For me, the intent in a song is to sing it. I compose…
“For me, the intent in a song is to sing it. I compose songs, meaning I'm writing words to be set to music; I'm intending it to not be recited. I'm a singer-songwriter, and I'm a poet, and there really isn't a contradiction, at least for me.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Songwriting merges poetry and music, rejecting mere recitation for performance.
In simple terms: Songs are sung, not read.
Blend words with melody.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- songwriting workshops
- live gigs
- recording
- teaching
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is a poem best spoken?
- How to adapt poetry for song?
Not all poems suit music.