"new here" but not so naive - IN NEED OF YOUR INSIGHT, WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE!

[mojojojo]

Hello guys/gals!

I stumbled upon this site while reading Pat Pattison's book... SO A BIG HELLO TO EVERYONE! 

I've got few questions to all professionals, aspiring poets, singers, songwriters..
 


Ok a brief introduction - English is NOT my mother tongue but I will do anything to write songs comfortably in this language.

Writing is new to me and when I come across lyrics/songs or poems, I couldn't quite grasp the message (maybe it's because there's no message at all!) Some people say there are no exact rules to follow coz heck isn't writing a form of artistic freedom anyway (or is this just a wishful thinking so they could get away with bad writing?!)

So my questions are:

1. Should lyrics or poems be always grammatically correct?

2. What proven tools/steps could you give someone whose trying to expand his/her vocabulary in a short period of time (if that's even possible)?

3. Do lyrics/poems always have to make sense?

Any comments or suggestions would help me or possibly others who have the same questions and concerns..
Thank you guys/gals and MUCH LOVE!!!

[Paul]

Re increasing your vocab - do a search engine i.e. http://www.increasevocabulary.net/

Regarding Rhyme in genreal it depends on what you're tallking about whether it is a subject that is 'unstable' as Pat says or 'stable', this will determine what happens in your rhyme scheme- the important tihng is to KNOW what you want to say and make you chorus do that- all the verses are just supporting charcters in your mini drama [ see Pat's stuff on 'boxes].

Regarding making sense - here's a record that sold loads recently from Kings of Leon - see if you think it makes sense...[ doesn't to me and occasionly rhymes]

Taken to the floor
with the reach to the sky
i loosen my tie
i loosen my tie

locking down the door
with the rhythm and rhyme
i loosen my tie
i loosen my tie

trying to recall
what you want me to say
i shake it your way
i shake it your way

counting on the night
for a beautiful day
i shake it your way
i shake it your way

and i say,
you can't get enough
now you can't get enough

given a chance
i wanna be somebody
if for one dance
i wanna be somebody
open the door
it's gonna make you love me
facing the door
i wanna be somebody

now it's your time
and you know where you stand
with a gun in your hand
with a gun in your hand
now i'm no longer an ordinary man
was this your big plan,
your gun in your hand?

and i say,
you can't get enough
now you can't get enough

given a chance
i wanna be somebody
if for one dance
i wanna be somebody
open the door
it's gonna make you love me
facing the door
i wanna be somebody

be somebody
be somebody

[mojojojo]

Thank you!

That was an awesome site! Thanks for the help!

And you are absolutely right about the song... nothing made sense to lol