Does Poetry Help With Songwriting?
Songwriting can be a difficult and creative process, requiring understanding and practice. Poetry can offer an advantage in this process by helping its readers to unlock inspiration and provide helpful expression in written form. But does poetry really help songwriters hone their creative craft?
It is widely accepted that a deep knowledge of literary theories and poetry can be of great benefit to the songwriting process. Poets, after all, are generally considered some of history’s most masterful wordsmiths. A poet’s choice of words, delivery of a message and creation of a story within a piece of writing often exceeds that of a typical songwriter. It can help a songwriter to approach a song through the lens of poetry.
In many ways, songwriting could be considered a hybridization of the poetry and music arts. The type of language used in songs and poems differs because of the need to fit lyrics to a specific melody, however, more and more poets have been recognized for their contributions to the songwriting and music industries. In a 2015 interview with Billboard, Grammy-winning songwriter Diane Warren discussed how her love for poetry has enabled her to formulate and deliver a powerful message in her songs.
Though traditional and classic poems may remain detached from the music industry, certain aspects of poetry, such as rhythm and delivery, can be used to the songwriter’s advantage. To effectively use such techniques, the songwriter must understand the basics of poem structure, the way in which words are written and how specific methods are used to create desired effects. This understanding can be formed through reading and studying various types of poems.
In addition, some of the tools used to craft more free-form types of poetry, such as internal rhyme and alliteration, can be successfully utilized in song lyrics as well. Poets can play around with the structure of sentences and create interesting, unique and memorable rhymes that may help differentiate a song from the masses of other content.
Though poetry may be a helpful tool to songwriters, it is not the only factor in achieving high quality and creative content. Music, with its own set of considerations, is a crucial component that helps compose the perfect song. Together, however, poetry and music can come together to form a powerful and emotionally resonant work of art.
Rhythm and Delivery
The aspect of rhythm is a significant part of poetry, and it can be helpful to a songwriter. A great example of this tendency is seen in the works of poet William Carlos Williams, whose words and situational imagery flow with an almost musical feel to them. Much of this comes not only from the structure of the words and lines, but also from the way in which they are delivered on the page.
This idea of using creative phrasing and rhythm to enliven a piece of writing is a valuable tool for songwriters to utilize. A successful writer can learn this concept from the masters of poetry and employ it within the lyrics of their songs. By understanding how certain syntactical constructions can enhance delivery, a writer can avoid using the most generic rhyme patterns and ameliorate their songwriting.
The combination of striking delivery and meaningful lyrics can make for a powerful piece of content. This is just one of the many ways that a knowledge of poetry and the written word can be advantageous to songwriters in crafting unique and memorable pieces of content.
Nature and Imagery
One of the more important tools of poetry is the use of descriptive and emotional language to evoke strong imagery in a reader’s mind. Poetry has been used since ancient times to describe the natural beauty of the world, as well as the emotions of its people. Through this kind of language and poetic descriptions, a songwriter can use the power of poetry to develop meaningful lyrics while also creating a visual experience in a listener’s mind.
Through poetic nature imagery, a songwriter can not only better create a vision for their audience, but also open their own lens of understanding in their own creative process. It can help them to see the beauty in the common and often overlooked aspects of nature, and by so doing, give their work its own beauty.
A skilled songwriter can employ poetic language and imagery to better create an atmosphere and set a unique tone within the song. This can help differentiate a piece of content from other generic works in the same genre and demonstrate the inner emotions and aspirations of the songwriter to their audience.
Forms and Styles
In poetry, different types of forms and styles are used to create various effects in the piece. By studying different forms of poetry and writing styles, a songwriter can learn how to effectively communicate a certain message or feeling within the song.
From haiku to epics, understanding the nuance between different forms of poetry can help a songwriter understand how to shape the message in their work. Take the epic poem for example. This long-form poem can provide insight into how to craft meaningful stories with the use of words. Songwriters can use these tools to create stories within the confines of their piece, making it easier for a listener to identify with the song and understand the message.
It is easy to see how the study of different forms of poetry can influence a songwriter’s craft. By understanding classic and historic formats, a songwriter can expand their perspective on the possibilities of creating powerful expression within their work.
Melody and Meter
In order to craft a successful piece of music, the writer must understand the basics of rhythm and melody. Poetry can provide an advantage in this aspect, as many poems come with specific metrical forms that can aid in the development and delivery of a song. By understanding the rhythm and structure of a poem, a songwriter can effectively replicate this pattern in their music.
Rhythm and meter can be seen in various works of classic poetry by long-renowned authors. By absorbing and understanding the given pattern, an aspiring songwriter can further develop their understanding of constructing a melody with certain words and situations. These early steps, taken from the successes of past poets, can help guide the songwriter in their own works and help form ideas for a piece.
The use of classic and modern forms of poetry when creating lyrics is a beneficial and encouraged practice. The same can be said for rhythm and melody. By understanding the tools used by classic poets and successfully applying them to modern music, a songwriter can craft content that, not only resonates with its audience, but also helps redefine creative boundaries within the music industry.
Discipline and Craftsmanship
The power of poetry often lies in its underlying concepts of discipline and craftsmanship. All good poets, songwriters and musicians dedicate a great deal of their time to honing their craft, developing a unique style and understanding their medium. It is this discipline that serves as the foundation in forming their work, and it must be taken seriously to achieve quality content.
The idea of discipline when creating music is often overlooked, but in reality it can be essential. Modern genres of music, such as hip-hop and rap, often require a strict attention to detail when crafting lyrics, as many of these forms are heavily focused on wordplay. As such, it is important that the lyricist understands thoroughly how certain styles of expression can the emphasize their performance.
The consistent nature and art of writing poems can serve as an invaluable tool for the songwriter who is not only looking for inspiration but for a source of discipline that is necessary for the creation of meaningful pieces of art. Just like a poet, the songwriter should be dedicated to understanding the style and message of their work and should commit themselves to creating meaningful pieces of content.
Unique and Unforgettable
Poetry, when used correctly and to its fullest potential, can create powerful songs that not only move their audiences but also can be remembered for years to come. The sheer capacity for emotional expression that lies within the art of poetry can be an invaluable asset to the songwriter – helping them craft unique and unforgettable songs.
In this way, poets can become incredibly important figures to the songwriting industry. The marriage of these two art forms can channel powerful visuals and emotions that can stay with the listener long after the song is over. Poetry can serve as an effective tool for inspiring songwriters in their work.
In conclusion, exploring the connection between songwriting and poetry can help unlock new ideas for songwriters. Poets often create powerful and beautiful works of art and if a songwriter can tap into the same resources, they can create powerful pieces of music that captivate and inspire their audiences.
