https://guitarnoise.forum/sunday-songwriters-group/sunday-songwriters-group-week-48/ Guitar Noise Discussion Board en-US Fri, 05 Jun 2026 02:56:07 +0000 wpForo 60 https://guitarnoise.forum/sunday-songwriters-group/sunday-songwriters-group-week-48/#post-1443 Fri, 12 Sep 2003 08:04:42 +0000
This week let's take your concept and do two things with it.

1. Figure out how that idea can be a lyric.  Write down your storyboard of lyrical action.

Some things you might want to think about.

How does it start and end?
Any twists or surprises?
What is your message?  

2. Describe where and when or why this story is happening.  Give as many details as you can.  If you prefer you can do this simply by listing images that come to mind when you think of your story.

Last week my example was:

You walk around Chicago with a guitar and people look at you like you are different. "Who is he?" they wonder.  When you see street people talking to themselves or shouting at the sky you look at them like they are different.  Are we really all that different?  What would happen if you just stopped and started shouting at the sky too?

So this week I might do this for part one:

Walking out of the hotel.  People trying to figure out who the guy with the guitar is.  It makes you feel different, special, maybe a little proud.
Walking by the guy with the McDonald's coffee cup in his hand begging for change and playing his harmonica.  You just walk quickly on by and don't look at him. You aren't giving him your money.  You work for a living. You are glad you aren't him.  Makes you feel different, special, maybe a little proud.
Walking on by you wonder if you really are all that different.  You turn around, go back, break out your guitar and play with the guy for fun.
As you are packing up he asks you if you want half the change the passers-by threw your way when the two of you were playing. Underlying message, don't judge a book by it's cover.
..and this for part two:
It's August in Chicago.  It's hot enough to break into a sweat just standing there.  The loop roars overhead.  There is construction all around.  People walk by non stop.  The smell of food from the local restaurants makes your mouth water.  There is pigeon crap all around under the construction scaffolding.

Play fast and loose with the ideas if you like.  Use them to jog your brain into creativity, but don't allow them to limit you.  If the idea says "fields of corn" and you want "fields of genetically engineered soybeans"  knock yourself out.

Good luck and good writing.


]]> Sunday Songwriters Group Nick Torres https://guitarnoise.forum/sunday-songwriters-group/sunday-songwriters-group-week-48/#post-1443