Valid points, Shambles et al -

I listed these few writers as indicators of those whose work most influenced ME; in fact, there are many, many more artists, both male and female, so gifted with expressive lyric and melody - who perhaps have not been quite as prolific... and Quantity does not ensure Quality.

You're right, of course - Maybe a 'Catter is working right now on the 'perfect' song, or perhaps she/he has ALREADY written it, a finely crafted, laboriously simple tune - one born of love, hate, vision, dream, experience, Life...

I certainly never meant to suggest that the aforementioned songwriters had a 'lock' on creativity; merely that their Music and turns of phrase had provided so much listening pleasure to me over the years... a real and lasting inspiration...

Good luck with the Muse...

Murph