Three things I've learned about songwriting after ten weeks

Well, I've been at this thing for ten weeks now. Here are three things I've learned:

Songwriting, at least mine, is a rhythmic process of sudden flurries and long dry spells. Even though I've written way more songs over the last ten weeks than I would have if not for this project, they haven't come on an even schedule. I'll write two or three over the course of a few days, then nothing for a couple of weeks.​ I've always felt that my songwriting is sporadic, which is part of why this project intimidated me and seemed likely to fail. I hoped that if I had to publish a song every week, it would force me into a more consistent songwriting schedule. But that hasn't been the case. So far, I haven't had trouble writing enough songs, but they still don't come on a regular timeline. I'm learning that this is okay, and that I can trust the process.

Creative imperatives work. There have been so many weeks when I have felt busy, or tired, or simply not "in the mood" to tackle the songwriting, recording, editing, and assorted logistics that this project requires. Very rarely have I felt blissed out or fired up by the challenge. And yet, even as I grumbled, I did the work required of me. There are so many songs that would not have been written, and certainly not recorded, if not for the public commitment I made to do this week after week. I don't always feel like it, but I keep at it anyway. 

Deliberate practice is the point. Ultimately, while I can't wait to see what comes out of this project, the real purpose is the practice itself. The weekly deadline forces me to practice things I otherwise wouldn't, especially in the sphere of home recording. If not for this project, weeks might go by where I did very little musical work. I might play my instrument, but I wouldn't be engaged in the conscious, deliberate practice that leads to real growth. Now I know that every week, every day, I'm putting time in where it counts. I'm excited to see what comes of this investment.

​Thanks for listening. I recently compiled the first ten weeks of songs (including this week's) into a limited release CD. You'll hear from me soon about how you can get a copy.

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Lyrics
Your one line replies
a short and sharp knife
it kinda makes sense that only you could do this
You'd be surprised to find
the way you cross my mind
a mess of fresh tracks in the falling snow

All that good medicine gone wrong
Oh, maybe I've loved you for too long
too long.

Slow and soft your memory
pads across the floor toward me
she bares her teeth and claws deep inside
I know that you are not her
but I don't know who I'd prefer
to swoop in and save or obliterate me

All that good medicine gone wrong
Oh, I think I've loved you for too long
too long.

​I used to keep the light
shut off and the secrets tight
but now I just tell everyone, I just tell everyone
No matter how much
I loose it to the dust
I still have rooms, still have rooms full of you

All that good medicine gone wrong
Oh, I know I've loved you for too long
too long.

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Again, thanks for listening. The project continues on, which means that next week, there will be another song. Sign up below and I will send it straight to your inbox.