I believe that I should call even myself out and revisit the part about inspiration. Waiting for goose bumps, laughter, or tears, I've concluded, is not a prerequisite. I believe that it's possible to take a theme, story, or even a persistent thought or hellhound, and pursue it through the songwriting process, or fail and move on. Doing it is another matter, I admit.

One thing I don't like is letting rhyme, often slop rhyme, steer the content of the song. I too am tempted.