When ideas focus on passing along useful information, what could be more meaningful? Can you assign a fair value to words of encouragement? Many of us aspire to be enlightened by writers who can express purpose, passion, intellectualism, and creativity in their writing. In music, the term “genre” separates various sounds and influence, but what term is used to combine them? The blending of sounds is becoming popular in music, and I will wager it is due to the mentality of listeners who appreciate versatility. Be it either entire bands or individual artists collaborating, fans anticipate more from this action. What does writing and music have in common other than lyrics?

Albums and books are like coffee and tea; they create an environment for building new ideas. I believe it is important to practice building ideas based on inspirational material. When someone writes a book, screen play, article, song, or poem, the goal is usually the same: to reach people. A meaningful script doesn’t necessarily have to spark the attention of millions; it could be significant in changing the life of one person. When an author writes for the purpose of getting attention, nothing is gained… except the entertainment of penmanship, which only makes good writing look better. The fact that something is written well is not changed by the common practice of poor writing or journalism, it is only enhanced by those who are more likely to be impressed by something profound.

The subject of a script or written document is relative to the individual who reads it. In music, a rhythm usually provides the mood in which song lyrics can be absorbed. I find that today’s music is filled with more moods then meaningful lyrics. Just look at how music has changed over the years. Messages once expressed with clarity have been replaced by convenient trends. How can the public determine what information is valuable?

We all have different interests… so why bother making a distinction between what information is useful, and to whom? Could anyone suggest that writing should always be informal? I remember watching a film, Adaptation, written by one of my favorite writers, Charlie Kaufman, and feeling inspired to try something new. I write music, but this movie gave me insight on how to be more creative with my lyrics. It is not a secret that music no longer has the same poetic influence it did years ago, when artists tried to reach the public by recreating human experiences, both good and bad. Sometimes, I listen to Bob Marley, and I imagine what he felt before recording a song. When Prince and The Revolution wrote “When Doves Cry”, were they trying to relate to dysfunctional American families, or was there another reason for performing one of the most powerful songs ever recorded?

Regardless of why we read or write, it is always good to know that someone understands the way we feel. Some of what we experience in life can be recreated through books, film, and music. We can be reminded of what makes us feel alive by identifying with similar circumstances and human events in literature. We sometimes have the ability to visit different scenarios, some in which we admire from the writers who have taken a journey through imagination, reality, and most importantly, our quest for knowledge.

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The Lincoln Eagle - Oct 2010