As songwriters we're always keeping an eye on the world looking for inspiration for our next song.  We're paying attention in conversations listening for an interesting line that could be the hook for our next song.  Or we're paying attention to the news looking for ways to reflect what we're hearing and seeing.  Those are great ways to start a song, but often the most powerful and moving songs come from the reflections on our lives. 

How can we use songwriting to help us process and reflect on our own lives?

Here are some steps to use songwriting as a way of processing through our own lives:

1. Journal - If you don't already have one, get a journal.  Maybe it's just a note in your phone or maybe you purchase a nice leather bound one that has a certain aesthetic that helps you.  Either way, find something to write in.  Then when those moments in life happen, whether they are moments of lament or celebration, write about them.  It doesn't have to be in a lyrical form, just write.  What happened?  How did it make you feel?  What do you wish you would have known prior to the event?  How has it changed your life now and the way you see the world?  Write it all out and just put pen to paper.
2. Reflect - Now maybe give it a few days and then go back and re-read what you wrote and reflect on it.  Is it still true?  Do you still feel the same way?  Have your feelings changed?  Then start to look at it through a songwriting lens.  Are there any words or phrases that you wrote down that stand out to you?  Is there an overarching theme that is emerging?  Make note of those maybe on separate piece of paper or a new note on your phone.
3. Pick up your instrument - Now that you've journal, reflected on your writing, and found a theme it's time to start to locate that theme in some music.  So start playing your instrument with that theme in mind (whether it be a guitar or piano or whatever you'd like).  See if you land on something musical that compliments the theme in a way that helps you to feel it.  Basically you're trying to create a “vibe” for the song.
4. Write your song - Now just follow your process in writing your song.  Come up with verses and a chorus, maybe a bridge…however you want to construct your song.  Continue to check in to make sure that your song reflects what you journaled and that it helps you to feel it more deeply.

When you are finished you will have accomplished two things: 1) You will have written a song that is meaningful to you, and it will most likely be meaningful to other people because of the authenticity of it. 2) You will have given yourself space and time to process an event or moment in your life, and this will help you become a healthier human being.

If you would like help bringing your songs to life and recording them, please contact at us MAGIC ROOM MUSIC to talk through your project.