyric-centered, and is a deeply personal catharsis. But really the whole song-writing process is (was) therapy.

Ever record your stuff?

 

[sdg475]

Never recorded my own stuff, I would definitely like to though. First I'd like to get better at the guitar and perfect the other elements of writing (melody, delivery, etc.).

This thread is a bit slower than I had hoped. Thought it would be a really cool idea to create a constructive environment where people could post their own lyrics and help one another out.

I know songs are often very personal, so I'll start it off. This one is about how pride and the fear of being vulnerable can really hold you back in a relationship. If you're keen you'll trace the progression of the fling (lots of symbolism) throughout the verses from the heavy flirting stage to reluctantly calling it quits.

Tangled:

Remembering the warmth of
When we sat beside the fire
People laughing without care
Embers floating into the air
I wish I had the voice
To say this into your ear

Your eyes soothe the wounds
That your hands have caused
Your smile is the reason that yellow
Looks different from red
And I just can’t get you
Out of my tangled head

When we swam in the drifting river
Feet gripping the rocks below
Schools of scattering minnows
Running from our shadow
I wish I had the breathe to say this clearer
Clear enough for you to hear

Your eyes soothe the wounds
That your hands have caused
Your smile is the reason that yellow
Looks different from red
And I just can’t get you
Out of my tangled head

Washing the stains out of my skin
From when we laid upon the grass
Dust settling from the days work
Cold wind blowing the clouds across the dim lit sky
I wish I had the strength to draw you
Dark enough for you to see

Your eyes soothe the wounds
That your hands have caused
Your smile is the reason that yellow
Looks different from red
And I just can’t get you
Out of my tangled head

 

[christophe12]

the one I prefer is the french jewish songwriter/singer Barbara (1930-97)
she wrote very singular songs and her silhouette behind her piano is one of the most striking images of the "chanson française"...of wich she is the queen, her songs are mostly sad, she wrote about le mal de vivre, passions, death...it seems hard, but we are many to love her in Europe

YouTube - Barbara - Le Sommeil


the other french songwriter I Love is the great leo Ferré !


YouTube - léo ferré - avec le temps



In Italian song, the singer I prefer is Mina

YouTube - MINA - Volami nel cuore - sub ita



I am not keen at all on american music...

 

[Willy_the_Wonka]

Jimmy Webb and Burt Bacharach would have to be my top two songwriters.