I've been in dozens of workshops for songwriting, and read many threads about the craft of songwriting. This thread is about the inspiration that leads to the creation of a song, or a tune. This is all fresh in my mind, because a song came to me unbidden yesterday, and I marvel at how inspiration (for me) is so often a response to friends and experiences in my life. I imagine it's the same for everyone. I thought I'd give this as an example of where inspiration often comes from for me. I've written folk-tradition inspired songs, rockabilly and rhythm and blues inspired songs and songs that were inspired by a particular conversation or friend. As often as not, it's after the song has seemingly appeared out of thin air that I see where it came from.

For example:

In the early 60's, I took guitar lessons from Dave Van Ronk. I didn't want to become a blues guitarist, but Dave was a wonderful teacher and he gave me all the basics I needed for finger-picking.
When we'd be sitting around after a lesson, Dave would show me some blues licks and talk a little about blues guitar, but I didn't actually "learn" much blues. After about three months, Dave felt that I had all I needed to do the music I wanted to do and I stopped taking lessons. But, his music was somewhere inside me, and just waiting for a time when I needed it. I needed it yesterday, more than forty years later.

In recent months, the blues has kept cropping up in my life. When my friends The Beans couldn't participate in the Gospel In Black And White Workshop I've done for so many years, I asked dwditty (Rich Gallagher) to do some gospel blues. And, as his idol is Dave Van Ronk, the connection was refreshed.

A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine asked me if I'd do a blues at a Black History Month celebration coming up in another week or so. I told him that I am not a blues guitarist, as such and it would be a lot better if they could get a black blues player for Black History month. But, I got out my guitar and started brushing off some of the blues I used to play.

And then, Azizi started the thread on blues and I copied a couple of blues CDs for her.

Two nights ago, I was practicing with my Gospel Quartet and we were encouraging our bass singer to do a song we love.. Every Knee Has Got To Bow. Joe does a great job on it (in our minds) but he is uncomfortable with the timing in a couple of places, so one of the other guys asked me if I would sing the lead. Joe was real happy for me to take it over, but I'm not a bass singer, and even though I can hit the notes, I don't have the power that Joe has.

On the drive home, I was singing the lead to Every Knee Has Got To Bow, and didn't like what I was doing, so I just started singing something out of the air. I had absolutely no intention of "writing" a song.. it was just a way to pass the time on the way home.

The last piece in the puzzle I think is that I've recently read a book, Secrets Of The Vine which is really an exploration of the parable about the vinekeeper and the branches, and "abiding" in Jesus.

So, the first lines that came out were:

In the morning, when I rise
I thank Jesus for just being alive..

And the song was on it's way.

There's no need to post all the lyrics here, and this isn't an attempt to subliminally proselytize. I'm talking about the wonder of inspiration, whatever that inspiration might be.

The thing that was interesting is that the rhythm and melody was straight blues, probably influenced by an astonishing recording of Ain't No Grave Can Keep My Body Down by Bozie Sturdevant. That recording has harmonies to the lead, almost moaning. And I think of Blind Willie Johnson and Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground, which still sends shivers down my spine, with no words.

In fifteen minutes the song was there, the harmonies were in my head, and I was anxious to get home to get my guitar out. When I did, I was back in Dave Van Ronk's apartment, recalling things he talked about, playing the blues.

So there you have it... a rather long-winded explanation of the inspiration for a song... take a forty year old experience, a festival workshop, some beloved recordings, a book, a Mudcat thread and a late night drive home, and stir thoroughly.

Anyone else want to share an inspiration of theirs?

Jerry