Some Stuff I Know About Bridges

[TaoMannaDon]

Bridges must be strong. That's why they make them out of steel and concrete. They are sometimes beautiful; always functional. Bridges don't just happen. They are well-thought out. The design is everything.

Bridges are necessary, but not always. Don't need a bridge? Don't build one. A bridge across a river is good. A bridge to nowhere is bad ... because it is the function of a bridge to take you somewhere. If you don't need to go there, you don't need a bridge. If you need to go there but you can get there without a bridge, why build one?

Bridges connect things that are similar: land on one side of the river to land on the other side of the river. Need to get to higher ground or a second floor? Don't build a bridge. Steps or an elevator or, perhaps, a long and winding road might lift you up but that ain't a bridge's job.

Bridges have similarities with what they connect; still, they are different. You always know when you are on a bridge. You always know why you are on a bridge. The view from the bridge can be wonderful, even enlightening.

When you exit the bridge you are closer to where you are going.

You write a song to take your listeners on a journey. You tell them what they need to know to get to the destination you have chosen for them. That destination might be more accessible with a bridge. Bridges made of steel and concrete have similarities with bridges made of words and music. If you think your song needs a bridge, consider those similarities. It will help you decide if a bridge is required. It will help you build better bridges. It will help you write better songs.

Questions?

Keep writing,

Don

[Nightwolf]

I opened this intending to make a joke, but well done.

[roxhythe]

I agree wholeheartedly, Don. Good insights, there. I don't use bridges much myself, for the reasons you mentioned. I maintain a bridge is primarily useful for crossing a body of water that you can't ford. Or dodge. Or chevy...

Joe

[john]

Hey Tao

great post and a good set of analogies. Thanks

John