--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If you're gonna use simile, analogy…" description: "\"If you're gonna use simile, analogy, metaphor, be descriptive and have some flowery adjectives and a few odd nouns and some engaging bits of dialogue o..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/188/ian-anderson-10053_adjectives_if-you-re-gonna-use-simile-analogy-metap_846271.png" --- # If you're gonna use simile, analogy, metaphor, be… ![“If you're gonna use simile, analogy, metaphor, be descriptive and have some flowery adjectives and a few odd nouns and some engaging bits of dialogue or sentiment, then you're sort of writing a novel, really. But rock lyrics are not really known for their sophistication.” quote by Ian Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/188/ian-anderson-10053_adjectives_if-you-re-gonna-use-simile-analogy-metap_846271.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/188/ian-anderson-10053_adjectives_if-you-re-gonna-use-simile-analogy-metap_846271.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/188/ian-anderson-10053_adjectives_if-you-re-gonna-use-simile-analogy-metap_846271.png) > “If you're gonna use simile, analogy, metaphor, be descriptive and have some flowery adjectives and a few odd nouns and some engaging bits of dialogue or sentiment, then you're sort of writing a novel, really. But rock lyrics are not really known for their sophistication.” [Ian Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-anderson/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Writing with rich figurative language and dialogue resembles novel writing, while rock lyrics often prioritize rhythm over elaborate description. **In simple terms:** Novel-like language is detailed; rock lyrics favor simplicity. Key Takeaway Use vivid language when appropriate, but match the medium’s purpose. Themes literature music creativity style expression Mood reflective analytical Type observational critical When to use this quote - songwriting - novel drafting - creative workshops - teaching writing Key Concepts figurative language rhythm genre expectations Questions to Reflect On - How does medium dictate language choice? - When should simplicity be preferred? A Different Perspective Rock lyrics can lose impact if overly ornate, alienating listeners. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Analogy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/analogy/) [Communication](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/communication/) [Lyrics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lyrics/) [Metaphor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/metaphor/) [Novel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/novel/) [Rock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/rock/) [Sentiment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sentiment/) [Song](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/song/) [Sophistication](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sophistication/) [Writing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/writing/) ## Related quotes > [The only sort of descriptive adjective or catch phrase for my music would be 'eclectic.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/moby/the-only-sort-of-descriptive-adjective-or-catch-phrase-for-my-music/) [Moby](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/moby/) > [“...his voice was like the cracking of ice on a winter lake, and the words were mocking”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-r-r-martin/his-voice-was-like-the-cracking-of-ice-on-a-winter-lake-and-the-words/) [George R.R. Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-r-r-martin/) > [“The pale sword came shivering through the air”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-r-r-martin/the-pale-sword-came-shivering-through-the-air/) [George R.R. Martin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-r-r-martin/) > [The problem isn’t with rock lyrics, it’s with the fabric of this society itself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jodi-picoult/the-problem-isn-t-with-rock-lyrics-it-s-with-the-fabric-of-this/) [Jodi Picoult](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jodi-picoult/) > [I'm really focused and obsessed with writing things that are specific. I don't like big rock lyrics - I find them infuriating.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-murphy/i-m-really-focused-and-obsessed-with-writing-things-that-are-specific/) [James Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-murphy/) > [So much of rock lyrics is just a mirror of real feeling. It doesn't feel dangerous to me. They just feel like "rock lyrics."](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-malkmus/so-much-of-rock-lyrics-is-just-a-mirror-of-real-feeling-it-doesn-t/) [Stephen Malkmus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-malkmus/) > [Lyrics can't do what they do - or should do - when you're creating a musical with rock lyrics. There's plenty of room for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/harold-prince/lyrics-can-t-do-what-they-do-or-should-do-when-you-re-creating-a/) [Harold Prince](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/harold-prince/) > [With lyrics for me, it's usually musically-based. It's not really poetry- or writer-based. It's rock-based. It doesn't mean that I'm aping rock lyrics, but…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-malkmus/with-lyrics-for-me-it-s-usually-musically-based-it-s-not-really/) [Stephen Malkmus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-malkmus/) > [Lyrics are really, really hard, I think, or at least they're really hard for me. Some people can channel lyrics faster. I find them…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jack-garratt/lyrics-are-really-really-hard-i-think-or-at-least-they-re-really-hard/) [Jack Garratt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jack-garratt/) > [I write lyrics really fast. When it's time to write, I usually put them off until the very end and then when it's time…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/luke-temple/i-write-lyrics-really-fast-when-it-s-time-to-write-i-usually-put-them/) [Luke Temple](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/luke-temple/) > [Songs with simple lyrics really take off in Irish nightclubs.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aisling-bea/songs-with-simple-lyrics-really-take-off-in-irish-nightclubs/) [Aisling Bea](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aisling-bea/) > ['Kudi Maga' is a pub-style song, but the lyrics are really nice and the beats are catchy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/arjun-janya/kudi-maga-is-a-pub-style-song-but-the-lyrics-are-really-nice-and-the/) [Arjun Janya](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/arjun-janya/) > [Rap lyrics are really the only thing I've ever written.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aesop-rock/rap-lyrics-are-really-the-only-thing-i-ve-ever-written/) [Aesop Rock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aesop-rock/) > [When I was preparing for '1994,' the song for Deena and Sam was 'Fast Car' by Tracy Chapman. I just really love that song…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kiana-madeira/when-i-was-preparing-for-1994-the-song-for-deena-and-sam-was-fast-car/) [Kiana Madeira](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kiana-madeira/) > [I've always found it pretty difficult to write a happy song. Since I was a kid, when I pick up my guitar it's been…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/aaron-bruno/i-ve-always-found-it-pretty-difficult-to-write-a-happy-song-since-i/) [Aaron Bruno](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/aaron-bruno/) ## More by Ian Anderson > [Writing lyrics is part spontaneous, intuitive and part really thought through and carefully analyzed as you write it. It's a mixture of two approaches,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-anderson/writing-lyrics-is-part-spontaneous-intuitive-and-part-really-thought/) [Ian Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-anderson/) > [Cafe society is as old as the hills. Starbucks and its imitators are the coffee face of the new man in a hurry.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-anderson/cafe-society-is-as-old-as-the-hills-starbucks-and-its-imitators-are/) [Ian Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-anderson/) > [It's nice to be recognized, but it's not great to have it too conspicuously recognized, if you see what I mean. Gold records on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-anderson/it-s-nice-to-be-recognized-but-it-s-not-great-to-have-it-too/) [Ian Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-anderson/) > [The original Jethro Tull was a 19th century English agriculturist who invented a seed drill you see. The first automatic process where by small…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-anderson/the-original-jethro-tull-was-a-19th-century-english-agriculturist-who/) [Ian Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-anderson/) > [I'm very much an observer and a conduit of thoughts and ideas.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-anderson/i-m-very-much-an-observer-and-a-conduit-of-thoughts-and-ideas/) [Ian Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-anderson/) > [A lot of pop music is about stealing pocket money from children.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-anderson/a-lot-of-pop-music-is-about-stealing-pocket-money-from-children/) [Ian Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-anderson/) > [Question all as to their ways and learn the secrets that they hold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-anderson/question-all-as-to-their-ways-and-learn-the-secrets-that-they-hold/) [Ian Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-anderson/) > [When I was in my teenage years, I went to sign up as a cadet entrant to the police force but was at the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-anderson/when-i-was-in-my-teenage-years-i-went-to-sign-up-as-a-cadet-entrant/) [Ian Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-anderson/) > [As a songwriter, you tend to develop your own style, your own technique, based around what it is you're trying to write and perform,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-anderson/as-a-songwriter-you-tend-to-develop-your-own-style-your-own-technique/) [Ian Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-anderson/) > ['Aqualung' marks the point at which I had the confidence as a songwriter and as a guitar player to actually pick up and play…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-anderson/aqualung-marks-the-point-at-which-i-had-the-confidence-as-a/) [Ian Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-anderson/) > [Martin, Dave, and I get together and rough out a few songs and put them on cassettes for some reference...With the actual music, I'm…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-anderson/martin-dave-and-i-get-together-and-rough-out-a-few-songs-and-put-them/) [Ian Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-anderson/) > [Not to be mean about it, but some great rock and rollers, like Bo Diddley and Chuck Berry, are pretty one-dimensional.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-anderson/not-to-be-mean-about-it-but-some-great-rock-and-rollers-like-bo/) [Ian Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-anderson/) > [I think the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, first of all, has got to be put into the context of being an American…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-anderson/i-think-the-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-first-of-all-has-got-to-be-put/) [Ian Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-anderson/) > [Bring me a wheel of oaken wood A rein of polished leather A Heavy Horse and a tumbling sky Brewing heavy weather.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-anderson/bring-me-a-wheel-of-oaken-wood-a-rein-of-polished-leather-a-heavy/) [Ian Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-anderson/) > [It was instilled in me that the money I was given was not to be lost or spent on any other purpose.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-anderson/it-was-instilled-in-me-that-the-money-i-was-given-was-not-to-be-lost/) [Ian Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-anderson/) [Explore all 68 Ian Anderson quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-anderson/) ## More Adjectives quotes > [To write or even speak English is not a science but an art. There are no reliable words… Whoever writes English is involved in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-orwell/to-write-or-even-speak-english-is-not-a-science-but-an-art-there-are/) [George Orwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-orwell/) > [Avoid the ecstatic adjectives that occupy such disproportionate space in every critic's quiver - words like "enthralling" and "luminous."](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-zinsser/avoid-the-ecstatic-adjectives-that-occupy-such-disproportionate-space/) [William Zinsser](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-zinsser/) > [In the history of the concept of number has been adjective (three cows, three monads) and noun (three, pure and simple), and now ...…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barry-mazur/in-the-history-of-the-concept-of-number-has-been-adjective-three-cows/) [Barry Mazur](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barry-mazur/) > [In my opinion, using different kinds of epithets and adjectives in connection with the word democracy is a sign of mere hypocrisy, to put…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/garry-kasparov/in-my-opinion-using-different-kinds-of-epithets-and-adjectives-in/) [Garry Kasparov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/garry-kasparov/) > [But what is memory if not the language of feeling, a dictionary of faces and days and smells which repeat themselves like the verbs…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julio-cort-zar/but-what-is-memory-if-not-the-language-of-feeling-a-dictionary-of/) [Julio Cortazar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julio-cort-zar/) > [Eschew all those beastly adjectives...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roald-dahl/eschew-all-those-beastly-adjectives/) [Roald Dahl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roald-dahl/) > [I will give you my definition of a nation, and you can add the adjective 'Jewish.' A Nation is, in my mind, an historical…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/theodor-herzl/i-will-give-you-my-definition-of-a-nation-and-you-can-add-the/) [Theodor Herzl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/theodor-herzl/) > [The mind that thought of light, heavy, grey, yellow, still, swift, also conceived of magic that would make heavy things light and able to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/j-r-r-tolkien-2/the-mind-that-thought-of-light-heavy-grey-yellow-still-swift-also/) [J. R. R. Tolkien](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/j-r-r-tolkien-2/) > [Whatever you want to say, there is only one word to express it, only one verb to give it movement, only one adjective to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/guy-de-maupassant/whatever-you-want-to-say-there-is-only-one-word-to-express-it-only/) [Guy de Maupassant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/guy-de-maupassant/) > [I notice that you use plain, simple language, short words and brief sentences. That is the way to write English―it is the modern way…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-twain/i-notice-that-you-use-plain-simple-language-short-words-and-brief/) [Mark Twain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-twain/) > [Purity of action guided Janis's behavior. If she was going to be good, she was very, very good. If she was going to be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laura-joplin/purity-of-action-guided-janis-s-behavior-if-she-was-going-to-be-good/) [Laura Joplin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laura-joplin/) > [I have been called 'Bongshell' the day I stepped into showbiz. So, any adjective coming my way, I take it positively. Sometimes it's also…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bipasha-basu/i-have-been-called-bongshell-the-day-i-stepped-into-showbiz-so-any/) [Bipasha Basu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bipasha-basu/) > [I like that 'Mad Men' is now an adjective I use to describe clothing when I'm shopping: 'I like this top. 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So there are…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/gloria-steinem/anything-being-perceived-as-being-superior-takes-the-noun-and/) [Gloria Steinem](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/gloria-steinem/) > [The only sort of descriptive adjective or catch phrase for my music would be 'eclectic.'](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/moby/the-only-sort-of-descriptive-adjective-or-catch-phrase-for-my-music/) [Moby](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/moby/) Browse all 239 Adjectives quotes ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "If you're gonna use simile, analogy, metaphor, be descriptive and have some flowery adjectives and a few odd nouns and some engaging bits of dialogue or sentiment, then you're sort of writing a novel, really. 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