Song Quote by Stephin Merritt
“I don't think there are any clichés I try to avoid. As soon as I spot a cliché, I go for it. I feel like clichés are the most useful thing in songwriting. They're the tool on which you build all the rest of the song.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The World of Songwriting, 2015
Clichés are valuable tools that can be deliberately used to structure songwriting effectively.
In simple terms: Clichés can be useful in songs.
Key Takeaway
Embrace clichés strategically.
Themes
songwriting
creativity
tradition
Mood
reflective
pragmatic
Type
advice
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing lyrics
- music production
- teaching songwriting
Key Concepts
cultural tropes
artistic technique
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance originality with cliché use?
- When do clichés enhance a song?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance may make work feel unoriginal.
![“Downloading's the same as what I used to do. I used to tape the charts of the songs I liked [off the radio]. I don't mind it. I hate all these big, silly rock stars who moan. At least they're fuckin' downloading your music, you cunt, and paying attention, know what I mean? You should fuckin'…” quote by Liam Gallagher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0c7/liam-gallagher-12691_liam-gallagher_downloading-s-the-same-as-what-i-used-to_369.jpg)
