Should I write a song?

Subject: Should I write a song?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 04:14 PM

Many here will know that mostly I believe that if folk music has value then to an extent I should be a folksong-singer. But I also do some contemporary songs, and some folk'n'roll. And I have written one or two others but I rarely sing them now. I only write if I think it essential.

I think I feel one coming on.

The chorus might be built round Bruce Murdoch (Peace)'s political catch-phrase.

I wonder if I can have it ready for Piggy.

Comments?

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 04:17 PM

Do it, Do it, Do it. You know you want to. :-)

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: GUEST,Songbob
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 04:22 PM

Shto?

I don't understand the question. If you have to ask, you probably don't need to write the song. If you're a songwriter, you will write, almost as a compulsion. If you're not, you may come up with a song "out of the blue," and the song will write you.

Write it, and we can lambaste it here. We're probably good at that. Or don't write it, and we can tell you you should have written it, then suggest changes before you even start.

A rock ballad, in 6/8 time, intended for accompaniment by Jew's Harp and Bodhran, complete with a nonsense-phrase burden, now, that's the ticket.

Bob

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 04:36 PM

If you remember Peace's political catch-phrase there could be a "parental advisory" issue with the chorus which just popped into my head...

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: TheSnail
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 04:51 PM

Writing new songs in no way detracts from the value of folk song.

Write it.

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: Bert
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 05:06 PM

Yes

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: Gurney
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 05:26 PM

Yes.

I'LL decide if it a good one, though.


Along with the rest of the world.

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 05:28 PM

Agree with Guest Songbob %150 - if you have something to write about - yes; if not, don't - don't do it because you feel you 'should' - been there - done that (rather, didn't do that because it wouldn't come). Nothing worse than a constipated song.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: frogprince
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 05:32 PM

Now I'm wondering if I missed that particular phrase, or if I'm getting senile enough to forget a choice Bruce-ism. But cetainly
Bruce wouldn't say anything that could be construed as indelicate, would he? :o)

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: buddhuu
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 05:36 PM

What Mr Carroll said.

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 05:46 PM

ah ha   I will video record at piggies and post here per RB/s approval.

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: Bounty Hound
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 05:56 PM

Go for it Richard!

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: Rockhen
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 07:35 PM

Only my opinion, but I would write it whether you have something special to say, or not... Why worry whether others like it or not? If you enjoyed writing it, it was worth taking the time, for yourself...not mudcatters...or anyone else.
Lol!:-)
(Then again, if other people, (mudcatters, or not,) enjoy it too, that also makes it worthwhile bothering! )
Does writing a song of your own, mean you shouldn't sing traditional folk songs, too? Weird! Sounds like a rule that definitely should be broken...

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: mousethief
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 07:46 PM

You have the right to write, right? Write!

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: frogprince
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 08:58 PM

Sumbuddy, please; what's the illustrius phrase that started all this?

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: olddude
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 09:09 PM

Well I don't know the phrase but my brother Bruce has a bunch of em when it comes to such and they are all used properly I think ...

and hell ya write ... why ask ... Heck join the rest of us that crank out tunes ya hurt nobody and it is fun

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 02 Jun 10 - 09:28 PM

The phrase has been banned on this forum, but if you search for posts by Peace you will probably find it!

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: Genie
Date: 03 Jun 10 - 05:40 PM

You should ALWAYS write down your songs, complete or not! (Whether and when you ever record of perform them, that's another question, of course.)

I'm told, by many great writers of songs, poems, prose, etc., that a key is to make yourself write EVERY DAY.    It tends to get the 'juices' flowing and summon the muses.

I really think that, while a good part of songwriting (or poetry or whatever) is inspiration, the bulk of the process is 'perspiration' -- and that a good part of that is EDITING.   (As the song says, "You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, KNOW WHAT TO THROW AWAY, KNOW WHAT TO KEEP."

But you've got to have a full hand first, before you can decide what to throw away and what to keep.

Genie : )

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: Charley Noble
Date: 03 Jun 10 - 08:53 PM

Richard-

If you don't do it someone else here will do it and then where will you be?

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 03 Jun 10 - 08:58 PM

I've almost decided not to do it this time.

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: GUEST
Date: 03 Jun 10 - 09:04 PM

RE:I should be a folksong-singer.

If you WERE a "folksinger" you would already be one

There is no metamorphasis..."like you are an ugly grub... and on wonder-day...a beautiful song will emit from a cocoon as a desperate plea and fly the internet spaces of the world like the daughter of of Bayswater.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: An Buachaill Caol Dubh
Date: 04 Jun 10 - 11:21 AM

Make the song, and THEN write it down on paper. Or on a wall.

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: theleveller
Date: 04 Jun 10 - 11:31 AM

"Nothing worse than a constipated song."

I find it helps to work it out with a pencil.

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: Mr Red
Date: 04 Jun 10 - 01:01 PM

if it is itching to come out, let it spill. If you have to dig, it may leave a scar. And be tainted.

If ya dun gotta, it will force its way out.

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: Genie
Date: 04 Jun 10 - 01:57 PM

I say go ahead and write down or record (for yourself) any ideas, phrases, melodies, etc., that come to you.   Don't force it into a "song" prematurely, just save the inspirations that come to you.   

It's OK to fiddle around with crafting it into a song. I don't think it will leave scars. It's a form of brainstorming. Let the ideas flow, record them (on paper, on tape, etc.) FIRST, then evaluate them and discard the ones that don't work later.

I don't think all good songs just pop into the songwriters' heads full blown, even though some do.

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 04 Jun 10 - 04:38 PM

The excellent songwriter Mike O'Connor (who wrote The White Shepherd, The Best of Autumn, Carrying Nelson Home, Unite, Unite, etc) is doing an all-day workshop on songwriting in the tradition at the Lewes Saturday Folk Club on Sunday 5th. June. Mike and Barbara Griggs (harp) perform at the club tomorrow evening.

The topics that he is covering are very interesting. If you'd like to come, PM or ring me and bring cash on the day as there isn't time to put a cheque through the club's account.

Lewes Saturday Folk Club Workshop No 132
MIKE O'CONNOR
http://www.lyngham.co.uk/mike_oconnor.html
SONGWRITING IN THE TRADITION
Places £25
Sunday 6th. June 2010
10.45 a.m.- 4.45 p.m.
Elephant & Castle White Hill Lewes BN7 2DJ    www.lewessaturdayfolkclub.org/
        Mike (fiddle, Anglo concertina & voice) is a fine songwriter, singer, storyteller & a bard of the Gorseth of Cornwall. His style is distinctive but rooted firmly in the tradition. His songs (The White Shepherd, The Best of Autumn, Unite, Unite, Carrying Nelson Home, etc) have been recorded by Martyn Wyndham-Read, Johnny Collins, Sarah Morgan, Mike Nicholson & many more. He produced & directed the iconic folk operas The Cry of Tin & Unsung Heroes & recently took part in the production Cornish Lads.
        The workshop will cover the art & craft of songwriting: the first reasons for writing, the tools & materials available for following a traditional style, & polishing & performing.

ON SATURDAY 5TH. JUNE MIKE O'CONNOR & BARBARA GRIGGS PERFORM AT
THE ELEPHANT & CASTLE
Admission £6.
Advance tickets from address at end of this form.

Provisional Timetable

10.45   Registration & coffee; order lunch (refreshments not included)
11.00    Motivation, inspiration & the building        blocks of traditional song.
12.30         Lunch
13.30        Crafting the song: words, music & performance.
15.00        Tea/coffee break
15.45 - 16.45 Sing out! The songwriter, the singer, the listeners.

N.B. Booking is recommended as numbers are limited. Maps & accommodation lists will be sent on request.

MIKE O'CONNOR:SONGWRITING IN THE TRADITION
Sunday 6th. June 2010
BOOKING FORM
I would like to attend the workshop. I enclose a cheque for £25.00 (refreshments not included).

Name:

Address:






Telephone:

E-mail address:

Tick for map:    Tick for accommodation list:

No. of tickets @ £6 for evening performance (include SAE for these):

Please make cheques payable to Lewes Arms Folk Club (that's right) and send with this booking form to: Valmai Goodyear,
20, St. John's Terrace, LEWES,
East Sussex BN7 2DL

Tel. [phone]

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: Valmai Goodyear
Date: 04 Jun 10 - 04:40 PM

The songwriting workshop is on Sunday 6th. June. Mike and Barbara are doing another one on Cornish tunes from old manuscripts (any instrument) during the day on Saturday.

Valmai

Subject: RE: Should I write a song?
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 05 Jun 10 - 04:21 AM

?